How to Install a Rimless Kitchen Sink

Some people confuse a rimless sink with an undermount sink, but they are very different. The rimless sink is a sink that fits into a rim and then is set into the counter. This still leaves you with a rim around the counter just like the self-rimming model. An undermount sink is attached under the top of the counter and has no rim at all. The most difficult part of installing the rimless sink is cutting the opening in the countertop. Great care must be taken as to not cut the hole too big. Of course, you have to know a little about plumbing, too, to hook up the faucets and drains, but, overall, installing a sink is not too hard.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jig saw
• Hole saw
• Measuring tape
• Dark pencil
• Plumbers putty
• Silicone caulk
• Rim kit
• Faucets
• Large pipe wrench

Install a Rimless Kitchen Sink

1. Measure the opening in the counter. Most sinks come with a template that allows you to trace out the opening. If yours did not come with one, then place the rim on the counter where you want your sink. Use a dark pencil and trace around the inside of the rim. Measure the space between the inside and the center of the rim. Take the rim off the counter and draw another line using your measurement outside of the original line. This will be your cut line.

2. Cut the opening for your sink. Use a hole saw and cut 3/4-inch holes in the four corners of your line. Make sure to stay inside your cut line. Take a jigsaw and cut out the rest of the line. Make sure you support the cutout from underneath or it will break when you get near the end.

3. Put a line of plumber's putty along the inside flange of the rim. Place the sink upside down into the rim and bend over the rim tabs.

4. Install the faucets and basket strainer. Place plumber's putty under the base of the faucets and between the flange of the strainer basket and the sink. This will prevent leaks. Tighten the large nut to the strainer basket with a pipe wrench while holding the basket from turning with a pair of pliers.

5. Put a line of putty around the rim where it will connect to the counter. Slide the rim and sink onto the counter and tighten the rim clips evenly. This means start on all of them and then go back and tighten each one a little more until they are all tight. Do not overtighten them to the point that they damage the sink or the countertop. It makes it easier to tighten the clips if you place something heavy on the top of the rim.

6. Hook up your hot and cold supply lines. Place thread sealing compound on the supply valves and the pipe nipples at the wall. Attach the supply tubes to the wall and valves. Connect your drain pipe or pipes depending on a single or double sink. Channelock pliers work best for tightening the drain fittings but be careful not to overtighten or you can cause the drain to leak. There is a rubber washer that can become distorted if you tighten it too much. Only tighten to where it won't leak.

7. Take the aerator off the faucet and turn both hot and cold water on. Let it run for a couple of minutes and check for leaks. If everything is flowing well, put the aerator back on and you're finished.

Resources

• How to Install a Complete Kitchen Sink
• Installing a Kitchen Sink