How to Install a Self-Rimming Kitchen Sink

A self-rimming sink is probably the easiest of all sinks to install. Cutting the countertop is the tricky part. If you have a solid-surface countertop, purchase your sink ahead of time and have the fabricator cut the sink and faucet holes for you. Self-rimming sinks come in many sizes, colors and textures to match any décor. Installing the sink should not take you more than an hour or two. Here's how you can do it yourself.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sink
• Silicone caulk
• Jigsaw
• Drill
• Measuring tape
• Masking tape
• Pencil or marker
• Plumber's putty
• Denatured alcohol
• Pipe wrench

Install a Self-Rimming Kitchen Sink

1. Place sink template on countertop and measure from the front of the counter to the sink line on the template. It should be at least 1-1/2 inches, but not more than three inches from the front edge. Ensure you have the template straight and trace the outline onto your countertop with a pencil or marker.

2. Put masking tape on the bottom of your jigsaw and around the outside of the outline that you just drew. The tape on the saw will prevent it from scratching your counter, and the tape around the outline will prevent the laminate from cracking or splintering while cutting it.

3. Drill a starter hole in one of the corners inside the outline. It must be large enough to get the jigsaw blade through. Then continue cutting the opening with the jigsaw, following the outline.

4. Install the faucets onto the sink. Place the self-stick plate down first so that the holes line up. If it does not have a self-stick plate, use plumber's putty in the indent on the bottom of the plate. Place the faucet assembly over the plate and tighten the nuts under the sink to hold the assembly in place.

5. Install the drain into the sink. Roll plumber's putty into a long line and put it around the bottom of the drain assembly. Press it down onto the drain hole in the sink until the putty starts squishing out. There is a large rim nut that goes on the bottom of the drain; screw on and tighten with a pipe wrench. Installing the faucets and drain before you put the sink in saves you from doing it on your back inside a small cabinet.

6. Pull masking tape off the counter and clean the edges with denatured alcohol. Clean the bottom of the lip of the sink. This will ensure good adhesion when the caulk is applied.

7. Place a generous bead of silicone caulk around the bottom of the lip of the sink. Place the sink in the opening and press down to adhere the caulk to the countertop. Some self-rimming sinks come with clamps attached that have screws that need to be tightened, but most don't. Just press down for a few minutes while the caulk sets. Wipe off excess caulk that squeezed out of the sink rim.

8. Attach flexible supply lines to the water line and faucet. They likely will need to be hand tightened, but you may use a wrench; just don't overtighten.

9. Attach the PVC drain pipe to the tail pipe of the sink drain. This is the straight piece of pipe right above the P-trap. It will attach with a compression fitting that is hand tightened. If you overtighten the compression fittings, you will distort the rubber washer inside and cause the fitting to leak.

10. Turn on your water valve and check all connections for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• So as not to waste the cutout for the sink, seal the edges well and use it for a cutting board.