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Building Skills

Replacing a Kitchen Sink – Part 2: Installation, Caulking, and Plumbing

By Official Fine Homebuilding Post

With Bruce Norman

In our last episode of Building Skills, we measured and cut the opening in the countertop where the sink will set it, and we installed the drain and faucets. Now it’s time to drop the sink into place and make the final connections.


Sealing the sink to the countertop

Make sure the surface is free of dust. What were using next is a caulk that inhibits mold and bacteria. Carefully set the sink into the countertop, once you’ve run the bead of caulk around the hole. After the sink is in place, caulk around the edge where the lip of the sink meets the countertop. I use a latex caulk because it cleans up easily with water before it sets up.

Attaching the water and drain lines

We’ve already installed PEX supply lines to the faucets; now that the sink is in place, we can cut the lines to length. The PEX supply lines should be just long enough to slip into the fittings on your shut-off valves. When connecting the lines to the valves, be sure you have the appropriate fittings – in this case, compression fittings with PEX ferrules.

Watch Replacing a Sink Trap, and make all of your drain connections to complete your kitchen-sink project.

Check your work

Once everything is connected, temporarily take the aerator off (in case any debris ended up in the water lines), and run the faucet to see if there are any leaks. Replace the aerator. Then, you’re good to go.

More videos and articles by Bruce Norman

Replace a Sink TrapOnline Membership Required

Learn a simple and professional technique for replacing a sink trap, along with tips for proper venting

Video: Build Like a Pro: Replace a Sink TrapOnline Membership Required

In this Build Like a Pro video, Bruce Norman explains how to rebuild your entire sink trap assembly and make it the best plumbing in the house.

Video: Build Like a Pro: How to Make Basic PEX ConnectionsOnline Membership Required

Plumber Bruce Norman demonstrates how to connect PEX components with a push-fit fitting or a clamp ring

Video: How to Make Basic PEX Connections

A plumber demonstrates how to connect PEX components with a push-fit fitting or a clamp ring

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  1. Kerney97 | Jan 24, 2011 11:29pm | #1

    Wow, great stuff. I recently tried to do my kitchen sink and was able to do everything besides the plumbing (the biggest part...I know). Luckily I was able to call my local plumbers from Sydney, Pipe Perfection, and they solved my emergency. It never ceases to amaze how nice a plumber is even when faced with the most arduous and vile challenges. Anyways, thank you for the information, maybe next time I will be able to do it myself.

    Thanks,

    Thaddeus

  2. londonplumber | Feb 04, 2011 06:28am | #2

    If you are considering upgrading your bathroom and kitchen sink faucets, you have come to the right place. The following explanation will make your task much easier and will save your time as well.

    However, before we start, make sure that you have following materials ready with you.

    - New faucet assembly

    - Basin wrench

    - Adjustable wrenches

    - Slip-joint pliers

    - Scouring pad

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  6. louisperkins20 | Dec 13, 2012 04:34pm | #6

    Impressive work! I've been trying to get started on my new bathroom, and my brother led me to this site since he is a plumber in Toronto. Very helpful thank you so much!

  7. FarrellMackennon | Apr 16, 2015 01:12am | #7

    It really does look so simple to DIY the installation of a sink. However, when it comes to the plumbing steps which come up next, I would definitely rather hire a professional plumber to overcome the ordeal for me. This is to give me the sense of assurance that the job will be completed without a worry for any problem to arise in the near future which will incur additional costs.

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