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Fitting Guides - Inset Sink

A guide to fitting an inset sink

As the sink is often the focal point of the kitchen, fitting a new kitchen sink can give a revitalising lift to a tired room. There is such a wide range of sinks available there is a sink to seamlessly match any style of kitchen from an ultra modern minimalist undermounted sink to a more traditional ceramic Belfast sink.

If an inset sink is chosen, there are a few key steps to follow in order to smoothly fit the inset sink within the work surface. If this easy guide is followed then the fitting of any inset sink should run smoothly and without problems.

Before installing an Inset Sink

It is important to check whether the current plumbing and pipes are long enough to reach the desired location for the new sink. It may be necessary to extend the hot and cold water pipes as well as the waste system in order for the new sink to reach the new pipes before installation of the new sink is started.

Fitting an Inset Sink

The first thing to do when fitting a new sink into a work surface is to use the template supplied to measure the area and line up the sink so that it falls an equal distance from the front and back of the work surface. It is also important to consider the depth of the basin. Make sure there is enough room under the work surface to accommodate the depth of the sink.
Once the placement of the sink is set, trace an outline of the template onto the work surface. A good way to do this if the work surface won't mark is to mark out the outline in masking tape and draw on this.
Remove the template and using a ruler measure the overlap distance all the way around the outline for the sink to rest on the work surface. The manufacturer should have provided this measurement.
Use a 12mm gauge flat bit to drill 4 holes in the corners of the sink, not drilling outside of the inner line.
Using a jigsaw suitable for cutting the work surface material, cut around the centre of the outline. Make sure the work surface is supported to avoid it splitting especially around the edges. Place masking tape on the heel of the jigsaw to prevent scratching the work surface.
Install the tap and sink strainers as this will be much easier to do now than after the granite sink is fitted.
Create a watertight seal between the granite sink and the work surface by applying a line of silicone or putty around the underneath of the sink's lip.
Drop the sink carefully into the hole watching that the putty does not get disturbed or that the work surface does not get damaged.
Tighten the sink to the work surface with small sink clips even spaced around the underneath of the lip and tighten with screws.

As the pressure rises if the putty seeps out from under the lip, wipe any excess away with a clean cloth.
Attach the P-trap and hot and cold taps and connect the strainers to the waste lines.

Remove the aerator from the tap and turn the water supply on at the shut off valves to flush the system, after a few minutes reconnect the aerator.