Installing a kitchen sink doesn't have to be complicated. Most of these sinks come with clear instructions, so you know exactly how to install them.
If you decided to install your kitchen sink by yourself, you should know that this is not complicated. But there are various mistakes that you should avoid in the process. We would recommend the
sink engineering blog for being a master of sinks and faucets.
To make your task more comfortable, we gathered the most common seven mistakes while attempting to install the Kitchen sinks on your own:
Seven Mistakes with Guide
The following mistakes could happen to anyone. But if you are aware of them, you will know just what to expect, and you will fix it easily!
1. Having the Wrong Fixtures
If you discover that you have the wrong fixtures in the last moment of installing your kitchen sink, it can be very frustrating. There are times when the kitchen you invest in will not fit the pipe system you have.
Moreover, maybe the sink you purchase will not provide the space that the contractor allowed for it because of a significant difference in height. You might have to cut the cabinets and make sure the sink fits them. In some cases, when the difference in height is too big, you might have to remove the cabinet altogether.
You can avoid aside many of these inconveniences by simply checking all your measurements correctly. You can choose a sink and the right fixtures for it that will fit your space.
The market offers plenty of sizes when it comes to sinks. So you don't have to compromise for a lot more work than it is necessary.
2. Neglecting the Installation of New Flooring
Many people think installing new flooring, and a new sink might not be as necessary as specialists say. But this is an important aspect when it comes to installing your new kitchen sink.
If you choose not to change the flooring, you might have problems when you need to repair your sink or replace the fixture. It will be hard and even impossible to get rid of the fixture due to the flooring's height difference.
But if you choose to replace the flooring before installing your kitchen sink, you will not have such an issue. It might seem just like a little more work in the installation process, but it is very well worth it in the long run.
3. Incorrect Measurements
Measuring your space, such as the countertop before installing your sink, is essential. If you don't have the correct sizes, you will end up dealing with issues during installation. You might notice that the basin of your sink is too deep compared to the space you have.
Besides, your sink is whether too small or too large for your designed cabinet. To fix such a situation, you will have to modify the drain line, which in most cases, requires breaking into the wall.
To stay away from such discomfort, it is essential to have the right measurements. Measure the size of your cabinet as well as the depth you have available for your sink. Write all these sizes down before you decide what type of sink you need for your kitchen. Installation should be smooth if you cover this aspect.
4. Installing Your Kitchen Sink on a Swollen Countertop
You might want to consider the condition that your countertop is in. Depending on how your old kitchen sink was functioning, your countertop might be swollen. This is a consequence of a leaking kitchen sink.
So, if you know you had that problem, it is essential to check your countertop. If your countertop is swollen, your sink will not sit flat, which will cause a lot of other problems besides the aesthetic aspect.
Checking if your countertop is swollen will help you decide whether or not you should replace it first. It is important not to install your new kitchen sink on a damaged countertop. Your kitchen sink needs a solid base that it can rely on, so you will not have problems afterward.
5. Seal Your Sink Properly With Caulk Rather Than Putty
Many people decide to seal their new kitchen by using putty. While this is one of the traditional ways of doing it, you might not benefit from it as much as you imagine. Putty used to work before there were other alternatives.
But nowadays, you can use caulk. Caulk is a lot more reliable than putty, and it will last longer. Plus, it can be easier to use, as well. On the other hand, putty can dry out faster than it is convenient, causing leaks in the long run.
6. Clean Your Water Lines
Your pipes should be clean when you install your kitchen sink. If you don't do that, you will face several problems with your sink. One of these problems will be that it will get clogged fast. If that happens, it won't be easy to unclog it once your sink is installed.
You can skip this by simply cleaning the pipes before you set up your kitchen sink. It'll not take you long, and you will be able to install your sink without any hassle after you do that.
7. Not Having Enough Holes Can Be a Severe Struggle
This is another problem you might run into. There are sinks with three holes to install the faucet and one hole designed for an accessory. You should make sure that all these holes are set in place. Otherwise, there will be a struggle to adjust them to how you need them to be.
If you fail to check the holes and their size, it will be stressful to install your kitchen sink. But the good news is that in the maximum cases, these holes are standard size, and they are placed in standard spots. However, checking them is still essential, so you don't have to struggle during the installation process.
Conclusion
Installing a kitchen sink is relatively easy as long as you have the right tools, and you follow the instructions. This guide should help you identify the potential mistakes and try your best to avoid them. You don't have to be an expert in replacing your old sink with a new one and installing it properly. But you have to pay attention to details to do so.