If one of your DIY project is installing a kitchen sink, but you aren’t sure where to start, we’ve put together a small list of steps involved. At Action Rental & Sales Equipment Division, we have the tools and expertise you need to turn your next “To-Do” item into a “Done” item!

Step 1: Turn the new sink upside down and place it on the countertop where it is going to be installed. Trace around the outside perimeter with a pencil. When tracing the sink opening, make sure it is back at least 1-1/2″ from the front edge of the countertop. If the countertop is wider (front to back) than 24″, leave more than 1-1/2″ to retain strength at the front edge, but no more than 3″ to 4″.

After you are done tracing, remove the sink. Use a straightedge to draw a second line approximately 3/8″ to 1/2″ inside the traced outline of the sink. This line will be the actual cutline for the sink opening.

Next, drill four pilot holes, one in each corner inside the inner line using a drill with a 7/8″ spade bit. These holes are going to be your starting points for sawing the hole, so make sure they are large enough to fit the blade of a jig saw or keyhole saw. Next, cut the hole for the sink, using a jig saw to cut along the inner line between each hole. Helpful Hint: Since the rim of the sink will cover the sawed edges, while it is important to follow the line it is not crucial for the edges to be perfectly straight. If you don’t have a jigsaw, a keyhole saw will work just as well for both curved and straight cuts.

Step 2: Before installing the sink, place a bead of plumbers putty along the edge of the drain opening inside the sink and then press the strainer body into spot. Next, turn the sink upside down and tighten the strainer locknut with a wrench. Helpful Hint: Make sure to hold the strainer steady with pliers while tightening to keep it from turning. Wipe away any excess plumber’s putty.

Next, you will want to fit the gasket on the sink drain pipe (tailpiece) and attach it to the strainer bottom with a slip nut. It is easiest to tighten this nut by hand. For most threaded connections, apply a sealant such as plumbers putty, silicone tape or “pipe dope” to the threads to ensure a watertight connection.

Please note that if a garbage disposal will be installed with the sink, you will need to attach the unit directly below the drain fitting before installing the tailpiece

Step 3: Apply a “rope” of plumbers putty around the perimeter of the underside of the sink. Now you will want to carefully flip the sink over and place it carefully (with all of the drains and attachments secure) into the hole. Press firmly to make sure the sink is seated against the countertop.

Next, use mounting clips to pull the sink down tight to the countertop. These clips hook onto the sink lip from below the countertop. Tighten with a screwdriver. After the sink is positioned securely in place, apply plumbers putty around the underside of the faucet body or its mounting plate and install it into the sink.

Finally, attach all plumbing connections to the house drain line and water supply tubing. Apply a bead of silicone caulking around the perimeter of the sink where it meets the counter to seal any gaps. Fill the sink with water and leave it overnight to add weight and help it settle in place. Afterward, retighten the sink clips if necessary.

For help with this and any other DIY project, come see the experts at Action Rental & Sales in Kingsport, Tennessee. We have the tools and expertise to help you finish your “To-Do” List. Stop by our showroom at 1861 N Eastman Road, visit our website or call us at 423-246-5181 for a complete listing of products and pricing.