Installing a wash-on sink: the basic steps for installing a do-it-yourself sink

Sinks for the kitchen differ in the material of manufacture, size, shape, design and installation method. Overhead models amid a variety of fashionable mortise products are considered obsolete. However, they have a number of advantages for self-assembly and are still used in summer cottages and in apartments for temporary residence.

In this article, we will consider how to install a surface-mounted sink with your own hands, what you need to prepare for this, and what installation methods are best used. To make it easier for you to understand the main stages of installation, we have selected visual photos and useful video recommendations for installation.

Distinctive features of overhead models

If you do not take into account past washes that are mounted directly to the wall on special brackets and do not require pedestals or countertops as support, all products for washing kitchen utensils can be divided into 2 categories: overhead and mortise.

The main difference between the two types is the installation method. The former, selected exactly in size, are “put on” on the pedestal from above, and for mounting the latter in the countertop, a hole must be cut.

The distinctive features expressed in the design, material, and form follow from this.

Products that do not require additional processing of the base are preferable for self-installation, and they cost on average cheaper.

However, design features rarely allow the use of "linings" in modern kitchen sets with a single worktop and built-in appliances. Overhead models also quite often choose for installation in a bathroom room, but this plumbing has a more attractive design, workmanship and size than the kitchen.

For installation, you need a separate stand without a tabletop, which you can make yourself by cutting parts from a chipboard or MDF sheet and connecting the parts with screws

But there are similarities between the two types of sinks. For example, the installation of the tap and siphon, as well as the connection to the water supply and sewage system, is carried out using the same technology.

Detailed installation instructions

We will analyze how you can independently install a surface-mounted sink from “A” to “Z” without resorting to the services of hired installers and furniture manufacturing companies.

The instruction is useful to everyone who is used to doing all the simple household chores with their own hands, and the sink itself will find a place in the country house or in the kitchen in the apartment as a temporary replacement.

Step # 1 - selecting materials and tools

To assemble more quickly, the cabinet can be purchased ready-made, but only if it is suitable for washing in size.

The second solution is to order at a furniture company, but this option is only advisable at a low cost of the order.

One of the options for the finished product. However, a self-made cabinet has a significant advantage - an individual design, selected for a specific interior

To put together a curbstone and fix a sink on it, the following materials will be required:

• thin boards, plywood sheets of chipboard or MDF;
• steel sink;
• kitchen faucet with eyeliners;
• attachments for washing (self-tapping screws, corners);
• sealant or mounting foam;
• hinges and door handle;
• siphon with sewage fittings;
• antiseptic impregnation;
• legs or rollers.

To fix the sink to the cabinet, you only need a screwdriver or screwdriver to tighten the screws, but to cut the walls, base and door you will need a hacksaw, circular saw or jigsaw.

When using power tools that significantly reduce the number of chips when cutting chipboard, it is recommended to use guides so that the lines are perfectly straight

To clean the ends, sandpaper is useful, and for drilling holes for self-tapping screws - a drill with a thin drill. We do not recommend using nails: it is more difficult to hammer them into wood-particle panels, and the structure fastened with nails becomes non-separable.

It is better to purchase all materials in advance so that during the assembly process you do not waste time searching for the necessary parts. The listed tools are usually found in home workshops by amateur craftsmen, especially if they are in charge of a summer house.

Step # 2 - making a kitchen cabinet

The sink cabinet has a design that differs from ordinary kitchen cabinets. It does not have two elements: the back wall - for a free connection to communications, as well as countertops, since it is completely replaced by a sink-overlay.

A drawing with dimensions can be taken in the public domain, although there are universal parameters: height - 850 mm, depth - 600 mm, width - 500-600 mm. The finished model is also suitable as a sample.

Sheets of chipboard, thick plywood or moisture-proof drywall - sometimes it’s easier to take some of the materials remaining after the repair - we take in such a volume that there is enough material for two full walls, the bottom and parts for the connecting “belt”.

Procedure:

• first, we cut large elements - two identical side walls and a base, then - horizontal connecting parts;
• we carefully cut and if necessary we clean and process the edges;
• if we use planed boards or plywood, before assembly we cover all elements with antiseptic impregnation, varnish or paint;
• we connect the elements according to the drawing with the help of screws and metal corners;
• on the bottom side of the base we fix the legs or rollers.

If possible, adjust the legs. If desired, the space under the cabinet can be closed with a bar. Lastly, we hang the door. This is best done after installing the sink.

To fasten the loops we take a drill with a suitable diameter crown and drill two holes - above and below. We try to prevent the crown from breaking through the panel

Drawbars (transverse stiffness bars) are recommended to be placed directly under the sink and at the very bottom. You can make additional crossbars in the middle, if the design is voluminous.

Having assembled the structure, we check it for strength. We install in the chosen place - it is desirable that it be as close to communications as possible.

Step # 3 - choosing the right sink

Metal overhead sinks are sold in plumbing stores, and can also be found in departments for cottages. They are similar to each other, but may differ in design and size.

In addition to single sinks, which are a traditional rectangular or square product with rounded bowl corners, models with shelves-driers are presented, on which it is convenient to fold washed dishes, vegetables or fruits.

When choosing a size, you need to consider the dimensions of the cabinet, if it is already ready. In the opposite case, the sink is selected according to needs: single or double, with or without a dryer.

If you want to soak the dishes, it is better to purchase a sink with two compartments. It will be appropriate for large families, when an additional department is needed to accommodate a large volume of dishes or washing vegetables

Check if there is overflow in the bowl - flooding insurance, as well as a round grate for a drain hole that traps large debris and food debris

The metal from which the sink is made can be shiny (traditionally “steel”) or matte. By technical characteristics, both options are the same.

Next, we consider how best to fix the surface sink to the kitchen cabinet.

Step # 4 - installation of the tap and siphon

When the pedestal is assembled and adjusted, it can be said that the most difficult part of the work is behind. It remains to fix the sink, after having fixed the mixer and siphon on it.

First you can put mixerusing the fasteners and gaskets provided.

If you do not have experience in installing faucet in the kitchen, it is advisable to see the installation diagram given in the user manual. In the picture: 1 - elements for fastening; 2 - mixer with flexible eyeliner; 3 - connection of the tap to the sink; 4 - the mixer is firmly fixed

If only cold water supply operates in the country, then instead of the mixer, a simpler device is installed - a single tap for cold water.

Next is to put a siphon. It is necessary so that odors from the sewer pipe do not spread through the living quarters.

It is also desirable to attach it to the sink bottom before installation, but it is possible afterwards - under the sink there is enough space for manipulating plastic fittings.

Thanks to the prefabricated structure, plastic siphons are installed quickly - according to the scheme proposed by the manufacturer.

Before attaching the sink, it is recommended to pre-install the siphon and mixer, as all procedures are much easier and faster

Step # 5 - Installing the sink on the cabinet

Often, plastic “corners” are used to install metal sinks - L-shaped overlays that are fixed to the upper ends of the side walls.

Elastic plastic helps the sink "sit" in place. During operation, it does not suffer from friction, while holding firmly and does not move when washing large dishes

If the sink and cabinet are ideally sized, lining, screws or other fasteners can not be used.

Before installation, sealant is applied to the edges of the cabinet, after which the edges of the sink are firmly pressed against the walls and partitions.

It is recommended to use silicone sealant designed for use in microclimate with high humidity. It will last much longer and withstand the load during operation

When using any adhesive means, it should be remembered that an inseparable connection is created, although with a certain effort it will still be possible to tear the sink from the curbstone.

When planning the installation of the door, it must be ensured that it opens freely, without touching the front edge of the sink, which will be lowered by a few centimeters.

The installation process of the sink is simple and takes a minimum of time if it corresponds to the cabinet in size.

Step # 6 - connecting to communications

Without connecting to the water supply and sewerage, the sink is unsuitable for use, so the final stage is the connection of plumbing fixtures.

First, we connect to the water supply network. The mixer has already been installed - it remains to connect two flexible eyeliners. They lead from it to the tees cut into the water pipes.

When connected to the water supply network, it is necessary to reliably tighten the fasteners, ensuring the connection node is tight. It’s convenient to work with flexible eyeliner, so even a beginner can cope with the task

Then it remains to connect to the drainage system by connecting the outlet pipe - a pipe connected to the outlet of the siphon - with a sewer pipe.

Most often, corrugation is used as an assembly, but it retains particles of debris and sags over time.

If it is necessary to increase the drainage to the sewage from the sink, it is better to use flexible hoses with a smooth inner surface or plastic pipes

After installing and connecting the mixer and siphon, turn on both taps and check the functionality of all devices.

Upon successful completion of work, a door is hung at the very end - this completes the installation of the sink.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video installation instructions for the kitchen sink:

Laid on sink - not the best solution for the improvement of the kitchen. But when a suitable stand is idle in the country and you need to quickly create comfortable living conditions, it is considered one of the most successful options. It is also attractive that installation work does not require special skills, time and effort - everything can be done with your own hands.

Do you want to complete the above step-by-step instructions with useful tips or point out nuances that we did not mention? Please write your comments and recommendations under this article.

Or maybe you want to share your personal experience installing a sink in the country? Tell us how complicated this work was for you and how much time it took you to assemble the structure.