How to install a stainless steel sink on a cabinet
The sink is an integral element of any kitchen. There are many varieties of this attribute. The best option is a model built into a cabinet. Anyone can install it with their own hands, the main thing is to adhere to the installation specifications and have the necessary tools.
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What you need to install a sink
Stainless steel sinks are very popular due to their light weight, durability and ease of installation. Before you begin installing the sink, you need to assemble the furniture. Depending on the type of cabinet, fasteners and assembly methods differ. The kit usually includes accessories and the necessary instructions.
IMPORTANT! You should choose a headset from separate modules to reduce installation time. For kitchens with a common countertop, holes for the sink and communications must be prepared in advance.
To attach the sink correctly, you need to assemble a minimum set of tools. To seal the seams, you will need silicone sealant, which will protect the surface of the furniture from moisture.
Installation accessories:
- electric drill or screwdriver;
- a set of drills with a diameter for fastening;
- screws and other fastening products;
- screwdrivers in a set with different sections;
- masking tape to protect furniture;
- ruler and device for level measurement;
- sealant for sealing joints.
Before installation, it is recommended to clean the space and remove excess. For convenience, all communications should be secured to the stand in advance. After fixing the sink, this stage will be problematic. The installation location will depend on the location of the water pipes and sewerage. If space permits, it is not recommended to place the cabinet next to the refrigerator and heating appliances.
Methods for installing a sink on a cabinet
Stainless steel sinks of standard sizes can be mounted in two ways. Depending on the type of product and the features of the cabinet, different options are chosen.
Mounting methods:
- using sealant;
- fixation with self-tapping screws.
ATTENTION! In the case where the sink is light in weight, two options can be used. If the product is non-standard, then the sealant cannot cope with the load; the use of metal fasteners is required.
When choosing a sealant, you need to consider factors such as reliability and safe composition. A volume of up to 150 ml is suitable for fixing the sink. The product must have a current expiration date. For ease of application, you may need a special gun. Excess should be removed before the product dries completely.
REFERENCE! The advantage of fastening with self-tapping screws is durability in use. This type of sink can withstand heavy loads.
An integrated approach can be taken. In this case, the sink is fixed to the cabinet using fasteners, and the joint holes are coated with silicone sealant. Depending on the sink model, you can install it on the cabinet in different ways. Standard fasteners must be available.
A sink with curved sides can be raised using wooden blocks. The dimensions of the product must allow changes in design. In cases where standard brackets are not suitable for installation, you can cut out the corners from wood or plastic yourself. The cabinet can be installed on legs or attached to the wall. There are no fundamental features - it all depends on personal preferences.
Preparing furniture for sink installation
The cabinet from the manufacturer is usually delivered disassembled, so before installation it must be assembled according to the instructions. A standard kit usually includes: base, side walls, doors and table top. For the convenience of supplying communications, the back wall of the headset is usually absent. The kit usually contains the necessary fasteners and a hexagon. If elements are missing, they must be prepared separately. Depending on the model, the assembly method may differ.
Basic assembly steps:
- Initially, you need to prepare the base and screw the legs to it. The cabinet should be adjusted to the level.
- Next, the side walls and stiffening ribs between them are fixed. The more securely the fastenings are fixed, the more durable the product will be.
- If there are drawers and shelves, you need to assemble these elements separately and fix the fittings.
- The last step is to attach the doors to the hinges. If necessary, you need to drill holes for screws. If door closers and door stops are present, they must be secured separately.
The tabletop may not be in the cabinet. In this case, installation will take less time. If the sink is installed in a ready-made set, then you need to cut a hole for the sink in advance. In order not to damage the furniture, all actions must be carried out carefully.
Primary requirements:
- Initially, it is necessary to take the necessary dimensions and prepare a sketch of the future hole.
- Next, it is transferred to the surface of the countertop. It is important that there is equal distance on all sides. The more accurately the hole is cut, the more securely the sink will hold.
- Depending on the material of the countertop, the hole is cut in different ways. For wooden surfaces you will need a jigsaw or milling machine. It is impossible to cut stone surfaces at home.
- The countertop can be treated with water-repellent agents. In this case, chipboard and wooden furniture can last longer.
- To make the cuts neat, it is necessary to remove burrs and irregularities. To avoid cracks, the joints are coated with sealant for reliability.
When carrying out work, safety precautions should be observed. Cutting and assembly should be carried out wearing protective gloves. If you use an angle grinder, you need to protect your respiratory tract with a mask. It is better to carry out work with the cabinet outdoors.
Installation of a stainless steel sink
Depending on the design of the cabinet, a stainless steel sink can be built in and installed in an overhead manner. The installation method in these cases is different.
Installing a sink into a countertop:
- First of all, prepare a suitable hole. It is important to leave a distance of at least 5 cm on both sides. If the sink is wooden, the cut is made along the edges of the cabinet.
- You need to secure the edge of the cut with masking tape. This action will help protect the surface of the furniture from damage.
- Next, you need to screw the screws inside the tabletop or fix other fasteners. This stage is necessary to make the entire structure reliable.
- The joints and cut are treated with sealant to ensure the tightness of all connections. You need to apply the composition with gloves and with extreme caution.
- The next stage is the connection of communications and fastening to the cabinet. If the furniture design does not provide holes for pipes, they must be prepared.
- After fixing the sewer and water pipes, install the sink in the hole. Next, you should fix and connect the mixer.
- The final step is to connect the siphon to the sink. All joints need to be coated. To improve sealing, you can use plumber's tape.
After installation, you must wait until the sealant dries. The product cannot be used for several hours. Next, you should remove the remaining composition and check its performance. If necessary, remove garbage and wash the sink. If leaks are detected, sealing is carried out again in the necessary areas.
Installation of an overhead sink:
- To properly install an overhead sink with your own hands, you need to assemble the furniture and prepare the place for future installation.
- The sink will be securely held in the cabinet using fasteners. The necessary elements may be included with the product. If there are no fastenings, then improvised means will do. The sink can be installed on wooden blocks or plastic corners.
- The product can be temporarily fixed with self-tapping screws for reliability. After final installation, these elements can be removed.
- The mixer must be secured immediately with a nut and washer.Connection to the pipes occurs in the next step using flexible hoses. Depending on the quality of the elements, the reliability of the entire structure will depend.
- The siphon is assembled using plastic nuts and rubberized gaskets. Typically, the siphon package includes these elements. You can seal all joints with silicone sealant.
- Next, if necessary, additional elements and leads for the filter are attached.
- The final step is to remove any remaining sealant and debris. The reliability of the fastenings is tested the first time it is turned on.
Overhead sinks can be produced in different sizes. There are standard forms, but if necessary, the sink can be built into custom-made cabinets. Stainless steel sinks are affordable, which is why they are popular among buyers.
The sink should be chosen according to personal preferences and the size of the furniture. Preference should be given to simple models without drawers and shelves. In this case, nothing will interfere with communications. The sink installation process will not cause difficulties if you follow the basic installation rules. Work is carried out with the availability of tools. Correct and tight fastening will ensure safety during use and will also increase the service life of the product. If you can’t install it yourself, you can contact a specialist.