Undermount kitchen sinks have a sleek configuration that can showcase a countertop and make cleaning easier. They can also be more challenging to install than drop-in sinks. This guide reviews how to install an undermount sink as well as the different types of installation.
Drop-in sinks are typically easier to install and can potentially be added by the homeowner. Undermount sinks require greater skill and should be installed by a professional, but they provide a sleek and modern look to any kitchen.
Installing an undermount sink in your bathroom can take 30 minutes or less with the correct tools and materials at hand. If it's your first time taking on this type of project, it can take longer depending on how many people are assisting.
The epoxy/glue they use for undermount sinks is plenty strong enough without clips.
Learning how to replace an undermount kitchen sink or install one is something most DIY-ers can do. All that's needed are the right tools and time. The toughest part is cutting the countertop, especially if it is granite or quartzite.
Many undermount sink types are attached to the countertop with silicone sealant and metal clips.
Generally, drop-in sinks have more inexpensive options in comparison to undermount sinks. The undermount sink is the more expensive alternative and will also cost more install. Undermount sinks are made to different specifications due to the intricacies of their installation requirements, making them a pricier option.
On average, undermount kitchen sinks cost between $250 and $1,500. These sinks are more challenging to install because they're mounted underneath the countertop. They're usually sealed in place with caulk or epoxy.
It's very important to install an undermount kitchen sink before the countertop slabs are set down. Once the countertop slabs are set down, you usually will not be able to fit the sink through the hole, and you won't be able to properly seal between the sink and the underside of the countertop.
Adhesive deterioration: Since adhesives break down over time, a sink can fall if it's no longer secured. Improper installation: The sink may not have been installed properly. Corroded hardware: Hardware, like mounting clips, can corrode and fail to secure a sink.
Due to their strength and durability, granite, soapstone, and concrete are all perfect countertop material options for undermount sinks.
An undermount kitchen sink is easier to clean. Since your countertops are below your sink, there will be little need for scrubbing them. You will also have less counter space, so cleaning will take less time. With less counter space, you will also have less waste from pans and pots.
Undermount styles have gained immense popularity in 2023 due to their sleek and seamless design, which enhances the aesthetics of modern kitchens. They also make countertop cleaning easier, as debris can be swept directly into the sink without obstruction, offering both style and practicality.
A dual mount sink has a flat rim that is usually just the thickness of the material, except for Quartz sinks which will have a thicker rim. They can be installed either above as a drop-in or below as an undermount, making it a versatile choice that can be installed in any countertop.
Countertops made from durable materials like granite, quartz, or laminate are less likely to be damaged during a sink replacement. However, older countertops or those made from fragile materials may be prone to cracking or chipping, especially during the removal of an undermount sink.
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How much does a plumber charge to install a kitchen sink? Plumbing rates range from $45 to $200 per hour, and it will typically take around four hours to install a kitchen sink. For an average installation and materials, a plumber might charge between $220 and $560.
At the Home Depot, we strive to ensure a more complete, satisfactory customer experience. That's why we offer the option of adding installation services to your order when purchasing a sink online. The Home Depot lets you purchase a Basic Installation service, including all required parts, with your online sink order.
An undermount sink should last for a decade or two, but the sink may need maintenance every few years to prevent bacteria buildup. You should replace the caulk between the gap of the sink and the countertop every three to five years to keep it fresh and clean.
Con: Improper Installation Could Mean Failure
Without the proper installation, which should include high-quality sealant, the sink can cause serious leakage. The proper support is also necessary for an undermounted sink. Imagine how much water weighs.
Drop-in bathroom sinks are the easiest to install. Undermount Sinks: They're mounted below the countertop. An undermount bathroom sink exposes the edge of the countertop surface around the sink.
Additionally, this is a commonly asked question throughout the plumbing community. Today, we're here to definitively answer that question: plumbers can and regularly do install sinks. In fact, we highly recommend that you have a plumber handle this kitchen plumbing project for you.
The silicone will help hold the sink in place and ensure a waterproof seal. Avoid putting a bead that is too thick around the edge, as a significant amount of silicone is pushed out of the gap and onto the surrounding area. You will want just enough to cover the rim when pressed against the counter.
Undermount sinks & worktops
If you are opting for an undermount sink then you will need a solid surface worktop like quartz, granite or even wood, so that any water splashes will run straight back off the edges around the sink back into the bowl.