How to Install a Drop-In Kitchen Sink

Turn on the faucet to relieve water pressure in the lines.

Use adjustable wrenches to disconnect the water supply lines to the faucet. Have a small bucket ready to catch any water left in the supply lines and drainpipes as they're removed.

If you have a garbage disposal, turn off the circuit and then unplug it. Use pliers to disconnect the drainpipe and P-trap from the sink drain. Keep a bucket or pan underneath the drain to catch excess water.

Next, remove the dishwasher drain line.

Remove the disposal following the manufacturer's instructions.

• If you don’t have your disposal instructions, check the manufacturer’s website.
• Have a bucket ready to catch any water.
• Most disposals loosen at the mounting bracket connection to the sink drain and twist off.

Locate the metal clips under the counter around the sink's perimeter. Loosen them with a screwdriver, open-end wrench or socket wrench and swing them toward the sink bowl.

Cut the caulk around the sink with a utility knife.

Push the unit from underneath and lift the old sink away.

Use a putty knife to remove grime, caulk and old plumbers putty from the countertop. Likewise, clean any components you'll reinstall.

Remove the sink from the countertop hole to attach the clips, turned inward toward the sink bowl.

Install the faucet and additional components.

Apply a small bead of plumbers putty around the drain strainer and install the strainer, pressing firmly against the putty.

Tilt the sink to its side to place and secure rubber gaskets and threaded flange to the underside of the sink drain. Repeat this for additional drains without disposals.

Remove excess putty with a soft towel.

If you have a garbage disposal, use a screwdriver to install the mounting bracket to the bottom of the sink following the manufacturer's instructions.

Apply a bead of silicone sealant to the edge of the basin.

Lower the sink into the countertop opening, aligning squarely.

From below the sink, rotate the metal attachment clips outward and tighten the nuts or screws.

Attach the supply lines to the water connections of the faucet and the supply pipes. Tighten the connections, taking care not to strip the threads or overtighten them.

If you have a garbage disposal, install the unit following the manufacturer's instructions. Insert the discharge pipe and tighten the clamp.

Reinstall the dishwasher drain.

Connect the disposal discharge pipe to the sink drainpipe and reattach the P-trap.

If your old drainpipes don’t line up with your new sink installation, you can make some simple adjustments.

If a pipe is too long (such as the tailpiece from the drain on the main sink):

• Measure the length needed.
• Add a little extra to the measured length to ensure a tight connection.
• While wearing safety glasses, cut the pipe with a hack saw.
• Place a washer on the pipe and then slide a slip nut onto the pipe over the washer.
• If you need a slip nut for the other end of the pipe, slide the slip nut onto the pipe facing the appropriate direction and then add a washer.
• Hold the pipe in place and screw the slip nut(s) to the appropriate fittings.

If a pipe is too short:

• Determine the length needed.
• Add a little extra to the measured length to ensure a tight connection.
• Purchase a longer pipe. Be sure the new pipe is the correct diameter.
• If the pipe is longer than needed, cut it with a hack saw. Wear safety glasses when cutting.
• Place a washer on the pipe and then slide the slip nut onto the pipe over the washer.
• If you need a slip nut for the other end of the pipe, slide the slip nut onto the pipe facing the appropriate direction and then add a washer.
• Hold the pipe in place and screw the slip nut(s) to the appropriate fittings.

If you need to make a bend (such as to a wall outlet):

• First, try rotating the P-trap, outlet tee or any other pipes to line up appropriately.
• If that’s not possible, use a flexible extension pipe to make the connection. Just bend the pipe to the desired position, and use rubber washers and slip nuts to attach it to the other plumbing.

Apply a small bead of sealant to the perimeter of the sink.

Reconnect the power to the disposal. Turn the water on and check for leaks.