Who Can You Trust To Install A Sink?

Okay, the answer to this question may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how often the question of whether plumbers can install sinks appears in FAQ sections. So, to give you a definitive answer and put those pesky rumors to rest, in a word, YES! Plumbers can install sinks, and they’re the right people to call when you need the job done.

To clarify, when we say “plumbers,” we are referring to licensed, experienced contractors who are fully insured and registered with the BBB. We do not mean amateur plumbers without the requisite certifications who know a little bit about how plumbing works, and we certainly do not mean ambitious DIYers who are well-meaning, motivated but severely misguided by watching a bit too much home improvement TV.

Despite how simple YouTube videos may make it appear or various DIY home improvement shows would lead you to believe, installing a sink is complicated, hard work that can go very, very wrong if done improperly. What follows is a general overview of the process of replacing a sink to illustrate how much work is actually involved, and why it is much easier and more sensible in the long run to hire a plumbing expert.

Getting The Sink Ready

The first step is preparing your existing sink to be removed, and gathering all the requisite supplies you need not only to complete the removal of the old sink, but also the installation of the new one.

First, gather all the supplies you will need. An expert will do this for you, of course, but in the event you wish to purchase the supplies yourself, go to a home improvement store and speak with a knowledgeable staff member.

He or she will help you make sure that you have all the right tools, including pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, a utility knife, a hacksaw, putty, a putty knife, brackets, hardware, a tape measure, rags, buckets, eye protection, sealant, caulk, and of course, the sink itself, among additional items. The plumbing expert will verify that he or she has all the materials needed to complete the removal and installation.

The expert will also double check that the new sink is the proper size and meets with all applicable building codes and regulations. You’ll also want to take extensive measurements and make sure all the pipe fittings and connections are the correct size. He or she will also take detailed notes, sometimes including pictures, to have a record of your current plumbing configuration to refer back to.

Removing the Old Sink

The first step is always disconnecting the water supply, including the hot and cold valves as well as the shutoff valve to the entire house. Next, the power to the dishwasher line and disposal must be shut off.

The disposal, water supply valves, and dishwasher lines must all be disconnected and carefully removed. Then, all of the faucets should be briefly turned on to relieve the built-up pressure.

Once the above steps have been accomplished, the process of loosening and freeing the existing sink begins. This involves disengaging metal brackets located around the perimeter of the sink used to act as clamps, securely holding the sink in place along with sealant and caulking.

The caulking can usually be removed with a putty knife. Once all the pipes, valves and connections have been disconnected, the plumber should be able to safely lift away the old sink from underneath. Then, the area needs to be cleaned, with any remnants of caulk or sealant scraped away so that there is a clean, smooth area to work with for the install.

New Sink Installation

Now, the replacement sink is carefully lifted into place. The plumber will carefully reattach all the power lines, hoses, valves, and connections, following the previous sink’s configuration in detail.

This is a meticulous, step-by-step process that requires patience and careful work. Once the dishwasher line and disposal have been properly installed, the perimeter of the new sink is to be secured with the same metal bracket fasteners, caulking, and sealant.

Any minor tweaks or adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit. Finally, the water is turned back on, and the plumber will check carefully to ensure the sink is working properly and that there are no leaks. Finally, the sink will require a minor wipe down to remove any dust or particles, and after a few minutes of cleaning, your new sink is ready to go.

To reiterate, plumbing experts can indeed install sinks, and they are the right people to contact to do it. Hopefully, the steps outlined above have helped to give you a better understanding of how sink installation works. To speak with a plumbing expert from JD Precision Plumbing & Air, give us a call today at (936) 228-5000. Remember, plumbing is our expertise. Put your new sink in capable hands.