How to Install a Vessel Sink Drain
Vessel sinks are the fancy sinks that sit on top of the counter instead of inside a hole in the counter. Vessel sinks are installed differently than regular bathroom sinks so the drain for this fixture is a little different as well. Knowing how to properly install a vessel sink drain is essential to its plumbing needs.
Thing you need:
- Vessel sink drain assembly
- Silicone caulk
- Caulk gun
- Cleaning solution
- Rag
- Utility knife
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Pipe thread compound
- P-trap
- Wipe out the bottom of a vessel sink with a mild cleaning solution. Spray the solution on a rag and wipe out the vessel sink to clean up any residue that was left behind. This can also protect your drain plumbing from leaks.
- Put silicone caulk into a caulk gun. Use a knife to trim a 45-degree angle off the nozzle. Squeeze silicone caulk around the edges of the hole where the drain will go in the bottom of the vessel sink.
- Place the drain into the bottom of the vessel sink. Slightly twist the drain to help set the silicone caulk. Place the retaining nut underneath the sink at the end of the drain. Hold the drainpipe and keep it steady as you tighten the retaining nut on the drain underneath the sink. Don’t worry if some silicone caulk squeezes out as you do this.
- Add a pipe thread compound on the P-trap threads. Slide one end of the P-trap into underneath the straight part of the drainpipe. Place the tail end of the pipe into the sewer inlet. Tighten both sides of the P-trap couplings with a wrench or pliers.
- Allow the silicone caulk to completely dry. Trim away any excess silicone caulk with a sharp knife. Be careful not to scratch the vessel sink or drain.