How to Install a Vessel Sink for Your Bathroom
Installing a vessel sink is a new design option many homeowners are gravitating towards when renovating the bathroom. It is a sink that sits atop or just slightly recessed on the countertop, as opposed to being mounted to the countertop from underneath.
You need
- Drill
- Vessel sink and faucet
- Mounting rings
- Trap (P or S trap)
- Drain (pop-up and grid)
- Grip and wrenches
- Plumber's tape
- Silicon adhesives
- Decide and mark the location of the faucet and sink. Use a pencil and mark the bottom ring of the faucet and the contact patch of the vessel sink. Remember to allow enough clearance between the faucet and sink to prevent water from splashing onto the countertop. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when installing the faucet. Confirm you have connected hot to hot and cold to cold to avoid any scalding.
- Drill a hole that is 1 ¾ inches onto the countertop. This leaves enough room for the fixtures to sit and adhere to the countertop. Make sure there is proper clearance for faucet supply lines, drain assembly and structural pieces of the vanity. At least two inches should be between the sink’s top and the fitting centerline.
- Place a mounting ring and black washer, if using a glass vessel sink. Put a bead of silicone caulk around the base of the sink. Otherwise, apply a thin bead of caulk to the bottom of the sink where it will be connected to the countertop. Put the sink on and press. Let the caulk dry according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Insert the drain through the opening and on through the countertop. Attach the drain assembly and tighten the nut to hold the sink in place.
- Connect the p-trap or s-trap underneath, connecting the drain pipe to the wall. Sometimes an extension is required because a vessel sink sits higher than under the counter sinks. If you require an extension, use the same type of pipe already installed.
- Check for leaks around the drain and underneath. Add caulking and plumber's tape if any leaks are found.