How to fit a basin

This is quite a tricky one but once you've done this, you can enjoy your lovely new sink!

Level of difficulty

Level 3: Advanced

What you need

• Screwdriver
• Hacksaw
• Gate valves
• Screws
• Electric power drill
• Brackets
• Wrench
• Pliers
• Putty knife
• Caulking gun
• Caulk

The steps to follow

Fit a pedestal basin

Note:
A pedestal basin consists of two main parts: the basin and the pedestal. Fitting a pedestal basin will involve two parts; first you need to remove the pedestal and then the basin.

1. First turn off the main water supply to the taps.
2. Next remove the pedestal by undoing the screws. The plumbing will be exposed once it's removed.
3. Saw through with a hacksaw the old supply pipes just above the level of the basin trap.
4. Fit in gate valves to the ends of each freshly cut pipe and check that they are positioned in way where you can easily insert a screwdriver to open or shut the valve. Leave them in the closed position at this point.
5. Disconnect the old trap from the basin water outlet.
6. Undo the screws securing the basin to the wall and lift it off.
7. Position the new pedestal in place to see how to best reconnect the supply and waste pipes.
8. Set the basin back on its pedestal so you can mark the positions of the support and fixing screws.
9. Check that the basin is lined up horizontally.
10. Remove both the pedestal and the basin.
11. Drill and plug the fixing holes and fit the supporting screws or brackets to the wall.
12. Set the basin in position on the supporting screws or bracket and tighten the fixing screws to hold it securely in place.
13. Connect the new taps.
14. Screw the pipe and hose tap connectors to the tap tails.
15. Then connect the supply pipe work to the pipe/hose tails and open the gate valves.
16. Reconnect the trap to the waste outlet.
17. Slide the pedestal into place beneath the basin and screw it to the floor to complete the installation.

Fit a wall hung basin

Note:
Without a pedestal for support, wall-hung basins are supported by a wall bracket. You might need to get extra help when fitting a wall-hung basin as someone will have to hold the sink while you unscrew the basin.

1. Disconnect all plumbing.
2. Brackets are used to hold the wall-hung basin in place so lift off the basin from the brackets so that you may dismantle it.
3. Unscrew the screws that are used in attaching the basin.
4. Unscrew any remaining fixings that are holding the basin to the wall.
5. Remove the old basin and fit a new one.
6. Secure the basin in place by tightening fixing screws to the brackets. Make sure that the basin is tightly and securely fastened.
7. Fit the taps.
8. Reconnect the supply pipe work and waste pipe.
9. Turn on the main water supply.

Fit an inset basin

Note:
Remember to fit the same measurement of basin when fitting a new inset basin. The replacement inset basin should be the same size as the original basin.

1. Turn off the main water supply. Turn the tap on to see if the water supply is completely shut off.
2. Turn off the hot and cold water shutoff valves.
3. Remove the taps and all supply lines from the basin.
4. Slide a putty knife inside the edge of the bathroom sink to loosen the caulk that is used in sealing the bathroom sink.
5. Unscrew and loosen the basin from the vanity worktop.
6. Next, fit the new basin in place and push it down well to bed it in the sealing strip or mastic.
7. Connect all supply pipe work with a wrench and tighten the nut washer with pliers.
8. Next connect the waste pipe and basin with pliers.
9. Fit the taps to the basin.
10. Clean the area around the basin and vanity worktop with a damp cloth or mild cleaning agent if needed.
11. Now apply an even coat of caulk with the caulking gun along the new basin and the worktop.
12. Turn on the main water supply and test to see if the taps work correctly.
13. Let the sink set for a day before using it.