How to fit a kitchen sink

From bog standard to designer the kitchen sink is quite literally the 'must-have' accessory that comes in a baffling array of design and with all sorts of different features. Once you've made your choice of kitchen sink, here's what you need to do to fit it yourself.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

• Saw
• Stop-ends
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Sealing gaskets
• Tap connector
• Isolating valves
• Clips / brackets
• Hammer

The steps to follow

1. Turn off the mains water supply and waste pipes to the sink.
2. Cut through the supply pipes with a saw and insert stop-ends to the pipes.
3. Undo any screws or fixings that are holding the old sink to the worktop or base unit.
4. Remove the old sink.
5. Place the new sink onto the worktop or base unit.
6. Attach the taps, waste outlet and overflow fittings to the new sink.
7. Seal with a sealing gasket or putty.
8. Secure the hose to each tap outlet with tap connectors.
9. Fit isolating valves to each cut pipe end so you can isolate the taps for future maintenance.
10. If you are fitting a raised sink, fit it into place on its base unit and secure with brackets.
11. If you're fitting an embedded sink, fit it in place on its sealing gasket (or on a bed of putty).
12. Secure your sink onto the underside of the worktop with clips and reconnect the earth cable.
13. Reconnect the flexible pipes or hoses to the pipe work.
14. Tighten the nuts to ensure watertight joints.
15. Replace the sealant washer located between the trap and the outlet.
16. Connect the trap to the sink's waste outlet.
17. Turn on the mains water supply and test your new kitchen sink.