Quck answer
Plumbing a kitchen sink yourself can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to do it successfully. Here are the steps to plumb a kitchen sink:
1. Gather the necessary tools and materials, including a wrench, plumber’s tape, PVC pipes, and a sink installation kit.
2. Shut off the water supply and disconnect the old plumbing connections.
3. Install the new sink by attaching it to the countertop and securing it with clips or brackets.
4. Connect the drain assembly by attaching the tailpiece to the sink’s strainer and connecting it to the P-trap.
5. Install the water supply lines by connecting them to the faucet and the shut-off valves.
6. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks.
By following these steps, you can successfully plumb a kitchen sink yourself and save money on hiring a professional plumber.
Installing plumbing for a kitchen sink on your own can be a rewarding do-it-yourself project suitable for all skill levels. In the event of any mistakes, you can easily identify them by mismatched connections or water leakage, allowing you to make necessary adjustments. The most challenging aspect of installing drain pipes under a kitchen sink is the uncomfortable position you have to kneel or lie in to access the area. To make the process more comfortable, place some old pillows, wear knee pads, and use a headlamp. Soon enough, you will have a functional kitchen sink drain.
Preparing for Sink Plumbing
Before beginning the plumbing process, ensure that your sink is properly mounted and secured to the counter. Additionally, make sure that the water supply lines and drain lines are easily accessible beneath the sink. While connecting them to your kitchen sink is a task best left to professionals, you can handle this part yourself.
If there is an electrical outlet beneath the sink, protect it from any potential drips by using plastic outlet covers. Keep the water supply valve turned off until you are ready to check for any leaks in the connections.
To simplify the process of purchasing the correct PVC pipe diameter, length, and necessary connections, consider buying a kitchen sink drain kit. Alternatively, you will need a selection of 1.5-inch-diameter PVC pipes, a P-trap, a T-joint (if you have a double-basin sink), two elbow joints, and an ample supply of slip joint nuts and beveled washers for each connection. This project also requires a PVC pipe cutter, sink drain assembly (get two if you have a double-basin sink), and plumber’s putty.
Installing the Sink Drain Assembly
Begin by installing the sink drain assembly, which serves as an insert to prevent large objects from falling down the drain. It also provides a surface to place a strainer or stopper and connects to the rest of the PVC drain pipes through a small pipe. Remove the nut and washer from the bottom of the sink drain assembly and set them aside.
Take plumber’s putty and roll it into a snake-like shape. Press it under the rim of the sink drain assembly, firmly securing it in place within the sink’s drain hole. Use a toothpick or the stick from an ice pop to remove any excess plumber’s putty. Underneath the sink, use a wrench to attach the rubber washer and nut to the lower half of the sink drain assembly. Avoid overtightening any fittings to prevent cracking.
Installing the First Set of Drain Pipes
Now, you can begin assembling the PVC pipes. As suggested by DIY With Michael Borders, slide a PVC slip joint nut over the PVC pipe with the flat side first, followed by a beveled poly or rubber washer with the wide side first. This positioning ensures a watertight seal. Use trial and error to determine the appropriate length for each section of the pipe.
Start with the wall connection, as you do not want the other pipes to extend beyond this point. If the protruding pipe is made of galvanized steel, wrap Teflon tape clockwise around the threads and attach a 90-degree elbow connection facing downwards. Then, use the smaller arm of the P-trap to secure it to this connection.
Finalizing the Drain Connections
The next step in the plumbing process will vary depending on whether your sink has one or two basins. If you have a single-basin sink, connect a straight PVC pipe from the sink drain to the P-trap. In the case of a double-basin sink, attach 90-degree elbows to each drain, connect them using straight pipes and a T-joint, and use another straight piece of PVC to connect to the P-trap.
Hugo Correa suggests that the location of the T-joint does not need to be directly in the center between the two sink drains. It is important to cut the pipes to the appropriate length to avoid any upward or downward pressure on the drain system, which could result in cracking.
After all the connections have been made, pour some water down the sink drain and check for any leaks. If there are no issues with a small amount of water, place a stopper in the sink, fill the basin with approximately one gallon of water, and remove the stopper to allow the water to flow through. If there are no leaks in the drain, the installation is finished.
