Install a sink and faucet on the bathroom vanity

The bathroom sink is the fixture that gets the most use, so a reliable, water-tight installation is important. You need to know your plumbing basics before installing a bathroom sink on a bathroom vanity, but otherwise this is not a complicated project. Patience and attention to detail will go a long way and some dexterity will come in handy as well, whether you are planning your bathroom renovation or undertaking new construction.

Difficulty level: Easy

Duration: 4 hours

Material

Sink faucet Drop-in sink Silicone sealant Flexible water connector Waste pipe Masking tape Thread sealant tape

Tools

Pipe wrench Caulking gun Drill Jigsaw Adjustable wrench Jigsaw blade for laminates

Before getting started

Turn off the water supply using the valves under the vanity.
If you don't have shutoff valves, shut off the water main, usually located in the basement.
Drain the pipes and collect the water by opening the siphon under the sink.

Make a cut in the vanity top to drop in the sink

1.1 - Determine the location of the faucet and check the plumbing lines can be hooked up easily.
1.2 - Attach the sink template to the counter, respecting the clearance specified by the manufacturer.
1.3 - Trace the outline. If you don't have a template, put the sink upside down and trace the perimeter of the sink onto the countertop.
1.4 - Remove the template, or the sink, and check that the pencilled outline is parallel to the edge of the counter. Adjust if necessary.
1.5 - Drill a pilot hole ½" inside the cutting line.
1.6 - Use a larger drill bit to enlarge the hole, enough to insert a 5/8" jigsaw blade.
1.7 - Put masking tape around the cutting line to avoid scratching the countertop with the jigsaw and to prevent splinters.
1.8 - Lower the blade into the hole and cut out the sink opening, taking care to follow the line.
1.9 - Insert a shim into the opening while you are cutting to still the vibrations emanating from the section already cut.
1.10 - If it is impossible to cut along the back of the sink from above the counter, cut from below. Trace a guide line before cutting.
1.11 - Remove the cut piece of countertop and shims.
1.12 - Lower the sink into the opening to check that it fits. Cut out more of the countertop if necessary.

Install the faucet

For most bathroom sinks, you must first install or replace the bathroom faucet and pop-up stopper assembly before inserting the sink in the counter.

2.1 - Run a ¼" bead of bathroom silicone sealant under the base of the faucet.
2.2 - Insert the tailpieces (metal tubes) of the faucet into the mounting holes. The faucet base must be parallel to the back of the sink.
2.3 - Press down firmly so the sealant adheres well and forms a watertight seal.
2.4 - Screw the mounting and coupling nuts onto the faucet tailpieces.
2.5 - Wrap thread seal tape around the exposed thread of the faucet tailpieces to ensure a watertight seal.
2.6 - Tighten with a basin wrench or channel-type pliers.
2.7 - Wipe away excess sealant from the base of the faucet.
2.8 - Connect the flexible braided steel pipes to the faucet tailpieces.

Installing the bathroom sink stopper assembly

Install the stopper assembly

3.1 - Wrap thread seal tape around all the threads of the ‘body' of the stopper.
3.2 - Run a bead of silicone under the flange and place on the sink drain.
3.3 - Insert the jamb nut and nylon washer up into the pop-up sink stopper assembly.
3.4 - Screw the body of the stopper to the flange and ensure that the opening of the body is aligned with the pivot rod.
3.5 - Insert the horizontal pivot rod in this hole. If necessary, turn the stopper until the rod is properly inserted.
3.6 - Hand tighten the nut holding the rod in place.
3.7 - Pull the stopper to the ‘open' position; the horizontal rod should point downwards.
3.8 - Insert the vertical lift rod into the hole behind the faucet.
3.9 - Assemble this rod to the perforated extension rod (clevis).
3.10 - On the clevis, locate the hole closest to the end of the horizontal rod (the rod pointing downwards).
3.11 - Pass the pivot rod through this hole, then block with the metal clip.
3.12 - Pull on the rod to close the stopper; check the adjustment.

Install the sink and connect the drain

4.1 - Run a bead of silicone sealant under the perimeter of the sink.
4.2 - Lower the sink into the opening, pressing down firmly.
4.3 - Check the stopper can be inserted into the drain.
4.4 - Connect the drain pipe to the wall pipe.
4.5 - Fit gaskets onto the ends of the connectors.
4.6 - Strengthen with slip nuts, tightened with a pipe wrench.
4.7 - Tighten screws under the sink to solidify but do not over-tighten, which can cause porcelain to crack.
4.8 - Use a cloth to wipe away any excess sealant.

Connect the water

5.1 - Connect the ends of the flexible water connectors for the faucet to the shut-off valves, taking care to properly connect the hot and cold water.
5.2 - Hand tighten nuts and finish with an adjustable wrench.
5.3 - Remove the filter cartridge under the mouth of the faucet.
5.4 - Open up the shut-off valve and turn the hot and cold water back on.
5.5 - Let the water run for a minute to evacuate debris and air.
5.6 - Verify that all connections are tight; retighten if necessary.
5.7 - Replace the faucet filter cartridge.