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How-to: Install a Vessel Sink

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Vessel Sinks are one of the most popular and fashionable sinks to have in your bathroom today. Vessel sinks are those that sit partially of entirely above the vanity, it doesn’t sink under the vanity. Installing one is a quick and easy way to change the whole look and feel of your bathroom. The type of vanity you have will determine how you will install the vessel sink.  Some vanities are designed for partially submerged sinks while others are made to hold an above counter one. Then there are the vanities that will let you determine the position and placement of your sink. We will be using that type for purpose of this install.

Item list:

• Hole Saw Drill Bit
• Standard Drill Bit
• Large Piece of Cardboard (template)
• Electric Drill
• Vessel Sink
• Vanity
• Vessel Faucet
• For Glass Vessel – silicone or connecting ring

Pre-Install:

Position the vanity exactly as if you are installing it to find the best fit for it. Decide where you will want the faucet holes, if none are already pre-drilled. Make note of where you want the faucet in relation to the sink. Create a template for faucet/sink layout. Use a piece of large cardboard to work as your template. On the template mark the locations of the sink drainage and the faucet holes. Ensure you make note of everything you will need to have drilled or cut and measure twice to ensure correct measurements and placements.

The Cut:

Now that you have the template correctly marked, place it onto the physical countertop. Transfer all measurements directly on the counter. Be careful to make accurate measurements for the sink and faucet hole sizes. A tip to doing this is to make the cut on the template then trace the hole to the vanity. With marks clearly shown on the vanity, make your first cuts using your Hole Saw Drill Bit. Using your standard drill bit, pre-drill your screw holes, this makes fastening the faucet to vanity easier. Now, with cuts all made, again grab your faucet and sink, check them again by placing them onto the vanity to ensure everything lines up perfectly. Any alterations can be made at this time.

Secure the Sink:

This is a fairly easy step. Position the sink, caulk and tighten everything in place. For glass vessels, use silicone or a connecting ring between the sink and counter. A glass vessel needs cushioning, which is achieved using either the silicone or connecting ring.

Faucet:

The design of your faucet should be taken into account when determining the placement in relation to the sink. Vessel faucets usually should be about 1/2″ from the sink. Make sure it’s not too far from the sink.

By this point the placement should be accurate and the holes drilled. You are now ready to install the faucet. The water supply line should reach your water supply valve, if it doesn’t you will need to add an extender (extension supply line).  Get kitchen style supply lines measuring 1/2″ to 3/4″ female and two double sided male nipples 1/2″ to 1/2″. Use plumbers tape when joining together any threads. When securing the water supply lines to the faucet, remember to only hand tighten them. You really don’t want them getting stripped  by using a wrench, hand tightening is enough.

You should be all completed by this step. Stand back and admire your handy work. You now have a modern new bathroom sink and vanity!