How to install an undermount sink

Many people like the look of stone counter tops, and with these come an undermount sink. These are a little different that a standard sink as there is no lip to rest on the upper side for support. You also cannot install screw brackets to hold the sink as the stone will probably break. Here's how to install an undermount sink on a stone counter.

[@dracotaz]

I had plumbing issues that insurance wouldn't touch after restoration guys left my bathroom in pieces. Putting the sink back together scared the heck out of me. Thank you for this video! I feel I can do it now.

[@RyanNelson0402]

Thanks for this, had no idea how we would hold the basin in place with the new caulking.

[@AndresGarcia-lz9gg]

Excellent video Excellent job. God bless you forever

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

Thanks!

[@sickegg2000]

Exactly what I need, my sink felt for the exact same reason! Thanks for the tips !

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

Glad it helped! Good Luck!

[@sickegg2000]

@@thewrighthandyman8139I believed the really hard “yellow” stuff you were removing is a Chinese epoxy adhesive specifically for granite and stones. It’s probably the strongest and hardest glue I know…. My sink had the exact same stuff glued on it without any support or clip….. anyways, the “clamp” trick and strap is best stuff I learned from your video. I’ll probably do the same…. Thanks !

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

@@sickegg2000 Good to know! That would explain why is was resistant to everything except brute force. I didn't consider epoxy, but it would work in this situation, until you needed to replace the sink, then you would have a fight on your hands.

[@miketravis4980]

Very very helpful.. and we use the same clamps so I feel like I'm in even better hands watching this video 😂 I feel better about moving forward with replacing our cracked sink

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

Excellent! Good luck!

[@codyedwards2197]

7

[@codyedwards2197]

​. 🎉 1:24 😢😅😂😮

[@an80sguy_]

Thanks for the tutorial. I ended up having to use a mini pry bar and hammer to get the cracked one. Went to put in the new one and it was too small (they ordered wrong one). Heading back there tomorrow to put in the right one. Those can be a little tricky to find the right dimensions. Like the clamp idea and straps btw. Was nervous to drill into the granite for the clips.

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

It's amazing how many different sized sinks there are when you go to look for one. I didn't drill into the granite, I drilled into the wooden frame on the cabinet. I'm the same as you, I was worried I would crack the counter if I cut or drilled into it.

[@HECTORALBOR]

I was scared sink would fall after replacing, just went ahead and did a over the top sink!

[@ZeroKTVs]

Under sink would be better for not collecting water in the gap

[@rubberman7665]

Great instructional video. I bought a wood clamp and will be using it as you showed. I do have a question. Instead of the chain underneath, why didn’t you leave the clamp in? I assume there is a reason I’m not foreseeing.

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

2 reasons. One - It allowed me to remove the clamp and seal up the sink within minutes of installation. This was for a client and I didn't want to come back the next day to continue working on it. Two - the chains give added support. A full bathroom sink should still be ok in terms of weight, but I have seen kitchen sinks fall out due to the weight of the water. I like putting the straps in just for some added strength.

[@StewieSta18]

Yep, that's why mine failed. Too much weight due to a full sink. I will be adding straps to mine. ​@@thewrighthandyman8139

[@davidjsouth231]

Looks simple enough. I have a rectangular sink to replace. I have no wood underneath. I may rip a couple pieces and glue to the inside of the cabinet.

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

Good Luck! Let me know how it goes.

[@steverobinson643]

This is great! Our undermount sink is cracked and needs to be replaced. Can't find a plumber in Tucson who will do it (liability if the granite counter cracks??). I'll dive into this myself.

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

Best of Luck! It's not too terrible to do.

[@steverobinson643]

@@thewrighthandyman8139 The sink I need to remove was clamped in by cutting grooves into the granite. Is that a standard practice??

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

@@steverobinson643 Sometimes. The grooves are for the clips that hold in the sink. The couple I have done did not have these grooves which is why I had to use strapping.

[@pastorjohn4337]

I hear you, but in my opinion you make things much more secure with an adhesive. Like someone once said, "Never be defeated by the avoidable."

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

The defeat was avoided by redundancy. There are 2 systems holding the sink in place, either of which can hold it up. If either one fails, the sink still stays in place, and it is unlikely both would fail at the same time.

[@pastorjohn4337]

@@thewrighthandyman8139 I agree that the straps will do the job. I've never seen straps used before and I feel that a good adhesive and clips is sufficient. Thanks for the video. It was very informative.

[@EdwardoTapia-li1co]

As a stone professional, that hard stuff is epoxy. It’s super hard and very strong lol

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

That makes sense, thanks!

[@user-mp5yu5pe7f]

I do not want to use any clip will be possible?

[@andreycham4797]

Check out black mamba fhg

[@JS-zb1vv]

Yes they make some power trap glue. Sets up in just a few seconds

[@pastorjohn4337]

As one other comment said, you should have had a strong adhesive to hold the sink in rather than silicone. Once it is in use the silicone to seal it and make it water tight between the sink and granite.

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

While silicone won't have the holding power of epoxy, when it is spread over a surface area like a sink lip, it will hold well. The metal straps will give it added strength. Together, the silicone and straps should be at least as strong if not stronger than epoxy alone.

[@smk3390]

I just did this in my bathroom, I used a waterproof no nails construction adhesive to attach the undermount sink, then added clamps. I have not added silicone underneath at the rim, however I may do that part, but the adhesive again is waterproof not resistant, so i shouldn't have any issue.

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

I would add the silicone around the rim between the sink and counter. While this will add a little holding power, more importantly, it will keep stuff from getting caught in there and growing mold.

[@smk3390]

@@thewrighthandyman8139 yep. I will be picking up a tube today when im out. I just have been busy and I need to get some paintable caulk to do the edges of the vanity. Thanks for replying

[@derrickspeed2567]

What size clamp did you use? How long did it take you roughly to replace?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

I think the clamp is 24". It took a while to chisel out the old epoxy. I would guess between 2 and 4 hours total. Take your time and make sure everything is all lined up. Whether you use silicone or an adhesive, you will still have a chance to readjust if needed.

[@triumfdula8830]

are those straps then removed or do they stay there

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

I left them there. They support the sink while the silicone cures, but also give added support after. I've seen kitchen sinks fall out as they get heavy when full of water, so straps would help. A bathroom sink won't be as heavy as a kitchen sink when full, but I leave them just in case.

[@user-mp5yu5pe7f]

what kind of adhesive to connect ceramic sink to marble countertop for undermount sink?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

I used Gorilla glue which will stick just about anything to anything, however, I do not know if it is marble safe. You may have to read the label to find out. I know there are silicones available that say they are marble safe, you can try one of those. Just read the back, it will tell you what it is safe for and what it will work on.

[@karensrox]

Where can I buy the replacement?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

If you want just an affordable sink, Home Depot or Lowes. If you have something specific in mind, there are stores that specialize in bathroom fixtures, try there.

[@lupitacabrera9421]

What type (brand) of silicone you use?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

It's been a while, so I don't recall. However, any silicone will work fine, or gorilla glue.

what kind and brand of bar clamp did you use? is 24" enough? and can't i do aways with the straps and clips and just keep the clamp in place for 24 hours?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

I think it's a Bessey knockoff, it is a cheap one. 24" should be long enough, I think mine is 30" or 36"

[@Thanh-linux]

What is the tool that you used to hold the sink to the wood?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

It's a wood clamp with a removable end. This makes it easier to fit through the drain hole. They can be found at most hardware stores, or woodworking stores.

[@HooperWest]

Great Help Man! Thx!

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

My pleasure!

[@benjaminsher28]

where'd you get that basic sink and also, i like the straps but where did you find them?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

The client provided the sink. However, Home Depot or Lowes will carry them. In the sink section, there should be a display of sinks, some for over the counter, and some for under the counter. If you aren't sure, someone there should be able to point them out. The straps will be in the plumbing department, usually by the ABS (black) pipe.

[@benjaminsher28]

i bought a glacier bay at home depot for a whopping $25. only one on hand. the outside measures is 19 x 19" however the inside measure for drop in appears to possibly fit the whole in my granite counter which is 17 x 14. i actually have a cracked undermount sink that i am replacing with this drop in ceramic sink. tenants are hard on these ceramic sinks. i wonder if they are made in porcelain, which perhaps might be tougher? do you think i will have a problem with going for the drop in as replacement vs finding an undermount? i think the drop in makes more sense, considering ease of installation and the fact that home depot stocks the drop ins but they don;'t stock the undermounts. thank you

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

@@benjaminsher28 I don't know 100% if the drop in would fit, you can dry fit it in the opening after removing the undermount sink. That's strange, my Home Depot here carries the undermount versions, perhaps a specialty shop might have them.

[@JS-zb1vv]

Buy some goclips. From BB industry or granquartz

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

I don't believe there were slots cut in the granite for these clips to sit in, that's why it had to be glued to the underside of the counter.

[@JS-zb1vv]

Yea you just need a grinder with a stone blade to make the slots ! Makes it so easy to mount and change !

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

@@JS-zb1vv True, as long as your blade is the right width and you position the slots properly, this would work.

[@JS-zb1vv]

These are what I use in my countertop shop .

[@marchomeautorepairs]

You need epoxy to secure the sink not silicone over time will fail

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

That's why I put the metal straps on it to make sure it would stay put.

[@someguydino6770]

um...call me stupid: but about 50 percent of this has to do with REMOVING an undermount sink! It would have made GOOD sense to have mentioned that in the title?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

It's pretty difficult to install something new without removing the old parts and prepping the surface properly for installation. I assume for any job that removal and prep is part of the process which is why it is included. If all you need is the installation part, you can skip forward in the video.