Author Topic: Securing a kitchen sink to a counter top  (Read 2735 times)

bobbyj

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 20
Securing a kitchen sink to a counter top
« on: February 17, 2016, 05:04:40 PM »
Our sink has been shifting around, and I'm trying to figure out a solution to the problem.  It looks like the problem is that when they built the cabinets installed the counter-top, the cabinet is too narrow for the sink and they didn't install the clips before they put the counter-top in place.

So now it looks like there is no way to install clips b/c the clips are wider than the cabinet walls are, the whole through the counter-top is only 1/4 of an inch wider than the clips.  I think they just put some silicone caulk when they realized the problem and that eventually just pulled apart.

How can I secure the sink to counter top?

paddedhat

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2228
Re: Securing a kitchen sink to a counter top
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2016, 10:13:56 PM »
A rimmed sink can be secured in a bed of silicone IF it's done correctly. Judging by your pictures, it wasn't.
Here is what I would do. First, use a razor scraper to completely clean all the existing caulk debris off of the top of the counter. Scrape and clean the bottom of the sink lip, also. If this is a stainless steel sink you can use sandpaper, and Scotchbrite pads to really clean the underside until it shines.  Next, use acetone and a rag to scrub both surfaces to remove any residual crud. Now dry fit the sink in the hole. Use masking tape to cover about an inch of the countertop,  placing it tight to edge of the sink lip. Flip the sink over on a flat surface and put a very large bead of clear silicone on the bottom of the lip. Lower the sink into the opening, and evenly push it tight to the counter. Clean all the excess squeeze out from the edges and place a good amount of weight in the sink ( a few small buckets of water, stack of hardcover books, etc....)  peal the tape up, check for any caulk mess, and let it sit overnight. If everything was done well, this sink will be there until you pry it out.

Metric Mouse

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5278
  • FU @ 22. F.I.R.E before 23
Re: Securing a kitchen sink to a counter top
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2016, 01:35:02 AM »
A rimmed sink can be secured in a bed of silicone IF it's done correctly. Judging by your pictures, it wasn't.
Here is what I would do. First, use a razor scraper to completely clean all the existing caulk debris off of the top of the counter. Scrape and clean the bottom of the sink lip, also. If this is a stainless steel sink you can use sandpaper, and Scotchbrite pads to really clean the underside until it shines.  Next, use acetone and a rag to scrub both surfaces to remove any residual crud. Now dry fit the sink in the hole. Use masking tape to cover about an inch of the countertop,  placing it tight to edge of the sink lip. Flip the sink over on a flat surface and put a very large bead of clear silicone on the bottom of the lip. Lower the sink into the opening, and evenly push it tight to the counter. Clean all the excess squeeze out from the edges and place a good amount of weight in the sink ( a few small buckets of water, stack of hardcover books, etc....)  peal the tape up, check for any caulk mess, and let it sit overnight. If everything was done well, this sink will be there until you pry it out.


That's pretty much how I installed my bathroom sink... Good call with masking around it to minimize the mess.

bobbyj

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 20
Re: Securing a kitchen sink to a counter top
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2016, 03:22:43 AM »
Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

Jon Bon

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1664
  • Location: Midwest
Re: Securing a kitchen sink to a counter top
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2016, 04:53:39 AM »
A rimmed sink can be secured in a bed of silicone IF it's done correctly. Judging by your pictures, it wasn't.
Here is what I would do. First, use a razor scraper to completely clean all the existing caulk debris off of the top of the counter. Scrape and clean the bottom of the sink lip, also. If this is a stainless steel sink you can use sandpaper, and Scotchbrite pads to really clean the underside until it shines.  Next, use acetone and a rag to scrub both surfaces to remove any residual crud. Now dry fit the sink in the hole. Use masking tape to cover about an inch of the countertop,  placing it tight to edge of the sink lip. Flip the sink over on a flat surface and put a very large bead of clear silicone on the bottom of the lip. Lower the sink into the opening, and evenly push it tight to the counter. Clean all the excess squeeze out from the edges and place a good amount of weight in the sink ( a few small buckets of water, stack of hardcover books, etc....)  peal the tape up, check for any caulk mess, and let it sit overnight. If everything was done well, this sink will be there until you pry it out.

Paddledhat can you come work on my house?! Your posts always make me think hey I did not think of that but it's totally what I  would try!

paddedhat

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2228
Re: Securing a kitchen sink to a counter top
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2016, 05:07:06 AM »

Paddledhat can you come work on my house?! Your posts always make me think hey I did not think of that but it's totally what I  would try!

LOL, It might just happen. Last summer the DW and I were hanging out for a while, in a Longmont, Colorado campground. I was online, helping a member here with some window issues, and realized that he might be located nearby. I sent a PM and found out that he was five minutes down the road. I spent a few hours with him, and his lovely family, as we installed a replacement window,  developed a plan for replacing other failed windows, and correcting some really bad workmanship left by the builder of their fairly new house. It was an interesting experience.