Installing a drop-in lavatory

Bathroom lavatory can be beautiful as well as practical. The traditional drop-in lavatory will always be very popular, but the integral sink/countertop (typically cultured marble or solid surface materials) that has a seamless appearance is rapidly gaining in popularity.
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Materials
1. Determine the location of your lavatory sink
2. Cut the sink opening
3. Position the sink
4. Anchor the support bolts (for enamelled steel lavatories)
5. Make the connections

Materials

Because of the many advantages offered by vitreous china, it is by far the most popular material for bathroom sinks. It does not chip, has a luxurious look and its smooth non-porous surface is easy to clean. Other choices of material are enamelled steel (least expensive) and cast iron (very heavy and tends to be more expensive than vitreous china).

1. Determine the location of your lavatory sink

If the opening has not already been made in the countertop, determine the exact location for the lavatory. Use the sink manufacturer's paper template as directed to determine the sink opening and trace the required cutout line.

2. Cut the sink opening

Bore a clearance hole through the countertop on the inside edge of the cutout line then use a jigsaw to cut the sink opening. If the countertop is laminate, use a blade that cuts on the down stroke rather than the upstroke to avoid chipping. Also put masking tape on the shoe of your saw to avoid scratching your countertop. If your countertop is stone or solid surface, we recommend that you have it cut professionally to avoid damaging it. When cutting the opening, be sure to follow the line to make a precise cut.

3. Position the sink

Preinstall the faucet before positioning the sink into the countertop opening. If the sink is supplied with a rubber edge band, simply insert it in the opening. If not, apply a bead of plumber's putty or bathroom silicone to the underside of the rim near the outer edge before you position the sink on the vanity. Then place some weights in the sink until the caulking cures. If required, wipe off any excess caulk with a cloth.

4. Anchor the support bolts (for enamelled steel lavatories)

From underneath the silk, tighten the support bolts. Do not overtighten as this could cause the finish on the enamelled sink to crack.

5. Make the connections

Connect the faucet supplies to shut offs and then connect DWV (drainage/waste/vent) pipe to the house waste system.
Installing a new sink is a simple and economical way of improving the look of your bathroom. If you would like more information on the wide variety of models available, drop by your local store.
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