I recently installed a double kitchen sink in my home, and I’m here to share my experience with you. It’s a fairly straightforward process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure a successful installation.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all of the tools and materials you’ll need. Here’s a list of what I used⁚
- Two kitchen sinks
- Two sink drains
- Two P-traps
- Two tailpieces
- Plumber’s putty
- Teflon tape
- Adjustable wrench
- Basin wrench
- Hacksaw
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Once you have all of your tools and materials, you’re ready to begin the installation process.
Tip⁚ If you’re not comfortable working with plumbing, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to do the job for you.
Prepare the Sink Cabinets
Once you have your tools and materials, you need to prepare the sink cabinets. This involves cutting out the holes for the sinks and drains.
To cut out the holes for the sinks, I used a jigsaw. I first measured and marked the location of the holes, then I used the jigsaw to cut them out. Be sure to wear safety glasses when using a jigsaw!
Once the holes for the sinks are cut out, you need to install the drains. To do this, I applied a bead of plumber’s putty around the drain flange, then I inserted the drain into the hole. I tightened the drain nut until it was snug.
The next step is to install the P-traps. A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. To install the P-traps, I simply screwed them onto the drains.
Finally, I installed the tailpieces. A tailpiece is a short piece of pipe that connects the P-trap to the drainpipe. To install the tailpieces, I simply slipped them over the P-traps and tightened the nuts.
Once the sink cabinets are prepared, you’re ready to install the sinks.
Tip⁚ Be sure to measure the holes for the sinks and drains carefully before cutting them out. You don’t want to make the holes too big or too small!
Install the Sink Drains
Once the sink cabinets are prepared, it’s time to install the sink drains. This is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure a successful installation.
The first step is to apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the drain flange. Plumber’s putty is a type of sealant that helps to create a watertight seal between the drain and the sink.
Once you have applied the plumber’s putty, insert the drain into the hole in the sink. Be sure to center the drain so that it is evenly spaced from all sides.
Next, tighten the drain nut until it is snug. Do not overtighten the nut, as this could damage the drain or the sink.
Once the drain is tightened, you can connect the P-trap. A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. To connect the P-trap, simply screw it onto the drain.
Finally, connect the tailpiece to the P-trap. A tailpiece is a short piece of pipe that connects the P-trap to the drainpipe. To connect the tailpiece, simply slip it over the P-trap and tighten the nuts.
Once the sink drains are installed, you’re ready to install the sinks.
Tip⁚ Be sure to test the drains before you install the sinks. To do this, simply pour some water down the drains and make sure that it drains properly.
Install the P-Traps
Once the sink drains are installed, it’s time to install the P-traps. A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. To install a P-trap, simply screw it onto the drain.
There are two types of P-traps⁚ slip-joint P-traps and compression P-traps. Slip-joint P-traps are easier to install, but compression P-traps are more secure. I recommend using compression P-traps for a more permanent installation.
To install a compression P-trap, you will need to⁚
Apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the washer on the bottom of the P-trap.
Insert the P-trap into the drain hole.
Tighten the nuts on the P-trap until they are snug. Do not overtighten the nuts, as this could damage the P-trap or the drain.
Once the P-traps are installed, you’re ready to install the tailpieces.
Tip⁚ Be sure to test the P-traps before you install the tailpieces. To do this, simply pour some water down the drains and make sure that it drains properly.
Install the Tailpieces
The tailpieces are the pipes that connect the P-traps to the drainpipes. To install a tailpiece, simply insert it into the P-trap and tighten the nuts until they are snug. Do not overtighten the nuts, as this could damage the tailpiece or the P-trap.
Once the tailpieces are installed, you’re ready to connect the drainpipes.
Tip⁚ If you are using a dishwasher, be sure to install a dishwasher tailpiece. A dishwasher tailpiece has a built-in knockout that allows the dishwasher drain hose to connect to the tailpiece.
Tip⁚ Be sure to test the tailpieces before you connect the drainpipes. To do this, simply pour some water down the drains and make sure that it drains properly.
Once the tailpieces are tested and the drainpipes are connected, you’re finished! You have now successfully installed your double kitchen sink plumbing.
Congratulations!