Category: Kitchen Plumbing

 

Can a plumber install a sink? That question seems silly, and yet, it pops up a lot all over the internet in FAQ sections. The answer is yes, as long as the plumbers you are referring to are licensed, insured, certified contractors, not amateur plumbers who watched a little HGTV, went to a home improvement store a couple of times and now fancy themselves an expert.

It’s difficult to think of anyone who would be better qualified than a licensed, experienced plumbing expert to install a new sink. So, the question of whether a plumber can install a sink has left us scratching our heads, because of course he or she can.

Sink installation is no easy task. What follows is a very basic, general overview of the process, the purpose of which is to illustrate how many steps are involved in removing and replacing a sink, and why it’s a job to be undertaken by an expert.

Getting Ready for the Project

First, the plumber will gather all the necessary supplies, the majority of which he or she will already have in his or her possession. This includes basic plumbing tools like gloves, eye protection, a utility knife, putty, a putty knife, a hacksaw, rags, buckets, a tape measure, so on and so forth. Among the necessary supplies?

The new sink, of course, but that comes a little later after all of the measurements have been taken and the relevant building codes and regulations have been checked. Extensive measurements will be taken of your existing sink, as well as the space your kitchen allows in the event you are doing some remodeling.

The way your current sink is set up will be documented in detailed notes and, in almost all cases, with digital photos so that the plumber can verify that the new sink has been installed correctly. Before going any further, the water must be shut off, as well as the power to the dishwasher and garbage disposal lines. The faucets should be turned on to release the built-up pressure and remaining water.

Removing the Old Sink

Once the water has been shut off, all of the faucets need to be turned on to release any water trapped in the plumbing and to reduce the pressure within the pipes. At this point, the plumber begins to disconnect every pipe, valve, and hose.

This is usually somewhat messy work, which is why plumbers wear gloves, have buckets to catch anything that might fall out of a cut pipe and have plenty of rags available for cleaning up on the go.

Next, the metal brackets that hold the outside of the sink in place must be removed using tools. The brackets act like clamps. The perimeter of the sink will also be held in place by a sealant, putty or caulk, which is scraped away using a putty knife or similar tool.

At this time, the old sink can safely be lifted out of place from underneath. Before the new sink is installed, the work area should be completely cleaned. Any remnants of putty or otherwise should be scraped away and wiped down.

Getting The New Sink Installed

The installation of the new sink is essentially the process of removing the old sink in reverse. The plumber will refer back to his or her notes and images of your previous plumbing configuration to ensure that everything has been reconnected and hooked up correctly.

Some adjustments are needed in order to get everything to fit properly, despite the plumber taking careful measurements beforehand. For example, a pipe may be slightly too long to connect perfectly, so a hacksaw is typically used to remove the excess length.

New metal brackets are applied and secured with caulking and sealant. After the sealant is adequately dry, the plumber will turn the water back on, followed by the electrical power to the dishwasher line and disposal. Several tests for leaks will be performed to make sure that your new sink is working perfectly. Any repairs, tweaks or adjustments will be made until everything is operating as it should be.

The steps outlined above should provide you with a general, basic overview of how old sinks are replaced and new ones are installed. Remember, sink installation is a job for a licensed professional contractor. If you get the urge to attempt a DIY project, try something that is less likely to go catastrophically wrong and will not result in you accidentally flooding your kitchen.

The next time someone asks whether a plumber can install a sink, feel free to give them the side-eye, because there is no one more qualified than a plumbing expert to accomplish exactly that. To reach a plumbing expert (who indeed can install your new sink), call our friendly team at Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer.

 

If you plan to upgrade your kitchen, installing a new sink to go along with your stone countertop can add a nice touch to your El Monte, CA home. However, beware that dealing with materials such as granite can be expensive and tricky.

Once you have your countertop ready, you have one chance to create the right fit for your kitchen plumbing components. It’s important to take proper precautions and work with people you can trust. We’re here to help homeowners who need advice when it comes to these projects. Here are a few tips about sink installation on stone countertops.

Do the Correct Countertop Measurements

It’s crucial you don’t screw up the measurements when cutting into a stone countertop. If they’re wrong, you may have to start again from scratch, which can be costly and time-consuming. The size of the holes you are making will depend on the type of sink you’re installing.

Top-mounting sinks can rest on the countertop due to a rim that is larger than the hole for the sink. Undermount sinks are installed beneath the countertop and therefore must match the exact size of the hole.

If your sink doesn’t come with holes for faucets and taps, you will need to measure holes for them as well. In any case, your measurements must be precise for this kitchen plumbing installation project.

Match the Sink to the Right Size and Your Needs

While searching for a new sink, consider the amount of space you have to work with along with its functionality. There’s only so much space available to work with on your stone countertop.

If the sink is too big, cutting may be more difficult, and if it’s too small, it may not meet your kitchen’s needs. Don’t forget about leaving space for faucets and taps.

Any major hardware store will give you plenty of options, but your priority should be finding a sink that’s the right size and capable of doing the job.

Contact a Plumber to Help You Out

It’s critical to get in touch with a professional to help with cutting a stone countertop and installing a sink. These professionals will have access to special tools needed to cut stone, which may not be available for rent to homeowners.

Trying to perform this project on your own with regular tools could be dangerous. Hire a kitchen plumbing specialist who has the equipment and experience to get the job done.

They may also be able to offer a replacement guarantee for your countertop if any mistakes are made. Breathe easy and put this project in the hands of an expert.

 

There’s a way for you to boost your kitchen experience by making cooking and cleaning easier all while saving a bunch of money. Sounds too good to be true, right? Think again. Installing a garbage disposal in your kitchen can serve up all of these things. This device not only eliminates food waste but also ensures your plumbing system remains clean and healthy.

That means fewer problems and calls to your El Monte, CA plumbing professional. Home life gets a big upgrade after buying one of these units. If you’re still not sure about the benefits of these machines, we’re come up with a list to help you. Here are the best reasons to purchase a garbage disposal.

No More Awful Odors

Kitchens can be smelly, and there are two major sources of this. The first is old food caught in the drain of your sink; the second is decomposing food sitting in the garbage bin.

These leave behind a stench that doesn’t go away until somebody cleans the drain or takes out the trash. Even worse, the odor can permeate throughout your home.

If you have a garbage disposal, there won’t be a rotten smell. All the food you don’t use for cooking and the scraps you leave behind after eating get flushed away. No food gets stuck in the drain or thrown in the trash. Also, since you’re not tossing heavy food items in the bin, taking out the garbage gets easier.

Cleaner Dishwashing

Garbage disposals also help with post-meal clean up. Food can be scraped off and eliminated right away, which means your pots, pans, dishes, and utensils can be soaked water that’s free of debris.

You don’t have to dip your hands in gross water or deal with clogged sink strainers anymore. Afterward, if there are any food particles left in the sink they can be easily flushed away. These devices make washing dishes by hand a simple activity.

Clogs Are No More

It’s common for food particles to make their way down our drains. This can become a problem, however, if too many large pieces get stuck and clog up the works.

If the flow of water is disrupted in your plumbing, it could increase pressure and possibly lead to leaks. A leak can result in water damage that slowly spreads throughout your kitchen. The longer a leak goes on, the more expensive repairs become.

Garbage disposal owners don’t have to worry about these problems. The device breaks down all food into small enough bits to be safely flushed away. Debris doesn’t build up in your drain, and your plumbing won’t clog up. This also means you won’t have to contact a plumber to perform drain cleaning or plumbing repair services for your kitchen.

 

The refrigerator is often just thought of as a kitchen appliance that keeps food chilled or frozen. But in some ways, it’s become one of the hubs of any home. Parents and children regularly dip into the fridge for food, drinks and snacks. People even leave messages, pictures and lists on the fridge because it’s the one point in a home that everyone will visit eventually.

Because of the refrigerator’s increasing importance, it’s also gained a lot of functionality for the home over the years. The newest models are even Internet-ready and can work with your phone! But even if you don’t need that high tech functionality, you might still appreciate getting a glass of water, or some ice cubes directly from your fridge. And you can, provided you connect it correctly.

Getting Water

Some refrigerators will let put a glass or pitcher in a specific receptacle and get clean, cool drinking water, just like from a faucet.

Of course, in order to facilitate this, a fridge will need to be connected to your kitchen plumbing. If your new fridge has functions similar to your old fridge, then connecting it to the water supply is very easy.

The intensive work has already been done in this case. So you need to either take the existing flexible water pipe that may have come with your old fridge, or is included with your new one. Connect that water pipe to the transition connector that is already installed on the cold water pipe your old fridge was using, and once the connection is made, test it. That’s it!

Getting Ice

Some refrigerators may also be able to take water, and create ice cubes with them. That means you don’t need an ice cube tray, water and some time in the freezer to enjoy chilled drinks.

You can just stick your glass under the dispenser and get ice cubes anytime you like. This type of convenience also requires a connection to your kitchen plumbing.

However, if your previous fridge did not require a kitchen plumbing connection, you’ll now have to make one in order to enjoy these added water functions.

You’ll need to locate the nearest water pipe to your fridge and either drill a hole in the floor to gain access to it, or select a nearby sink or other water fixture with pipes if that’s not an option.

Once you have the pipe that you want to use selected, you’ll need to shut off your water supply while you get to work. Get new parts, like a copper transition connector, and some tools and accessories like pliers, Teflon tape and a propane torch.

With the water supply off, cut the water pipe at your selected area and attach the copper transition connector. Solidify it with Teflon tape and apply the propane torch to solder everything into place. When that’s all done, take the flexible water pipe and plug it into the transition connector. Test it to make sure everything works.

The Easy Choice

For people living in West Covina, CA that don’t feel like taking the DIY approach, another viable solution is to call the professionals!

Bring in certified, experienced plumbers, explain the situation, then sit back and let seasoned experts quickly get your fridge connected to your kitchen plumbing in a quality, professional way!