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Installing A Drop-in Cast Iron Kitchen Sink (Practical Guide)

Installing a Drop-in Cast Iron Kitchen Sink

Installing a drop-in cast iron kitchen sink is a big project for anyone. We’ve got a complete guide and step-by-step instructions.

The kitchen sink is one of the most important parts of the kitchen and it needs to be installed properly. If you are considering installing the sink, here are some things you should know before you start.

The installation of a drop-in cast iron sink is an easy task. After cleaning away old caulk, apply a bead of caulk, set the sink into the hole, center it, and secure it with clips underneath the countertop and there you go.

If you don’t know how to install the cast iron kitchen sink, follow the steps below.

Installing a Drop-in Cast Iron Kitchen Sink

8 Steps to Install a Drop-in Cast Iron Kitchen Sink:

Tools required

  •  Gloves
  •  Safety Goggles
  •  Plumber’s putty or Silicon Grease
  •  Screwdriver
  •  Drill Machine
  •  Cutting Machine

Step 1: Checking the quality of the kitchen counter

Whenever you decide to install a cast iron sink on your kitchen counter, make sure to check the measurement and quality of your kitchen counter.

Make sure that the quality of the counter is strong and reliable enough that it can easily hold the sink. If the counter is weak, you can also give it extra support with frames. Then turn off the main water supply line.

Step 2: Turn off the main water supply

Turn off the main water supply which connects whole the house lines.

Step 3: Measure the size of the sink

Measure the countertop and drain hole so you can easily mount the sink. You don’t have to worry about the size later.

Measure the width and length of the bowls and the lip around the sink. Measure and cut for the sinkhole in the countertop and surrounding cabinetry.

You don’t include the lip in the countertop cut, as the lip will support the sink. You can also use the template that came with the cast iron sink to make the proper size cutout on the kitchen counter.

And if there is no hole in your kitchen cabinet, then you can choose the size of the sink first. After that cut the sinkhole.

Step 4: Cut the sink hole

After taking measurements of the sink, cut the hole in the kitchen cabinet. Cut the hole according to the size of the sink. And also take care of your safety too.

Mark the starting point with a pencil or anything. And then use a drill machine to make a hole on that starting point.

Then begin cutting the whole counterpart according to the size of the sink. So, you can easily put the lip. Lip is the main part to hold the sink in the cabinet. Then install a basket strainer underneath the sink.

Step 5: Installing basket strainer

First, clean the debris and dust from the drain hole as they will cause a bad smell sink drain. Make sure it seals properly. Now place silicon grease or plumber’s putty under the basket and place it into the cabinet.

Then put a thick rubber washer over the thread and then a thinner washer. Both rubber washers will come with basket strainers. Place the nut over the thread.

Step 6: Installing the sink

Put silicon grease or plumber’s putty around the edges of the sink. After that quickly place the sink into the cabinet because the plumber’s putty or silicone grease becomes dry too quickly.

Place the sink carefully into the cabinet so that it doesn’t get any scratches on it.

Now remove the excess sealant. Then leave the sink on the cabinet for 1 or 2 days so that the chemical gets dry, and the sink is fixed properly. Then connect the sink with the plumbing.

Step 7: Connect the sink with the plumbing

After installing the sink, then install the water lines, faucet, and drain lines into the sink. Replace the washers with new ones which come up with the sink. Also, check the drainpipe line to make sure the sink is working properly. Lastly, clean the whole sink.

How to Build a Support Frame for Cast Iron Sink

Sometimes the sink collapses with the whole cabinet because the kitchen cabinet couldn’t support it. So, for that, it’s recommended that use extra support for the cast iron sink.

You can install support frames to your cabinet by measuring the depth of the bottom of the sink.

After measuring depth, place the braces below the cabinet. Which will give extra support to the kitchen cabinet to bear the cast iron kitchen sink.

Step 1: Take measurements

You can install support frames to your cabinet by measuring the depth of the bottom of the sink. First, measure the depth of the sink, place the braces below the cabinet around the sink. Which will give extra support to the kitchen cabinet to bear the cast iron sink. Then create the frame.

Step 2: Create the frame

After taking measurements, then create a piece of 2X4 wood to make two support beams. Place them on the marked template below the sinkhole. If your sink doesn’t come with a template, then you’ll have to create one from scratch. Once you have level pieces, drill three holes for each. Secure the supports with three wood screws into the cabinets.

Step 3: Support the braces

After creating the frame, you will have to support the braces. Find a middle piece between two braces and cut it. Drill a hole into the middle support to support braces. Then add support for the cabinet area.

Step 4: Add support for the cabinet area

After adding support for braces. Now we will have to add support for the cabinet area. So that it can easily hold the cast iron kitchen sink. Measure cabinet so it will fit level with the support system. Cut a hole for the water line system.

Don’t cut a hole directly into the middle because the middle supports the sink. Now drill the holes and use screws to attach them to both sides of the support beams to support the cabinet area.

Finally, place an under sink mat to protect the cabinet. It’s all then.

How to Lift a Drop-in Cast Iron Sink

Cast iron kitchen sink is usually heavier than stainless-steel sinks or other types of sinks. That’s why the cast-iron kitchen sink is strong and reliable. Check the differences between cast iron and stainless steel sink.

So, it’s recommended that you install some extra support on the cabinet. You can easily lift a drop-in cast iron sink with the below steps.

  • Turn off the main water supply line, which provides water to the whole home.
  • Take a measurement of a whole cabinet (counter), where the sink will be placed.
  • After installing the drop-in cast iron sink, place two braces underneath the sink.
  • Then create a hole between a middle point of braces to support braces.
  • Add a wooden screw inside the hole.
  • After taking measurements, then create a piece of 2X4 wood to make two support beams.
  • Then add frame between braces.
  • Now you can easily lift a drop-in cast iron sink with the help of braces.

Final Thoughts

Cast iron kitchen sinks are heavier, so it is advised that use extra support for your cabinet. You can also install the drop-in sink on the laminate countertop. Do all measurements carefully and get the sink according to the cabinet size.

If you follow these above guidelines, then you can easily install the drop-in cast iron kitchen sink without even getting the services of a professional plumber.