Installing a vessel sink on a granite countertop is easier than it might seem at first. Here’s out handy guide and steps to follow
It doesn’t matter whether your bathroom is modern or traditional; a vessel sink (pros and cons of vessel sinks) installed on a granite countertop makes the room look classic and aesthetic.
Granite countertops catch the eye and are also easy to clean and use, affordable, and resistant to stains, chipping, moisture, bacteria, heat, and scratching.
The combination of the vessel sink and granite countertop results in a beautiful view, improving the look of the room.
The vessel sink installation process may differ because the sinks come in different sizes and styles. Therefore, besides having the standard tools for the bathroom sink installation, you need to have the mounting hardware for that specific sink.
How To Install a Vessel Sink on Granite Countertop
Step 1: Collect the Required Tools and Materials
With all the correct tools and materials, the procedure will be easy and fast. Ensure you have the following before starting the installation process;
- Caulk
- Rag
- Hole saw
- Groove pliers and tongue
- Screwdriver
- Caulk gun
- Hacksaw
- Drill
- Faucet
- Shims
- Plumber’s tape
- Drywall anchors
- Supply lines
- Granite countertop
- Gloves
- Eye protection goggles
Step 2: Prepare the Sink for Installation
After assembling all the materials and tools you required for the process, you need to prepare the sink for installation. But before then, you need to put on your safety gear as accidents are inevitable when dealing with tools and sharp objects.
Put on protective gloves and goggles. Then remove the sink from its packing if new or storage area. Next, place it safely on the granite countertop, near its place of installation. Ensure that it’s clean and stainless and all its parts are in order.
Step 3: Switch Off the Water Supply
When sure that the sink is ready for installation, you need to cut out all the water supplies in the room. Close the main and the hot and cold water supply lines. It will prevent water from spilling and flooding all over, adding more tasks to your hands.
Step 4: Disconnect the Water Supply Lines
After switching off the water lines, disconnect them by unscrewing the nut and all the screws. Then remove the water supply tube and the cold and hot water lines from their location.
Step 5: Measure and Mark Where the Vessel Sink Will Sit
Measure and mark out where you will fix the vessel sink on the granite countertop. The sink should settle at the countertop center.
Place the sink in the intended location and trace it around using a removable marker. You can also use the instructions manual to know the measurements. The sink should be installed under 36 inches high for easier use and reach if you have children.
Step 6: Start the Plumbing Process
When you have marked out where the sink will get set up on the granite countertop, begin the plumbing process.
Use a hole saw to cut a hole that will fit all the plumbing pipes.
Be careful not to splinter the wood when cutting because it can damage the pipes. Then connect all the lines and use a water-resistant sealant to seal the joints firmly.
Step 7: Check the Vanity
After cutting the plumbing hole and fixing the plumbing pipes, you need to check the bathroom vanity and level for easier fitting.
Adjust the position and level of the vanity and the walls using shims. When the vanity is firm and stable, it becomes easy to fix the plumbing system.
Step 8: Drill Holes into the Studs
Once you finish positioning and leveling the vanity, you need to attach it to the wall. Start by drilling pilot holes to go through the vanity’s back and then into the studs.
Ensure it gets secured firmly to avoid slipping when working on the countertop and sink.
Step 9: Connect the Faucet and Vanity
After fixing the vanity, you need to connect the faucet. Begin with wiping any dirt from the vanity and sink using a clean damp cloth.
Then remove any dirt, debris, or dust around the vanity’s drain. Then attach the vanity to the wall.
Next, fix the faucet loosely in its place as designed or instructed in the manual.
That way, you will be able to adjust the tap to fit the sink. You will have to tighten the faucet after adjusting it to its proper position with the sink.
Step 10: Attach the Sink to the Granite Countertop
After setting the granite countertop in its place firmly and installing the faucet, it’s time to fix the vessel sink.
Start by applying adhesive or silicone caulk on the countertop where the sink will sit. Also, apply the same to the sink’s bottom.
Then carefully position the sink on the countertop. Next, leave it for some time for the sealant to dry.
Don’t forget to use a damp cloth to clean up any excess adhesive and dirt in and around the sink before allowing it to dry.
Final Step: Put On the Water
After the sink installation and the sealant has dried properly, you can turn on the water and test if it’s working correctly.
Investigate the connections for any leakages or drippings. If none and the water is flowing as expected, the process has gotten completed successfully.
If not, turn off the water supply and seal all the leaking areas with a silicone sealant or other water-resistant adhesive.
Attaching a Vessel Sink on Bathroom Countertop
- First, consider the height of the vessel sink and vanity below the countertop. You can install a sink on granite to sit on top or stay recessed. The height of the vanity should be comfortable – approximately 36 – inches from the bottom to the bowl’s top.
- Also, use a faucet taller than the sink and with a long spout. Faucets designed for vessel sinks are ideal to use. Turn off your bathroom’s water supply and turn on the faucet to relieve pressure.
- Then remove the old vanity. Start by loosening the nuts to take out the drain pipes. Afterward, disconnect the water lines from the valves.
- Next, cut the sealant in the backsplash and remove it. If your bathroom vanity gets fixed to the wall, separate it from the countertop using a putty knife. Then lift it off and back out the screws.
- You now should be able to pull out the vanity. After removing the old vanity, it’s easy to spot any plumbing problem and repair it. You can also paint the area and replace the floor or wall tile.
- Then mark the height and width on the wall as a layout for installing the new vanity. When finished, use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs above the outlined area.
- Use a tape measure to transfer the plumbing locations from the wall to the back of the vanity. Then cut with a hole saw a little bit larger than the size of the pipes.
- If your new vanity has drawers, make sure the plumbing won’t interfere. Position the vanity and check that it’s level. Use shims to adjust.
- After leveling the new vanity, drill holes through its back into the studs, and secure the vanity to the walls with screws. If you can’t line up the holes with studs, use wall anchors for your wall type.
- Attach the faucet on the vanity top before installing your bathroom’s countertop on the vanity. Leave the faucet loose to make adjustments after the sink has gotten installed.
- Add adhesive or silicone caulk to the vanity’s top and position the countertop in place.
- Then connect the backsplash and caulk the joint. Once you finish, apply the vessel sink’s bottom with a bead of colorless silicone caulk. Then position the sink over the hole on the vanity top. Ensure the overflow hole sits towards the front.
- Then assemble the drain, aligning the overflow hole with the sink. Avoid over-tightening it. Install the remaining plumbing after the caulk has dried. The tailpiece may not fit. In such a case, cut it to fit using the hacksaw. When finished, adjust the faucet as required.
- Then test if the connection is working fine by turning on the water. Look out for leaks.
- Lastly, add the hardware. You can install a lighting fixture, and a new mirror to enhance the newly installed vessel sink style and look.
Installed a vessel sink on granite countertop, the combination creates a classy look. Also, fixing a vessel sink on granite is easy.
What you only need to do is to apply the correct installation procedure. The sink’s package contains an instruction manual. Use it when installing a new vessel sink on granite.
