To remodel or enhance the beauty of the bathroom, installing a glass vessel sink is a perfect idea. Here are some quick steps to follow.
You can install the sink on almost any countertop available in your home. The vessel sink might wobble and fall off, causing it to break and cause injuries. Improper drain assembly installation might leak and flood your bath area which is very unpleasant.
That’s why I’m going to share my experience in installing a glass vessel sink. I’ll also share some tips to help you secure it. The sink can be installed in two different ways. It can be an above-counter installation or a recessed installation.
An above-counter installation by the name itself is installed just above your countertop. It’s usually used with a mounting ring which serves as a stand for your sink stability.
On the other hand, a recessed installed sink rests about halfway down. The countertop holds the sink itself. Stability-wise, this will ensure you a sturdier hold.
How to Install a Glass Vessel Sink
Step 1: Prepare the Materials Needed
- vessel sink
- plumbers putty
- drain hardware
- silicone caulk
- channel lock pliers
- damp cloth
- towel
Step 2: Use a Towel
Lay your towel on the table and carefully place your sink upside down. This will prevent any chips and breakage on both your countertop and sink.
Step 3: Turn off the Water Line
This is one primary action that you need to do before doing any plumbing. This will prevent your work area from getting wet.
Step 4: Know where to Rest your Sink
If you need to use a sink mounting ring for the glass vessel sink installation, you can purchase one. This comes in different finishes that would match your faucet and drain finish. This will also elevate your sink from the countertop and make it stable and properly sealed.
To install this, simply place your mounting ring where the whole of the drain pipe is located. When you opt for the recessed installation, simply cut a hole in your countertop that is half the size of your sink’s diameter.
If you want the sink to be situated higher or lower, simply adjust the size of the hole. Although this covers up half of the design of the sink, it is more stable and safe.
Step 5: Secure with a Silicone Sealant
You don’t want your sink to chip and break along the way, that’s why we strongly recommend that you provide a cushion between the glass and your countertop. Put a silicone sealant on the edge of the hole that you have cut.
When you are using a mounting ring, secure the mounting ring on the countertop with a silicone sealant. This will prevent your sink from wobbling. Make sure to thoroughly dry this before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Attach the Drain to the Vessel Sink
Now that the countertop is ready to receive your vessel sink, make sure to securely attach your drain to the vessel sink with the use of your plumber’s putty. This will give you an easier job as you take the next steps.
Step 7: Install the Glass Sink
Now that everything is set and ready, you can lower your sink vessel whether on the mounting ring or onto the countertop hole that you have made. Make sure to properly align the drain hole facing downwards.
Step 8: Seal the Edges of the Sink
You need to make sure to never miss this procedure. This will prevent water from dripping down towards your vanity or cabinet and cause some mildew or breakage.
To do so, use a silicone sealant to seal the same between your countertop hole’s edges and your glass vessel sink. Make sure to seal it from beneath the countertop. Wipe dry the excess silicone using your damp towel.
Step 9: Assemble the Waist Line
The drain assembly that comes with your newly purchased vessel sink can be assembled already. However, if it is not pre-assembled, you can easily follow the instructions given on the manual of your sink.
When you have fully assembled it, you can now insert the waistline assembly into the sink drain hole from underneath the vessel sink. Make sure to attach all the washers and other assembly hardware and securely tighten it with channel lock pliers.
Final Step: Attach the P-trap
Your drain assembly should now be attached to your existing p-trap. Make sure to securely tighten the connection to avoid leakage. When every step is done, you can now let it rest for 24 hours before even actually using it to ensure that all silicone sealants and putty used are dry enough to prevent leaks.
How to Secure a Glass Vessel Sink
Glass vessel sinks are indeed very appealing to the eyes. It will surely entice you to put one in your bath area. However, because of its glass material and positioning, you really need to know how to secure the sink. If you’re on the hook in this dilemma, here are the few things that you need to consider:
Choose the proper glass thickness
You may come to think that glass vessel sinks are not sturdy enough to last a long time. Because of its very fragile look, it could make you think twice. However, having the right thickness will surely be the game-changer.
Choose the ones with ⅛ to ¼ inch thickness. This will be sturdy enough to withstand your regular grooming habits without the worry of breakage. A tempered glass vessel sink is also 5 times stronger than regular glass materials.
Location of your countertop must be ideal for safety
Having a suitable location to position the sink is very important. Because of its installation position where it rests just on top of your countertop, it is also very prone to be accidentally bumped by the children’s uncanny behavior. Having said that, we suggest you position your vanity in a corner.
Secure installation
Proper bathroom sink installation is one of the most important things to put in mind. Make sure to seal all the seams with a sealant. If you’re using a mounting ring, ensure that the ring is properly installed on the countertop and does not wobble. Check the drain assembly underneath the countertop if they are securely tightened.
Wrap Up
It’s a great way to maximize the space of your bath area by installing a glass vessel sink with a cabinet underneath. The sink also brings the bathroom look to the next level. With its wide variety of designs, colors, and shapes, you will never go wrong with this type of sink.
