An inset sink is installed as part of a continuous work surface. The aperture is cut out once its position is decided. You must make sure there is sufficient space provided underneath for the bowl to sit and the pipes to be plumbed in.
Usually the first job is fitting the taps or mixer to the sink along with the overflow and waste (see Fitting new taps). Stainless steel sinks will require ‘top hat’ washers or spacers to accommodate the shanks, because the shanks will protrude through the holes and therefore you will not be able to screw up the back-nuts tight enough.
Once in position the tap tails will normally be fairly inaccessible. It is a good idea to attach purpose-made extension pieces in order to line them up to a level below the basin where they will be accessible.
When you have prepared the sink ready for installation, you need to turn off the main stop-valve. Turn both taps of the old system on and drain off the hot and cold water pipes.
Disconnect the waste outlet and break any seal between the back of the sink and the wall.
Remove the sink - remembering that it is heavy to lift. Then remove any fixings left on the wall and repair/refill cracks where necessary.
Both the hot and cold supply pipes to the bib-taps over the old sink will probably be inset into the wall. You therefore need to unscrew and remove the old taps.
Excavate the pipes from the wall, pull them forward so that they can be connected to the tails of the new taps.
Place the new sink unit in position. Then cut the water supply pipes to the correct length and then connect to the tails of the new taps.
The new sink top simply rests on the unit. Now the tails can be connected to the water supply pipes.
Connect the new waste, if the trap from the old sink will connect then it can be reused.
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