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.
