Decide on the location of the basin. The main consideration
is running the waste to the waste stack of the house. The
waste should not exceed 3metres (10 feet) in length. It
should slope 6mm (0.25inches) for every 300mm (1 foot) of
pipe run.
Allow enough room for leaning over the basin when washing
and decide a sensible height for the basin to be sited.
A helper should try the basin in different positions and
heights. The average fixing height is between 28 and 32
inches high. When the position and height have been decided,
check the horizontal position with a spirit level. Place
a length of wood across the basin if a flat surface is required
for using the spirit level. Use a pen or pencil to mark
the wall at the basin fixing holes. Place a length of wood
between the marks and check the horizontal distance with
a spirit level before drilling and plugging the holes.
Inset basin or vanity unit
If you are fitting an inset basin or vanity unit, prepare
the work top or surface first. Before starting to cut, the
measurements should be checked carefully. If a template
is not supplied with the basin, place the basin upside down
on the surface and draw a template of the shape. Use a flat
bit to drill a hole large enough for the jig saw blade.
Score the cutting line and insert the jigsaw blade, then
use the jigsaw to cut a hole in the surface/worktop.
Once cut, place the basin on the opening and check the
size, making minor adjustments if necessary. Place mastic
or sealing strip all round the outside of the hole. Push
the basin firmly into position pressing all the way round
to ensure a watertight seal. When you are satisfied the
basin is sitting squarely in position, checking with a spirit
level, tighten fixing clips underneath the surface, or inside
the unit.
Pedestal Sink
If you are fitting a pedestal sink, get a helper to seat
the basin on the pedestal and check the level. Mark the
wall through the fixing holes. Remove the basin and pedestal
before drilling and plugging the holes. Resting the basin
on the pedestal very close to the fixing position make the
waste and supply connections. Then carefully ease the pedestal
and basin into position. Screw the basin to the wall and
the pedestal to the floor.
Wall-hung basin or corner basin
If you are fitting a wall-hung basin or corner basin,
ask a helper to hold the basin in position. The fixing position
of the bracket should be marked on the wall. Fix the bracket
to the wall securely either by engaging the adjustable hook,
locating it over projecting bolt heads or screws. Place
the basin on it and start connecting the fittings.
Connecting fittings
Equip the basin with its relevant fittings before installation.
If possible install the tap connectors as well before siting,
as their positions are difficult to plumb once the basin
is attached to the wall as access is restricted.
Position the taps in the mounting holes with their washers
or gaskets (supplied with the taps) in place on the tail
of the taps. If no washers are supplied spread silicone
sealant around the top of the tail and beneath the base
of the tap. Rest the basin on its rim and slip a second
washer onto the tail. Hand-tighten the back-nut in order
to clamp the tap onto its basin.
At this stage check that the spouts are pointing into
the basin and then tighten the back-nut carefully using
a spanner. A cranked spanner is the best tool for this job
as it fits basin and bath taps.
Place the waste outlet into the bottom of the basin. Most
basins have an integral overflow system, i.e. the overflow
is built into the sink and does not have an exterior overflow
pipe. It is therefore important that the waste outlet is
aligned correctly so that the overflow can empty correctly.
The waste outlet should be fitted to the bottom of the basin
with either washers or silicone sealant (to ensure that
the sink is watertight). Holding the waste outlet in position,
tighten the back-nut under the basin and then fix the trap
to the end of the waste outlet. Finally, fit the other end
of the trap to the existing waste pipe.
For connection instructions for new taps see Fitting
new taps.
