Proper Installation for Modern Bathroom Vessel Sinks

As far as current modern bathroom design and styles go, the bathroom sink of choice these days is the vessel sink. A vessel sink is a sink that rests partially or completely above the surface on the vanity. It is not sunken under the counter top. Vessel sinks are their own separate unit and need to be installed a certain way.

If you’re new to vessel sink installation, you need to know how to properly install one in your bathroom vanity. The type of contemporary bathroom vanity you purchase will dictate how you install your vessel sink. Some vanities are designed specifically for partially submerged sinks while others are constructed to house an above-top sink. With those types of vanities, you’re pretty restricted on where and how you install your sink. However, some vanities allow you to select the positioning of your sink. In those cases, here’s what you need to do.

Note: It’s better to install the sink and faucet at the same time. It will allow you to make all necessary alterations prior to installing either component.

Planning the Layout
Before you install the sink you need to position the vanity in your bathroom. It’s better to situate the vanity as best you can before you start making holes in the counter top; however you don’t need to mount it to the wall and floor just yet. Give yourself some room to install the sink. You also want to read any instructions that come with your bathroom vanity. It may give specific instructions on how to layout and secure sinks to the vanity top. Each bathroom vanity is different, so be sure to read through the instructions to see if there are any specific actions you must take before installing the sink.

Once you’ve secured your vanity in place and read through any accompanying instructions, take a look at your vanity. If there are no pre-drilled faucet holes, decide where you want the faucet to be in relation to the sink. Once you’ve decided on a vessel sink/faucet layout, make a template of the counter top (cardboard will work best for your template). Then, mark the appropriate location for the sink drainage and faucet holes. Draw everything out and make any necessary changes prior to drilling and cutting. Like they always say, measure twice, cut once.

Making the Cuts
After you’ve created and marked your template, lay it out over the counter top and make the necessary marks (i.e. drill and cut holes) directly onto the counter top. The best way to do this is to cut out your final marks on your template so you can draw directly onto the vanity. After you’ve marked the vanity top, make the necessary cuts with a jigsaw. A jigsaw will give you the range of motion you need to make a more precise cut. As for the screw holes, grab your drill and pre-drill them. This will make fastening the faucet to your vanity much easier. Once the cuts have been made, take your sink and faucet and place them onto the vanity to make sure everything lines up. Make any necessary alterations to your cuts until everything lines up perfectly.

Securing the Sink
Once the cuts have been made and verified, it’s time to secure the sink and faucet to your bathroom vanity. Most bathroom vanities will not come with the necessary mounting rings and hardware, so make sure you include that with your purchase. If your vanity came with specific installation instructions regarding securing your sink and faucet, follow them accordingly. If it didn’t, all you need to do is attach the mounting ring, position the sink, and caulk and tighten everything down. If you’re dealing with a glass vessel sink, you need to provide a cushion of some sort between the sink and the counter. Silicone works as a great cushion for glass vessel sinks but you can also use a small piece of rubber if you wish.

Connecting the Water Supply Lines
Once the sink and faucet are in place, attach the flexible water supply lines to the faucets and sink drainage. After everything is connected, dried, and secured, turn back on the water and test everything to make sure the faucet works and there are no leaks.

When it comes to modern bathroom sink design, you have a wide array of options. You can mount sinks directly on top of vanities, partially submerge them, or even have the faucet mounted to the wall rather than the vanity itself. But regardless of the direction you decide to go with your new modern bathroom sink, you need to know how to properly install it. In some cases, the best solution is to hire a professional who has experience installing such sinks. As proficient as you may think you are in making home repairs, sometimes it’s just easier and less troublesome to have a professional do it. Modern Bathroom offers a wide selection of contemporary and highly stylized bathroom fixtures at amazing low prices. From modern bathroom sinks to state-of-the-art faucets, Modern Bathroom has the furnishings you need to transform your bathroom.