How to Fit a Kitchen Sink & Taps

Looking for a kitchen refresh? A new kitchen sink and tap can make a big difference to your space, and we're here to help you get it done. Whether you're upgrading an old, tired fixture or putting the finishing touches on a brand-new room, taking on a kitchen sink installation yourself is a fantastic way to feel proud of your home.

This guide is designed to help you safely through the process of fitting a sink and tap. It will take you through how to fit a kitchen sink, how to install a kitchen tap, and choosing the right kitchen sinks and taps with product compatibility in mind. We'll also cover the details, from how to set a kitchen sink properly into your worktop to exactly how to seal kitchen sink edges for a neat, watertight finish.

Useful links

Tools

Materials

Safety

Useful Links

Mixer taps require one tap hole, while separate hot and cold taps need two holes.
Turn off the main water supply and wear safety goggles and a dust mask before starting.
Cut the worktop with a jigsaw, drop the sink in, attach taps with flexible connectors, and seal the edges with silicone.

Planning and preparation

When deciding which kitchen taps to buy, take your sink unit into consideration. To accommodate mixer taps, your sink unit only needs one tap hole. For separate hot and cold taps, it needs to have two holes. Matching your tap to your sink ensures a straightforward kitchen tap installation.

Make sure the water supply is turned off before you remove an old sink and tap, or fit new ones.

Spanners and screwdrivers can easily scratch chrome taps, so where possible use a soft cloth to protect the finish.
It’s important not to over-tighten a washer or valve when assembling, as this may damage or cause excess stress on the joint.
If you're in any doubt, please seek advice from an expert and always follow manufacturers' instructions.
If you're replacing an old unit, avoid lying directly underneath when removing the old sink, as small parts may fall during the process.
Wear a dust mask and safety goggles when cutting or drilling into your worktop.

How to install a kitchen sink

Follow these simple steps to safely cut your worktop and learn how to mount a kitchen sink.

First, position the kitchen sink upside down on the worktop where you would like it to be located and draw around it with a pencil.

Move the sink and draw a second line, about 10mm – or the depth recommended by your manufacturer – inside the first line.

Use a 10-15mm drill bit to make four holes in the corners of the inner line you've drawn.

Place your jigsaw blade into one of the holes and cut carefully along the inner line. Support the area of worktop you are cutting around so that it doesn't drop down.

Remove the cut area and treat the edges of the worktop by brushing with a waterproof sealant and leaving to dry.

Assemble the sink, kitchen sink taps and waste unit using the manufacturer's instructions. This is an important part of how to set a kitchen sink properly.

Position the sink using either the supplied edging strip or a bead of silicone on the cut edge of the worktop. Then use the supplied clips to fix the rim on the underside of the sink to the worktop, using two on each side. This will secure it in place.

How to install kitchen tap fixtures

Once the sink is in place, it's time to connect the water.

Tap
PTFE Tape
Tap connectors
Monobloc Tap Box Spanner
Sealant Finishing Tool
Cloth
Silicone

Use flexible connectors to attach the new tap or taps to the existing supply pipes, applying PTFE tape to the thread of the pipe, to help create a watertight seal.

Turn the water back on and check for any leaks – tightening the valves with a Monobloc tap spanner if necessary.

Run a bead of silicone along the back edge of the worktop and smooth it down with a sealant finishing tool for a neat and watertight finish.

How to care for your new sink and taps

Always use cleaning products that are appropriate for your chosen sink and tap to avoid damaging the materials. You should be able to find guidance for this in the manufacturers' instructions.

A new kitchen sink and tap will make a huge difference to your space. Taking on the installation yourself is a fantastic way to update your room. By taking your time and following the manufacturer's instructions, you can complete the job safely. Just remember to use the right cleaning products so everything stays looking its best.

For some more kitchen DIY inspiration, check out our article on how to build a kitchen base cabinet.

FAQs

To create a watertight seal, run a bead of silicone along the back edge of the worktop once the sink is fitted. Use a sealant finishing tool to smooth the silicone down for a clean, neat finish that protects your worktop from water damage.

Make sure your sink has a single tap hole to accommodate the mixer tap. Assemble the tap onto the sink following the manufacturer's instructions, then use flexible connectors to attach the tap to your existing hot and cold supply pipes. Apply PTFE tape to the pipe threads to prevent leaks.

Always turn off the water supply before you start. Protect your new chrome taps from scratches by wrapping a soft cloth around them when using spanners or screwdrivers. Be careful not to over-tighten washers or valves, as this can cause stress on the joints.