You can replace your old stainless-steel sink with scratch-resistant porcelain. While you're at it, you can also upgrade your faucet. Materials:
Phillips- and flat-head screwdrivers
One or two adjustable wrenches
Pipe wrench
Caulk gun with adhesive caulk
Jigsaw
- Start by removing your old sink. Shut off the water, and turn on the faucet to let it drain.
- Disconnect all the supply pipes (figure A) and drains (figure B).
- Remove the retaining clips from beneath the sink (figure C).
- Slide a putty knife between the counter and the sink to break it free (figure D).
- Pull out the old sink, and clean around the edge of the opening. Measure the length, width and depth of the area to determine how large the new sink can be.
- If your sink comes with a template, use it to mark the hole in the counter. In most cases, the existing hole will work. If you need a template, lay the sink upside down on a piece of heavy paper, and trace around it. Draw another line 1" in from the tracing, and use that for your template.
- If you're putting a new faucet in, install it before you get the sink in place. First, install the escutcheon plate. If the escutcheon plate has a groove labeled "putty ring" (figure E), you'll need to press plumber's putty into the groove. If the faucet has a rubber gasket, you won't need plumber's putty.
- Press the escutcheon plate in place, and insert the faucet through the holes (figure F). Attach the retaining nut, and tighten it to secure the faucet (figure G).
- Apply plumber's putty to the bottom of the drain basket flange (figure H). Press the basket in place in the drain, and tighten the assembly to the basket from beneath the sink (figure I). Finish tightening from above the sink.
- Prepare the sink opening by running a bead of caulk around it (figure J). The rim of the sink will press in on the caulk to form a watertight seal.
- Set the sink in position, and press it in place. Cast-iron porcelain sinks are heavy, so you'll need help getting it in. Once the sink is in place, connect the traps and water-supply lines.
RESOURCES :
Kitchen Planner
Author: Better Homes and Gardens
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Kitchen: Decorating Ideas & Projects
ISBN: 0696211149
Author: Linda Hallam (ed.)
Order this title from Amazon.com.
The New Kitchen Idea Book
Author: Joanne Kellar Bouknight (Taunton)
Order this title from Amazon.com.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
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