Installing Washbasins

Ordinarily, you will purchase fittings separately from the basin itself, and the manufacturer will provide instructions for assembly. You may find that your new basin does not align exactly with the old supply and drain lines. Many hardware stores, plumbing supply outlets, and home improvement centers carry the flexible cop per and plastic pipes that allow you to accommodate a fixture that is a little out of synch with your old plumbing. You can also attach shutoff valves to these lines if your plumbing lines do not already have them. Usually, you will install your vanity cabinet before hanging or setting the fixture itself. Because part of the basin installation then occurs in cramped under-the-counter conditions, you can make your task easier by attaching as many of the fittings as possible before installing the basin. If you’re going to install shutoff valves, do this before installing the basin as well.

Tools: screwdriver; wrench; plumber’s (basin) wrench; level.

Supplies: plumber’s putty; mounting clips for inset basin; brackets for wall-mounted basin; flexible supply line connectors and shutoff valves if necessary; hard ware and fittings; joint tape or compound; caulk.

1. Attach the fittings. Set your basin on its side so you can reach the top and bottom at once. Pun a string of plumber’s putty ½ to ¼ inch wide on the bottom of the faucet/spout fitting, and push the mechanism firmly into place. From under the basin, attach the washers and retaining nuts to the fitting’s stems, and tighten them, being careful not to crack or chip the basin.

2. Connect the water supply lines to the faucets, but not to the stub- outs. Pun a string of plumber’s putty around the drain post, and push that post firmly into the drain hole, securing it with washers and nuts.

82a Water supply; Drain assembly

3. If you are installing a counter- top basin, run another string of plumber’s putty around the rim of the counter-top hole, and set the basin in place, supporting it from underneath. Straighten it, using a level. Then, from under the basin, slide six to twelve evenly spaced mounting clips into place on the basin’s rim so that they grip the bottom of the counter top, and tighten.

82b Place putty on underside of rim. Tighten basin with clips; Basin; Basin rim

4. If you are installing a wall- mounted basin, install the hanger brackets on the wall according to the manufacturer’s instructions; then lower the basin over the hanger brackets, and straighten it with a level.

5. Connect the water supply lines to the stub-outs. Then connect the drain assembly. If your faucet has a pop-up drain assembly, it is contained in a T-drain. Install the stop per control above the drain tail pipe with the pivot rod pointing to the rear wall. Attach the pivot rod through the clevis with a spring clip. The clevis is attached to the lift-up control; the pop-up drain plug is secured to the pivot rod in side the drain. Work the plunger several times to make sure it opens and closes adequately.

6. Attach the p-trap to the drain pipe with a slip nut and washer, and secure it tightly. Then attach the p-trap to the drain tail pipe with a slip nut and washer, and attach that tightly. Open both the hot and cold shutoff valves, and open the faucets. Make sure everything is working properly. If you see any leaks, tighten the appropriate nut until the leaking stops.

83 Three Common Types of Wall Hangers: Slot top, Wall stub-out, Escutcheon, Washer; Compression ring; Bracket; Pocket top; Nut; Shutoff valve; Wall stub-out

Next: Tile Walls

Prev.: Counter Tops

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