How to Attach a Kitchen Sink: 5 Easy Steps for a Secure Installation

February 9, 2026

Most homeowners can attach a new sink in a single afternoon using basic tools and a bit of patience. This guide focuses on a standard drop in kitchen sink installation, which suits the majority of Australian homes with laminate or stone benchtops. Whether you’re upgrading your existing sink or finishing off a kitchen renovation, the installation process is straightforward when you follow a clear method. This guide is designed for DIY homeowners looking to securely install a kitchen sink with minimal tools and experience. A secure installation prevents leaks and damage, ensuring your kitchen remains functional and safe. It is essential to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific sink model to ensure correct assembly and avoid issues such as leaks or improper support.

You’ll work through five main steps: prepare your workspace and tools, dry-fit the sink, install fittings before dropping in, seal and secure the sink to your benchtop, then reconnect plumbing and test for leaks. All measurements are in metric, and the approach prioritises a secure, leak-free fit that will last for years of daily use.

Whether you’re renovating or updating your kitchen, start with the essentials from our kitchen sinks collection to find the perfect blend of form and function.

What is a Kitchen Sink?

A kitchen sink is the heart of any kitchen, serving as the main hub for food prep, dishwashing, and even waste disposal. With so many options available, from sleek undermount sinks to classic drop in sinks, choosing the right kitchen sink can feel overwhelming. The key to a successful sink installation is understanding the different types of sinks and the installation methods that suit your space. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or tackling your first project, having the right tools and materials on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about installing a kitchen sink, including essential safety tips and step-by-step instructions to help you achieve a professional result.

Now that you know what a kitchen sink is and its importance in your home, let’s explore how to choose the right type for your needs.

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Choosing the Right Type of Sink

Selecting the right sink for your kitchen is about more than just looks—it’s about finding the perfect fit for your countertop material, kitchen style, and daily needs. A drop-in kitchen sink, also known as a top-mount sink, is designed for quick, straightforward installation and rests on the countertop. An undermount sink is installed underneath the countertop for a clean, modern look. Undermount sinks provide a seamless, contemporary appearance and are best suited for solid surface countertops like stone or composite. These sinks are installed underneath the countertop, making cleanup a breeze and giving your kitchen a modern edge. Drop in sinks, also known as top-mount sinks, are easier to install and work well with most countertop materials, making them a popular choice for DIY projects. When choosing the right sink, consider factors such as durability, ease of maintenance, and your budget. Think about how the sink will complement your overall kitchen design and how it will stand up to daily use.

With a clear understanding of the main sink types, let’s look at the different styles and materials available to help you make the best choice for your kitchen.

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Kitchen Sink Styles and Materials

When it comes to kitchen sinks, the material you choose can make a big difference in both appearance and performance. Stainless steel sinks are a top choice for many homeowners thanks to their durability, resistance to stains and scratches, and easy-to-clean surface. They blend well with most kitchen styles and are especially practical for busy households. Ceramic sinks offer a timeless, classic look and come in a variety of colors and designs to match your décor. For those seeking a touch of luxury, granite sinks provide a striking appearance and are highly resistant to heat and scratches. As you select your new sink, consider how the material will interact with your countertop and the overall style of your kitchen, ensuring a combination that’s both functional and visually appealing.

Now that you understand the different sink styles and materials, let's move on to important safety precautions before installation.

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Safety Precautions

Before you dive into the sink installation process, it’s important to prioritize safety to prevent injuries and avoid costly mistakes. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris, and consider gloves and a dust mask when working with power tools or handling sharp materials. Make sure your work area is well-ventilated and free from clutter, and keep children and pets away from the installation site. Before starting, turn off the water supply lines and disconnect any power to appliances like the garbage disposal. Having all the tools and materials ready before you begin will help you stay organized and reduce the risk of accidents during the installation process.

With safety in mind, you’re ready to remove your old sink and prepare for the new installation.

Old Sink Removal and Disposal

Removing the old sink is the first step in preparing for your new sink installation. Begin by shutting off the water supply and disconnecting the water supply lines and drain pipe from the old sink. Use a utility knife to carefully cut through any old caulk or adhesive securing the sink to the countertop opening. Gently lift the old sink out, taking care not to damage the countertop or surrounding area. As you remove the sink, pay attention to any existing plumbing connections and mounting clips, as these may need to be reused or replaced. Once the old sink is out, dispose of it responsibly and thoroughly clean the countertop to ensure a smooth surface for your new sink. This preparation sets the stage for a successful installation and helps ensure your new sink fits perfectly and functions flawlessly.

With your workspace cleared and the old sink removed, it’s time to start the installation process.

Step 1: Prepare the Cabinet, Benchtop and Tools

Before starting the installation, ensure you have all necessary tools and materials ready. Careful preparation is the quickest way to avoid leaks and costly mistakes later. Taking an extra twenty minutes now to gather all the tools and clear your workspace saves hours of frustration during the actual sink installation.

Tools and Materials Checklist

Tools:

Tape measure
Pencil
Jigsaw (if cutting required)
Adjustable wrench
Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
Utility knife
Silicone sealant gun
Clamps
Safety glasses

Materials:

100% kitchen-grade silicone sealant
Plumber’s putty
Flexible tap hoses
Replacement rubber gaskets
Cleaning spray
Soft cloth and rags
Bucket (10 litre capacity)

Having all the tools and quality materials at hand means you won’t need to pause mid-installation.

Shut Off and Disconnect Water

Turn off the water supply at the isolation valves beneath the sink, or at the main if you don’t have individual valves. Open the faucet to release pressure, then place a bucket under the supply lines and supply pipes to catch any remaining water.

Clear and Clean the Area

Remove everything from inside the cabinet. If you’re replacing an old sink, disconnect the drain pipe, p trap, and water lines before lifting it out. Use your utility knife to scrape away any excess sealant or old silicone from the benchtop surface. Wipe the countertop material clean with a damp cloth so the new seal will bond properly.

Finally, check that your new sink’s dimensions match the countertop hole. You should have a few millimetres of clearance on each side for the silicone bead. A proper fit prevents gaps and ensures the sink rim sits flat against the benchtop.

With your tools and workspace ready, you can now move on to dry-fitting your new kitchen sink.

Step 2: Mark and Dry-Fit the Kitchen Sink

A “dry fit” means positioning the sink without sealant to confirm alignment and support. This step catches problems before you commit to permanent installation.

Position and Mark

Place your sink upside down on the benchtop directly above the countertop cutout. Use a pencil to trace around the outer rim and mark the tap hole position if you need to drill one. This gives you accurate measurements to work from.

Centre the sink bowl over the cabinet doors, checking alignment with the front edge of your benchtop and the existing waste outlet below. The sink model you’ve chosen should sit evenly with a 10mm lip overlap around the countertop opening.

Adjust the Cut-Out if Needed

If the cut-out is too small for your new sink, you’ll need to enlarge it:

Drill a starter hole inside your pencil line
Insert your jigsaw blade and cut slowly along the marked line
Keep at least 25–30mm of solid benchtop around the rim for structural strength
Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper

A tile cutter may be necessary if you’re working with stone or ceramic surfaces.

Test the Fit

Carefully lower the sink into the opening for a test fit. Check for rocking or gaps around the edges. The sink should drop in smoothly with the rim resting flat on the benchtop. If everything looks properly aligned, lift the sink back out to prepare for sealing.

With the dry fit complete, you’re ready to install the tap, strainer, and mounting clips before setting the sink in place.

Step 3: Fit the Mixer Tap, Strainer and Clips Before Dropping In

It is advisable to attach the faucet, soap dispenser, and sprayer before lowering the sink into the countertop, as this makes installation easier.

Installing fittings now is far easier while the sink sits on a flat surface. You have full access to the underside without awkwardly reaching into a cabinet. Remember to consult the manufacturer's instructions for any specific steps or requirements when installing fittings.

Install the Mixer Tap

Sit the sink upside on a folded towel to protect the finish. Feed the flexible hoses through the tap hole from above, then position the base gasket against the sink surface. From underneath, fit the mounting bracket and tighten the nut with an adjustable wrench until the tap sits firmly without spinning. For extra leak protection, apply plumber's putty around the base of the faucet before installation, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Install the Drain Strainer

The basket strainer creates a waterproof seal at the sink drain:

Roll a rope of plumber’s putty between your palms (about 10mm thick)
Press it around the underside of the strainer flange
Insert the strainer into the drain opening from above
From below, fit the rubber gasket, cardboard washer, and backing nut
Tighten evenly while pressing down on the strainer
Wipe away any excess putty that squeezes out with a soft cloth

Attach Mounting Clips

Locate the factory-supplied sink clips or mounting brackets. Attach them to the channels on the sink’s underside, turning them inward so they’re ready to rotate under the benchtop once you drop the sink in. Space them approximately 300mm apart around the perimeter for even weight distribution.

Double-check that both the tap and strainer are secure and oriented correctly. For stainless steel sinks, ensure rubber gaskets are properly seated to prevent metal-on-metal contact that could cause noise.

With all fittings in place, you’re ready to seal and secure the sink to the benchtop.

Step 4: Seal and Attach the Sink to the Benchtop

A continuous bead of silicone sealant is the key to a watertight, secure installation. To prevent shifting and ensure durability, it is important to secure the sink firmly using mounting clips from underneath the countertop, combined with silicone caulk for a waterproof seal. Mounting clips are used to secure the sink to the countertop and provide additional support during installation, while silicone sealant is used to create a waterproof barrier between the sink and countertop. This proper seal prevents moisture from reaching your cabinet and ensures the sink meets the benchtop without gaps.

Apply Silicone Sealant

Load your silicone gun with kitchen-grade silicone (avoid standard bathroom sealant as it may discolour). Run a bead of silicone sealant approximately 5–6mm thick around the countertop cut-out edge, staying a few millimetres in from the top surface. Work steadily without breaks to create a continuous seal. Use silicone sealant to create a waterproof barrier between the sink and countertop.

Lower and Position the Sink

With a helper if the sink is heavy, carefully lower the sink straight down into the opening. Avoid tilting or sliding, which can smear the silicone off the rim and create gaps. Single bowl sinks over 10kg really benefit from two sets of hands here.

Once the sink sits in place, press down gently around the rim to compress the silicone evenly.

Secure with Mounting Clips

From inside the cabinet, rotate each mounting clip so it grips the underside of the benchtop. Tighten the sink clips gradually in a criss-cross pattern—not sequentially around the perimeter. This ensures even pressure and prevents the sink from tilting. The sink should sit firmly with no rocking or movement. Mounting clips are used to secure the sink to the countertop and provide additional support during installation.

Any squeezed-out silicone should be wiped away immediately with a damp cloth for a neat, professional-looking edge. Once cured, this creates your waterproof seal that will last for years.

With the sink now sealed and secured, you can move on to reconnecting the plumbing and testing for leaks.

Step 5: Reconnect Plumbing and Test for Leaks

Careful reconnection and testing ensures a secure installation that will not drip inside the cabinet. Take your time here—a few extra minutes checking connections now prevents water damage later.

After installing the sink, check all seals and apply plumber's putty where needed to prevent leaks.

When reconnecting the plumbing, tighten all connections carefully, but do not over-tighten, as this can cause leaks.

Once you turn the water supply back on, check for leaks at all connections and inspect them carefully to ensure everything is sealed and secure.

Reconnect Water Supply Lines

Attach the mixer’s flexible hoses to the hot and cold water supply lines. If you’re connecting to copper or PEX pipes, use the appropriate fittings for your setup. Tighten with an adjustable wrench, but don’t over-tighten—you can strip threads or damage rubber gaskets.

Refit the Trap Assembly

Connect the sink’s tailpiece to the existing waste pipes through the p trap:

Ensure the trap sits level and under slight compression
Add or trim PVC sections so everything aligns without forcing
Check that rubber seals are properly seated at each join
Tighten slip nuts hand-tight, then a quarter-turn with pliers

Connect Appliances

If your sink has a dishwasher drain line connection or garbage disposal spigot, secure each hose with a hose clamp. Make sure hoses aren’t kinked and run downhill toward the drain pipe.

Test for Leaks

Turn on the water supply slowly at the isolation valves. Let the supply lines fill, checking each connection for drips. Then:

Fill the sink bowl completely with water
Let it sit for a minute while you check underneath
Run a dry hand or tissue along every joint
Check the underside of the sink rim where it meets the benchtop
Release the plug and watch the drain connections as water flows through

If everything stays dry, your new sink installation is complete and installed correctly.

With the plumbing reconnected and tested, let’s finish up with some final checks and ongoing care tips.

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Final Checks, Cleaning Up and Ongoing Care

A few final checks protect your new benchtop and cabinetry from any issues down the track.

Allow Sealant to Cure

Leave the silicone to cure for the manufacturer’s recommended time—typically 24 hours—before heavy use or storing items under the sink. Avoid filling the sink completely during this period to prevent stressing the fresh seal.

Clean Up

Wipe down the countertop and sink with a soft cloth, removing any pencil marks from your dry-fitting stage. Clear tools and offcuts from the area. Check that all waste pipes are secure and nothing was knocked loose during installation.

Ongoing Maintenance

A smooth installation deserves simple upkeep:

Check under the sink occasionally for damp spots or musty smells
Keep the silicone bead clean and free of mould
Avoid piling heavy objects on the sink rim
Inspect plumbing connections annually for wear

Your kitchen sink is now securely attached, leak-checked, and ready for everyday cooking and cleaning. Whether you chose undermount sinks or a classic drop in kitchen sink, following these steps means you can trust your proper installation for years to come.

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FAQs About How to Attach a Kitchen Sink

How do I attach a kitchen sink securely to my benchtop?

Attaching a kitchen sink securely starts with a clean, correctly sized cut-out in your benchtop. Position the sink, apply silicone sealant in a continuous bead around the edge, then carefully lower the sink in and tighten the mounting clips evenly from underneath. Finish by wiping excess sealant and checking that the rim sits flat and solid before reconnecting the plumbing and testing for leaks. Undermount sink installation follows similar principles with clips installed underneath the countertop.

What tools do I need to install a kitchen sink myself?

To install a kitchen sink, you typically need a tape measure, pencil, jigsaw, adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, silicone sealant gun, plumber’s putty, utility knife and cleaning rags. Having all the tools ready before you start makes it easier to attach a drop-in sink, adjust the cut-out if required and tighten fittings properly. This helps you achieve a neat, watertight installation without repeated trips to the hardware store. Quality materials from factoryfast.com.au ensure reliable results.

Can I reuse my existing plumbing when I install a new sink?

In many cases you can reuse existing plumbing when you install a kitchen sink, as long as the new bowl depth and outlet position are similar. You may need to shorten or extend PVC sections so the trap lines up with the new waste. Inspect old seals and washers while everything is apart—replacing worn parts now reduces the risk of slow drips inside your cabinet later. A professional plumber can help if connections don’t align.

How do I stop my kitchen sink from leaking around the edges?

If water is seeping around the sink edges, the silicone sealant or clip tension is usually the issue. Dry the area thoroughly, then run a fresh bead of kitchen-grade silicone around the join between the rim and benchtop. From below, check that all mounting clips are evenly tightened so the sink cannot move. Allow the sealant to cure fully before testing with a full sink of water. Undermount sinks provide a contemporary appearance but need the same attention to sealing.

Is a drop-in kitchen sink easier to attach than other types?

Drop in sinks are generally the easiest style to attach because the sink sits on the benchtop and uses simple clips and silicone to stay in place. You only need a suitable cut-out, a good sealant bead and evenly tightened fixings to secure it. This makes a top mount sink well suited to DIY projects where you want a reliable, tidy result. An undermount sink sits beneath the countertop and requires more precise fitting, though both stainless steel sinks offer excellent durability.

How long does it take to install and attach a kitchen sink?

Most DIYers can install and attach a kitchen sink in about two to four hours, depending on whether an old sink must be removed and how much plumbing needs adjustment. Allow extra time for careful measuring and cutting the benchtop if required. Remember that silicone sealant needs curing time before heavy use—typically 24 hours—so avoid filling the sink completely until the seal has fully set for a lasting, watertight finish.