Can My Plumber Install Our New Sink?

Believe it or not, the question of whether or not plumbers can install sinks appears in “FAQ” sections all over the place. So, we’re here to put an end to it with a definitive answer; yes, plumbers can install sinks. Plumbers not only install sinks; they do it correctly. It takes a lot of training, on-the-job experience, education and know-how to be able to properly install a sink.

Sinks can be quite intricate. If you are remodeling your kitchen or bathroom and that includes the installation of a new sink, be sure to hire a plumbing expert with all of the requisite contractor’s licenses and credentials. By attempting to install a sink yourself, you may be rendering any sort of manufacturer’s warranty null and void.

Also, bear in mind that if you hire a licensed plumbing professional, he or she will stand behind the work performed and will be there to help you with any necessary subsequent repairs, adjustments or issues. How does the process of new sink installation work?

New Sink Installation

A very basic overview of the process of sink installation is as follows. Remember, this is a layman’s guide and does not detail all of the complexities and steps of sink replacement and installation. This is simply an overview to illustrate how complicated sink replacement, a seemingly basic task, actually is, and why it’s necessary to hire an expert plumber.

Preparation

• Gathering the requisite materials: These include, of course, the new sink, plumber’s putty, a putty knife, a tape measure, a hacksaw, a small bucket, protective eyewear, a socket wrench, a screwdriver, a hacksaw, gloves, drainpipes, fittings, sealant, rags and so forth.
• Measuring carefully: The plumber will carefully measure the dimensions of your current sink, your available space and so forth. This will help him or her to select the appropriate replacement sink that meets your needs and fits perfectly in your kitchen or bathroom.
• Deciding what exactly to replace: This includes deciding, with the plumber, if you want to replace the faucet, the soap dispenser and so forth, or if there are some elements of your existing sink that you would like to keep.

Removing the Old Sink

• Removing the old sink: Before doing anything, the plumbing expert will use the shutoff valve to turn off the water supply for obvious reasons. The hot and cold water supply valves will subsequently be shut off.
• Disconnecting the water supply valves: This is accomplished with an adjustable wrench or socket wrench, depending on the particular configuration. All of the faucets should be briefly turned on to relieve the pressure from the pipes.
• Disassembling the garbage disposal: This is done by unplugging the disposal and using pliers to disconnect the disposal. The plumbing expert will undoubtedly use a bucket underneath the disposal to collect any excess water.
• Disconnecting the dishwasher line: Often, contractors will snap a picture beforehand to ensure that the new plumbing assembly is done correctly with the proper configuration.
• Loosening the outside of the existing sink: This involves removing metal brackets used to hold the sink in place and cutting away at the sealant or caulk used to stabilize and secure the sink.
• Removing the old sink: The existing sink should now be free from all attachments and can be lifted away from below.

Finally, New Sink Installation

• Cleaning away any remnants: Any caulk or sealant should be scraped away with the putty knife so the plumber has a clean, smooth surface to work with.
• Installing the new sink: The new sink is carefully lifted into place.
• Securing, connecting: The same process is essentially repeated in reverse. The dishwasher and disposal lines are carefully reconnected. The metal brackets are fastened around the sink’s perimeter. Caulking is applied to secure the sink. The water lines are carefully reconnected.
• Reconnecting power: Power to the disposal and dishwasher are reconnected. Then, the water supply is turned back on and tested carefully for leaks.
• Making adjustments: Any necessary adjustments are made, including adding sealant or modifying the length of the pipes. If everything is working properly, the sink installation is complete.

Being Knowledgeable

While it’s still of the utmost importance that you hire a plumbing expert to install a sink, it is also helpful to have a general working knowledge of the process, from preparation through installation. Understanding the basic procedure will help you to understand what your contractor is working on, the steps he or she takes, and why.

So, to reiterate, YES, plumbers certainly can install sinks, and they do it meticulously, carefully and properly. To schedule an appointment today with a plumbing expert from Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing, give us a call at (775) 626-7777; we take care of everything, even the kitchen sink.

Putting a Sink into Granite

One of the most active rooms in any home is the kitchen, and putting in a new sink and granite countertop can upgrade both the look and function of this room. Any Reno, NV homeowners thinking about updating their kitchen must take into account the potential pitfalls. Granite is not an easy stone to work with and is also pricey.

There's no room for error, so every cut must be done correctly on the first try. Getting a high-quality kitchen plumbing company to lend their services is also essential. We've put together a short list of several things you should know before engaging in this type of work. Here's what you need to consider when putting a sink into a granite countertop.

Find the Right Sink for the Job

Before starting work on the countertop, you must find the right sink for the project. It has to fit comfortably within the counter space that is available while also being able to serve your family's needs. The cutting process is more trying with a large sink.

And a small sink won't suit the needs of a busy kitchen. It's also important to remember you will need enough space for fixtures like spouts and taps. Major hardware outlets should have an extensive line of kitchen plumbing products for you to select from. We recommend you see all your options to find the best sink for your kitchen.

No Mistakes When Measuring

Each measurement you take must be as close to perfect as possible. You only get one attempt at making each cut, and even tiny mistakes can ruin the project forcing you to start over.

The type of sink you purchase will also affect your measurements. Sinks generally come in two varieties: top-mounting and undermounted. The first is seated within the granite and needs an opening large enough to fit the sink but small enough for its rim to rest on top of the counter.

Undermounts need an opening the exact size of the sink, so it fits snuggly beneath the countertop. If your sink doesn't come with slots for your tap fixtures, separate measurements and cuts will need to be made for them. Precise measurements result in a successful project.

Don't Be Afraid to Get Help

Shaping and cutting granite isn't a job you should do alone. It's a task that requires the help of a professional.

They will have access to specialized knowledge and tools. A certified contractor's equipment isn't available to regular consumers. If you attempt this project alone, you may be creating a hazardous situation.

If you want things to be done safely and correctly, put the job in the hands of a kitchen plumbing technician. Some plumbers also offer replacement guarantees for countertops that are compromised during the project. Get help from an expert and make sure things are finished right.

3 Reasons Every Homeowner Needs a Garbage Disposal

Are you tired of dealing with all the waste produced by cooking? Do you want a better way to clean dishes? Homeowners in Reno, NV can boost their kitchen experience and save a load of cash by installing a garbage disposal.

Get rid of discarded food with ease and keep the plumber away by maintaining a healthy plumbing system with one of these devices. It will upgrade your quality of life and become a huge part of your cooking and cleaning tasks.

If you need more evidence, we've put it all together for you. Here are three reasons every homeowner needs a garbage disposal.

1. Improved Dishwashing

It's always a dirty job cleaning up after a meal, but a garbage disposal can make it more pleasing. You can dispose of any leftover food before washing by flushing it down instantly.

This allows you to soak pots, pans, plates, and utensils in clean water, so you don't have to dip your hands in nasty wastewater or handle a clogged up sink strainer. When you're done washing, any bits of food left in the sink can be flushed down the device easily. Post-meal clean up is a breeze with one of these units.

2. Clean Pipes

Even if you do your best to stop it, food particles will always find a way into your drain.

The bigger bits can get caught in the plumbing, and if enough of them gather together, they can form a clog. Any blockage in your pipes can cause a number of problems.

Obstructing the flow of water can increase the pressure and eventually cause a leak. This can lead to water damage that spreads across your kitchen, which can be quite expensive to fix. Garbage disposal owners have no need to fear because every piece of food you don't use or eat gets sliced up into small enough bits to be flushed away.

There's no debris left behind in your drain, which means there's no chance of clogs. Since you won't run into any problems, you also won't need to call in a plumber as often to conduct drain cleaning or plumbing repair services.

3. Foul Odors Are Gone

The stench of old and rotting food is common in many kitchens. It's caused by food being trapped in drains or left to rest in garbage bins.

What's more, the odor will remain until the drains are cleaned, or somebody throws out the trash. Nobody enjoys this awful smell, and it can put a hamper on any kitchen-related activities.

With garbage disposals, you never have to live with the awful stench of decomposing food again. They're made to eliminate the food waste produced in a kitchen, such as during meal prep and scraps after eating. All food particles are flushed away, so there's nothing left to stink up the joint. As a bonus, because food waste can be so heavy, taking out the trash becomes an easy task.

Unlock Your DIY Potential: Steps to Connect a Refrigerator

Have you been considering trying your hand at doing a little DIY, but aren’t really sure where to start? Or maybe you’re not sure that you can really do it yourself? Yes, you can- and a great place to start is with your kitchen plumbing.

If you’ve got a refrigerator with an ice maker or water dispenser that needs connecting, we recommend this job for the novice DIY Reno, NV homeowner. All you need are the right tools, the time to devote to the job and a list of easy-to-follow steps to get it done right. Here is what you need to do.

Don’t be shy to ask for Help

Although we are supremely confident that you can accomplish this DIY task all on your own, there is always support available from your plumber.

If you’ve got complicated plumbing, or if you aren’t entirely sure that you’ve got enough time to work on the job, don’t be shy to ask for help. Your neighborhood plumber will get the job done quickly and correctly.

Connecting the Ice Maker

It’s so much easier to fill your glass with ice right from the fridge than to wrestle with ice cubes. Have you ever gone to fill your glass and realized that the last person didn’t refill the tray? That’s something you won’t need to worry about anymore after you connect your ice maker.

To begin, you need to identify the cold water source for your fridge (note: this step is similar, regardless if you hooking up your ice maker or your water dispenser). Typically, you’ll want to do this from your kitchen sink, but if that isn’t possible, you may need to go through the basement.

Decide where you will attach the line to the fridge on the cold water pipe. Attach a valve from your installation kit tightly. Drill small holes through the base of your cabinetry (if you are running the line from your sink) or through the floor (if you are running the line from the basement).

Attach the tubing to the valve on the sink using compression nuts. Fit a ferrule over the tubing and then wind in through the holes. Be sure to coil loosely at the back of the fridge so that it doesn’t become disconnected when you pull it out to clean. Connect the end of the hose to the ice maker valve and turn the ice maker to the “on” position. You will want to discard the first few batches of ice.

Hooking up the Water Dispenser

Follow similar steps to connect to the cold water supply. To get rid of the unclean water at the initial hookup, let the water run from the hose into a bucket before you connect it to the water dispenser valve.

Once you’ve proven to yourself that you can DIY with your kitchen plumbing, the sky's the limit!