How to Attach a Stainless Steel Sink That Has Fallen Down From a Granite Counter Top
One of the biggest problems with the installation of a new stainless steel sink is the sink falling down. This can happen for two reasons: the waste pipe was connected too soon, or a C-clamp was not used to hold the weight of the sink while the epoxy dried. To correct the problem, the sink will need to be reinstalled, with care taken in these two areas. With that done, the sink should stay in place.
The lower gauge the stainless sink, the heavier it will be and the longer the epoxy should set.
- Check the clips on the sides of the sink to ensure they are still in good condition. These metal clips are epoxied to both the sink and the granite and are ultimately what holds the sink in place. They can be bent slightly by hand if pulling away from the counter has bent them out of shape. Flatten them as much as possible.
- Use a razor blade to scrape off the old silicone caulk that may be adhering to either the rim of the sink, or the underside of the counter. Cut the caulk free; it should be fairly soft and remove easily.
- Brush the underside of the granite to remove stone dust. This may occasionally cause epoxy to fail if not done before application.
- Apply a small bead of epoxy onto the flat section on the tops of each of the metal clips attached to the sink. Avoid touching the epoxy once it is in place.
- Squeeze a fresh bead of silicone caulk adhesive around the underside of the granite sink opening. Line up the sink beneath the counter and push it into place. Take care that each of the metal clips makes contact with the granite. Hold it still for a few minutes until the adhesive begins to grab.
- Place a 2 by 4 across the top of the sink opening and hook the top of a long C-clamp onto the board. Insert the bottom of the long C-clamp through the sink drain, so it comes up on the underside of the sink. Tighten it down securely.
- Leave the C-clamp in place and do not attach the waste pipe or a garbage disposal to the sink for 24 to 48 hours. The epoxy needs this time to fully cure and harden, so the sink will not pull away again.
Things You Will Need - Razor blade
- Stiff brush
- Silicone caulk
- 2 by 4, longer than the sink opening
- Long C-clamp
- Epoxy
Tip
- If all the clips have pulled from both the sink and the granite, you can purchase new ones at any sink supplier. Attach the sink to the counter with silicone and the clamp, then attach the clips with epoxy to the granite and the sink.