Help with the sink installation issue

[ksfisk]

I ordered a custom sink to be installed in my build, which was approved. they are having trouble with the installation and sent me this picture:

"Good morning Kim,

I hope you continue to be well!

They have tried to install your custom sink. This particular sink does not have brackets to hold it from the bottom and the rim that sits on the countertop is not super flat and would need to be held on with silicone. They are not happy with how it looks and have decided to leave it out so that you can make a decision when you see the issue. I have included a photo above so you can see what they mean. (It really is a pretty sink!)

Unfortunately, the cut-out in the Formica is sized to the custom sink and we are not able at this time to replace the kitchen surface. This is always a challenge when working with custom sinks.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause."

Should I tell them to go ahead and silicone it in? Should I have them leave it out and try to fix the issue when I get the trailer? I wonder if I could run a router around the edge of the cut out and if it would fit a little more flush. Seems to be a common installation issue with the sink, that I should have read more about before deciding to use it.

[ksfisk]

I decided to just have them silicone it down and hope for the best. I should've research the sink a little more before I got it. If it looks terrible or I really can't live with the results of the silicone job… I'll just have to find a solution later on down the road! ��

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by ksfisk

I decided to just have them silicone it down and hope for the best. I should've research the sink a little more before I got it. If it looks terrible or I really can't live with the results of the silicone job… I'll just have to find a solution later on down the road! ��

That was going to be my recommendation. From the photo it looks pretty good to me. One has to appreciate ETI pausing and reaching out to the customer. Shows the installer cares and has attention to detail.

[ksfisk]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

That was going to be my recommendation. From the photo it looks pretty good to me. One has to appreciate ETI pausing and reaching out to the customer. Shows the installer cares and has attention to detail.

Agreed.

[Chris R]

Originally Posted by ksfisk

I decided to just have them silicone it down and hope for the best. I should've research the sink a little more before I got it. If it looks terrible or I really can't live with the results of the silicone job… I'll just have to find a solution later on down the road! ��

I would hope they put a weight in the sink to help flatten the rim for at least 24 hrs after applying the silicone, Sikaflex would be better.

[Ooshkaboo]

I wonder if I could run a router around the edge of the cut out and if it would fit a little more flush
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I’ve installed more than a few sinks, I think you yourself had the best answer.
There are silicones out there that will say on the tub that it also acts as an adhesive.

[dstreight]

^ ditto: I wouldn't (and don't) use silicone for bonding applications such as a sink! Once upon a time it was the defacto standard but so many better choices today ala one of many polyurethane/acrylic sealants on the market. Loctite PL Max Supreme is one I use on a regular basis that is available at Home Depot, Lowes, etc., and only about $10/tube. Also solid choices available from Sikaflex, 3M, etc.

Just my $02...and maybe all its worth.

[ksfisk]

Thanks you guys! I appreciate all of your input!

[Jim Bennett]

I agree with the choice to install. Worst case is you replace it in the future with another of the same size, or slightly larger.

I have installed hundreds and hundreds of sinks. Few surface mounts these days and lots of undermounts. If there is no mechanical attaching, I do use a good silicone. For undermounts I do as a wee bit of fast setting epoxy to help hold it in place along with support from under while the silicone sets. Silicone seals well and attaches strongly with a wee bit of flexibility. This is what professional counter installers do to.

I like to fill surface mounts with water while the silicone cures.

Do let us know your impression of the installed sink when you do get the trailer.

[Eggscape]

I would order a second sheet of counter top material just in case you are not happy with the end product and have to redo it yourself.

[ksfisk]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I agree with the choice to install. Worst case is you replace it in the future with another of the same size, or slightly larger.

I have installed hundreds and hundreds of sinks. Few surface mounts these days and lots of undermounts. If there is no mechanical attaching, I do use a good silicone. For undermounts I do as a wee bit of fast setting epoxy to help hold it in place along with support from under while the silicone sets. Silicone seals well and attaches strongly with a wee bit of flexibility. This is what professional counter installers do to.

I like to fill surface mounts with water while the silicone cures.

Do let us know your impression of the installed sink when you do get the trailer.

Thanks Jim! The information and tips that you and others have provided are very helpful. I'm confident that ETI will do the best they can, with what I've given them to work with. I'm glad they were willing to try installing it. And like you said, worst case scenario I will just rework it at some point, if I dont like the results that come from this experiment. :-)

[ksfisk]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

I would order a second sheet of counter top material just in case you are not happy with the end product and have to redo it yourself.

That is a good idea. Thanks!

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

I would order a second sheet of counter top material just in case you are not happy with the end product and have to redo it yourself.

You could just wait and pick it up if needed. It's not great stuff to store when not using,. especially a full sheet. I know, I have a few left over from projects that are going to be given away.

[Eggscape]

I would not ask for a full sheet but just enough to redo the counter top. This way there would be no problem matching the counter top or having to order and transport a full sheet from the store later in the US.

[Jim Bennett]

I've never been able to order part of a sheet here. When getting my first trailer built by Escape they gave me what was left over from the sheer in the build. For me last one I just went and bought my own to install.

[brroberts]

Curious about what sink model?

[hondasaurus]

An option is to draw the contour of the sink and use a wood router to have it sink in a little bit so the edge are not so edgee over the conter.

[ksfisk]

Originally Posted by brroberts

Curious about what sink model?

Sinkology Wilson Bar and Prep Sink - SP701-17HSB

[Oldtimer]

Originally Posted by dstreight

^ ditto: I wouldn't (and don't) use silicone for bonding applications such as a sink! Once upon a time it was the defacto standard but so many better choices today ala one of many polyurethane/acrylic sealants on the market. Loctite PL Max Supreme is one I use on a regular basis that is available at Home Depot, Lowes, etc., and only about $10/tube. Also solid choices available from Sikaflex, 3M, etc.

Just my $02...and maybe all its worth.

I hope they’re still not using silicone still for install of the standard kitchen sink. They used it to install the standard sink in our 21. Took me forever to get the old one out to install the new sink. Had to be very careful to not pull up n crack/break the Formica Looked like they use a 1/4 tube of the stuff. Never have been a fan of silicone.

David

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Oldtimer

I hope they’re still not using silicone still for install of the standard kitchen sink. They used it to install the standard sink in our 21. Took me forever to get the old one out to install the new sink. Had to be very careful to not pull up n crack/break the Formica Looked like they use a 1/4 tube of the stuff. Never have been a fan of silicone.

David

This is why it is always used. The idea is to have a good permanent installation. Like I said even the pro countertop installers use it. 8 sinks they installed in the quartz in our house were installed with it.

With a surface mount sink mounted with silicone, cutting under the flange with a sharp blade while giving light prying pressure up will free it. Anything mounted good like this will not be real easy. [emoji6]