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problem - stainless undermount to granite

12 years ago

I'm not too familiar with undermount installs (have left that to others), but have been asked to address a problem as part of a handyman project list.

There was a failure with the install of a Franke stainless, apron-front undermount sink (33" wide or so). It was siliconed to granite, and the seal has broken so it's only "support" is now the cabinet front under the apron....and the plumbing connection itself (PVC). Yikes. There's a GD adding extra weight. This is a deep, wide (33") sink taking up most of the base cabinet.

A couple questions: When undermounts are installed to granite, are there still supposed to be clips in addition to the silicone or not? Doesn't seem to be. In fact, it seems they relied only on the silicone to hold this thing in place. Is that how it's done when attaching to granite?

Any idea how to tackle the job of remounting? Sounds like a major pain to completely remove the silicone and residue, etc. Also, since the bowl is fairly rectangular, is making some sort of sink base advisable?

I still may elect to NOT take on this project, but would like to know what's entailed and time involved. Appreciate any thoughts. Thanks much.

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Comments (4)

kwiksmith
12 years ago
Here is what I have seen in the past when we have had new counters and sinks installed. Typically we have used drop in sinks that set on the subtop. I would imagine even with an apron sink that there should have been a subtop supporting the sides of the sink. From memory clips are used where support is needed. Really have no clue as to how there were supposed to be attached. I think they were screwed into the subtop and then support the sink. If there is nothing but the granite there might be an issue with that from the install itself.
homebound
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks. If I've read correctly, some clips can be epoxied to the underside of the granite. Not sure if it was done or not, but everything is loose now so it's a moot point.
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chrisk327
12 years ago
I don't know about apron front sinks, but on a straight undermount there are 2 ways I know of to attach it.

1) clips, clips are screwed into the granite to support the sink and cliping the sink in place.
1. some installers screw wood strips into the side of the sink base
both methods include using silicone to seal the edge between the sink and the stone.

I've also heard of epoxy being used in some cases or PL, but I wouldn't think that would make sense as the only form of holding it, and/or what if there was a problem? nothing can be adjusted after the fact

in my area 3cm is the norm, so no subtop.
willtv
12 years ago
I can't speak to apron front units, but my Blanco SS is mounted using 12" L-shaped brackets. The kind you might use to support wall mounted shelving. I'm placing a link below for reference purposes.

After the countertop was installed the sink was siliconed and pressed up against the underside of the countertop. They then pressed one side of these brackets up against the underside of the sink bowl and the other side of the brackets were screwed into the sides of the sink base cabinet.

The sink was installed this past October and it feels strong enough to stand in. It has received extensive use with no problems to date.

Here is a link that might be useful: Utility Shelf Bracket

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