skip to main content

undermount sink separating from counter

12 years ago

After about six weeks, my new undermounted sink is separating from the new quartz countertop. The contractor was called to repair it, and what he did was use some screws to push the sink up and then recaulk it. The gap between the sink and countertop is narrow in some parts and wider in others (1mm to 4mm). The installer says that this will be very strong and will not move anymore, but I'm not so sure. Is this an acceptable repair? The silicone caulk is supposed to be dry after 24 hours, but it's still putty like. Any advice?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

enduring
12 years ago
I would have him either do it himself or he should arrange to have someone do it for you. I don't think it is acceptable to expect a homeowner to make repairs of the work that the GC installed within this short time frame. I don't know anything about contracting work, but there may be a time limit in your contract that deals with repair work. I have heard that with new builds it could be a year that builder is responsible for repairs.
0
brianadarnell
12 years ago
They should have used some kind of brace underneath the sink to hold it in place. My large sink was a snug fit so they used little 1X1 pieces of wood nailed into the side of the cabinet. Sometimes larger brackets are used. There is actually a designated piece that can be bought specifically for this use and its called a sink setter. I think that a sink setter is only used when the cabinet is much larger than the sink base.
0
Related Discussions
undermount cast iron sink/wood counter
Q
Comments (5)
Isn't the Bakersfield sink a drop in, not an undermount? We have the Kohler Lakefield cast iron sink mounted under a chestnut counter. It is not hung from the countertop, it's sitting on the cabinet that is under the sink. Undermounts are great for wood counters. Our faucet is mounted on the chestnut and has been in for about 7 years now. The counter is finished with several coats of Waterlox. This finish has protected the countertop very well in general, but there is a small spot of rot at the base of the faucet where water sat for long periods of time. Be sure to seal the underside of your counter, and any holes you have cut into the countertop. This will prevent warping and other water related problems.
...See More
Undermount sinks and quartz countertops- how much faucet space?
Q
Comments (2)
You should do the calculation yourself to confirm. I would assume 3.5" from the front edge of the countertop to the front of the sink. You probably wouldn't be able to get it to be much less, maybe 0.25". You also need to look at the measurement requirements for your faucet. You will need a bit of clearance between the back edge of the sink and the faucet cutout hole. You also need to look at the exact faucet and make sure that the handle doesn't have extra space requirements. Some faucet handles extend behind the main tube -- if you are short on space, make sure you have one that doesn't force your fingers to bang against the back wall. If you have a backsplash behind the sink, you should deduct the width of that material from the overall space requirement. If your sink is 18" front-to-back you should be able to find a faucet that works, but it will be close and if you pick the wrong one it could definitely be an issue. I would try to find the right matching faucet rather than extend the depth of the countertop, which can lead to other issues (e.g. harder for people to reach the faucet or anything behind it).
...See More
bathroom counter - undermount sink?
Q
Comments (17)
We have three bathrooms. Master has about 9' of counter with one sink, hall bath has two 5' counters, one with a sink. Then another 2' wide counter with a sink. Powder room has a 3' counter with sink. This is through a mod home builder so I'm not sure if I have other options. I wonder if I should just go with the basic counter with drop in and replace later as we can. Of course then, it will probably never get replaced....sigh.
...See More
Under mount sink falling from granite countertop
Q
Comments (7)
I had an Undermount sink with granite countertop and 3/4 hp disposal for 13 years. Filled it with water, heavy pots, leaned on it. Did not separate in 13 years. Yours is 100% installer error. Your contractor is blowing smoke. Even worse, sink installation is pretty basic and any contractor who calls himself a contractor should have mastered it. I'd be worried about what else is wrong that he did.
...See More
kimtysf
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for replies. The contractor feels that he's done his repair. Can a sink setter be added after installation? It just seems that adding screws from the bottom to push the sink up would not be an industry standard for bringing the sink back to the countertop.
0
mmhmmgood
12 years ago
Does your sink drain properly? If it's out by several mm I'd wonder if it isn't level and might not drain properly. I'm no expert, but it doesn't sound right. I think it might be possible to install sink setter after the fact but not 100% sure. Hopefully someone can answer that for you for sure!
0
angie_diy
12 years ago
There is a product similar to the Sink Setter that is designed to go in after the sink is installed (Secure Sink Bar by Granite Grabbers, link below). Also, Sink Setter's manufacturer says that the Sink Setter can be installed post facto by twisting the mounting leg to rotate the mounting tab.

Here is a link that might be useful: Secure Sink Bar
0

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Standouts From the 2014 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show

By Ventana Construction LLC

Check out the latest and greatest in sinks, ovens, countertop materials and more

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Choose the Best Sink Type for Your Kitchen

By Jennifer Ott Design

Drop-in, undermount, integral or apron-front — a design pro lays out your sink options

KITCHEN DESIGN Special Report: Kitchen News from Cologne

Blended Kitchen-Living Rooms, Super-Skinny Counters and Hidden Appliances Are Headed This Way

Highlights From the 2012 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show

By Ellen Wigginton

Innovations in sinks, outlets and surface materials for kitchens and baths shone at this year's show

CONTRACTOR TIPS Contractor Tips: Countertop Installation from Start to Finish

By Buckminster Green LLC

From counter templates to ongoing care, a professional contractor shares what you need to know

BATHROOM DESIGN Special Report: Bath Trends From Valencia

Spain Design News: Minimal Sinks, Stacked Vanities — and Modern Glam

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: A Separate Peace for a Manhattan Studio

By Vanessa Brunner

Savvy design tricks help a petite urban kitchen look not just separate, but visually distinct

KITCHEN DESIGN Pearls of Wisdom From a Real-Life Kitchen Remodel

By Samantha Schoech

What your best friend would tell you if you were embarking on a renovation and she'd been there, done that

ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop: How to Separate Space in an Open Floor Plan

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Rooms within a room, partial walls, fabric dividers and open shelves create privacy and intimacy while keeping the connection

FEEL-GOOD HOME 12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers

By Becky Harris

These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable

Sponsored

More Discussions

Best single bowl stainless kitchen sink

15

how accurate should a countertop template be?

6

Island apron size

2

Our first visit to a stone yard!

2

Masterbrand acquires Durasupreme and Bertch

0