How to Reseal an Undermount Sink

Whether or not you put in the undermount kitchen sink your self or had it put in by a professional, it is not unusual for the bond between the sink and the underside of the countertop to drag away. The break within the bond would not normally end in flooding beneath the cupboard because it’s positioned on the very prime. However small leaks will occur, and it is by no means good for an undermount sink to have a poor bond.

Resealing an undermount kitchen sink is a do-it-yourself job that may be performed in about an hour.

Earlier than You Start

Drop-in sinks (additionally known as self-rimming) drop in from the highest and hold through the rim of the sink. Undermount sinks are secured beneath the cutout opening within the countertop, hanging from the underside of the countertop.

Including new sealant on prime of outdated sealant could not assist for the reason that undermount sink clamps could have to be re-tightened. One of the best answer is to thoroughly take away the sink, clear the sink and countertop surfaces, after which re-seal and clamp the sink to the countertop.

Why Sinks Turn into Unsealed and Their Options

Perceive the most typical causes for undermount kitchen sinks dropping their seal, together with ideas for methods to repair the issue while you reseal the sink:

• Poorly ready surfaces: The underside of the countertop (the place it contacts the sink) could not have been cleaned totally. Mud on granite or solid-surface reminiscent of Silestone can weaken the bond and needs to be cleaned up earlier than set up. Once you re-seal the sink, be sure you use denatured alcohol to scrub off all surfaces previous to caulking.
• Insecure clamps: The clamps or the epoxy, or each, used to safe the sink to the underside of the countertop had been free sufficient to trigger the caulk to shortly draw back. Tighten the clamps totally.
• Fallacious sink sealant: The sink installer could have failed to make use of the right kitchen sealant. If an strange caulk was used to seal the sink, it possible will fail shortly. Most undermount sink producers advocate that you just use pure, 100-percent silicone sealant for undermount sink set up.
• Age and utilization: Even completely put in undermount sinks can fail after sufficient time and use. The silicone sealant dries out and the clamps begin to loosen as a result of fixed vibrations on the counter and the burden of the sink.

Security Concerns

Watch out when lifting and holding the undermount sink. Put on security glasses when utilizing the denatured alcohol, particularly when working below the countertop.