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From farmhouse style sinks to stainless steel, there’s a huge variety of choice when it comes to choosing a sink for your kitchen. Here’s a quick guide to fitting a kitchen sink yourself.

1. Make sure you have the skills for installing the kitchen sink

Installing a kitchen sink isn’t hugely complicated, but you need to have some basic plumbing and carpentry skills to be confident. If you’re not sure, it’s best to get a professional in. Buying kitchen installation from your kitchen supplier can save you a lot of time. Find installation providers at IKEA Kitchen Installation Services.

If fitting your new sink requires making any changes that involve electrics we strongly recommend you use a registered electrician. You can find these through the IKEA Kitchen Installation Service or the Competent Persons Register.

2. Get rid of the old sink

Turn off the mains water and run the taps to drain all the water. Unplumb your old sink. If you want to replace it with a new one that’s the same size and style, measure the old one before you dispose of it. Find out how to dispose of your old kitchen

3. Check what size you need

Most people have inset sinks nowadays – these are sinks that slot directly into your worktop. Before you choose your sink you’ll need to make sure it will fit width-ways and also not be too deep. There needs to be space between the edge of the sink and the front and back edge of the worktop. Also ensure that there’s sufficient room for the splashback.

4. Read the sink fitting instructions…

and make sure you fully understand them. If there is any electrical work to be done, book your professional in advance.

5. Make a hole in the worktop

Your new sink will probably come with a template, but if it doesn’t, put it upside down on the worktop and draw around it. Then make another line inside the original line – the manufacturer’s instructions will tell you how far inside. This will create a lip for the sink to rest on. With a drill, make holes at the corners inside the inside line. Then, starting from one of the holes, cut the hole using a jigsaw. Put masking tape on the jigsaw plate so it won’t scratch your worktop.

6. Fit the kitchen taps

Fit the kitchen taps and any strainers and baskets on the sink before you put it in the worktop – it’s a lot easier to do it like this rather than when the sink is in the worktop.

7. Put in the sink

Put silicone or putty underneath the lip of the sink to make sure it’s waterproof, and then very carefully drop your sink into the hole. Secure your sink with the clips provided, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Finishing touches

The water supply lines and waste pipe now need to be connected, following the manufacturer’s instructions. If any electrical work is required during the fitting, call a professional.