Add a Sink to a Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands are a great solution for adding some extra countertop space and storage to a kitchen that is seriously lacking in those two areas. But, imagine how wonderful it would be if your kitchen island had a working sink! You would be able to wash fruits and vegetables, soak dishes or do any of the other things you use your current sink for and still be able to keep your countertops clear and clean.

If having a second sink in your kitchen sounds good to you, then with a little work, you can get it done yourself. Here's how to add a sink to your existing kitchen island.

Before we begin, understand that not every kitchen island may be suitable for a installing a sink. For instance, the sink will sit deep into the storage area of the island, so it has to either have the room available, or you will have to create the room yourself. If your island has a top-middle drawer, you will more than likely have to remove the drawer and just glue the drawer face back on the island for decoration.

Your new sink is going to need water supply and drainage pipes hookups, so you will have to be able to get access underneath your kitchen. Locate the water supply lines and drain connected to your current sink. Turn off the water to those lines and you will have to cut and solder in a "T" so you can branch off with supply lines to the new sink. You will have to drill holes through the base of your island and through the floor so you can bring the new pipes up into the island.

You will similarly have to connect your island's drainage pipe with the one currently connected to your existing sink. Here, you will have to cut the existing pipe and use a PVC "T" connector.

With your water lines run, be sure to install shutoff valves inside the kitchen island. Next, you will have to cut the access hole needed to fit your sink. You will want to cut the hole about an inch shorter all sides of the dimensions of the sink. Begin by tracing out the hole. Next, use a drill with a wood bit to make pilot holes in all four corners of your outline. Use a jigsaw to cut out the outline. Set your sink in the hole to ensure a proper fit.

If the sink sits properly, take it out and run a bead of plumbers putty around the hole. Insert the sink again and press it down so the plumbers putty squeezes out from under the sink edge. Tighten down the clamps on the bottom side of the sink so that it cannot be pulled out.

Next, connect the drain line to the sink and the water supply lines to the faucet. Make sure that everything is secure and tight and turn the water supply lines back on. Turn on the shutoff valves under the new sink and test the faucet for good water flow. Let the sink fill up with water and check underneath for any leaks. As the sink drains, keep watching underneath the sink for any signs of leaking. If everything remains dry, you're all finished.