How To

1. How to Replace a Sink Drain Replacing a sink drain is a two-person procedure, as someone is needed to hold the stopper in place. Replace a sink drain with tips from a certified HVAC tech and plumber in this free video on plumbing repairs:

2. How to Install Bathroom Vanity and Glass Sink - Absolutely easy Do It Yourself project. Step by step instructions on life project with glass bathroom vanity and glass sink. You Can Do It!


3. How to Install Glass Waterfall Faucet - Bathroom glass waterfall faucet installation -- easy do it yourself project. You can do it!


4.If you have standard 1.25 inch diameter bath drain and bigger 1.375 inch inside diameter sink drain opening, some tips of sink drain installation information

Note: Please use licensed plumber, electrician and contractor to make sure all projects done correctly, and follow manufacturer’s installation instructions since each project is different. All articles are listed for illustration purposes only

5. How to Install a vessel sink:
For an above counter installation, you will need a hole that is large enough to accommodate the drain assembly. This is the plumbing hardware that allows the sink to drain the water. If the bottom of your vessel is flat, then the installation is straightforward.
The only thing we would recommend is a bead of silicone under the sink and around the edge to prevent water on the countertop from working its way underneath the vessel.
If the vessel has a rounded shape – as with most glass vessel sinks – you have two options. You can either use a vessel mounting ring or you will need to provide a mounting hole directly in the countertop for stability.
If a mounting hole is utilized use clear silicone to provide cushion and stability when mounting the sink. The larger the hole, the more stability you will achieve in the installation. Be sure to keep the height of the faucet you have chosen in mind when making these decisions.

Whichever mounting method you use, you will want to install the drain in the vessel before installing the sink to the counter surface. Drains for vessel sinks come in two basic configurations. Does your vessel have an overflow?
If so, you will need a standard drain. However, most vessel sinks do not have an overflow and will need a “vessel style drain”. Vessel drains come in many different styles and finishes.
These drains do not have a “pop up” assembly. Some are referred to as “grid drains” (referring to the “grid configuration” on the top of the drain).
Grid drains were designed to let the water flow out of the basin but catch larger objects from heading down the drain. be sure that you don’t over tighten the drain assembly. Hand tighten the drain only. The breakage we see with glass vessels is usually associated with an improper installation of the drain. It extreme cases over tension on the drain can lead to almost an explosion of the sink.

6. Small Bathroom Remodeling tips:
- Just replace the sink cabinet with a pedestal style sink or glass sink. You'll lose some cabinet space, but you can usually more than make up for that loss by hanging a cabinet above the toilet. You can also save space by adding a sink that mounts directly to the wall. If you like having your sink in a cabinet, consider putting it into a smaller cabinet. You can top your cabinet with a solid surface countertop; the small piece won't cost much compared to the dramatic impact it provides. You can finish with a vessel sink which sits on the counter for a great updated look.
- The easiest way to add the illusion of space is with a new mirror, especially if you have an old small medicine chest above the sink - the type with a stainless steal frame. These old-fashioned medicine cabinets really date a home. Replace with a mirror spanning the wall all the way up to the ceiling. Or, look for an extra large framed mirror and paint the frame to match your décor.
- Use towels to add softness to the hard space.
- Don't use a lot of little pictures on the walls; they create a cluttered look and make the space feel smaller.

7. What size drain do I need for my sink? Why does the lesser value still fit?
There are three common drain sizes for bathroom sinks, 1.25", 1.5" and 1 5/8 (1.625"). You need to select a drain that is the same size or SMALLER than the hole in your sink. For example, if you have a sink with a drain hole of 1.75", than any of the drains 1.25", 1.5", or 1.65" will work. However, if you had a sink with a 1.25" hole, then only the 1.25" drain will work, the bigger drains will not fit. A common secondary question is, why will a smaller drain still fit my larger drain hole? The measurement of the drain is typically for the threaded part of the drain pipe, the part that actually has to fit through the hole in the sink. The majority of drains are much larger on the drain flange, which is the upper part of the drain that sits in your sink, thus, this part will not fit through the hole and instead will cover it, which is what a drain is supposed to do.

8. Do I need a drain with or without overflow?
If the sink you are using the drain with has an overflow hole in it, you will need to purchase a drain with overflow. If the sink you are using the drain with does not have an overflow hole, you will need to purchase a drain without overflow. An overflow is in laymans terms the small hole or slit near the upper part of a sink basin or tub that allows water to drain automatically if the water reaches a certain level. This overflow prevents overflowing of water. Drains that have an overflow feature will line up with the overflow feature built into your sink, to allow the water to drain whether the top of the drain is closed or not.

9. Will my copper sink patina or change color? How can I prevent this?
The natural brown sinks are most susceptible to stains caused by hard water and acid based chemicals. We recommend that you DO NOT use any type of chemical to clean your copper sink. If you experience hard water we recommend wiping the sink down after each use with a gentle soft cloth to avoid spotting. If for some reason an acidic food or chemical comes in contact with your sink a bright shiny spot will remain. This shiny spot can be cleaned with soap and water but only time will completely remove the spot as the sink recovers its natural patina.

The clear glossy shiny sinks are etched with an acid based solution at the point of creation, giving them a bright smooth and shiny aura. To keep your sink looking its best you will have to periodically clean and rebuff the sink with a copper cleaner such as Wrights Copper Cream. If you wish for the sink to develop its own unique patina simply give it time to slowly age.

10. Do I need a mounting ring?
Most glass sinks require a mounting ring because the bottom of the glass sinks are usually not flat, therefore will not sit properly on your countertop without a mounting ring in between the sink and countertop. The other reason for a mounting ring, specifically with glass sinks, is to put something between the often hard countertop (such as stone) and a glass sink. If you apply enough pressure to a glass sink, that doesnt have a flat bottom, that is on a countertop without a mounting ring, it could likely crack or shatter.
Again, not all glass sinks requre a mounting ring, check with the product specifications or a sales rep if you are unsure.
Tip: mounting ring usually required for round glass sinks, for different shapes used plastic pad.

11. How to repair an acrylic bathroom sink?
First check for an acrylic repair shop around area you live, this could include hardware stores and plumbing stores. If that will not work there are websites online that sell repair kits for acrylic. Acrylic is one of the easiest materials to be fixed with the least amount signs of blemish. Here is a couple of websites about acrylic repair, but there are more on the internet if you will search on the internet.

http://www.surface-repair.com/
http://www.acrylicrepair.com/acrylic.html