Getting a brand new kitchen fited is stressful, but it's inevitable that sometimes an item gets damaged when being modified or fitted, but 9 times out of 10, when this damage happens it's because someone hasn't followed the instructions properly. Cutting corners to save time nearly almost ends in tears, where the potential to destory a brand new sink is all too real.
Here are some prime examples of where it's gone wrong - with a quick explanation of why.
Always punch from the top
This is probably one of the most common mistakes we see. The fitter/installer has tried to knock the tap hole through, but from the underside of the sink. The stress causes this "mushroom" effect, which breaks the finish off. It is very rare that damage of this kind is caused by a manufacturing fault, and although we always approach the manufacturer at our customer's request - this type of damage is nearly always dismissed as an installation error and you would be expected to claim from your fitter to cover the cost.
Aim for the centre of the tap hole
The damage to this one is quite obvious. The fitter/installer has placed the punch away from the tap hole, instead of center to it. Once force has been applied, it has punched out the wrong part of the sink. This is why preperation is the key when doing jobs like this!
Preparation, preparation, preparation!
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. In our how to knock a tap hole article we stress the importance of drilling the underside of the sink to create less resistance when the tap hole is finally knocked through. There is normally around 10-15mm of material holding the tap hole in place, and you want it to be more like 2-3mm to make it as easy and risk free as possible. Too much force incorrectly applied will cause damage like this.
Support is important
It may seem like common sense, but if you are knocking through a tap hole, it is important to make sure the entire sink is supported. If you attempt to tap a hole in a sink without supporting it, it will likely damage the sink, and in a worst case scenario, completely destroy it - as the installer quickly learned in the photos above.
In summary, it's important to make sure whoever is installing your kitchen sink is experienced and knows what they are doing. There are plenty of resources online to help knock through a tap hole (including our thorough guide) but a few key points that you can learn from this article are;
Preperation is important, make sure the sink is ready for a tap hole to be made
Always punch from the top surface of the sink, never from the underside
Always mark up where the tap hole is, so when you do punch, you are as central as possible.
Make sure your sink is fully supported before you try to knock through a tap hole.
If all this has you worried, we do offer a tap hole service so that the sink arrives with you pre-drilled/tapped. Just take a look a our tap hole knocking out service and add to your basket, we will do the rest!
My fitter/installer has already broken my sink, what do I do now?
Everyone makes mistakes, and all competant and experienced fitters will have professional insurances to cover for mistakes and errors. If our team have said that it isn't covered under warranty, you should be able to make a claim through your fitter to cover the item. Our team are also on hand to help you, and we will do our best to try and offer solutions dependant on the circumstances and type of damage.
As always if there is anything you would like to discuss, call one of our helpful customer services team on 01527 868 510, or send an email into helpdesk@tapsuk.net.
This article is meant for reference purposes only. Instructions are meant for guidance and Taps UK always recommends discussing any kitchen requirements with a suitable fitter/installer.
