Fitting a new kitchen sink often means you’ll need to knock a tap hole — a task that can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Ceramic sinks are durable but brittle, meaning one wrong move can cause cracks or chips that ruin the finish. The key is in the preparation, the right tools, and a steady hand.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to safely knock a tap hole in a ceramic sink without damaging it. You’ll learn the correct technique, what to avoid, and a few insider tips from our in-house fitters who handle this process every day. Follow these steps carefully and you’ll have your tap installed cleanly and securely, ready to complete your new kitchen setup.
How to Knock a Tap Hole in a Ceramic or Granite Sink
Creating a tap hole in a ceramic or granite sink takes care and patience. These materials are durable but brittle, meaning rushing the job or using the wrong tools can cause cracks or damage. Follow this clear, step-by-step guide for the safest and most effective method.
Tools You’ll Need
PPE: Gloves and a protective mask
Drill: Electric or cordless
Drill Bit: 35mm or the size recommended for your sink
Water spray gun: To keep dust down and reduce heat
Sawhorse or sturdy surface
Centre punch and hammer
File
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sink
Remove the sink from its packaging and check for any visible damage.
Place the sink upside down on a sawhorse or workbench.
Lay a towel or soft cloth underneath to prevent scratches.
2. Mark and Start the Hole
Attach a 35mm hole saw (or the correct size for your sink) to your drill.
Align it with the scorch mark or pre-marked hole location.
Begin drilling slowly and carefully, using the spray gun to keep the area cool and reduce dust.
Stop drilling when you’re about 3mm from breaking through the surface — do not drill all the way, as this can cause the sink to crack.
3. Knock Through the Hole
Turn the sink over so it’s right side up.
Using a centre punch and hammer, gently tap through the remaining material until the hole breaks cleanly.
4. Smooth and Finish
Use a file to smooth out any rough edges, giving it a clean, factory-style finish.
Always wear PPE and take your time — rushing can lead to irreversible damage.
These steps are a general guideline only.
If you’d rather avoid the risk, Taps UK offers a professional tap hole knocking-out service, ensuring your sink arrives ready to install with a perfect finish.
Taps UK Tap Hole Knocking-Out Service — A Risk-Free Option
Drilling a tap hole into a ceramic or granite sink can be risky, even for professionals. One wrong move can cause cracks or damage that voids your warranty. That’s why Taps UK offers an in-house tap hole knocking-out service, giving you a completely risk-free solution.
Why Choose Our Tap Hole Service
No risk of sink damage — our professional fitter handles the process safely.
Convenient and hassle-free — we prepare your sink at our Droitwich site before dispatch.
Perfect precision — each hole is drilled to suit your chosen tap or accessory.
What’s Included
The service covers up to two standard tap holes.
Additional holes (for accessories such as an automatic waste, filtered water tap, or air switch) can be added — just contact our customer support team to discuss your setup.
We’ll contact you after ordering to confirm your tap hole placement:
Delivery & Processing
Please allow an extra 2–3 working days on top of the advertised sink delivery time for this custom service.
Because this modification is made to your specifications, the sink becomes non-returnable under our 30-day money-back and 90-day exchange guarantees.
Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
What size hole saw should I use?
Use a 35 mm hole saw (or the size recommended by your tap manufacturer). It’s critical to use a tool rated for hard materials like stone or ceramic.
Do I need to drill partway before knocking the hole through?
Yes. You should drill from the underside to reduce the material thickness to about 2–3 mm before tapping through. This helps prevent cracks and ensures a cleaner break.
How do I keep the sink from cracking while drilling?
Use a slow drill speed, water spray to cool the surface, and firm support underneath the sink. Never let the drill bit go dry or push too hard.
What PPE do I need when knocking a tap hole?
Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and a protective mask to guard against ceramic dust and flying particles.
Can Taps UK do the tap hole for me?
Yes. Taps UK offers a tap hole knocking-out service, where a professional will pre-drill your sink to your required position. This removes all the risk of DIY mistakes.
If you’re unsure about choosing the right sink or need guidance on installation and care, our team at Taps UK is here to help.
Creating a tap hole in a ceramic or granite sink can be a delicate task that demands the right tools, technique, and patience. This article has explained the step-by-step process to safely drill and finish a tap hole while avoiding cracks or surface damage. For anyone who prefers a safer option, the Taps UK Tap Hole Knocking-Out Service offers a simple, professional solution — ensuring your sink arrives ready for installation, with no risk of damage or stress.
By following correct preparation and safety guidelines, or choosing our in-house service, you can be confident your new sink will look perfect and perform as intended for years to come
Preparation is everything: Always double-check your tools, measurements, and drilling position before starting.
Drill with care: Use slow speed, water cooling, and stop before breaking through to prevent cracking.
Always punch from the top: This avoids pressure damage that can chip the glaze or surface.
Support the sink fully: A stable surface prevents vibration or uneven stress during drilling.
Professional option available: Taps UK’s Tap Hole Knocking-Out Service removes all DIY risk and guarantees a clean, accurate finish.
Slightly longer lead time: Allow an additional 2–3 working days for customised orders.
Taps UK is a prominent online retailer in the United Kingdom, specializing in a wide variety of kitchen and bathroom products. The company boasts a large selection of taps, sinks, and accessories from both well-known industry brands and its own exclusive lines, catering to a broad customer base that includes the general public as well as trade professionals like developers and builders.
