Re-caulking Between Granite And The Sink
What specific chaulk/adhesive/sealer is best to glue a stainless steel undermount sink to granite? After 2 years, the builder installed sink is leaking due to the breakdown of whatever sealer they used and is totally mildewy. I plan to drop the sink, clean up and re-seal. It looks like there are several screws with brackets tapped into the underside of the granite counter to further support the sink.
Thanks, Dave
Hello David,
I believe the glue you are referring to is the caulking between the sink and granite. This in not used to support the sink in anyway. This is only for stopping water seeping into the cabinet. 100% silicone is best but it can be quite messy to work with because it is not water soluble. Personally, I would use latex caulking because it can be smoothed out with a wet finger and cleaned up with a wet towel. It is still very good quality. Look for the words, “Tub and Tile Caulking” on a tube in the tile section of your home improvement store.
Note that it is common for caulking to only last a few years at this joint because of the movement from your sink. This is a maintenance issue and it is good to replace because the mold that can grow can cause health problems.
The anchors underneath are used to support the sink. Be sure to not over-tighten these clamps and that can pull the anchor out of the granite.
Best wishes,
Tom Cordova
January 9th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Hello Tom,
Most of the time when a homeowner buys his house from a builder, he deals with builder’s salerep only. There is no one from various subcontractors for homeowner to discuss certain product and services. The builder’s salerep showed us the color choice for the granite kitchen countertop and the sample is 6″x6″ in size. We can’t tell vein or fissure from the sample. I wish I could have read your articles before I buy the house. Your articles are most informative and unbiased. Hope Chen