How to Install a Campervan Sink: A Simple DIY Fitting Guide
Updated: 3 days ago
Surface-mounted, semi-recessed or undermounted : learn how to fit your campervan sink with basic tools and a little planning.
Installing a sink in your campervan doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, fitting one of The Little Vanporium's lightweight bowl sinks can be surprisingly straightforward, even if you're new to DIY campervan conversions.
Our colourful, durable melamine round bowl sinks are available in sizes from 22cm to 36cm and can be installed in three different ways:
Surface-mounted: The sink sits on top of the worktop.
Semi-recessed: Part of the bowl sits below the worktop.
Undermounted: The sink sits beneath the worktop for a more streamlined finish.
For a simple surface-mounted installation, you may only need to cut a 110mm diameter hole to accommodate the waste fitting, then secure and seal the basin using a suitable adhesive sealant.
This guide explains how to choose your installation method, measure your worktop, cut the opening and connect the waste pipe.
Which Campervan Sink Installation Method Is Best?
The right method depends on your available space, worktop material and the finish you're looking for.
Fitting method | Appearance | Installation |
Surface-mounted | Bowl sits above the worktop | Usually the easiest option |
Semi-recessed | Bowl sits partly within the worktop | Requires a larger, carefully measured opening |
Undermounted | Bowl sits beneath the worktop | Requires precise cutting and suitable support |
If you're fitting your first campervan sink, surface mounting is generally the simplest place to start.
Before You Begin
Read the instructions fully and plan your sink position before cutting anything.
All the round bowl sinks covered by this guide come with a pre-fitted 90-degree waste, so you'll need enough clearance beneath the worktop for the waste and outlet pipe.
For surface mounting, a 110mm diameter opening is usually required to clear the waste fitting.
For semi-recessed and undermount installations, the opening will depend on the size of your sink and how you want it to sit. Always use your actual sink to check the measurements.
Our top tip: If you're unsure about the cut-out, practise on thick cardboard or a piece of scrap worktop first. It's much easier to make adjustments before cutting your finished surface!
Tools and Materials You'll Need
For a typical installation, gather:
Tape measure and pencil
Masking tape
Drill
110mm hole saw for a suitable surface-mounted installation
Jigsaw or router for larger cut-outs
Fine sandpaper or file
Suitable worktop edge sealer
Compatible silicone adhesive sealant or other specified fixing adhesive
Clean cloth
Jubilee clip if using our flexible waste pipe
Safety glasses and gloves
Scrap material for a practice cut
You won't necessarily need every tool listed. A straightforward surface-mounted installation usually requires fewer tools than a recessed or undermounted sink.
Step 1: Choose the Position of Your Sink
Start by placing the sink on your worktop to see where it looks and works best.
Make sure there's enough space for your tap, splashback, cupboard edges and anything else you plan to install nearby.
Don't forget to look underneath the worktop.
You'll need space for the pre-fitted 90-degree waste and enough room for the outlet pipe to run naturally without being twisted or kinked.
If you're using one of our flexible waste pipes, plan a smooth downward route to your waste-water container.
Once you're happy with the position, you're ready to mark the cut-out.
Step 2: Mark Your Worktop
For a Surface-Mounted Sink
With the sink in its intended position, identify the centre of the bowl and mark the centre point for the waste opening.
You can turn the sink upside down to help judge its position and measure across the widest points to find the centre.
Use masking tape if you're marking a delicate, glossy or dark surface.
Double-check the position underneath before drilling.
For a Semi-Recessed or Undermounted Sink
Use the actual sink to work out the opening required for your chosen fitting depth.
Because the bowl is curved, the diameter changes depending on how far into the worktop you want it to sit.
Do not assume the overall sink diameter is the correct cut-out size.
Measure the bowl at the intended fitting depth and make a practice template before cutting.
A Clever DIY Trick for Drawing a Perfect Circle
If you're cutting a larger circular opening, you can make a simple compass using a wooden batten.
Drill a small hole near one end of the batten.
Measure from that hole to half the diameter of your required opening.
Drill a second hole at that measurement.
Loosely secure the first hole at the centre of your intended cut-out so the batten can rotate.
Place a pencil through the second hole and rotate the batten to draw a circle.
This is a useful way to mark a neat, even circle before using a jigsaw.
Make sure any temporary fixing hole is acceptable for your worktop or will be removed within the cut-out.
Step 3: Cut the Worktop
The cutting method depends on how you're installing the sink.
Option 1: Surface-Mounted Installation
This is usually the quickest and simplest method.
The sink sits on top of the worktop, with only the waste fitting passing through the opening.
Using a suitable hole saw, cut a 110mm diameter hole at the marked centre point.
If your worktop is particularly thick, you may need additional clearance for the 90-degree waste and pipe connection.
Where appropriate, a little extra clearance can be created from underneath the worktop rather than enlarging the entire opening.
Be careful not to remove so much material that the sink loses the support it needs.
Once cut:
Smooth any rough edges.
Remove dust and debris.
Seal the exposed worktop material.
Dry-fit the sink to check that the waste clears the opening.
The basin should sit flat and securely on the worktop.
Option 2: Semi-Recessed Installation
A semi-recessed sink sits partly inside the worktop, leaving the upper section of the bowl visible.
This can create a lovely, integrated appearance while keeping some of the bowl above the surface and retaining some storage space below.
Use your measured template to mark the opening, then cut carefully with a suitable jigsaw or router.
If using a jigsaw, drill a starter hole large enough for the blade inside the area you're removing, then follow your marked line.
Cut slightly smaller at first if you're unsure. You can gradually enlarge the opening until the sink sits at your preferred depth.
Once the fit is correct, smooth and seal the exposed edges.
Check that the waste fitting and pipework have sufficient clearance beneath the worktop.
Option 3: Undermounted Installation
For an undermounted sink, the bowl sits beneath the worktop.
This creates a clean finish, but it requires more precise cutting because the worktop edge remains visible.
Use your actual sink and a carefully measured template to mark the opening.
Cut the opening accurately, smooth the edge and seal any exposed worktop material with a wood sealent. Apply sealant and then secure with fixing. To support the bowl underneath you can make a wooden bracket or a fixing like builders band to hold in place. Do not rely on sealant alone to hold it in place.
Step 4: Connect the Waste Pipe
Our round bowl sinks come with a pre-fitted 90-degree waste.
If you're using one of The Little Vanporium's flexible outlet pipes, check the route before final fitting.
The pipe should:
Be secured using a suitable jubilee clip
Have a smooth downward fall for drainage
Be free from sharp bends, twists and kinks
Avoid sagging or low spots where water could collect
Reach your waste-water container without being pulled tight
Helpful fitting tip: If you're using our flexible outlet pipe, it can be easier to disconnect it while securing the sink so it doesn't interfere with positioning or curing.
Once the adhesive has fully cured, reconnect the pipe and secure it with the jubilee clip.
Make sure your waste-water container is stable and secured appropriately for travel.
Step 5: Test Everything Before Your First Trip
Before you start using your new campervan sink, run a little water through it and check the entire installation.
Make sure:
The sink is secure.
The worktop cut edges are sealed.
The waste fitting clears the worktop.
The outlet pipe is securely attached.
The pipe has a smooth downward run.
Water drains correctly.
There are no leaks around the sink or connections.
Once everything is working as it should, you're ready to enjoy your new campervan sink!
Want Running Water Without Complicated 12V Wiring?
If you're building your first campervan, fitting the sink is only half the job. You'll also need a way to get water to your tap.
The good news is that you don't necessarily need to install a conventional 12V pump.
At The Little Vanporium, we offer USB rechargeable tap kits that make adding running water much simpler.
Our kit includes:
USB rechargeable tap
Secure worktop mount that allows the tap to be removed for charging
Clear fresh-water pipe
Waste pipe
Two water containers, available in either 5-litre or 10-litre sizes
One container supplies fresh water, while the other collects used water.
The rechargeable tap operates using its own battery, so there's no need to wire it into your campervan's 12V electrical system.
And because the tap lifts out of its worktop mount, you can take it indoors and charge it using USB before your next adventure.
It's a particularly practical option for first-time campervan converters and weekend vanlifers.
For more information, read our guide to getting running water in your campervan without 12V wiring, or explore our rechargeable tap kits on The Little Vanporium website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to install a campervan sink yourself?
A straightforward surface-mounted installation can be relatively simple, even for beginners. With a suitable Little Vanporium sink, the process may involve cutting a 110mm diameter opening, sealing the worktop edge and securing the basin with a compatible adhesive sealant.
What size hole do I need for a Little Vanporium sink?
For surface-mounted round bowl sinks, a 110mm diameter opening is usually required to clear the pre-fitted 90-degree waste. Recessed installations need a larger opening measured from the actual sink.
Can I fit a campervan sink without specialist tools?
For a simple surface-mounted installation, basic measuring equipment, a drill, a suitable hole saw and the correct sealant may be sufficient. Recessed installations usually require additional cutting tools.
Can Little Vanporium sinks be fitted beneath a worktop?
Yes, the round bowl sinks described in this guide can be fitted in different ways, including undermounted, provided the worktop and fixing method are suitable.
Do Little Vanporium sinks come with a waste fitting?
Yes. The round bowl sinks covered in this guide are supplied with a pre-fitted 90-degree waste.
Can I have running water without installing 12V electrics?
Yes. A USB rechargeable tap can provide running water from a compatible fresh-water container without being wired into your campervan's 12V electrical system.
Ready to Fit Your Campervan Sink?
Whether you prefer a simple surface-mounted bowl, a semi-recessed installation or a neat undermount finish, The Little Vanporium's lightweight sinks offer practical options for your campervan kitchen.
Available in colourful designs and sizes from 22cm to 36cm, they're a durable, lightweight alternative to traditional ceramic bowl sinks.
And if you want to keep your water system just as simple, our USB rechargeable tap kits make running water achievable without complicated 12V wiring.
Explore our sinks, tap kits and campervan water accessories at The Little Vanporium.
Always check the specifications for your particular sink and worktop before cutting. Use compatible sealants and fixing methods, and seek professional installation advice if you're unsure.
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