How to Use Sanitary Engineering with Granite Countertops

Sanitary engineering improves the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the environment. The process combines chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry along with some common sense.

Whether you install appliances next to your new granite countertop or updating your current kitchen workspace, it is always a good idea to incorporate sanitary engineering principles for all installation processes.

In this article, we compiled some simple tips on how to achieve this on your own, even if you do not have a technical background!

Installing Appliances Using Sanitary Engineering Practices

Attaching a Dishwasher

If you recently purchased a new dishwasher, you will want to know how to attach the dishwasher to the granite countertop using the best sanitary practices.

You can install most dishwashers using screws and brackets. If you work with a granite and other stone-surfaced countertops, attach it with adhesives. You should use preventative procedures to avoid spilling messy adhesives on your countertops. The last thing you want on your new countertop is the toxic chemical compounds.

Cover your granite countertop with a disposable plastic or cloth sheet before you apply the adhesive. Caulk is a good adhesive to use, as it is a popular sealant that prevents leaks and keeps out moisture.

This is important in moist areas surrounding dishwashers which can lead to the growth of mold.

Securing a Dishwasher

Sometimes, you need to secure a dishwasher under a granite countertop. This prevents the dishwasher from falling towards you when you pull out the dish racks. It should also be done as a safety measure to protect young children and pets roaming around the house.

Again, do not drill holes in your granite countertop, or you could fracture it. Instead, stick mounting tabs to the granite with an industrial grade adhesive.

The adhesive should also be water-resistant and water-tight to prevent excess moisture from seeping in and changing its chemical properties.

For sanitary measures, use stainless steel metal tabs instead of regular tabs. This prevents rusting of the metal from being exposed to constant moisture from the dishwasher.

The rust becomes a health hazard that can get into your clean plates, bowls, and cutlery.

Installing an Undermount Sink

If you set up a new kitchen, you also need to install an undermount sink on your granite countertop using quality sanitary practices.

The steps you need to consider here are similar to the ones for attaching a dishwasher to the granite countertop. Since both are exposed to moisture on a daily basis, you need to ensure no water seepage occurs between the sink and under the countertop. Excess water causes mold to develop and that is the last thing you want in your kitchen.

A good way to prevent mold is to use a high-quality sealant to keep out all the water. You should also perform regular checks for leakage and mold around the sink area to ensure your kitchen stays clean and sanitary.

Installing a Drop-In Sink

Drop-in sinks are the most popular type of sinks. They are also known as self-rimming sinks of top-mount sinks as they contain a visible rim, or lip, around their outer perimeter.

The steps to installing a drop-in sink are simpler than undermount sinks. All you need to do is to gently release the drop-in sink into the granite countertop cutout. The rims of the drop-in sink will hold it in place and prevent moisture from seeping in between the countertop and the sink.

The relative ease of the process makes it easier to maintain good sanitary practices in the kitchen, as well as mitigates the risk of mold developing.

Installing a Bathroom Faucet

If you have a granite countertop in your bathroom, you will need to install a bathroom faucet on the counter.

The steps to installing a faucet are similar to installing sinks on a kitchen countertop. Instead of attaching a sink, attach the faucet supply pipes by inserting it through the faucet base and then the mounting hole on the countertop. To prevent mold from developing, seal off excess moisture using plumber’s putty.

Do you need help installing a granite counter using sanitary engineering?

At Granite Selection, we helped numerous homeowners and builders in the Greater Chicago area use sanitary engineering practices for installing their granite countertops.

Simply give us a call at (888) 906 3317 for a free consultation, so we can do the same for you.