My undermount sink is pulling away. Does it need more caulk?

Is the rim showing, or has the bowl dropped?

Look at an old photo of the kitchen if you have one. Looking straight down, you might see a narrow ledge of sink material all around the opening. Installers call this the reveal. BLANCO shows several options for its stainless steel and SILGRANIT undermount sinks. Depending on the original cutout, some rim can show, or the countertop can overhang the rim and hide it.

A new slit between the underside of the counter and the top of the rim is a different observation. Describe where it starts and ends. If the bowl appears lower at one end, a photo taken across the opening can show that better than one from directly above. Avoid pressing on the bowl, filling it to test it or reaching underneath a loose sink.

What holds this particular bowl in place?

Franke’s instructions for the Sirius SID110-34 give the seal and the clips separate jobs. Sealant around the rim keeps water out of the cupboard. Clips secure the sink to the worktop. For certain cast-iron apron-front sinks, including the K-6534, KOHLER specifies a support frame inside the cabinet that accounts for a bowl full of water and an attached disposal.

Before approving a reseal, ask the installer what supports your bowl and whether that support and the surrounding counter are sound. If you know the sink model or have the original fabricator’s paperwork, include it. Leave identifying hidden hardware to the installer.

Describe the water separately

Where did you first notice moisture? Water along the cabinet wall after wiping the counter is a different clue from a drip at the drain or disposal after emptying the bowl. Describe what already happened. There’s no need to run water to reproduce it. If there is an active leak, stop using the fixture and contact a plumber promptly. Mention any swollen cabinet material or cracked counter edge when arranging the visit.

What to ask before authorizing the repair

With the bowl’s position and support confirmed, you can compare the actual work proposed.

• For a sound installation with a failed seam, which sealant suits the two surfaces, and when can the sink get wet again?
• If the bowl has dropped, can the existing bowl be remounted? Ask who will assess the countertop and cabinet, handle any necessary drain or disposal reconnection, and check for leaks afterward.
• For a project request, send one overview and one close photo from above. Include the affected side, when you noticed the change, whether there is a disposal, and where any water appeared. That gives the team enough detail to tell you who should visit first.