Home depot uses independent contractors for their installs. Our local hd uses an outfit for their counters 300 miles away. You should have recieved a ton of paperwork from hd that should state the action that needs to be taken , but i can tell you it's not going to be easy from past customers experiences that were relayed to me in conversation, so you need to address this w/ hd asap and get the ball rolling in order to get it rectified, as there are time limits for claims. It should be hd's responsibility even though it was a faulty install by the contractor, you purchased and paid hd for the process. Go down and hack it out w/ them going straight to the store manager as the customer service desk will be of little help. Go straight to the top and make an appointment w/ the manager if necessary.

The silestone installers contracted by hd out here insist on plywood and it needs to be shimmed and level or they wont install. They only install the counters but do not prep the cabinets including sink areas for the install. They expect that to be done by the homeowner, contractor, cabinet shop, anyone othre than themselves. It might be different m.o. in your area but i would think a large outfit such as hd stays in the same mode of business everywhere.

HD should be responsible IMO, for all my opinion is worth. They supplied the install contractor (per your contract with HD) and the install contractor shouldn't have done the install if it could not be done correctly. I also think any damage correcting the problem should be their responsibility.

sierraeast..sounds like HD tries to pass the buck.

The person responsible is the one you paid and that would be Home Depot.
The sink needs to be secured with the hardware it came with, not plywood and not(only) caulk.
Ron

Debbie 2008, out here they do seem to pass the buck on several instances that were told to me by past customers who went the hd/install route on cabinetry, carpet, as well as counters. All had deficiencies by the installers and appearently it was a lot of red tape to get those situations rectified. That's why i stated to go straight to the store manager instead of jumping through the hoops at the service desk which will generally get you nowhere. The folks that had the carpet install went to the manager and got results.

Not following the manufacturers install instructions as well as not using the clips/hardware on the sink will void any warranties by the sink manufacturer.

We, too, purchased our granite from HD. BIG MISTAKE! Just like you, we discovered that the sink was improperly installed and water was leaking down into our cabinet. Luckily, I was suspicious and checked so only a few days had gone by so no permanent damage was done. My handy hubby and his friends fixed the sink on their own. But we still are waiting for the other repairs to be completed by HD. All I can say is you are probably best off to call the 800# to file your complaint. We had a nightmare carpet install previously at HD and dealt w/ the local store...with nothing ever being done. So I did not even consider calling local w/ our granite problems. Good luck w/ your ordeal. I hope it all turns out well for you.

Did you get things worked out?

The scratches would really concern me, but the leak may just be a matter of caulking the area.

Regarding damage to other areas: if you placed a backsplash after the counter was installed, then yes, it may be damaged if they remove the counter.

Hi, all, thanks for reply. Here is the update (a little bit long).

I called HD; They said it is not my responsibility to get a plumber, and they would talk to the installer. Then installer then called me, saying that they need to do inspection first. They came, and said no need to remove the countertop, no need to remove the plumbing. I was not happy, I guess they didn't want to get a plumber because now it's their responsibility to get one. I highly doubt the quality of fix with all the pipes and disposer there, so I asked the installer to tell me exactly what they're going to do beforehand. Set up an appointment, but I canceled immediately due to conflict of schedule. However, they still showed up at that day (my inlaw was at home). We talked over the phone, they asked for permission for the fix; I was kind of angry, asking for extended warranty (the original installation warranty is one year). They denied, and I didn't give them permission. Later on, my inlaw told me that they had already started the fix as we negotiated over the phone. I found that they removed the supporting plywood around the faucet, re-installed the faucet, and use the metal bracket on the faucet to support the sink (that means the weight of the sink is put on the faucet)! I also found the supporting plywood has mold/fungus built-on.

Called HD again, they told me that the installer is very cooperative to fix the issue, and they are experts, and we should believe them...

Called the installer, they said mold needs at least three months to grow, while my sink was installed one month ago. Scheduled another inspection, which is later next week...

During the inspection for the scratch (at that time no leakage yet), we told them there is no enough support around the faucet area, as they cut off the plywood for the faucet/airgap installation (plywood plus the quartz is too thick). They said it is fine. Then one or two weeks later, I discovered water in the cabinet...

I am too frustrated about this countertop, we spend $3000 and too much time on it. Right now what options do we have?

Without pics, it's difficult to say what's OK and what isn't.

My enamel sink is supported by plywood with 1x4 strips of wood running along the edge for extra support.
My guess is they set the sink on the plywood, then placed your countertop.

It sounds as though your faucet is installed directly onto the counter and not attached anywhere to your sink. If it makes you feel any better, what you've described is what my install with DS's faucet looks like . The fabricator left an area uncovered by plywood so that the faucet could be easily installed.

If you have a small section of plywood missing to allow the faucet install, I don't think that's going to affect the overall support of your counter. Whether the plywood is there or not wouldn't be a cause for leakage, since faucets are often attached directly to sinks and countertops....with no backing.
The leak was more than likely due to a loose nut, hose, missing washer or something not threaded on correctly.

It's nice when the clips and brackets that come with fixtures can be used, but there are many cases where they can't due to the install and type of countertop used.

Faucets usually don't have brackets, but have large nuts/washers that hold it in place. Is it possible that what you're seeing is the nut and it's overlapping the sink.
Is your sink SS?

So what did they say about the scratch?

I believe the supporting plywood has water damage and mold. Both Homedepot and the installer refused to replace it. I don't believe those damaged plywood can last for 10+ years for me. Can we post pictures here? If so, I would like to post some pictures.

I plan to talk to the store manage. I demand they either reinstall the sink, or refund the money (Is it possible to ask for refund, it is still within 90 days)

As a last rest resort, I plan to contact the credit card, or go to small claim court. Will that help?

annz, for the scratch, they said they will bring some sand machine to re-sand the surface. I doubt about the result, and am afraid of the dust.

Yes, you can post pics here. Personally, I wouldn't be too concerned about the plywood that got wet unless you know for sure there's more mold and not just dark, stained plywood from water damage.

Removing the counter could damage your cabinets, but it depends on how they installed it. There's usually adhesive involved and some installers also use adhesive to install the sink. If this is the case, removing the sink would not be an easy task.

As sierra said, definitely get down to HD asap and get the necessary process going. Be sure to go over all the paperwork and doublecheck what falls within the 90 day warranty.
Like you, I wouldn't be happy if they re-sanded the surface in my house. Things would definitely get messy!
If they only re-sand the scratches I think you're going to easily see where the 'repair' was done.

My DS recently went thru an ordeal with HD after ordering a new laminate countertop. Three times they delivered the wrong size and it took her many trips and phone calls to HD in order to get things straightened out. She was a wreck by the time it was settled. Demand to talk to the manager and hope he's not as incompetent as the one DS had to deal with.

I called silestone, and I was told that the installer should not fix the scratch inside the house. Then I called the installer again, and they agreed to take the countertop off.

Yesterday my plumber unpluged the pipes and the faucet, and the installer took off the countertop.

I then took off the supporting plywood. My god, they are full of mold at the surface that contacts with the cabinet sidewall. The corresponding area of my cabinet is also full of black mold!

They still insisted on using the plywood instead of clips to support the sink. But plywood has already gave me so much trouble! Maybe they don't have the capability to use clips.

Should I go with HD for the cabinet damage and plumbing fee?

Ann is right about the clips for mounting the sink. If they aren't using them they may have a good reason. Ask the installer to explain to you why they aren't using them. The cabinet has damage or just mold? If just mold mix 1 part bleach and 9 parts water. Apply to mould. Let dry (use a fan if you like). Treat a 2nd time. It kills mould as dead as it can get. If the mold is staining the outside of the cabinet then that is a different thing.
Unfortunately, dealing with the box stores for professional installs often ties your hands on what you can do to get problems rectified to your satisfaction and in a reasonable time. Good luck with it all.

I just learned how to post pictures.

plywood support:

mold on the cabinet side wall:

delaminate of the cabinet sidewall:

cabinet corner broken:

mold on the supporting plywood:

more mold:

plywood:

As buzzoo said, the mold can be taken care of with some bleach water but it all needs to be dry before being put back together.
But, IMO, you have every right to demand they replace the plywood with new wood. It's not very much plywood and isn't difficult to cut.

I can't tell from the pic how bad the damage on the broken cabinet corner is, but it appears it's just separated. Some wood glue and finish nails may be all it needs as does the area that delaminated.

Call HD and have them send out a cabinet guy to check and repair your cabinets before the countertop is replaced. And yes, I'd demand they cover the plumbing costs due to the installation error. Continue trying to get HD to handle the problem..........but you'll probably be left with the plumbing expense. :(

Did your plumbing guy do the install of the faucet initially?

Can we use bleach to treat the cabinet sidewall? It is plywood, and I am afraid it will delaminate.

Yes, my plumbing guy installed the faucet initially. But the holes/cutout on the plywood support was done by HD installer.

The installer called me today for the re-install. I asked about the sink installation. They said they always use clips. I asked why plywood was used at my case. They said they don't know...

Well, I stand corrected on the mold issue. I just did some quick research and found the article below. Based on that info, I'd inform the installation company to bring new pieces of wood for the install. For the mold on the inside of the cabinet you'll need to find something to kill the mold.

Earlier you said "I called HD; They said it is not my responsibility to get a plumber, and they would talk to the installer."
If the leak wasn't caused by anything the plumber did, and it does look like it's due to little or no caulk around your sink, then I'd hold them responsible for paying the plumber. Besides that, hiring the plumber again was also due to the fact that they scratched your countertop!

Did they say anything after the initial installation about the need for someone to caulk around the sink, or did they say they caulked it?

It appear the reason they're not using the clips is because there nothing to clip too. There's no overhanging plywood on the front and sides of the cutout to attach the clips to.
That looks like a huge cutout, but I've also made similar cutouts in cabinets that were a little small for the sink we wanted to use.
BTW, my kitchen sink doesn't have clips either. It's held up by plywood and 1x4's on three sides and a narrower strip on the back edge to allow for the faucet.

Before they show up for the install, make sure the cabinets are to your liking and confirm that they'll bring the new wood.

Here is a link that might be useful: mold

On many contracts, defective materials will be replaced, but it is the home owner's expense for the labor. Check yours! I suspect you will not be reimbursed for the cost of your plumber (even thought you ought to be). I would still pursue it aggressively with HD. Also, expect them to replace the plywood. You paid for new, you have a right to new.

I am glad that I have a Corian counter with integrated sink! I don't know if this is true for the manufacturer of Silestone, but Dupont sets the price for Corian, and it can't be reduced except by Dupont. We ordered our counters from a fabricator who did everything. I know that Corian can be sanded without removing the counter.

The leakage is not due to the plumbing or caulking. The support for the sink is not strong enough. If you press the sink, you can see the sink go down a little, and the gap between the sink edge and counter enlarged. That's where the leakage comes from. Initially when the installer came to inspect the scratches, we pointed out the cut out on the supporting plywood, saying that the support may not be enough. One guy said it doesn't matter; the other say it needs strengthened. Then one or two weeks later, I discovered the leakage...

Today, I ordered a new sink cabinet. The cabinet store gave me big discount. I think it is better than fixing the broken sidewall and dealing with the mold.

Right now I payed everything by myself. Plan to go after HD later for all the cost. Right now I am too tired.

All installers are not created equal.....DEMAND the best....you're paying for it.
Heads up....They can speak english!