So is it a defects at the time of inspection or a prediction of future condition?
I just recommend clips to secure sink attachment integrity…
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That makes at least 3 of us. Pain in the arse to do it without help, but I learned a few tricks from a friend of mine that used to install granite countertops. They help a lot but having a helper is best.
Exactly!!!
If silicone adhesive designed for this application is used and put on correctly, per manufacturer instructions, it’s not going anywhere.
IF the countertop is made with places for additional fasteners then they can be considered"insurance" but not all counters are made the same.
IMHO, if someone wants to call it out, then to each his own. As far as calling it a defect or making a suggestion, well then that would depend on the particular situation I think. A homeowner would be pretty hard pressed to try to install clips if the counter wasn’t manufactured in such a way to have them. You could epoxy them on, but again if the wrong type is used or it’s not done correctly, it’s pointless.
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All that weight on that one tiny little clip? I wonder what’s keeping the sink up there?
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Under normal use, the lack of a mechanical attachment may hold, for a while, or not. I always like to go to worst case senario, like both sinks being full of dishes and water after a Thankgiving day meal, that, along with vibrations from a garbage disposal, IMO can cause the sink to lose adheasion to the granite. But to each their own.
3 Mistakes Made While Installing an Undermount Sink | Portland (crowleysgranite.com)
Many granite and quartz installers bypass mechanical sink attachments like clips, rails, or brackets, and instead use silicone adhesive to secure the sink to the countertop. This is an inherently flawed method. The continuous strain of the sink on the countertop. The weight, moisture, and vibrations of the garbage disposal will cause it to literally pull away. This will result in moisture problems in your sink cabinet and costly repair bills to make it right.
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How to install an under mount sink from the manufacturers installation instructions. This is from Elkay, I’ve installed hundreds of Elkay sinks.
Notice the mounting brackets are optional and are tightened lightly.
Silicone adhesive is recommended.
I wonder why the mounting brackets are only tightened lightly if they’re meant to hold the sink up? You guys need to contact this manufacturer and start telling them they’re doing this all wrong.
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I just discovered a new testing method!
Stand in the sink! 
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I installed a Elkay sink during a new build. The sink became badly damaged from careless craft and needed to be replaced. After removing the clips that only hold the sink in until the silicone adhesive cures, the sink would not come loose. My apprentice made a point and jumped on top of the sink to try and force it out, and it held his weight. Chicago union plumbing apprentices are a wild bunch.
The sink was installed according to manufacturers instructions. Silicone adhesive was generously applied to the 1-1/4” flange and the clips were gently installed to hold the sink in place until the silicone cured.
The sink only came loose after we forced cedar wood shims into the bond between the sink and the countertop. Many shims had to be installed to break the bond.
If anyone is seeing a separation of the sink from the countertop during an inspection, the reason is because the silicone was applied after the sink was mounted to the countertop. This is what I call a decorative application of silicone.
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So, you don’t follow Manufacturers Instructions either…
Caulk is absolutely NOT Adhesive…
(Again from your own post…)
You’re not even reading your own post. Do not over tighten is what it clearly states!
I’m curious how many of these sinks have you installed?
Another Google plumber trying to pretend.
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Tub and tile caulk is not an adhesive. Silicone caulk has adhesive properties. So you’re the guy putting these in with tub and tile caulk?
If the manufacturer of the sink doesn’t believe that the silicone has adhesive qualities, why do they have it being installed on top of the flange and not after the sink is installed as a decorative finish?
I know why I have installed hundreds of these sinks 
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Jonas tries to correct the plumber and gets annihilated!
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I don’t know where you guys are installing these siliconed sinks, but I almost always see some type of addition support provided: metal clips, metal straps, metal brackets, lumber ledgers screwed into the cabinet, and so on. Oh, and the one house that I know of where the sink actually fell off…is the one that was only caulked. I don’t know about you but I don’t have all the time in the world looking up manufacturer’s installation instructions for different under mount sinks. These support systems are seen on new construction too, and you just know they will not install it if it wasn’t required. Even when required, they still get installed wrong or missing pieces all the time.
Just recommend additional support beyond caulking. I have a bazillion things to inspect in an house and I’m not going to spend my time deciding if a caulk only sink is from the one manufacturer that allows it.
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This proves you read nothing in this thread. Information is shared on this message board for members to learn. You can’t either take the time to read the information or read a blurp and criticize.
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These two installation instructions are pretty clear about the clips and “tightening” the clips. Honestly, I think Martin’s manual is a bit vague. I am a bit confused about the “optional accessory” when it continues to describe how to complete the task with the clips.
Glacier Bay
Ticor
I have been a bit more sensitive to the installation when my client described when their sink fell while full of water and dishes and asked if I checked the sink.
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Your manual says something about allowing something to bond. What is it that’s bonding? And why is this so important?
It also says to gently tighten the bolts. If these bolts are imperative to the integrity of the sink, I can’t imagine why the manufacture wants them gently installed.
Is it possible the bolts are only there to hold the sink in place while the silicone adhesive bonds the sink to the countertop?
You do know that you were comparing my manual to your manual, but they are two different sinks, and two different manufacturers.
Not for nothing, but that’s a pretty common “contractor defense strategy” that HI’s hear from roofers, electricians, plumbers, builders, etc. when some item or another is being questioned.
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