You’re handy enough to fix just about everything…except the replacing kitchen sink.
You know you need to. The old sink is looking worse for the wear every single day. It’s sluggish after one too many forbidden items went down the drain. It’s discolored. And frankly, it’s time for a style update.
The good news? Replacing a kitchen sink isn’t as hard as it sounds. Here’s what you need to know to get your old sink out of your life.
1. Prep the Sink
The first step in replacing the kitchen sink is to prepare it.
Start by detaching the old sink. This part is consistent regardless of the sink type (there are two broad types: drop-in and under-mount).
Start by shutting off the water supply. The last thing you want is a flooded kitchen. Pro tip: if your plumbing is making noises, get those checked out first.
First, turn the sink off. Then, open the cabinet and break out your flashlight. You’re looking for the shutoff valves, which have rectangular or oblong handles. Look for a set of two (one for hot, one for cold).
Grasp the handles and rotate clockwise until fully tightened. Turn on the faucet handles to check that the water is off.
Next, get a bucket and place it under the drain trap. Twist the slip nuts to the left, positioning the bucket to catch standing water, and remove the drain trap. Remove the water supply tubes (loosen the coupling nuts securing the tube to the faucet tailpiece).
Keep going until you’ve disconnected all the plumbing features. If your sink has any clips on the underside holding it in place, remove those last.
From there, use a utility knife to slice through the caulk holding the sink in place. With the caulking removed, the sink should come out easily. Then, just lift the sink right out.
2. Replacing a Drop-In Sink
A drop-in sink is easier to install because, well, you can drop it right into place. Well, set it into place, but you get the idea.
Start by installing your sink fixtures. Use the manufacturer’s instructions, or use this guide. Remove any excess putty before continuing.
Once those fixtures are ready, apply a line of silicone caulk to the countertop opening. Trace the countertop with one continuous line, following the old caulk.
Then you can lower the sink itself into place and position it. Press down firmly on all edges. From there, work in reverse from the prep phase.
3. Replacing an Under-mount Sink
An under-mount sink is slightly more complicated.
Follow the first two steps for a drop-in sink (fixtures, caulk line). The caulk line will be along the bottom lip this time.
Grab a friend and raise the sink into place. You’ll need your friend to hold the sink in position while you reattach the clips. Work your way around the perimeter of the sink and secure each clip one at a time.
Then you’re ready to reconnect the supply lines, working in reverse from the prep stage. Turn on the water last.
Need More Help With Replacing a Kitchen Sink?
Ordinarily, we would be able to help with replacing a kitchen sink, but times are strange. Until we can get back to normal business, we’re here to offer support to homeowners however we can.
Make sure to get in touch if you have any questions, and if you need more tips to master the art of DIY plumbing, make sure to check out our blog. These four faucet trends are a great way to while away some time dreaming of new kitchen designs.
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