Learning how to replace a sink is a good way for do-it-yourselfers to expand their plumbing skills. When planning the project, decide if you want a sink of the same size as the old one. If you want a different size, then you’ll need to adjust the countertop opening. These instructions presume that you’re installing a sink of the same size.
Tools Needed to Learn How to Replace a Sink
You probably have most of these tools around the house already. Select a bucket that fits under the P-trap because it will be responsible for catching water under the sink.
- Putty knife
- Pipe wrench
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
- Adjustable wrenches
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Bucket
- Hacksaw
- Plumber’s putty
- Caulking gun
- Silicone sealant
How to Remove an Old Sink
- Shut off both hot and cold water supply lines to the faucet.
- Turn the faucet on to expel leftover water.
- Use wrenches to release nuts holding supply lines to the faucet.
- Catch water dripping from supply lines in bucket.
- Turn off circuit to garbage disposal, if present, and unplug the unit.
- Use pliers and wrenches as necessary to disconnect drain and P-trap from the sink.
- Position the bucket to catch water as you do this.
- Loosen hose clamp holding dishwasher drain line with screwdriver and pull drain line free.
- Loosen mounting bracket for disposal unit and twist free of sink.
- Locate sink clamps under counter and turn them toward sink bowl to release the sink.
- Cut caulk around the sink with a utility knife.
- Push upward from beneath the sink to shift it away from counter and then lift free from above.
- Disconnected faucet will come out along with the sink.
- Scrape off old caulk and grime on counter with putty knife.
How to Replace a Sink
How to Replace a Sink- Purchase new sink with dimensions that fit counter opening.
- Lower new sink into opening to confirm that it fits and then remove it again and set it aside for now.
- Position sink clips around the lower edge of new sink into the groove.
- Have clips turned inward toward sink bowl for now.
- Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the bottom edge of the sink.
- Lower sink into opening.
- Turn sink clips until they are underneath the counter and tighten their screws.
- Roll out a coil of plumber’s putty and wrap around bottom edge of drain strainer.
- Press strainer firmly into the drain opening.
- Install gasket and flange beneath strainer and tighten.
- Wipe off excess putty that squeezes out.
- If garbage disposal is present, attach mounting bracket beneath the drain.
- Reconnect the dishwasher drain by tightening the hose clamp.
- Connect disposal discharge pipe, or just drain pipe if there is no disposal, to P-trap and tighten fittings.
- If pipe is too long, measure and then cut it with a hacksaw to fit.
- If pipe is too short, buy a new pipe and cut to fit.
- Install new faucet according to manufacturer directions and reconnect water supply lines.
Get Help Installing a New Sink from the Experts at Oliver Heating & Cooling
Completing the steps for how to replace a sink is fairly straightforward and should only take a couple hours. If you don’t have time for the project or need to adjust your counter to fit the new sink, simply give the expert plumbers at Oliver Heating & Cooling a call. We provide residential plumbing services throughout the Delaware Valley. Ask us for a sink replacement estimate today.
