How to Replace a Kitchen Sink
Over time, the kitchen sink can get worn and dirty. Enhance the functionality of your kitchen and refresh the space by learning how to replace a kitchen sink with a garbage disposal. There are two basic types of sinks: Drop-in (or top-mounted) sinks and undermount sinks. Both are relatively easy to install when you follow these step-by-step instructions.
Note: Before you can get started, take note of the countertops in your kitchen. Solid surface countertops, such as marble or granite, offer the supportive structure needed to install undermount sinks. If you don’t have a solid surface countertop, use a top-mounted or drop-in sink.
How to Remove the Old Kitchen Sink
A kitchen sink replacement starts by getting rid of your old one.
Step 1: Turn off the water supply. Reach under the sink and find the knob that turns off the water supply. After turning the knob, test the faucet to ensure the water supply is properly shut off.
Step 2: Remove the drain trap. Place an empty bucket beneath the drain trap under the sink. With the bucket in place to catch any standing water, twist the slip nuts to the left to loosen them and remove the drain trap.
Step 3: Remove the water supply tubes. The underside panel of the sink will have coupling nuts securing the water supply tubes to the faucet tail piece. Loosen the coupling nuts to separate the water supply tubes from the existing sink. Having the bucket in place and a dry rag handy will make it easy to clean up any water that spills.
Step 4: Disconnect additional plumbing fixtures. Some sinks feature additional plumbing fixtures, such as hand sprayers and disposals. Disconnect those fixtures from the sink as well.
Step 5: Remove any clips. If the sink has clips securing it into place from below, now is the ideal time to remove them. This typically only applies to undermount sinks.
Step 6: Slice through the caulking. Using a utility knife or straight edge, slice through the caulking around the sink where it meets the countertop.
Step 7: Lift the sink. With the caulking removed, it should be easy to lift the sink up and out of place. If the sink doesn’t lift easily, something is still connected, or the caulk has not been fully sliced through.
Step 8: Remove any residual caulk. With the sink removed, use the box cutter or a metal putty knife to scrape away any residual grime and caulk. Give the countertops a good cleaning to prepare for the installation of the new sink.
How to Replace a Drop-In Sink
Step 1: Install the sink fixtures. It's easier to install the faucet, straining basket and disposal before the drop-in sink is lowered into place. Working with the sink on a countertop or on a pair of saw horses, install the sink features using the included manufacturer’s instructions. If your kitchen sink drain parts don’t come with instructions, simply use a ring of plumber’s putty underneath the lip to lower the basket into place. On the under-side of the sink, slip a gasket around the threaded part of the drain basket. Over that, place a washer and a lock nut, screwing the lock nut into place. Once you are done, go back and remove any putty that oozed out under the rim of the basket.
Step 2: Apply a line of silicone caulk around the countertop opening. Trace the opening of the countertop with a continuous line of silicone caulk. This should be in the same place that you scraped away the old layer of caulk.
Step 3: Drop the new sink into the opening. With the caulk in place, drop your sink down into the opening, making sure to press down firmly along all the edges. If any excess caulk oozed out around the edges of the sink, wipe it away before it hardens.
Step 4: Reconnect the drain & supply lines. Go under the sink and reconnect any water supply lines, hand sprayer lines and the drain trap to reconnect the sink.
Step 5: Turn the water back on. Once everything is properly connected, turn the water supply back on and test the sink. Make sure to look under the sink for any leaks or drips and adjust connections accordingly.
How to Replace an Undermount Sink
Although slightly more complicated than drop-in sink installation, the undermount kitchen sink installation process is still a rewarding project to take on yourself.
Step 1: Install the sink fixtures. Whether you are learning how to install a kitchen sink that is drop-in or undermount, installing the sink fixtures is the first step. Use the manufacturer’s instructions to install the faucets, disposal and drain baskets.
Step 2: Apply silicone caulk. There will be a lip around the top of the undermount sink. Apply a consistent line of silicone caulk around that lip.
Step 3: Raise the sink into place. Open the lower cabinets and work the sink up into place, using the help of a friend to support the sink from above while you move on to the next step.
Step 4: Secure the clips. Undermount sinks use a series of clips to help secure the sink to the countertop. Work your way around the perimeter of the sink, securing each clip into place. You can use the same pilot holes from the removal of the old sink.
Step 5: Reconnect all supply lines. With your new sink securely in place, it’s time to reconnect all the water supply lines to your faucet. You can also reconnect the garbage disposal, if you have one, and the drain trap.
Step 6: Turn the water supply on. Your sink installation is complete. Turn the water supply back on and test the sink to make sure you have water flow without drips or leaks from below. That’s all there is to replacing a kitchen sink.
If you want to watch this step-by-step process for yourself, check out our instructional video, which will show you how to replace drop-in sink styles in your kitchen. If you’re worried about replacing a kitchen sink on your own, our trusted professionals offer installation services. They’ll come to your house, replace the kitchen sink and add any new faucets or fixtures you’ve chosen.
Tip: Learning how to replace a kitchen sink is only the beginning, you can use this same process to replace bathroom sinks as well.