Planning to give your kitchen a makeover, but you’re on a tight budget? Replace your kitchen sink to give your kitchen a refreshing look. Last summer, I undertook the project of replacing my kitchen sink. I had an old sink, which was almost a decade old, having fixed it for leaks on numerous occasions, it was finally time to replace it.

Replacing a kitchen sink can sound challenging. The general perception seems to be that this is a task best left to the professionals. I beg to differ. Replacing your kitchen sink is a do-it-yourself project which only requires basic plumbing skills, proper tools, and guidance to complete successfully. Even though are a lot of moving pieces in this project, from removing your faucet to detaching all pipe connections, preparation and patience makes it easy.

Before starting work on your old sink, you need to buy a new one. Use a measuring tape to accurately measure your sink to buy a replacement, that fits perfectly into the countertop. Additionally, turn off the hot and cold water valves located underneath the sink. I cannot stress how important this step is, failing to close your valves will lead to water spraying out of the pipes as soon as you unscrew the connections.

Open the faucet to relieve any pressure built up in the pipes. Now that you’ve completed these pre-requisites, you’re ready to begin the process to replace your kitchen sink.

Average Cost To Replace A Kitchen Sink

The primary expense of this project will be your new kitchen sink. Depending on the type and size of the sink you choose, your costs will vary. At most, you will need to spend between $200 to $400. You’ll save hundreds of dollars in labor expenses by opting to replace your kitchen sink yourself.

Time Required

You must have all the tools needed at your disposal before beginning to replace your kitchen sink. Review the list of materials given below to avoid multiple trips to the store. Depending on how familiar you are with the components, you should be able to replace your sink in just 1-4 hours.

Tools & Materials

Out With the Old: Removing Your Old Kitchen Sink

1. Using adjustable wrenches disconnect the water supply lines to the sink faucet. Keep a bucket underneath the pipes in order to collect any spillage.
2. Detach the main drainpipe and P-trap from the sink drain. Use pliers to loosen the screws on the ends of the P-trap to remove it completely. Repeating the previous step, use a bucket to collect any waste.
3. Remove the garbage disposal:

4. Using a screwdriver or wrench, loosen the clamps located on the underside of the kitchen sink. Proceed by turning them inward toward the sink bowl, ensuring they have no contact with the countertop.
5. Additionally, remove the caulk around the sink using a utility knife. Move the blade around the perimeter of the sink to remove caulk from all sides.
6. Push the kitchen sink from underneath and lift the sink off the countertop.
7. Using a putty knife, remove any excessive caulk on the countertop. Additionally, wash your countertop thoroughly with soap and water.
8. Lastly, check for caulk on the underside of the counter. Follow the same steps as above to remove and clean the area.

It’s All in the Details: Assess Your Countertop

After removing your sink, examine the condition of your countertop for water damage. A little water damage is normal. However, extensive damage can lead to your particleboard under the plastic countertop to crumble. As a result, your countertop will not be able to hold your new sink.

The leading indicators of water damage are bulges around and underneath the sink rim. Additionally, touch the countertop, and if it feels spongy or soft, it will not be able to support the clamps or hold the sink. Consequently, you will need to replace your countertop.

In With the New: Assembling Your New Kitchen Sink

• Faucet – Following the manufacturer’s instructions attach the faucet to your new sink. 
• Drain Strainer – Generously applying a beam of plumber’s putty around the underside of the strainer install the strainer by pressing it firmly against the opening in the sink. Lastly, use a cloth to wipe any access putty. 
• Attach the rubber gaskets and threaded flange to the underside of the drain. The bottom of the strainer has inbuilt grooves over which you can place these components and twist to attach. 
• Garbage Disposal – Following the manufacturer’s instructions, attach the mounting bracket to the underside of the drain. At this point of time only install the bracket, you will attach the disposer once the sink is attached to the countertop.

Finishing Touches: Attaching Your New Kitchen Sink

12. Apply silicone sealant along the underside of the kitchen sink. The sealant acts as adhesive and also prevents leakage from the sides.
13. Slowly place the sink into the countertop, aligning it properly into space.
14. Tighten the clamps on the underside of the sink using a screwdriver or wrench. Ensure that the clamps face outward and have contact with the countertop.
15. Attach the water supply lines to the faucet and other supply pipes. Tighten the connections using a wrench.
16. Install your garbage disposer by following the manufacturer’s instructions and re-attach the dishwasher drain pipe.
17. Attach the discharge pipe and tighten the clamp using a screwdriver. 
18. Furthermore, connect the discharge pipe with the sink drain pipe along with the P-trap.
19. Open the water valves and connect the power supply to your disposer. 
20. Lastly, open the faucet and let the water run for a few minutes to flush out any sediment in the pipes.

You did it! You have successfully learned how to replace a kitchen sink.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Replace a Kitchen Sink

Do I need to have good plumbing skills for this project?

No, by following the steps mentioned above, you can easily replace your sink. Just make sure that you turn off the main water valves before starting.

How do I know if I replaced my sink properly?

Test your sink by letting the water flow for a few minutes. Review pipe connections and look for possible leaks to rectify if needed.