How to Replace a Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink has a central place in all cooking endeavors, as well as cleaning projects that need to be undertaken later. A broken one can be a real inconvenience. There cannot be any delays, when it comes to replacing it.

I assume here, that you plan to undertake only the sink replacement and do not plan on changing the kitchen countertop, on which it is mounted. I also assume that you are replacing the old sink with a new one, which is exactly similar to the old one in size. The things that you'll need are a putty knife and a socket wrench of appropriate size. Along with that, you need lots of patience.

First task is to select a new sink, which is tailor-made to your measurement requirements. Measure the dimensions of countertop. That will help you in choosing a new one. Selecting the same-sized product is a smart move, as it will save you the task of cutting through the countertop, to create a larger hole.

A stainless steel sink is the best option, as it's durable and easiest to install. Standard sink size is 33 inch x 22 inch, with a depth of about 7 inches.

First part of the plumbing project is removing the old sink. If you don't want your kitchen to be transformed into a swimming pool, I recommend that you close all the water inlet valves of the sink, before going ahead. Also, disconnect the other connections like supply tube, disposal, and trap. Be careful and keep a tub underneath, while removing the pipes, as they may still contain residual water inside.

Usually, the faucets are not attached to the sink but are attached in the wall. If the faucet comes in the way of removing the sink, then it will have to be temporarily removed, using a pipe wrench, after you have disconnected the water supply line.

If the faucet is attached to the sink, then it will have to be removed and reattached to the new one. In that case, attach the faucet before you put the sink in place.

The sink is attached to the countertop with the help of clips on the downside. To remove it, you need to remove these clips with the help of a socket wrench or a screwdriver. Remove the pipe attached underneath and after making sure that all connections are removed, lift it up from the countertop. Once the old sink is removed, thoroughly clean the countertop surface underneath. The old caulk will need to be removed, with the help of a putty knife.

Keep the clips as they may be useful, if the new replacement is of the same size as the old one. In case they are damaged, you need to buy new ones. Usually, they are packaged together with the sink. Apply caulk on the underside of the sink and on the borders of the countertop cavity. Next, you have to install the sink in place, with the help of the clips.

Align them in place and match them with their mates on the underside. Lower the sink in place of the countertop, before fixing in the nuts. That should get it positioned well. Be careful and watch your fingers, while lowering it in the countertop.

Now, you can install the water lines back again and attach the U-shaped disposal pipe underneath. You will need to apply pipe threading compound to pipe ends and seal the connections. Also, connect the garbage disposal unit back again. Attach the faucet back again, with the help of a pipe wrench. With that, your job is complete.

The job can be finished in a few hours, depending on how good you are at all the plumbing maneuvers. Replacing the sink could be considerably easy, if you observe the way the whole assembly was before and reproduce it back again, as it was.