How to Replace a Kitchen Sink
If your kitchen sink has seen better days, you don’t have to call a pro to replace a kitchen sink. With a little planning and some basic tools and supplies, you can do it yourself in just a couple hours.
In this intermediate-level project, we’ll walk you through how to replace a kitchen sink, one that’s supported by a lip that overlaps the counter and faucet as well as a kitchen faucet.
When purchasing a kitchen sink, be mindful that even if the dimensions are the same as your existing sink, the hole required for your new sink may be slightly different. Measure your existing hole and use this as a reference for the new sink. If the new sink requires a larger hole, you can enlarge your existing hole with a jig saw.
Here’s what you’ll need to take on this project:
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Adjustable Wrenches
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Putty Knife
- Utility Knife
- Sink
- Faucet
- Clear Silicone Caulk
- Painter’s Tape
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear. We’ll let you know throughout the video when you should and should not use the safety gear.
STEP ONE
Turn off water. Start by turning off the water supply. You’ll find two valves under your kitchen sink – one for hot water and one for cold. Turn both to the off position.
STEP TWO
Disconnect supply tubes. Both ends of the supply tubes are attached to your faucet with a compression fitting. Disconnect it with a small adjustable wrench.
STEP THREE
Disconnect drain. Use your hand to loosen the plastic slip nut attaching the drain to your sink strainer or garbage disposal. If it’s tight, tongue and groove pliers should loosen it.
STEP FOUR
Remove clips and sink. Your sink will be connected to the counter with eight to ten clips. Loosen the nuts and remove the clips. A Phillips head screwdriver will typically do the job, but you may need to use a small nut driver or socket wrench. Place a putty knife under the lip of the sink, pry it up and remove it.
STEP FIVE
Clean hole perimeter. Scrape any residual caulk or putty off the perimeter of the counter hole with a putty knife. Then clean the area with a sponge and household cleaner, if necessary.
STEP SIX
Install strainer basket or disposal fitting. Apply a rope of plumber’s putty around the strainer or disposal fitting, pushing into place. Then wipe away excess putty. Put the rubber gasket or disposal fitting, cardboard washer, if you have one, and strainer nut or disposal coupling in place and tighten.
STEP SEVEN
Secure faucet to sink. Use a small, adjustable wrench to tighten the center nut for both one-hole and three-hole faucets. For three-hole faucets, hand-tighten the lock nuts that attach the faucet to the sink. If supply lines aren’t already attached to your new faucet, attach them now.
STEP EIGHT
Apply caulk to opening. Set the new sink in the opening and mark the perimeter with painter’s tape. Remove the sink and apply a bead of silicone caulk around the perimeter of the hole inside the tape area.
STEP NINE
Install clips. Place the sink in position, pressing it evenly into the caulk. Your sink should come with countertop clips and information about where to place them. Space the clips evenly around the perimeter. Attach them to the bottom of the sink and clamp them to the countertop. Hand-tighten the nuts. Then tighten them further with a screwdriver or nut driver. Use a damp rag or sponge to remove any caulk that squeezes out from the rim of the sink.
STEP TEN
Connect water supply. Connect the supply lines to the respective valves. Hand-tighten the connections. Then use an adjustable wrench to give them a final tightening. Complete any other necessary connections per manufacturer instructions.
STEP ELEVEN
Check for leaks. Open the water supply valves and turn on the faucet. Double-check all supply and drain connections. If you discover any leaks, turn the water off, tighten the connections, wipe them dry and turn the water back on.
Congratulations! Your project to replace a kitchen sink is complete!
