Replacing a Kitchen Sink

Steps to Replacing Your Sink:

1. Turn the water to the faucet off at the shutoffs under the sink.
2. Open the faucet to ensure the shutoffs hold. If they don’t, turn off the water at the water main.
3. Use an adjustable open-end wrench to remove the supply hoses from the shutoff valves.
4. Use adjustable pliers to disconnect the drain piping from the bottom of the sink.
5. Use a screwdriver to loosen the clips that secure the sink to the countertop.
6. Use a putty knife to gently release the connection between the sink and the countertop.
7. Dryfit the new sink in place and modify the opening as needed with an oscillating saw.
8. With the sink out of the opening, perform any repairs needed to the shutoff valves, or replace them.
9. Install the new faucet to the sink based on the faucet manufacturer’s recommendations. Install the water supply hoses while the sink is out too.
10. Turn the sink upside down and spread a bead of silicone caulking around the edge of the sink.
11. Set the sink into the countertop opening.
12. Attach new clips between the sink and countertop.
13. Modify drain piping as needed for the new sink.
14. Spread a bead of plumber’s putty around the sink strainer, set in place, and secure from underneath with a nut. Remove the excess putty that squeezes out.
15. Attach the flexible supply hoses to the shutoff valves and tighten with a wrench.
16. Compete the new drain piping to the sink strainer.
17. Turn the water back on and check for leaks.

Resources:

Richard installed the All-in-One Top Mount Stainless Steel Kitchen sink kit, which is manufactured by Glacier Bay and available at The Home Depot.

All of the supplies for this project, including plumber’s putty, shutoff valves, flux, solder, supply hoses, and PVC drain piping are available at home centers and plumbing supply stores.

Tools