How to Replace a Kitchen Sink

An easy contribution to remodeling your kitchen is to replace what is arguably the kitchen's center: the sink. This is a relatively simple matter, assuming that you are not replacing the countertop as well, or are not installing a smaller sink than the one to be replaced.

Instructions

Removing the Old Sink

1

Close all valves and then disconnect the water supply tube, trap and disposal.

2

Loosen the clips on the underside of the sink's rim. A special tool called a Hudec wrench will make this task simpler, but an ordinary socket wrench or screwdriver can do the same job.

3

Everything holding the sink in place (pipes and clips) have been removed. Lift the sink directly out of the countertop. You will probably need to clean the countertop area beneath the sink rim.

Installing the Replacement Sink

4

Select your replacement kitchen sink. Take measurements before selecting a new sink. If your desired sink is smaller than your existing sink, you will also need to replace the countertop. If it is larger, you can install a replacement by cutting a larger space into the countertop. How you do this will depend on if your countertop is wood, stainless steel, or granite. Keep these factors in mind while selecting your new kitchen sink.

5

Most kitchen sinks are made of stainless steel, and this model of kitchen sink is held in place by clips on the underside of the countertop. It may be that if your new sink and old sink are both stainless steel and of the same size, your old clips will do. If the new sink and old sink do not match, you will need to install new clips. These clips will come with your sink. Measure and align the clips to their mate on the underside of the sink, attach them to the underside of the countertop, and then drive the nut into place.

6

If you choose a replacement kitchen sink that is porcelain or of an enameled cast-iron variety, these are "self-rimming." They have a rolled edge that rests on the countertop surface, and are caulked into place along the edges. While simple to install, they have the disadvantage of having a raised edge, not allowing you to wipe debris from the countertop into the kitchen sink.

7

Reconnect the water supply, trap and disposal. Turn the water supply back on.