How to Disconnect Your Water Pipes Underneath Your Sink

Disconnect the water pipes to change a faucet.

Changing out sinks requires disconnecting the water pipes under the sink. It is not a difficult procedure as long as the pipes are not corroded. Today many homes have flexible tubing under their sinks in place of the more traditional copper pipes, which makes the disconnection process much simpler. It is so easy that there is no need to call a plumber unless the fittings are stuck.

Things You'll Need

• Thick towel
• Adjustable wrench

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply under the sink. There are a variety of valves, but there is always one valve for cold and one for hot, and you need to turn the valve handles clockwise to turn off the water. If there are no valves under the sink, follow the pipes until you come to a shutoff valve. If you still cannot locate a valve, shut off the water coming into the house.

2. Look under the sink to locate the connections. You may have to move items stored there to make room for a wrench. Place a thick towel on the base of the cabinet to catch the water when you disconnect the water pipes.

3. Try hand turning the connection by turning the upper connection counterclockwise. If you cannot move it, position an adjustable wrench around the fitting and unscrew.

4. Lay the lower pipe on the thick towel to absorb the extra water. Any water left in the upper section of the pipe will also drain out immediately when you disconnect the two sections.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut water pipes with no shutoff valve with a tube cutter.

References

• Knol: Kitchen Faucet Installation
• Overstock: How to Remove a Kitchen Sink