How to Replace a Drop-in Sink

Do-it-yourself Sink Replacement

Replacing an older kitchen or bathroom sink is a relatively easy task that can really improve the looks of the room. New sinks come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors, allowing for many creative installation possibilities. Manufacturers also offer sinks made from a variety of materials and can be mounted flush with the countertop, under the counter or on top of the counter. Sinks sitting on top of the surface supporting them are called "drop-in" sinks. If you are planning to swap out the sink with another drop-in model that will fit into the same hole, you can complete the task in an hour or two.

Things You'll Need

• Safety Glasses
• Pans or Bucket
• Rags or Towel
• Adjustable Wrench
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Slotted Screwdriver
• Rubber Mallet
• Putty Knife
• Replacement Drop-in Sink
• Pencil
• Silicon Sealant
• Plumbers Putty
• Pipe Joint Compound

Instructions

Instructions

1. Turn off both the hot and cold water supply. If there is any electrical device attached to the sink, such as a garbage disposal, turn the power off at the circuit breaker.

2. 

   Place a pan or bucket under the water supply lines and drain(s) to catch any water released during the sink removal process. Turn on the hot and cold water faucets to drain any remaining line pressure.
   Carefully disconnect the supply lines near the supply spigot with the adjustable wrench and allow the residual water to drain into the pan or bucket. Wipe the sink dry with a towel or rag.

3. 

   If there is no garbage disposal, go to Step 5. Disconnect the disposal from the P trap. Disconnect the drain line from the dishwasher (if installed). Place a screwdriver in the lug on the lower mounting ring.
   Support the disposal while using the screwdriver as a lever to turn the entire disposal unit clockwise until it drops from the retaining ring. Set the disposal aside.

4. 

   Loosen the screws on the mounting bracket. Remove the retaining ring from the throat of the flange, then drop the bracket assembly from under the sink. Remove the flange from the top of the drain.

5. Disconnect the drain pipes from any remaining drains. Disassemble the drains and remove them from the sink. If there are clips under the sink holding it to the countertop, remove those now. Break the seal between the sink and the counter using the rubber mallet and putty knife. Once the sink is loose, carefully lift it out of the hole. Transfer the faucet to the new sink.

6. 

   Place the sink in position and draw a pencil line around the edge. Put a thick bead of silicon sealant inside the line. Ensuring the edge of the sink sets on a bed sealant all the way around, carefully drop the sink into position. Remove excess sealant from the sink with a damp rag.
   Allow the sealant to set for at least 60 minutes.

7. Roll a 1/2-inch thick rope of plumber's putty long enough to go around each drain flange. Press the plumber's putty around each drain flange.

8. If there is no garbage disposal, go to Step 9. Press the drain flange firmly into the drain and center it. Reassemble the mounting ring by placing the paper gasket over the flange, followed by the bracket and the mounting ring with the screws in it.
   Snap the retaining ring back onto the flange. Tighten the mounting ring screws evenly and snug.
   Carefully slide the disposal back into the mount and twist counterclockwise all the way to the stops; use a screwdriver through the lugs if necessary. Reconnect the disposal to the P-trap and the dishwasher drain line (if installed).

9. Insert the drain flange into each remaining sink drain. Reassemble each drain. Reconnect each drain to the drain pipes. Place a small amount of pipe joint compound on the supply line threads. Reconnect the faucet supply lines.

10. Remove excess putty from around each drain. Turn on the supply line spigots. Restore power to the garbage disposal. Run the water and carefully check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• While the sink is off, consider replacing the faucet, disposal and /or countertop at the same time so you won't have to repeat the process again later. If there are no supply line spigots, turn off the main water supply to the house. Remove the screen from the faucet and run water through to remove any debris in the lines from the installation process. Leaks often cling to the pipes that are leaking, so run your fingers over the connections as a final test.

• Wear safety glasses when working around and under the sink. Be sure to turn the garbage disposal power on and off at the circuit breaker.