How to Remove an Old Kitchen Sink and Base Cabinet

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Things You'll Need

  • Pliers

  • Bucket

  • Utility knife

  • Pry bar

  • Crowbar

  • Screwdriver

  • Block of wood

  • Hammer

Remove an old kitchen sink and base cabinet for a remodel.

Removing an old kitchen sink and a base cabinet is a common task in a kitchen remodel. Kitchen sinks are usually fastened to the countertop by a combination of caulk, glue and clips on the underside. But before you can remove the sink, you first have to disconnect the sink plumbing. Once that is out of the way, you can remove the sink from the countertop, the countertop itself and the base cabinet beneath.

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Remove the Kitchen Sink

Step 1

Open up the old cabinet underneath the kitchen sink. Remove anything that may be stored there so you can access the plumbing. Look for the two water supply valves that connect to the sink above. They will have small handles on the end and water hoses running up to the sink. Rotate the knobs on the end clockwise to cut the water supply.

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Step 2

Loosen the water supply hose couplings from underneath the kitchen sink. Use a pair of pliers if necessary. Remove the plastic or metal retaining nut on the underside of the faucet holding it in place to the countertop above with the pliers.

Step 3

Run a utility knife around the caulk at the base of the faucet. Rock the faucet back and forth until it comes loose from the sink or counter. Lift it up and off the countertop surface.

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Step 4

Place a bucket underneath the curved part of the drain pipe. Loosen the couplings at either end. Pull the curved P-trap out of the pipes and empty it into the bucket.

Step 5

Look underneath the sink and locate any clips or screws holding the sink in place on the countertop. Loosen any screws with a screwdriver.

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Step 6

Run the utility knife around the outside surface of the sink where it meets the counter and cut away any caulk holding the sink to the counter. Insert the edge of a pry bar or crowbar between the sink and countertop. Pry the sink out of the countertop. Work your way around the sink edges with the crowbar to pry at every angle.

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Remove the Base Cabinet

Step 1

Remove the molding or trim from around the bottom or sides of the base cabinet with the crowbar or pry bar.

Step 2

Look inside the cabinet and identify any screws that are connecting it to any other cabinets, the wall or the countertop. Remove these with a screwdriver.

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Step 3

Insert the pry bar in between the countertop and the top of the cabinet. Pry the countertop off of the cabinet. It may also help to try and wedge the pry bar between the backsplash on the countertop and the wall. Remove the countertop from the top of the cabinet.

Step 4

Pry the cabinet away from the wall behind it with the crowbar. Place a block of wood underneath the heel of the crowbar to protect the wall while you are working. Pull the cabinet away from the wall and off the floor.

Step 5

Use a nail puller, hammer or pliers to remove any remaining nails or staples from the wall.

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