Home Fixtures Faucets
Updated: May 19, 2023
Common problems that could turn your project into a nightmare—and how to avoid them
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Family Handyman
Replacing a kitchen sink and faucet is a quick way to give your kitchen a new look, but there are potential plumbing and installation problems to watch out for. This article explains how to avoid the ten most common.
By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine
Got your eye on a deeper new kitchen sink? Measure the tailpiece first!
Measure the tailpiece for buying a new kitchen sink
You can choose a new sink with a deeper basin than the existing sink has, but if it hangs down too low, it won’t drain properly and you’ll have to lower the sanitary tee connection in the drain line inside the wall. You’ll definitely want to avoid this task if the connection is metal and ends up being behind base cabinets. Plastic pipe is easier—if you can get to it easily. The actual tee connection may be several studs over from where the waste arm enters the wall.
Measure the sink tailpiece between the basket strainer and the tee. That measurement is the extra depth that can be added to the sink bowl without lowering the drainpipe going into the wall. Also be aware that a new disposer may have a lower drainpipe than your existing one—but it can’t be lower than the tee. If the disposer drainpipe will be too low, consider a sink with different depth bowls. You’ll have a deep bowl for dishes and a shallow one for the disposer.
New Kitchen Sink: Make sure the new sink will cover the old hole
Check the cutout size before installing new kitchen sink
A sink that’s too small for the countertop opening will leave ugly gaps along the sides (or even fall right through the hole!). Before removing the existing sink, measure the opening from underneath. Measure all four sides because the cutout may not be square. Pay special attention to the corners. Contractors often cut them at 90-degree angles (instead of rounding them off) because it’s faster.
Take the measurements with you when buying the new sink and make sure it’ll cover the opening, including any square corners. If you can’t find a sink that’ll fit, buy a larger one and enlarge the opening.
New Kitchen Sink: Swollen countertops spell trouble
Check for water stains
Leaks around a sink rim can soak the particleboard under a plastic laminate countertop. A little water damage is normal and won’t interfere with your new sink. But severe swelling will prevent the new sink from sitting flat on the countertop. And crumbling particleboard won’t provide a solid base for the clips that fasten the sink to the countertop.
Look at the countertop surface around the sink. Check for bulges or areas where the laminate has loosened from the particleboard. Then look at the countertop from under the sink for areas that are too spongy to support sink clips or support the sink itself. If you find any of these problems, replace the countertop.
New Kitchen Sink: Seal with caulk, not putty
Use the right sealant when installing new kitchen sink
Plumber’s putty has long been the standard sealant for sink baskets and sometimes even sink rims. The problem with putty is that it eventually dries out, cracks and causes leaks. Worse, it can damage some plastics, including some of the plastics used to make sinks. Avoid drips and disasters by using a silicone caulk instead.
Use a kitchen-and-bath 100 percent silicone that requires solvent cleanup—sold at home centers. Apply a bead around the sink opening when you set in the sink and around the drain opening when you set the disposer drain and basket strainer. Wipe away excess caulk.
Remove a self-rimming cast iron sink
Wedge the sink
Lay a flat board across the cabinet bottom. Then angle a 2×4 between the sink basins and the board. Tap it so it pushes up against the sink bottom.
Self-rimming cast iron sinks are held in place with caulk. If you’re replacing the sink but keeping the laminate countertop, you’ll have to cut through the caulk. That can be tricky, especially if the caulk has hardened.
You’ll need lots of patience and these items: shims, a few feet of 2×4, a stiff putty knife and a heavy-duty solid-blade utility knife.
Wedge a 2×4 between the sink bottom and the floor of the cabinet to create slight upward force. Then cut the caulk. If the caulk is too hard to cut, hammer an old putty knife through the caulk, driving it toward the sink a section at a time.
Once you’ve cut the back corners, sides and front, tilt the sink up and cut the remaining caulk from the underside of the sink. Lift out the sink and clean the caulk residue from the laminate.
Remove ALL the old caulk
Use caulk remover
The caulk around your new sink is all that’ll stand between your countertop and water damage. For a lasting, watertight bond with the countertop, you have to completely remove the old caulk.
Remove the old sink, then scrape off the caulk (or plumber’s putty) with a putty knife. Apply a caulk remover (sold at home centers) to stubborn caulk. Let the caulk remover sit for a couple of hours, then scrape off the softened caulk. Finally, use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover to wipe off residue, and then clean the surface with a sponge and water.
Get the gunk out
Flush out sediment
Working on the water lines always shakes sediment loose. The last thing you want is for these deposits to clog your new faucet. Avoid this problem by purging the lines before hooking up the new supply lines.
Once the entire project is complete and the new supply lines are attached to the faucet, fasten the old supply lines to the shutoff valves. Next, turn the water all the way on for a full minute to wash away any debris in the lines. Then attach the new lines to the shutoff valves. After three days, take the aerator off the faucet and rinse away any sediment that has seeped through. After cleaning out your supply lines, don’t forget to clean the inside of the sink as well with these sink cleaners.
Make sure you have enough holes
Match faucet to sink openings
Most sinks have three holes for the faucet and a fourth for an accessory, such as a sprayer or a soap dispenser. But some faucets require only one or two holes, and you may not want enough accessories to use the rest. You can buy plugs for unused holes, but they usually don’t match the sink. If the sink doesn’t have enough holes, cutting an extra hole in stainless steel or cast iron is often difficult or impossible.
To avoid these hassles, choose the faucet and accessories first, then buy a sink with a matching number of holes. Some sinks have “knockouts” that you can drill to provide extra holes. You can also special-order a sink with the number of holes you need.
Trash all the old parts
Replace the entire waste assembly
Resist the temptation to save a few bucks by reusing the old drainpipes. The threads are probably corroded and won’t form a tight connection. A new drain assembly is easier to install and less likely to leak.
Instead of shopping for each individual part for the drain, buy a kit at a home center that has everything you need. A sink kit includes drainpipes, fittings, shutoff valves, supply lines and new basket strainers.
Test the shutoff valves first
Replace leaky valves
If the shutoff valves under your sink don’t work or you don’t have any, you’ll have to turn off the water supply to the entire house while replacing the sink. This could cause domestic strife, especially if the job turns into a half day or longer project, so make sure the valves work before going to the home center.
To test the valves, close them and turn on the faucet. The faucet may drip for a minute or two, but if the drip continues, the shutoff valves are leaking. Repair or replace old valves. If you’re buying new ones, use quarter-turn balltype shutoff valves. They’re more reliable and less likely to leak at the packing nut.
Rusty old pipe? Cheat!
Solve tough problems with couplings
Corroded steel drainpipes are a bear to work with, since the slip nuts are almost impossible to loosen or retighten. You can easily bypass those rusty old threads by adding a section of plastic pipe.
If the slip nut attached to the drainpipe in the wall won’t come off, spray on WD-40 and try a bigger wrench. If that doesn’t work, cut off the drainpipe with a hacksaw (save as much of the threaded area as possible). Then buy a plastic trap adapter, a transition coupling and a piece of plastic pipe (PVC or ABS) and cement (sold at home centers). Cement the adapter to a 4-in. section of pipe, then place the coupler over the other end of the pipe and over the steel drainpipe.
Required Tools for this How to Install a Kitchen Sink Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket
- Caulk gun
- Cordless drill
- Flashlight
- Hacksaw
- Jigsaw
- Pipe wrench
- Plumbers tape
- Putty knife
- Rags
- Safety glasses
- Slip joint pliers
- Soldering torch
- Utility knife
Required Materials for this How to Install a Kitchen Sink Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
- Caulk remover
- Drain assembly
- Pipe joint compound
- Shutoffs
- Silicone caulk
- Transition coupling
Originally Published: April 23, 2019
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FAQs
Need a New Kitchen Sink? 11 Pitfalls of Sink Replacement? ›
These costs will be between $370 and $450. A plumber will need to install your sink, which includes leveling the space, sealing the sink into place and installing sink plumbing.
What do I need to know before replacing a sink? ›- The sink can only be so deep. ...
- You'll want a precise number of holes. ...
- Silicone caulk is the best sealant. ...
- The whole drain assembly should be replaced.
These costs will be between $370 and $450. A plumber will need to install your sink, which includes leveling the space, sealing the sink into place and installing sink plumbing.
Can I get a new kitchen sink without replacing countertop? ›In short, yes, it is possible to replace a kitchen sink without replacing the countertop. However, in order to prevent any damage from occurring to the countertop, it's recommended that a professional handle the replacement.
Can you just replace a kitchen sink? ›Replacing a kitchen sink is straightforward, but also a time-consuming task. There are sinks of all shapes, sizes and materials, some of which are trickier to work with than others. In this guide, we will tell you how to replace a kitchen sink.
Do you need a plumber to fit a new sink? ›Can You Install A Sink Yourself? Installing your kitchen sink–taps and all – is one of the few things you can do yourself in a kitchen remodel. As long as you are using the existing pipework done by a professional plumber, it's fairly simple. All you need to do is get the right tools and materials and get to work!
What is the life expectancy of a kitchen sink? ›Average Lifespan: Expect your kitchen sink to last for around 50 years if made from acrylic. Vessel sinks made from copper, porcelain, glass or store could last more than 20 years, while enameled steel kitchen sinks may only last over a decade.
Will a plumber install a kitchen sink? ›So, we're here to put an end to it with a definitive answer; yes, plumbers can install sinks. Plumbers not only install sinks; they do it correctly. It takes a lot of training, on-the-job experience, education and know-how to be able to properly install a sink.
What is the best estimate for a kitchen sink? ›| Material | Low Range | Average Range |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | $75.00-$250.00 | $400.00-$1000.00 |
| Granite Composite | $400.00-$800.00 | $800.00-$1500.00 |
| Porcelain/Fireclay | $400.00-$800.00 | $900.00-$1500.00 |
| Copper | $800.00-$1200.00 | $1500.00-$2500.00 |
How long does it take for a plumber to install a kitchen sink? A plumber should take about two hours to install most kitchen sinks. Whereas an inexperienced DIYer might take six to eight hours. Or about three to four days if you work on the sink for two hours a day.
What are the disadvantages of an undermount sink? ›
- They Require More Support. Sinks are heavy. ...
- Undermount Sinks Take Up Space. Although these sinks do not take up space above the counter, they do sit lower than drop-in sinks. ...
- They Are More Difficult to Replace.
Drain: All sinks have a drain to allow water from the faucet to flow out of the sink basin. The drain is connected to your P-trap and plumbing connection hidden within the walls. Tailpiece: Often referred to as the drain tailpiece, this is the section of piping that connects to the drain fitting.
Can you replace sink without removing granite? ›Simply put, yes, you can replace an undermount sink without having to remove the countertop. After the plumbing and garbage disposal are disconnected, the clips that hold the sink to the countertop from below must be removed.
What is the easiest sink to replace? ›Drop-In Sinks
Drop-in kitchen sinks (or top-mount, self-rimming sinks) are set into a hole cut into the countertop and are the easiest to install.
- Putty Knife.
- Pipe Wrench.
- Socket Wrench.
- Utility Knife.
- Safety Glasses.
- Drainpipes & Fittings.
- Tape Measure.
- Adjustable Wrenches.
Unfortunately, it's not so easy to replace an old sink (and its supporting hudee ring) without destroying your countertop, but a do-it-yourselfer with average skills can complete the replacement in about 4 hours. By following the guide below, you can learn how to install a kitchen sink like a pro.
What is the most common problem in sink? ›Clogged Drain
One of the most common kitchen sink issues is clogged drains. Many homeowners treat their kitchen sink like a garbage can. Even if you have a garbage disposal, it's important to be mindful of what you are putting down your drain.
1. Stainless Steel. When choosing your kitchen sink, you pretty much can't go wrong with stainless steel. This top kitchen sink material is extremely durable and able to withstand heavy drops from pots and pans while also resisting scratches from sharp knives and utensils.
What is kitchen sink syndrome? ›What is kitchen sink syndrome (KSS)? We've all heard the term “everything but the kitchen sink.” When applied to business, kitchen sink syndrome refers to a work project that has extended beyond the scope that was originally agreed upon.
How much should I charge to install a kitchen sink faucet? ›Installing a new kitchen or bathroom faucet is usually an affordable project with an average cost between $150 and $400. With cheaper models and DIY installation, prices could be as low as $50, while higher-end units or more complicated projects requiring a plumber could cost up to $4,000.
How much does it cost to replace kitchen sink and pipes? ›
The cost to install kitchen sink plumbing is $450 to $1,800 per fixture if the project requires new pipes and drain lines. The cost to replace existing kitchen sink plumbing pipes is $100 to $350. Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour to replace pipes under a kitchen sink.
What type of sink is most expensive? ›One of the most costly options for a kitchen sink is natural stone, like marble or granite. Stone is a high-durability material that is resistant to scratches, dents, chips, and heat.
Is round or square sink better? ›If you are shopping for a sink for your large bathroom, you should consider a square or, most preferably, a rectangular one. Conversely, if you are shopping for a sink for a much smaller space, then a round or oval-shaped sink is the most ideal.
What sink is best for countertops? ›Stainless steel sinks are by far the most used sinks with granite and quartz kitchen countertops. They are a complimentary match to most faucets, they do not rust, chip, or stain, and they are easy to clean and maintain.
How long should a stainless steel sink last? ›Stainless steel sinks are also famous for being strong and durable. With proper maintenance, stainless steel kitchens are expected to last for more than 30 years – a nod to its longevity and satisfactory performance.
How often do you need to replace a sink? ›Sinks don't have a typical life span since it all depends on their individual parts. An acrylic sink basin can last half a century, but the faucet will likely last 15 to 20 years at most, depending on the manufacturer. Other influential factors include how much water you use and whether or not you have hard water.
Which is better undermount or drop-in? ›Drop-in sinks are typically easier to install and can potentially be added by the homeowner. Undermount sinks require greater skill and should be installed by a professional, but they provide a sleek and modern look to any kitchen.
Are drop-in sinks outdated? ›In general, which sink type is best for you will come down to preference. Drop-in sinks represent a sink type that is affordable, flexible, and easy to install. But drop-in sinks do not have much in the way of resale value and are aesthetically outdated.
What type of sink is easiest to clean? ›Porcelain, Ceramic and Fireclay Kitchen Sinks
Their non-porous and high gloss finish makes the sinks stain-resistant and fairly easy to keep clean using normal everyday household cleaning products.
If the water is still not draining correctly, there might be a blockage in the P-trap, aka the elbow-shaped pipe under your sink. Food, grease and other debris may be stuck in the pipe, causing your sink to drain slowly or not at all because the water hits a snag on its way down.
What parts come with a new sink? ›
Replace the entire waste assembly
Instead of shopping for each individual part for the drain, buy a kit at a home center that has everything you need. A sink kit includes drainpipes, fittings, shutoff valves, supply lines and new basket strainers.
Your kitchen sink and bathtub have separate drain lines, but they ultimately all connect to a single line that leads into the sewer.
Can you put a larger sink in existing granite? ›Yes, it's technically possible to recut granite to make room for a larger sink. Some contractors will enlarge the sink cutout with your granite in place. Others will insist on transporting your granite to a shop where a milling machine can do the job.
What holds a sink to granite? ›Cabinet Brackets
Four to six hinged brackets push the flange of the sink against the bottom of the granite or quartz counter and are then screwed into the wall of the cabinet to hold it in place.
The most stain-resistant sink is a stainless steel sink. A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches.
Are undermount sinks still popular? ›The sink is then sealed to the countertop with a silicone caulk to create a watertight seal. Because of the precision required for installation, undermount sinks may be more expensive to install than drop-in sinks. Overall, undermount sinks are a popular choice for many homeowners because of their modern appearance.
How much does it cost to replace a sink? ›...
Average Cost of Sink Installation.
| Average Cost | $420 |
| Highest Cost | $1,700 |
| Lowest Cost | $200 |
Sink replacement is a straightforward project that you can probably tackle yourself. After turning off the water supply, remove the sink by taking apart the pipes, cutting the caulk, and undoing the sink's clamps.
How much does it cost to change a single sink to a double? ›HomeAdvisor estimates that adding a double sink vanity can cost anywhere from $750 to $3,200.
Can you change a sink without a plumber? ›Installing a new sink in your home can be a daunting task, and many homeowners are unsure if they should attempt it themselves or hire a professional. The answer is clear - plumbers have the necessary skills and expertise to install sinks properly, and attempting DIY installs can be risky for homeowners.
How long do you have to wait to use a new sink? ›
The sink, faucet or shower can be used immediately after the part has been put into place. Run the water after installation to check for any leaks. If a leak is present, more plumber's putty can be added to remedy the situation.
How often do you need to replace sink pipes? ›The lifespan for the most common residential plumbing systems are: Brass: 40 to 70 years. Copper: 50 or more years. Galvanized steel: 20 to 50 years.
What do I need when replacing a kitchen sink? ›To install a kitchen sink, you'll need an adjustable pipe wrench and socket wrench, a small putty knife and a utility knife. In addition to all of the hardware included with your new sink, you'll want to make sure you grab some plumber's putty and silicone caulk.
How long does it take for a plumber to fit a kitchen sink? ›A plumber should take about two hours to install most kitchen sinks. Whereas an inexperienced DIYer might take six to eight hours. Or about three to four days if you work on the sink for two hours a day.
Can you put a 36 inch sink in a 36 inch cabinet? ›The recommended size for a 36" base cabinet is a 33" farmhouse sink or smaller. It is recommended that your base cabinet be 3 inches larger than the size of the farmhouse sink you are considering to install.
How much does it cost to install new sink? ›Sink installation costs on average $200-$350, which includes removal and haul away of the old sink, new sink installation and reconnection of new supply lines provided by the installer. Costs vary depending on which room the sink will be installed in (kitchen or bath) as well as what part of the country you live in.
Why does my new sink drain slowly? ›If water drains from your bathroom sink slower than usual, a clog in the drain could be developing. Hair and soap scum build up over time in your sink drain. Even a slowly draining sink can cause standing water to develop.
Can you replace an undermount sink without removing the countertop? ›Simply put, yes, you can replace an undermount sink without having to remove the countertop. After the plumbing and garbage disposal are disconnected, the clips that hold the sink to the countertop from below must be removed. Then, the final step is to break the silicone adhesive bond and pull the sink out.
Do old pipes clog more often? ›If your home was built before 1989, you probably have experienced some plumbing problems in the past. This is because pipe materials, especially older ones, tend to corrode over time and experience residue build-up — these issues restrict the diameter of your drains and make your home more susceptible to clogs.
Does water stay in sink pipe? ›The first answer is YES: Your sewer drains should hold water in certain locations. The reason for the water in the drainage fixture is to prevent rodents and smells entering the building.
How long do sink water lines last? ›
Here are the expected lifespans for common supply pipes: Copper Pipes: 70-80 years. Brass Pipes: 80-100 years. Galvanized Steel Pipes: 80-100 years.