Replacing a Kitchen Sink | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner update a kitchen sink.

Time: 1 hour

Cost: $150

Skill Level:
Moderate

Tools List for Replacing a Kitchen Sink:
Adjustable open end wrench
Adjustable pliers
Screwdriver
Putty knife
Oscillating saw
Caulking gun

Shopping List:
Sink
Faucet
Sink Strainer
Silicone Caulking
Plumber’s Putty
New Shutoffs (if needed)
New Drain Piping (if needed)

Steps:
1. Turn the water to the faucet off at the shutoffs under the sink.
2. Open the faucet to ensure the shutoffs hold. If they don’t, turn off the water at the water main.
3. Use an adjustable open end wrench to remove the supply hoses from the shut off valves.
4. Use adjustable pliers to disconnect the drain piping from the bottom of the sink.
5. Use a screwdriver to loosen the clips that secure the sink to the countertop.
6. Use a putty knife to gently release the connection between the sink and the countertop.
7. Dryfit the new sink in place and modify the opening as needed with an oscillating saw.
8. With the sink out of the opening, perform any repairs needed to the shutoff valves, or replace them.
9. Install the new faucet to the sink based on the faucet manufacturer’s recommendations. Install the water supply hoses while the sink is out too.
10. Turn the sink upside down and spread a bead of silicone caulking around the edge of the sink.
11. Set the sink into the countertop opening.
12. Attach new clips between the sink and countertop.
13. Modify drain piping as needed for the new sink.
14. Spread a bead of plumber’s putty around the sink strainer, set in place, and secure from underneath with a nut. Remove the excess putty that squeezes out.
15. Attach the flexible supply hoses to the shutoff valves and tighten with a wrench.
16. Compete the new drain piping to the sink strainer.
17. Turn the water back on and check for leaks.

Resources:

All of the supplies for this project, including plumber's putty, shut off valves, flux, solder, supply hoses, and PVC drain piping are available at home centers and plumbing supply stores.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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Replacing a Kitchen Sink | Ask This Old House

[lilrobux]

how many times I've seen this guy replace a sink is unbelievable

[generalstr]

The whole time he's talking about replacing the gate valve shut-offs that don't hold I'm yelling at the fact that they have a shut-off for a shut-off. So glad he took it down to just the one ball-valve per line.

[stevendeatley]

he makes it all look so easy, good video thanks.I hate plumbing

[simenwu]

Great video on plumbing. It has so many details in such a short video.

[ionu]

Nothing like a PRO that makes it slide right through; I just love these guys!

[bengoolie]

The trusty oscillating tool. Rich Trethewey is Da Man!

[albert.h]

1:28 LOL at the nice ninja move on the putty knife.

[mj-lsqrxpn]

No sink but that one comes out that easy.

[bosse]

Could watch Rich at work and explaining for an hour, he should have his own show.

[stevepwn]

its soothing to watch richard do this i wasn't even paying attention justzoning out stoned. lol

[sziltner]

Great sink! So easy when one has all the needed parts and tools. My project like this requires running across the street to Home Depot numerous times. At least it's just across the street. :-)

[jaymomo]

Video editing is great and easy to follow along.

[phantomstrider]

This must take years of experience to be so good at.

[lju]

6:12 Oatey Green ABS to PVC Transition Cement, Richard.

[lju]

"lets not damage the laminate while taking the sink out" Then he stands the sink up, they have sharp edges, and you can hear it slide across the countertop at 2:14

[coleve]

As soon as he trimmed the worktop he should have sealed the open edge to make it watertight. If water gets past the silicone seal the worktop just swells up.

[MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair]

This Old House! You guys should do a video promoting the trades or more accurately do a Q&A about the trades like how much it starts or averages where you can work etc.

[harrisonherring]

a nice job, but how long would it really have taken to clean the edge of the countertop from all the black stains?

[procontractor]

PVC to ABS is a type of green glue to be used in that application, the mechanical fitting is probably less expensive though

[BurtBowers]

Wonder if the ladies counter top gotten scrapped up when he stood up the sink on edge @ 2:13