How To Replace a Vessel Sink with a Self-Rimming Sink

Vessel sinks sit on top of your countertop like a bowl. They’re known for their stylish look but can be less practical for everyday use than self-rimming (drop-in) sinks, where the rim rests on the countertop surface and the bigger basin resists splashing.

If you’re looking to replace a vessel sink with a self-rimming one, you’ll need to be prepared for a little plumbing work and set aside about 4 to 6 hours of your time. Follow along as This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey does the job on a homeowner’s bathroom vanity.

Preparing for the Sink Replacement

Aside from the new sink and faucet, you’ll need these tools and materials for an efficient installation:

• Adjustable wrench
• Allen wrench
• Caulk
• Flexible supply hoses
• P-trap and PVC drainpipe
• Power grinder with diamond blade
• Putty knife
• Ratchet wrench and sockets

Safety should be your top priority for both plumbing and working with power tools. Always wear protective eyewear and work gloves to prevent injury. If you’re uncomfortable with any part of the process, especially cutting countertops, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.

Removing the Existing Vessel Sink

The first step in the replacement process is to remove the old vessel sink. This involves disconnecting the plumbing and detaching the sink from the countertop.

Shutting Off the Water and Disconnecting the Plumbing

Begin by shutting off and disconnecting the water supply valves and drain pipe.

The configuration in the video includes a separate hot and cold water supply flanking the sides of the drainpipe. Each has a shutoff valve directly on board, so Trethewey can turn them off without having to go to the basement. The piping ends at a pair of feeders that send water into the faucet, making for an equally easy disconnection.

Trethewey also loosens the compression nuts at the top and bottom of the drainpipe, allowing him to lift the pipe up and out.

Detaching the Sink

Vessel sinks are usually attached to the vanity with a caulk seal. Carefully break the caulk with a putty knife so you don’t damage the counter surface underneath. Once the seal is broken, you can lift the sink away from the countertop.

Modifying the Countertop for a Self-Rimming Sink

Some sinks mount underneath the counter through an opening, which requires extra cutting, refinishing, and drilling. A self-rimming sink is much simpler to install than that, though you’ll still need to modify the existing countertop so it can fit.

You’ll need to modify the existing countertop to accommodate the new self-rimming sink. This step requires precision and can get dusty quickly, so you may benefit from professional assistance. “I could cut the hole myself, but I want it to be done right, and it can make a real mess,” says Trethewey.

A granite company will move the counter outside for cutting and place it on top of a couple of sawhorses for support. They’ll mark the perimeter of the sink, then use a power grinder with a diamond blade to make the cut. You’ll notice in the video that the technicians cut the granite upside down to protect the smooth sheen of the countertop.

Installing the New Self-Rimming Sink

Once the countertop is cut and ready to go, you can start installing the new sink. 

Installing the Faucet and Drain

It’s easier to remove the old faucet and install the new one before you mount the sink. 

Faucets for vessel sinks are commonly wall-mounted, and the way they come off will depend on the specific manufacturer and model. For the old faucet in the video, Trethewey loosens the escutcheon and shank to unscrew the assemblies from the wall so only the stem remains. Then, he unscrews the spout from the wall at three points and removes the stem units with a socket wrench.

Next, Trethewey assembles and installs the new faucet according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Applying Caulk and Mounting the Sink

Once the faucet’s on, you’re ready to mount the sink. Apply a bead of caulk around the cut hole for a secure, watertight seal. Then, carefully lower the new sink into the wet bead. Hold it in place for a few seconds while the caulk starts to set.

Connecting Sink Plumbing

Finally, it’s time to reconnect the plumbing. Start by connecting the P-trap and PVC drainpipe to the sink’s drain assembly. Hand-tighten these connections first, then use an adjustable wrench for a final tightening.

Next, attach the flexible supply hoses to the shutoff valves and faucet. Secure these connections tightly to prevent leaks.

Remove any excess caulk around the sink edge with a rag and clean the surrounding area to give your new sink a polished look.

Finishing Touches and Sink Testing

Before considering the job complete, you should make sure the new faucet and drain work correctly. Flip the water supply valves back on and check for leaks at the connection points. Then, run the faucet and check the drain for proper function. If you see any signs of leaks or improper drainage, correct the issues quickly to prevent water damage later.