How to Replace a Kitchen Sink and Faucet

Homeowners with some moderate plumbing skills may be able to replace a kitchen sink and faucet themselves, so long as they have the right tools and proper instruction. In this video and guide, we explain how the process works alongside This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey.

Choosing the Right Sink and Faucet

Replacing a sink and faucet starts with choosing the new unit. To make the right choice, it’s essential to consider several factors that will ensure your new sink and faucet meet your needs and complement your kitchen’s design. Here’s a guide to help you through the selection process.

Faucet Style

The faucet is a focal point in your kitchen, so selecting a style that complements your kitchen’s overall design is crucial. Whether your kitchen is modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, there’s a faucet style to match. Beyond aesthetics, think about functionality:

• Pull-down or pull-out sprayers: These are great for making tasks like washing large pots or rinsing produce much easier.
• Single-handle vs. double-handle: A single-handle faucet offers easy temperature control with one hand, which can be convenient in a busy kitchen. A double-handle faucet provides more precise control over hot and cold water.
• High-arc faucets: Ideal for filling large pots or washing bulky items, high-arc faucets add a sense of elegance and practicality to the kitchen.
• Touchless or touch-activated faucets: For a more modern and hygienic option, consider faucets with motion sensors or touch activation. These features can be especially useful when your hands are full or dirty.

Sink Configuration

Your sink’s configuration should be based on how you use your kitchen. Here are the most common configurations:

• Single bowl: Single-bowl sinks offer a large, uninterrupted space that is perfect for washing large items like baking sheets or stockpots. They’re a great choice for those who do a lot of cooking and need the extra space.
• Double bowl: Double-bowl sinks provide the ability to separate tasks, such as washing dishes in one bowl while rinsing or drying in the other. This configuration is ideal for multitaskers and those who often use their sink for multiple purposes at once.
• Triple bowl: Less common but very functional, triple-bowl sinks offer even more flexibility, with one smaller bowl often used for tasks like rinsing or garbage disposal.

When choosing between these options, consider your kitchen’s size and your personal cooking and cleaning habits. If you frequently entertain or prepare large meals, a larger single bowl or double bowl may be more practical. The easiest way to complete the project is to choose a sink that matches the style in your existing kitchen. However, you can modify your countertops if needed to accommodate a new style.

Sink Gauge

The gauge of a sink refers to the thickness of the metal used, with lower numbers indicating thicker and more durable material. Those most common gauges are:

• 14-16 Gauge: These are the thickest and most durable options, offering the best resistance to dents and noise. They are typically more expensive but are worth the investment for a busy kitchen.
• 18-20 Gauge: These are still durable but slightly thinner and less expensive. They are adequate for most residential kitchens and offer a good balance between durability and cost.

When selecting the gauge, think about how much wear and tear your sink will endure. Thicker gauges are recommended for those who often use heavy cookware or want a sink that will stand up to years of use.

Sink Material

The material of your sink greatly affects its durability, maintenance, and overall look. Stainless steel is a popular choice, but there are other options to consider. Here’s a rundown of them all:

• Stainless steel: Known for its durability, resistance to rust and staining, and ease of maintenance, stainless steel is a versatile and affordable option. It’s also available in a variety of finishes and gauges.
• Cast iron with porcelain enamel: These sinks offer a classic look and are extremely durable, with a glossy, easy-to-clean surface. However, they are heavy and may require additional support during installation.
• Composite granite: Made from a mixture of granite stone dust and acrylic resins, these sinks are resistant to scratches and stains and come in various colors. They offer a more modern look with a textured finish.
• Fireclay: A durable and stylish option, fireclay sinks are made from molded ceramic that is heated at high temperatures, making them resistant to scratches, chips, and stains. They are often seen in farmhouse-style kitchens.
• Copper: For a unique and luxurious look, copper sinks are a beautiful option that develops a natural patina over time. However, they require more maintenance to prevent tarnishing and can be more expensive.

When selecting a sink material, consider your kitchen’s overall style, your budget, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Each material has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so choose one that aligns with your lifestyle.

Preparing for Installation

Once you have picked out the new sink, we recommend you collect all the tools and materials you’ll need before you begin this project. It’ll save you time if you have everything ready to go from the start.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need 

For this project, gather the items listed below.

You’ll likely also need:

• Compression fittings
• Plumber’s putty
• PVC pipes and fittings
• Stainless steel hose clamps

Removing the Old Sink and Faucet

Before you can install your new sink, you have to remove the old one, which includes everything from unhooking the water supply lines to disconnecting any electrical connections.

Disconnecting Water and Drain Lines

Turn off the water supply to make sure and drain the remaining water from the pipes by following these steps:

1. Close the hot and cold water shutoff valves under the sink.
2. Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the water supply lines from the valves.
3. Disconnect the trap from the sink’s drain pipe using pliers.
4. Unplug the garbage disposer if you have one.

Removing the Old Sink

Now that you’ve disconnected all water lines and electrical components, it’s time to get rid of that sink. 

1. Loosen the screws that hold the sink to the underside of the countertop.
2. Slide a putty knife under the rim of the sink to break its bond with the countertop.
3. Carefully lift the old sink out of the countertop opening.

Installing the New Sink and Faucet

Putting in the new sink is more involved then just plopping it in the countertop hole. You have to make sure you have a watertight fit to prevent leaks.

Preparing the New Sink

Take the following steps to prepare your new sink:

1. Attach the mounting clips to the underside of the new sink if the manufacturer didn’t already include them.
2. Install the new faucet onto the sink before placing it in the countertop.
3. Attach any additional components, such as the spray hose and weight, to the faucet.

Setting the Sink in Place

Once you’ve prepared the sink’s underside and put in the faucet, you can install the unit on the countertop.

1. Apply a bead of silicone or use the manufacturer-provided gasket around the sink opening in the countertop.
2. Carefully lower the new sink into the opening and align it properly. 
3. From underneath, use a screwdriver to tighten each mounting clip. This secures the sink to the countertop.

Connecting Water Supply Lines

Your next step is to connect the water supply lines.

1. Connect the hot and cold water supply lines to the appropriate valves under the sink.
2. Tighten all connections to prevent leaks.

Installing the Drain System

Your drain system prevents leaks, so make sure you install it correctly, especially so that it drains efficiently. During these next few steps, you’ll also set up a garbage disposer if you have one.

To install a garbage disposer: 

1. Take some plumber’s putty and roll it into a snake-like shape then apply it around the flange of the disposer’s throat fitting.
2. Press the fitting into one of the sink’s drain holes.
3. From below, secure the fitting with the provided adapters and lock ring.
4. Attach the disposer to the lock ring, tightening it with a screwdriver for leverage.
5. Remove any putty that spilled over the top into the sink.

Now you can connect the drain:

1. Install a basket strainer in the remaining drain hole if it’s a double-bowl sink.
2. Connect PVC pipes from the sink trap to the tailpiece of the basket strainer.
3. Install a T-fitting and PVC pipe to connect the drain to the disposer, if you have one.
4. Use compression fittings so that your connections are tight between pipe sections.
   

Finalizing the Kitchen Sink Installation

There are a few more things you need to do before you can start using your sink.

Connecting the Dishwasher Drain

If you have a dishwasher nearby, you may be able to connect it to the drain.

1. Connect the dishwasher discharge hose to the port on the side of the garbage disposer.
2. Secure the connection with a stainless steel hose clamp.
3. Run the hose as high as possible inside the cabinet to prevent backflow.

Testing the Installation

All that’s left is to test your installation to ensure that it is free of leaks and that everything works.

1. Plug in the garbage disposer if you have one.
2. Open the hot and cold water shutoff valves.
3. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks at all connection points.
4. Run water through both sides of the sink so you know it drains properly.
5. Test the spray function of the faucet.

Our Conclusion

Installing a sink and faucet can be a manageable DIY project. Be sure to make watertight connections to avoid leaks and hire a professional if you have a complex drainage system. Choose quality plumbing materials, such as compression fittings and flexible PVC pipes, especially if you have to fit drains into tight spaces.