DIY kitchen sink installation made easy

Ready for an easy kitchen update? If your kitchen sink is dented, hard to clean or generally worn out, you can start your makeover with an easy DIY sink installation. With standard tools, a drop-in sink kit and a free afternoon, you can replace your outdated sink yourself or with the help of a friend. [Photo credit: www.istock.com/DonNichols]

Time: 2 – 4 hours
Frequency: At your discretion
Difficulty: Moderate
Tools: Standard tools including a wrench, safety glasses, a flashlight, utility knife, putty knife, bucket, cleaning supplies, cloth, plumber’s putty, clear silicone caulk.

A drop-in sink kit almost does the work for you, but you need the correct measurements for a worry-free sink installation. To make sure your new sink fits the opening you already have, you need to:

• Make a drawing of your old sink on which you can put the measurements.
• Measure the distance from the sink wall to the drain’s centre.
• Measure the sink’s length and width edge to edge.
• Measure the depth of the sink’s bowl(s).

With measurements in hand, choose a drop-in sink installation kit with the same dimensions. It basically drops in to replace your old sink, but you have some options:

• Keep your old sink fixtures or buy new fixtures separately.
• Buy a sink kit that comes with coordinating faucet and strainers.
• Select a single-bowl or double-bowl sink.
• Upgrade the stainless steel gauge and finish.

Good to know!

If you choose changes in dimensions, bowls or fixtures, you may also need to modify your countertop and/or plumbing. Be prepared for the added work, tools, materials and skills you will need.

Prepping your work area makes the job faster and easier. Before you remove your old sink:

• Take a quick photo of the plumbing under the sink to use as a guide for reconnecting it later.
• Turn off both water lines to the sink (sink or house shutoff valve).
• Relieve pressure in the lines by turning on the faucet.
• Have a bucket ready for drips.
• Disconnect the faucet water supply lines.
• Remove the faucet if you are keeping it.
• Disconnect the sink drainpipe and P-trap.

You may also need to:

• Unplug and turn off the power to your garburator and then remove it.
• Disconnect the drain lines to your dishwasher.

You will need a screwdriver or wrench, utility knife, putty knife and cleaning supplies to remove your old sink and prepare for your new sink installation. You may need help if your old sink is very heavy.

To get rid of that old sink, you need to:

• Loosen the metal clips around the sink’s underside.
• Swing the loosened clips around toward the sink.
• Cut away old caulk from the sink’s upper edge with a utility knife.
• Put your hand under the sink, push up, and lift out the sink.
• Use a putty knife to remove old caulk from the countertop.
• Scrub off any built-up grease and grime.

Inspect and troubleshoot:

If you find rot underneath the counter, it's easier and cheaper to replace the damaged materials now, rather than later.

To test the sizing, simply place the new sink into its opening. If all the holes align with your plumbing lines, you are ready to finish your sink installation.

Take the new sink out of the countertop and continue:

• Attach the new clips to the sink’s underside and turn them inward.
• Place the faucet and other fixtures into their respective holes.
• Apply plumber’s putty around the strainers and firmly press them in.
• Secure the gaskets and flanges for the sink drains underneath the strainers.
• Add new caulk or sealer tape around the sink’s bottom edge.
• Lower and align the sink into the countertop.
• Turn the clips outward and tighten.

Use the photo you took of your plumbing as a guide to:

• Reconnect your water lines to your faucet.
• Line up, reattach and tighten the drain pipes and the P-trap.
• Reconnect the dishwasher lines and garburator if needed.
• Open your water line valves and test for leaks.

No leaks? No problem. Give the top edge of the sink a final seal with clear silicone caulk. Clean up, and admire the beauty and savings of your DIY sink installation.