Home renovation has grown massively in the past year with kitchen renovations being the most popular DIY home project in the UK. Whatever your lifestyle, it is likely that you will spend a lot of time cooking, eating or even entertaining in your kitchen and a sink is a crucial aspect of any kitchen. Whether you decide to fit a new sink for practical or aesthetic reasons, a new sink can make an immediate difference to your daily life. This guide will run you through removing an old sink, cutting your countertop to size and fitting your new sink. At first the job may seem daunting but if you take your time and follow our instructions carefully then you won’t believe just how easy you will find it.
Materials Needed:
When working with plumbing you need to make sure all seals are watertight:
- Sink – Buy Here
- Silicone/ Caulk – Buy Here
- Waterproof Sealant – Buy Here
- Tap – Buy Here
- PTFE Tape – Buy Here
- Cloth/Towel – Buy Here
- Plumbers Putty – Buy Here
Tools Needed:
For this project it is likely that you will have most of the tools necessary already, if not use our ‘Buy Here’ links:
- Adjustable Wrench – Buy Here
- Pliers – Buy Here
- Screwdriver – Buy Here
- Utility Knife – Buy Here
- Bucket – Buy Here
- Pencil – Buy Here
- Jigsaw – Buy Here
- Drill – Buy Here
- Drill Bits (10/15mm) – Buy Here
- Sandpaper – Buy Here
- File – Buy Here
- Ruler – Buy Here
- Brush – Buy Here
- Torch/Head Torch – Buy Here
Check out our blogs on the Top 5 Cordless Drills UK 2022 and the Top 5 Jigsaws UK 2022 for our list of top picks.
Safety Kit Needed:
With every DIY project there are potential safety hazards, it is best to be overprepared and overcautious
Preparation:
Removing your old sink:
If you are replacing your sink, you will first need to remove your current fitted sink. You may be also replacing your countertop but if not then be careful when removing the sink to not damage your worktop. Make sure that you have removed anything from under the sink so you have good, clear access.
TIP: Use a torch/head torch so you can clearly see what you are doing while working underneath the sink.
Step 1:
TIP: Take pictures as you work; of underneath your sink, specifically where the pipes connect, this will come in handy when reattaching supply lines later on.
You will need to first turn off the water supply for both cold and hot water and disconnect the supply lines. This is done by turning off the water at the mains stopcocks, to close the stopcocks turn the handle clockwise.
You may find that some water may be left in the pipes so be sure to drain them well. To do this place a bucket underneath the sink and let the water run until there is no water left. You can then stop the tap and remove the bucket.
Step 2:
Remove the taps and if you have a garbage disposal system then this will also need disconnecting. Next detach the waste pipe from the sink.
Step 3:
Located underneath the sink there are multiple metal clips fixing the sink into place, you will need to unscrew these clips using a screwdriver.
Step 4:
If your sink is secured to the countertop with silicone sealant then you will need to cut it off using a utility knife. Depending on your sink type the location of the caulk will vary; for under-mount sinks it is located underneath the sink, for top-mounted sins it is on the top between the sink and the counter.
Step 5:
Now lift up your sink and remove it completely out of the countertop space.
TIP: This will be a lot easier with the help of another person.
Step 6:
Thoroughly clean your sink area and remove any old sealant (without scratching the worktop).
Cutting a Countertop to Size:
If you are also replacing your countertop or putting in a bigger/different shaped sink you will need to cut your worktop to size.
Step 1:
Begin by measuring the bottom of your sink and mark these dimensions onto your worktop where you want your sink to live with a pencil and ruler. Do not use measurements from the wider top part of the sink as this portion will lay on the countertop.
Step 2:
Use a 10-15mm drill bit to drill four holes, one in each corner of your marking. For a round sink make four holes in the shape of a cross along the perimeter of your circle marking.
Step 3:
Make sure your countertop is fully supported and on a stable surface. Place your jigsaw blade into one of the drilled holes and cut along your marked line.
Step 4:
Remove the cut area and use sandpaper to lightly smooth down the cut surface. Wipe away any dust and treat the edges with waterproof sealant using a paint brush and leave it to dry.
Fitting a new Sink: Step-by-Step:
Step 1:
Assemble the sink, tap and waste unit, make sure to do this with reference to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2:
Test fit the sink in the whole you have cut making sure that the sink fits securely and that the pipes line up correctly.
Once confident that it fits, flip the sink such that the sink bowel is facing downwards, apply the silicone sealant to the wider part of the sink and then rotate it back 180°.
If you are installing an under-mount sink then the sealant needs to be applied to the top of the sink. While the sink glues to the countertop make sure that it is constantly supported.
Step 3:
Carefully place the sink in the hole you have cut in the countertop and attach the metal sink clips using a screwdriver to tighten them.
Step 4:
Next instal the tap/taps and your new drain strainer. You may need to use some plumber’s putty to fasten the drain into place.
Next, if you have one, install your garbage disposal. This will fasten over the bottom of your drain.
Step 5:
Connect up your previously disconnected water supply pipes and the U-bend drainpipe; apply PTFE tape to the pipes thread in order to create a watertight seal. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten up the fasteners.
Step 6:
Place buckets underneath your pipework, check all joints are tight and turn back on the water. Open the taps and check for any leaks, if there is a leak then make a note of where it is and turn the water supply back off. First try to solve the leak by re-tightening any joints and/or installing new seals. If this does not work then you may need to replace your pipework, if you do not feel comfortable doing this then do call a plumber.
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