Whether you’re tackling an entire kitchen renovation and need a new sink or you’re just updating your sink or faucet, Lowe’s is here to help with your project. Now you can get kitchen sink installation help from trusted independent installers in your area.
It's not so easy to install a kitchen sink without destroying your countertop, but a DIYer with average skills can complete the replacement in about four hours.
Photo: JProvey
- Another installation consideration in a kitchen sink is the type of mounting holes for fixtures. Most kitchen sinks come with four holes for mounting faucets, sprayers, and soap dispensers.
- Before installing a new kitchen faucet, be sure to go underneath your kitchen sink and check how many holes your existing sink uses. While a one-hole faucet can work in a 2-hole sink, the same won’t be true for a 2 or 3-hole faucet in a one-hole sink. Since much of the job will be done on your back, a pillow will make the work easier to bear.
So many elements in kitchen design have remained common over the decades. Cabinets still have raised panels. Countertops are still made of plastic laminate. And tile is still a preferred surface for backsplashes and floors. But an ugly steel band running around an almond- or avocado-color sink? That says ’80s faster than big hair.
Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to replace an old sink (and its supporting hudee ring) without destroying your countertop, but a do-it-yourselfer with average skills can complete the replacement in about four hours. As with any plumbing job, begin early in the day, so if something does go wrong, you may still be able to finish by dinnertime!
1. Buy a sink that will fit the existing opening. (You can buy a sink that’s slightly bigger than the opening, but it may be difficult to enlarge the hole.) Buy the rest of the supplies you’ll need and get everything ready to go. If you’re replacing a cast-iron sink, be sure to have some extra muscle on hand to help manage the weight.
Photo: JProvey
2. Clear out the sink cabinet and crawl in there with a flashlight. Locate the clips that secure the sink and its rim to the countertop. Remove them and disconnect the supply and drain plumbing.
3. With your helper holding the sink from above, push up on the old sink from underneath. You may have to run a putty knife around the perimeter to loosen the old caulk seal. With the old sink removed, test-fit the new one.
Photo: JProvey
4. Prepare the new sink by installing the faucet according to the manufacturer’s directions. Two common sink installation mistakes are, one, forgetting to clean the new sink thoroughly before installing and, two, forgetting to install the new faucet before installing the new sink. Factory-fresh stainless steel sinks smell awful, so it’s best to scrub them down outdoors. And it’s a lot easier to install the faucet before you install the sink, for at this stage, the mounting nuts are more accessible. While you’re at it, install all accessories too, including sprayer and detergent dispenser mounts.
5. When installing the faucet and sprayer bases, apply a ribbon of plumber’s putty first.
Photo: JProvey
6. Apply caulk under the sink rim and seat it in the opening.
Photo: JProvey
7. Install the drain and tail pipe, seating it in caulk or using the supplied gasket—whichever method is recommended by the manufacturer.
Photo: JProvey
8. Install the new clips, then reconnect the supply lines and drain pipes. If using flexible supply hoses (recommended), don’t reuse the old ones. The rubber gasket that seals the connection may have hardened over the years and may not seat properly to the new faucet’s tailpieces.
9. Finally, turn on the water and run it for several minutes. Check for leaks at all connections, especially at the tubing, around the drain, and around the trap.
Money-saving tip: Buy a sink and faucet combo. You’ll save at least $100 if you can find a pairing you like.
Related:
How To: Unclog a Sink Drain
A Glassy-Smooth Enamel Finish for Old Kitchen Cabinets
Backsplash Idea: Faux Stone Refinishing
It's not so easy to install a kitchen sink without destroying your countertop, but a DIYer with average skills can complete the replacement in about four hours.
Photo: JProvey
So many elements in kitchen design have remained common over the decades. Cabinets still have raised panels. Countertops are still made of plastic laminate. And tile is still a preferred surface for backsplashes and floors. But an ugly steel band running around an almond- or avocado-color sink? That says ’80s faster than big hair.
Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to replace an old sink (and its supporting hudee ring) without destroying your countertop, but a do-it-yourselfer with average skills can complete the replacement in about four hours. As with any plumbing job, begin early in the day, so if something does go wrong, you may still be able to finish by dinnertime!
1. Buy a sink that will fit the existing opening. (You can buy a sink that’s slightly bigger than the opening, but it may be difficult to enlarge the hole.) Buy the rest of the supplies you’ll need and get everything ready to go. If you’re replacing a cast-iron sink, be sure to have some extra muscle on hand to help manage the weight.
Photo: JProvey
2. Clear out the sink cabinet and crawl in there with a flashlight. Locate the clips that secure the sink and its rim to the countertop. Remove them and disconnect the supply and drain plumbing.
3. With your helper holding the sink from above, push up on the old sink from underneath. You may have to run a putty knife around the perimeter to loosen the old caulk seal. With the old sink removed, test-fit the new one.
Photo: JProvey
4. Prepare the new sink by installing the faucet according to the manufacturer’s directions. Two common sink installation mistakes are, one, forgetting to clean the new sink thoroughly before installing and, two, forgetting to install the new faucet before installing the new sink. Factory-fresh stainless steel sinks smell awful, so it’s best to scrub them down outdoors. And it’s a lot easier to install the faucet before you install the sink, for at this stage, the mounting nuts are more accessible. While you’re at it, install all accessories too, including sprayer and detergent dispenser mounts.
5. When installing the faucet and sprayer bases, apply a ribbon of plumber’s putty first.
Photo: JProvey
6. Apply caulk under the sink rim and seat it in the opening.
Photo: JProvey
7. Install the drain and tail pipe, seating it in caulk or using the supplied gasket—whichever method is recommended by the manufacturer.
Photo: JProvey
8. Install the new clips, then reconnect the supply lines and drain pipes. If using flexible supply hoses (recommended), don’t reuse the old ones. The rubber gasket that seals the connection may have hardened over the years and may not seat properly to the new faucet’s tailpieces.
Free Installation Kitchen Sink Faucets
9. Finally, turn on the water and run it for several minutes. Check for leaks at all connections, especially at the tubing, around the drain, and around the trap.
Money-saving tip: Buy a sink and faucet combo. You’ll save at least $100 if you can find a pairing you like.
Free Instalation Kitchen Sink
Related:
How To: Unclog a Sink Drain
A Glassy-Smooth Enamel Finish for Old Kitchen Cabinets
Backsplash Idea: Faux Stone Refinishing