Replace Kitchen Sink Without Replacing The Counter?(solved!)

Whether under-mount or drop-in, the sink can be simply removed and replaced unless constructed as a continuous countertop component.

However, you must ensure that the replacement sink fits the same size hole in the countertop as the one you now have.

Here’s if you can Replace Kitchen Sink Without Replacing Countertops

Yes,  you can replace a kitchen sink without having to replace the countertop. But a professional should handle this to avoid damages. Since the adhesive that holds the sink in place is extremely strong once installed, you’ll have to cut and grind it out from underneath if you have an under-mount sink.

Can a kitchen sink be replaced?

Yes, a kitchen sink can be replaced to give your kitchen that new look. However, you should be aware of potential plumbing and installation issues.

The essential tools to replace a kitchen sink include:

• New Kitchen Sink.
• Bucket.
• Screwdriver.
• Adjustable Wrench.
• Channel-Locking Pliers
• Silicone Caulk.
• Caulk Gun.
• Putty Knife

Is it necessary to hire a plumber to repair a sink?

Installing a new sink is a complex process that should be left to the pros. In addition to a plumber, you may require an electrician for electrical fixture remodeling and a contractor for cabinetry and other amenities. All plumbers must be certified.

Can you remove kitchen sink without damaging the countertop?

Yes, as long as the replacement sink is an insert sink (rather than a molded sink) and the same size as the sink to be replaced.

It will also be possible to replace your under-mount sink if the new sink is under-mount, if there is a trim around the sink, or if the sink overlaps the counter. You will probably have to cut the plumbing to facilitate the removal.

This does not apply to sinks built into the counter or sinks set on a solid counter, such as vessel sinks.

How do you remove a kitchen sink without damaging the counter?

Here’s how to remove a sink without damaging the countertop:

1. Gather your supplies, including a 7-in-1 painter’s tool, a razor blade, and wedges –  Plastic wedges are preferred since they are less likely to damage the countertop.

2. Unplug the plumbing –  Before you begin the removal, disconnect the supply lines and the disposal (if you have one).

3. Begin at the sink’s corner with the 7 in 1 tool – make sure the tool is level, and once you’ve created a little room, insert the first wedge.

4. Continue down the front of the sink, making space and inserting wedges – To avoid damaging the countertop, position the tool at an angle.

5. Continue to insert wedges until the seam splits. In some cases, a razor blade may be required to cut away at the caulking and break the seal. When the seal is broken, you will hear an audible pop.

6. Once the front is finished, repeat the process along the sides of the sink, scouring with a razor blade and inserting plastic wedges.

7. With the front and both sides of the seal shattered, take a wedge and drive it down the back on both sides to break the back seal.

8. You should be able to remove the sink out of the countertop once all of the seals have been broken.

In general, the more wedges you use, the easier it will be to remove the sink and carefully take it out of the countertop without causing any additional harm.

Can an undermount kitchen sink be replaced?

Yes, it can be replaced. A granite contractor should do the replacement. The sinks are held under the top with strong glue. It will have to be ground out from the underside.

You can replace an undermount sink to give your kitchen a sleek, new look, and it’s a simple way to update a space. Unlike a drop-in sink, an undermount sink has no visible rim, aperture, or lip to hold waste, making cleaning the counter easier.

Undermount sinks also provide you with a little more counter space. To verify that the new sink will fit, measure your existing sink cutout.

Being able to replace an undermount sink will majorly depend on how it was initially mounted:

1. If it’s simply siliconed in place, you can easily pull it down, especially if it’s a few years old – if it’s approximately five years old, it’ll fall on its own.

2. If it’s a 2CM work with a plywood sub-top, it might be “sandwiched” in between the plywood and the stone, making removal difficult but still possible.

3, If it was installed with a Sink Setter, it might be straightforward – depending on the sink nomenclature and the amount of open space in the cabinet base.

4, If it was installed with wood blocks, you might be in for a bumpy ride because mount blocks are normally not mounted to be able to pull the blocks out later for a case like yours.

How do you replace an undermount sink without removing a countertop?

Step #1 – Remove all of the draining and supply lines.

1. Start with the “shut down switch” attached under the sink water supplying line and turn off all water supply valves with your hands or a wrench.

2. After turning off the water supply, open the tap to drain any remaining water flows.

3. Keep a bucket under the sink to catch any drips from the loosened valves or pipes.

4. Then, using a wrench, remove the main water pipe, via which water flows to the supplying valves. These pipes are composed of copper and are held together by metal components.

5. It’s now time to remove the drainage pipe, which has previously been fitted with a sink. Because there are two or more metal rings, you may require a tool to remove them. When the pipe and rings are made of plastic, it is preferable to use your hands.

6. Keep the pipes you successfully removed in a secure place for future use.

Step #2 – Removing the old sink

A silicone sealant and metal clips are used to secure an undermount sink to the countertop.

1. Slice through the silicone using a razor knife, then unscrew all of the clips.

2. Once unscrewed, carefully remove the old sink.

Step #3 – Preparing the surface for the new sink

1. Remove any old silicone that has been left behind with a razor scraper.

2. Denatured alcohol should be used to clean the countertop and sink.

Step #4 – Installing the new sink (This is a two-person job)

1. Place the sink in the cabinet below the hole and run a bead of 100% silicone sealant along the edge.

2. Raise the sink to the countertop and hold it there while the other person checks that it is properly positioned.

3. To avoid scratching the countertop, place a 2×4 atop some towels.

4. To avoid damaging the sink, run one end of the wood clamp through the drain hole while the other person places another 2×4 between the clamp and the sink.

5. To keep the sink in place, tighten the clamp.

6. Reattach the mounting brackets after the sink is in place.

There are two types of brackets for under-mount sinks: epoxy attached to the countertop and those that use a mounting mechanism that anchors into the countertop and may require a specialty drill bit to drill the hole.

How much does an undermount sink installation cost?

Installation costs roughly $200 on average. Undermount sinks do not have the characteristic lip that is associated with more classic models.

To prevent leaks, undermount sinks are installed beneath the countertop and sealed with a high-strength epoxy or durable silicone caulk. This installation will set you back around $230.

The pricing listed above implies that the new sink is replacing an existing one and that all of the plumbing is already in place. If the plumber needs to install or lengthen pipes before installing the sink, you should budget at least twice as much.

If you’re redesigning your kitchen on a budget, try to maintain all of your appliances and fixtures in the same positions to decrease the plumbing, and electrical work contractors must-do during the renovation process.

Exact expenses will vary based on the cost of living in your ZIP code; thus, labor fees could be $50 more or cheaper. The cost of the sink will vary depending on its material, with stainless steel sinks being significantly less expensive than retro-style fireclay or copper sinks.

Granite and other solid stones, composite, and cast iron are also popular materials for undermount sinks. Each of these materials has a distinct appearance and set of properties:

7. Wipe away any silicone that has oozed into the sink with a moist rag.

8. Allow the silicone to dry for 24 hours before removing the clamp.

9. The drain should then be installed, and the sink should be connected to your plumbing.

• Polyester or acrylic resin: Both are inexpensive and easily match the counter.
• Stainless steel is inexpensive, easy to clean, and maybe matched to common appliances.
• Composite: Chip- and stain-resistant, as well as competitively priced
• Cast iron is both durable and physically pleasing, but it is also incredibly heavy.
• Granite is long-lasting and matches counters, but it is pricey.
• Marble is visually beautiful and may match countertops, but it is prone to stains.
• Fireclay has a retro aesthetic and is scratch and stain resistant but heavy and prone to chipping.

Bottom Line

While hiring a professional will reduce the time required to replace a kitchen sink, installing an under-mount sink is straightforward enough for the skilled. You’ll need a few tools, which you can find in your garage or at your local hardware shop.

Suppose you have an adjustable wrench, head screwdriver, standard screwdriver, plumber’s tape, razor scraper, putty knife, denatured alcohol, a bar clamp, pliers, and silicone caulk. In that case, you are good to go. If unsure, you may also watch approved sink replacement videos!