How to Install a Kitchen Sink – Our 7 Step Guide

Installing a new kitchen sink completed with a shiny tap can easily transform your kitchen. But not only that, it can substantially improve the functionality of your kitchen. 

If you’re starting to notice signs that your kitchen sink needs replacing, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and learn how to remove and install a kitchen sink. 

Read our handy guide to find out how to install a kitchen sink! 

How Hard is it to Replace a Kitchen Sink? 

Removing and installing a kitchen sink can be a pretty straightforward task, but it depends on the scale of the project. Inset or top-mounted sinks are the easiest ones to install and shouldn’t require much experience. 

However, if your project is more complicated and involves replacing the whole countertop for example, we would recommend getting a professional on the case. 

How Long Does it Take to Replace a Kitchen Sink? 

A standard kitchen sink replacement would take a professional about an hour and a half to two hours. This, of course, depends on several factors. For instance, how easy is it to remove the old sink and whether any pipes need to be replaced as well. 

Install a Kitchen Sink in 7 Steps

Ready to learn how to replace and install a kitchen sink? Follow our step-by-step guide. 

Tools and Materials You Will Need to Install a Kitchen Sink

Before you start on your kitchen sink replacement, you have to make sure you have all the needed tools. Here is our checklist of everything you need for the project:

After ensuring you have all the tools you need, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty part of your new kitchen sink installation process. 

(Please note that there might be differences in the installation process depending on the type of sink and our guide refers to inset sink installation.)

Step 1: Disconnect the Water Supply 

First things first, make sure you turn off the water supply to your sink, after all you don’t want to flood your kitchen! Most supply lines have shutoff valves, but if yours doesn’t you might need to turn off the water supply for the entire house. After the water is turned off, turn on the tap to drain the line. 

Next you need to disconnect the supply and lines. Make sure you have a bucket and towel nearby in case you need to catch any water left in the lines. 

Tip: Take pictures of the plumbing under the sink to use as reference when reconnecting it later. 

Step 2: Remove Your Existing Sink (If Replacing)

The next step is removing your existing sink. To do this carefully cut around the Silicone Sealant of your sink. Afterwards, loosen the metal clips under the counter using the socket wrench. 

At this stage you should be able to push the sink and loosen it from the countertop. After removing your sink, make sure you dispose of it accordingly. 

Step 3: Prepare the Countertop for the New Sink

With your old kitchen out of the countertop, it’s time to prepare your countertop for the new one. Scrape off any residue of silicone or sealant and thoroughly clean the surface of your worktop.

This is where it’s essential that you’ve measured your kitchen sink correctly as the last thing you want is getting to this stage and your new kitchen sink is too big or too small. 

If your new sink is bigger than the existing one, you will have to trim your countertop to size. To do this, place your sink over the existing hole and trace around it with a pencil. Measure the lip of the sink and subtract the number on each side to get the inside measurement of the sink. Using a jigsaw carefully cut your countertop following the markings. 

Tip: Use masking tape to get smoother, more precise lines. 

Stainless steel sinks have the tap holes pre-cut, but if you have a granite composite sink then mark out where the new tap needs to go and cut it out using a drill with a hole saw attachment matching the diameter of your tap.  Most composite sinks have a partial drilled hole to make it easy to cut in the right place.

Step 4: Assemble Your New Sink

Assemble as much of your new sink as you can before fitting it in place. 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fit the waste outlet and overflow. Ensure that all seals are installed properly to prevent any leaks. If you’re installing new taps as well, assemble them to the provided instructions.  

Don’t forget to attach the new fixing clips that will hold your sink in place. 

Step 5: Fit and Secure Your Sink

Carefully position your sink in place and make sure it sits flush with your countertop. If you’re struggling to slide it into the hole you might need to sand the edges of your countertop or make the hole bigger.

Once you’re happy with the fit, secure your sink in place with the fixing clips and make sure it’s not wobbling. Using the sealant go around the edges to achieve a clean finish. 

Attach your new taps and you’re ready for the next step.  

Step 6: Reconnect the Plumbing

Once your sink is fitted in place, it’s time to reconnect the undersink plumbing. Use the picture you took as a guide to make the job easier. Make sure to reconnect your dishwasher, if you have one. 

If you’re struggling to figure out how to install plumbing for your new sink, call your local plumber as any mistakes can lead to leaks and expensive water damage. 

Step 7: Test for Leaks

Now your plumbing is reattached, all that’s left to do is turn on the water supply and look for leaks. If you notice any small leaks, simply turn the water back off, tighten the lines where the leak is and check again. 

After the plumbing is reconnected, your new sink is ready to use.