Licensed Plumber LICENSE #CO88900054
Call For a Licensed Plumber: (317) 859-9999

Kitchen sink can vary in size and shape.  Swapping out your kitchen sink for another model can be incredibly easy or very difficult, depending on the dimensions and material of your sink.  If the dimensions of your replacement sink are odd, it could be difficult to find a replacement that fits exactly into your counter space.  If you are replacing your sink with a larger sink, you will need to recut your countertop to the size of your new sink.  The material of which your new sink is constructed can also impact the amount of work involved.  Ceramic is heavier than stainless steel and might require an extra set of hands.  Another factor affecting the ease of installation is the position of your hot and cold taps, which could necessitate the use of specialty tools like a tube spanner to remove nuts obscured by your sink basin.

Before you start

If your sink is older, your feeds are probably copper pipes that connect directly to your kitchen tap.  When installing a new sink, replace those with modern flexible tap fittings to make any future tap replacements easier.  To do this, you might have to cut your existing copper piping, but future you will thank you for doing the work now!

Step 1: Removing your old kitchen sink

kitchen sink

Before you remove your old sink, turn off the hot and cold supply to everything and disconnect your waste pipe.  To remove the sink:

  • Disconnect the taps from the hot and cold water feed pipes under your sink.  Depending on their location, you may need a tube spanner or other tool to access the nuts.
  • If your sink is secured to your countertop with silicone, cut or score the silicone around the edges of your sink with a sharp blade.
  • Unscrew the clamps attached to your sink on the underside of your counter.  There are usually about ten clamps.

Step 2: Preparing the area for your new sink

Clean the sides of your countertop and remove any scum or old silicone.  Measure to ensure the hole is large enough for your new sink.  If it isn’t, measure the size hole you will need and cut accordingly.  This process can vary in difficulty, depending on the material of which your countertop is made.

Step 3: Installing your new sink

Mockup your new sink to ensure everything is OK before sealing.  Your new kitchen sink won’t be preconfigured with a hole to accommodate taps because taps come in all shapes and sizes.  You will need to either make the holes yourself or hire an experienced, licensed plumber to do so.  If your new sink is ceramic, we recommend hiring an experienced, licensed plumber to do this because you run a risk of cracking and ruining your new sink.

Next, permanently fix your sink into place.  Because of their weight, ceramic sinks will stay in place with only a bit of silicone to secure them.  Stainless steel sinks require that clamps be used to fit them into your countertop.  These clamps are supplied with the sink and installed on the underside of your countertop.  Before dropping your new sink into the hole, lay a line of clear silicone around the perimeter of the hole you’ve made for your sink in the countertop.  The smaller the line, the less silicone you’ll have sticking out the side of your sink.

Once everything is in place, fit a new kitchen mixer tap into your sink.  Most modern kitchen taps are mixer taps that deliver both hot and cold-water trough a single pipe directly into your sink.  Each tap has a standard half-inch thread on the bottom and comes supplied with a washer that secures from the underside of your sink with a small nut.  Most also come with a foam plate that is placed underneath the tap to allow a tight seal.  To fit your new mixer tap, just slot the tap pipes through the holes in your sink and connect them underneath the sink with a washer and plastic nut.  Use a tool to tighten them as securely as possible, or they will wobble with use.  Replace rubber washers and O-rings wherever possible and use PTFE tape to ensure an absolute watertight seal.  When you’re finished, turn your water back on and test for leaks.  The first time you run your water, you’ll get some air, but then water will run through smoothly.

Changing your kitchen sink can be easy or a lot of work.  If this sounds like too much work for you, call an experienced, licensed plumber.

Kelson Carter

Article reviewed by:

Kelson Carter, aka, The Prince of Plumbing

Kelson is a 3rd generation Plumbing Contractor. His family business is located in Greenwood, Indiana, and provides Residential Plumbing Service to the Indianapolis Metro market.

Kelson grew up watching his grandfather and father do plumbing. After graduating high school, Kelson went to Trade School and became a Licensed Master Plumber and Licensed Plumbing Contractor. He is also Certified in Backflow Prevention. He currently owns and operates Carter's My Plumber with his parents.


Instagram

Schedule Your Appointment Now

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars from Debra! Jarred & our team are always here to help relieve any stress related to your plumbing concerns!
Happy St. Patricks's Day from Carter's My Plumber. If you're in need of some luck in the plumbing department, give us a call!
What's our guarantee? Zoom in to find out! Better yet, give us a call and let us tell you what we stand for! 317-859-999 👑
Alright, Indy. It's March, who's your team?
Happy 1 Year Anniversary to our apprentice, Jacob! You're eager to learn, have a strong work ethic, and always bring a positive attitude. We can't wait to see what the next year has in store and SO grateful you're on Team Carter! 👑

If Jacob's in your home this week, you're in good hands & tell him CONGRATS! 317-859-9999
Happy Monday! It's time for some excavation & hydration for our dig crews. Call to get these guys in your yard! 317-859-9999
Tomorrow, March 11, is World Plumbing Day! A big thank you to our team of professionals. They truly protect the nation, and in Carters case, our CITY. Call today to celebrate with us! 317-859-9999 👑
Visit us online to learn more about our Carter Cares water heater give away program! www.cartersmyplumber.com
Check out this 5 star review from Shelby ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Call 317-859-9999 to get an honest, family friendly, and realistically priced plumber in your home!
Installed with pride and precision by our technician, Alex. Give us a call, we promise you won't be disappointed!
Happy Monday! These guys are hard at work making sure everything is running smooth behind the scenes. Call the office at 317-859-9999, they will get you taken care of!
Paul has worked at Carters for a total of 21 years, today! This guys knows his trade, works hard, and keeps all of us laughing. We are lucky to have his skill on our team. 

If Paul is at your house, give him a big CONGRATS! And if you're in need of some plumbing work done by a seasoned professional, give us a call and ask for Paul! 317-859-9999
Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Peyton! You're always willing to lend a helping hand, give a friendly smile, and are eager to learn. If Peyton's in your home this week, give him a pat on the back, he deserves it! 

317-859-9999
Happy 3 Year Anniversary to our excavator, Phil! We are so grateful for your work ethic, reliability, and true skill. If Phil is in your yard this week, give him a big CONGRATS and know you are in greats hands!
Treating YOU like a part of the family. Give us a call and see why Indianapolis has trusted us as their plumber for THREE generations!

317-859-9999
Carter Plumbing will SAVE the day! 317-859-9999
Joedy has been with Carters for a total of 21 years, today! This guy is loyal, works hard, truly knows his stuff, and is a friend to all. He is the best in the business and we are so thankful he's on our team. 

If you need an estimate, some plumbing advice, or just a laugh- ask for Joedy and give him a big CONGRATS!
Only one way to feel like royalty, CALL CARTERS! 👑

317-859-9999
All you need is love..... and HOT water. Happy Valentine's Day!

317-859-9999
That's our promise and we're sticking to it! 

317-859-9999