Replacing a drop-in sink is easier as there are fewer additional holes in the countertop and will save you money. It is, however, more difficult to replace this sink with an undermount sink.
If you have the right tools and the right instructions, anyone can install a new drop-in sink. We recently had one of our Sinkology professional plumbers replace an old stainless steel sink with a copper drop-in sink.
Unless the sink was formed as a continuous component of the countertop, it can be removed and replaced easily – whether it's undermount or drop-in. Though, you will need to make sure that the replacement sink is suited for the same size hole that you already have in the countertop.
How long does it take for a plumber to install a kitchen sink? A plumber should take about two hours to install most kitchen sinks. Whereas an inexperienced DIYer might take six to eight hours. Or about three to four days if you work on the sink for two hours a day.
Pros of a Drop-In Sink
Drop-in or “top mount” sinks are more common than undermount options and can save costs on materials and installation. Drop-in sinks are: Budget-friendly: Drop-in models are typically more affordable than undermount sink options.
So, to reiterate, YES, plumbers certainly can install sinks, and they do it meticulously, carefully and properly.
Different sink types have varying replacement costs due to factors such as materials, installation methods, and complexity. Generally, drop-in sinks tend to be more affordable, with average costs ranging from $60 to $500.
In general, which sink type is best for you will come down to preference. Drop-in sinks represent a sink type that is affordable, flexible, and easy to install. But drop-in sinks do not have much in the way of resale value and are aesthetically outdated.
Because drop-in sinks are an older design, many would-be home buyers consider them to be dated; undermount sinks, on the other hand, are often seen as a sign of a more recent, higher-end (and thus more valuable) kitchen.
After Your New Countertops are Installed
You'll likely be getting new sinks along with your new countertops. For best results, it's generally recommended to wait 24 hours after countertop installation before setting up the sink.
Replacing a drop-in sink is easier as there are fewer additional holes in the countertop and will save you money. It is, however, more difficult to replace this sink with an undermount sink. If you choose to replace your old drop-in with an undermount sink, keep in mind the edges of the counter cutout will show.
While it can be done, changing a sink in a granite countertop puts the stone at risk of damage, which can be very pricey to repair. Fortunately, the process of removing a sink in a granite countertop is far less challenging than it seems – so long as you have the proper tools.
Some say drop-in is generally the best option because it's easier to access all parts of the sink for cleaning. However, both types of sinks tend to accumulate grime along the caulk line where the sink meets the counter. Where an undermount sink rim and counter meet, the caulked gap can be trickier to clean.
Drop-in sinks are a popular choice for do-it-yourself homeowners because they are relatively easy to install and can be used with a variety of countertop materials.
Double Basin/Bowl Sink
The most popular type of kitchen sink arrangement, dual basins allow for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other side.
Rimmed sinks work well with all countertops. Whether you have a granite, marble, or soapstone countertop, a drop-in sink will go in without any hiccups. Undermount sinks, on the other hand, work well with all countertop materials except custom tile and laminate tops.
Drop-in kitchen sinks (or top-mount, self-rimming sinks) are set into a hole cut into the countertop and are the easiest to install. Drop-in sinks sit on top of the counter cabinet and have a raised, rounded edge to help keep water and debris inside the sink.
You can choose a new sink with a deeper basin than the existing sink has, but if it hangs down too low, it won't drain properly and you'll have to lower the sanitary tee connection in the drain line inside the wall.
The standard sink size is about 22 inches long to 30 inches wide, but once again it's crucial to take proper measurements. If you're replacing a drop-in sink with rims, start measuring from the outer lip of the sink, not the basin itself. If you have an undermount sink, start measuring where the edge meets the counter.
Sink installation costs on average $200-$350, which includes removal and haul away of the old sink, new sink installation and reconnection of new supply lines provided by the installer. Costs vary depending on which room the sink will be installed in (kitchen or bath) as well as what part of the country you live in.
How long does it take to install a sink? An experienced plumbing professional may only take about two hours to replace a kitchen sink. If you'll be doing the job yourself, plan for four to six hours.
Yea, don't skip the putty, or something, on the sink parts I'm working on without the putty there is no seal. THREADS ON FITTINGS DO NOT MAKE A WATERTIGHT SEAL. Never have, never will, by virtue of you being able to screw things together, they're not sealed tight.