In short, yes, it is possible to replace a kitchen sink without replacing the countertop. However, in order to prevent any damage from occurring to the countertop, it's recommended that a professional handle the replacement.
Either way, you might wonder if it's possible to replace the sink alone or if you have to update the kitchen countertops at the same time. The simple answer is that you may or may not have to replace countertops, depending on a number of factors.
Replacing a kitchen sink is straightforward, but also a time-consuming task. There are sinks of all shapes, sizes and materials, some of which are trickier to work with than others.
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.
However, if you need to modify this space for a new sink, refrigerator, or cooktop, the good news is that your granite can be recut to accommodate the different setup.
Replacing a sink is no easy task, it's a heavy duty item and depending on your home, it could be embedded into the masonry. There are a few easy repairs for sinks such as tightening taps or unclogging the drains but sometimes you'll need a professional to tackle the job, especially when it comes to replacing the item.
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.
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.
The installation team should mount the countertop first. Then, after setting up the new counters, they can add other fixtures such as a stovetop or a sink. Doing it the other way around would create too many headaches.
Plumbers typically charge an hourly rate ranging from $50 to $200 for kitchen sink installation. The duration of a sink replacement project is usually around 4 hours, which can add up to between $200 and $800 in labor costs.
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.
It's helpful to know about how long you can expect your fixtures to last, so you'll know how much more time you're likely to get from repairs that you invest in now. In general, the lifespan for your bathroom plumbing fixtures is: Stainless steel sinks: 15 to 30 years. Porcelain sinks: 20 to 30 years.
3. Sinks and Faucets. Average Lifespan: Expect your kitchen sink to last for around 50 years if made from acrylic. Vessel sinks made from copper, porcelain, glass or store could last more than 20 years, while enameled steel kitchen sinks may only last over a decade.
'The easiest kitchen sink material to maintain is going to be one made of stainless steel, copper, cast iron or enamel because they will not support microbial growth as they are not cellulose material,' says Darren Hudema, director of training and technical services at PuroClean.
Simply put, yes, you can replace an undermount sink without having to remove the countertop. After the plumbing and garbage disposal are disconnected, the clips that hold the sink to the countertop from below must be removed. Then, the final step is to break the silicone adhesive bond and pull the sink out.
Stainless Steel Sinks
It is a champion against heat and stains, and can be installed as either an overmount or undermount sink, as well as a single or double basin. Stainless steel complements granite and quartz countertops beautifully and is also more cost-effective than other materials.
Yes, it's technically possible to recut granite to make room for a larger sink. Some contractors will enlarge the sink cutout with your granite in place.