Few household appliances are used as often as kitchen sinks. Sinks are needed for cooking and are essential for cleaning. But after years of use, they can get stained and start to leak. A new sink can brighten up your kitchen and preserve countertops. If you want to learn how to remove kitchen sinks, follow these steps.
Steps
Step 1. Measure the surface area of your old sink
Sinks come in 2 basic designs: attached to the countertop from below or recessed. They can also have one or two bowls and are usually equal to the following parameters: length - 83.3 cm, width - 55.9 cm, depth - 20.3 cm. Make sure that the sink you are installing is the same size as the one you are removing.
Step 2. Open the cabinet under the sink
This is where most of your work will be done: detaching the plumbing and drain pipes from the sink. Spread towels all over the bottom of the cabinet to facilitate the upcoming cleaning. Also keep a bucket handy to catch any spilled liquid. If necessary, turn on the carrying lamp and hang it in the cupboard.
Step 3. Put on safety glasses and gloves
Step 4. Turn off the water
Locate the emergency shutoff valve under the sink and turn the handle clockwise until it is closed.
Step 5. Disconnect the water pipe from the tap
This is a fragile compound that you will also find under the sink. Use pliers to hold the pipe while loosening the connection with an adjustable wrench. Take the bucket to catch the water from the pipes.
Step 6. Disconnect the trash chute
Disconnect the trash chute isolator in the fuse box in your home. Disconnect the device.
Step 7. Disconnect the siphon from the pipes
A siphon is a J- or U-joint in the main drain pipe of a sink. The siphon prevents sewer gases from entering your home. Hold the siphon with one hand and use pliers with the other to loosen the large nuts that hold both ends of the siphon to the pipes.
Step 8. Disconnect the pipe that leads to the sewer
Unscrew the connection with a screwdriver.
Step 9. Disconnect the drain pipe from the dishwasher
It is a simple connection that can be easily removed using a screwdriver or wrench, depending on the mount.
Step 10. Remove the garbage disposal unit
For some garbage collectors there is a special wrench that unlocks its connections.
Step 11. Unscrew the metal clips that connect the sink and countertop
The number of these connections can be from 4 to 8. Use a screwdriver to carefully unscrew the tiny clips.
Step 12. Cut the gaps around the kitchen sink
Use a utility knife to carefully cut the sealant along the edges of the sink. Make sure you are not cutting the countertop.
Step 13. Lean under the sink and gently nudge the bowl to loosen it
Move to the other side of the sink and lift it up to make sure it is completely free.
Step 14. Remove the sink from the countertop
The stainless steel built-in sinks are light enough to be removed by yourself. Old porcelain sinks can be heavy, in which case ask someone to help you.
Step 15. Scrape off old seals or putty from the countertop
Make sure the surface is clean before installing your new kitchen sink.
Step 16. Insert the new sink into the hole to make sure it fits
If you have measured it correctly, the sink should fit perfectly. Then remove the sink and place it upside down on the countertop.
Step 17. Attach the fastening clips to the bottom of the sink
Turn the sink over.
Step 18 Place a putty ring around the drain hole at the top of the sink
Press down on the filter and remove excess filler. Repeat the process on the other side if your sink has two bowls.
Step 19. Apply silicone sealant to the bottom rim of the sink and spread evenly with a spatula
This will help secure the new sink and ensure a tight seal.
Step 20. Place the new sink in the hole
Be sure to pull out the retaining clips before installing it. After placing the sink, lower yourself under it, secure the clamps in the desired position and tighten the nuts.
Step 21 Wipe off excess sealant from the top of the sink and let it dry
Step 22. Connect the garbage disposal unit, drain and water pipes
- Garbage disposal: attach it to the sink. Reinstall the dishwasher drain: attach it to the sink using a screwdriver.
- Siphon: connect to drain pipes.
Step 23. Turn on the water and check if nothing is leaking
Tighten connections if necessary. Use tape to seal the joints. Then install the garbage disposal unit, turn it on and test the sink.
Advice
- If you are replacing your sink, consider replacing your faucets. This is easier to do when the sink is removed.
- After installing a new sink, you may need to adjust the length of the pipes underneath. This is easy to do if you have polymer pipes. Use a hacksaw to cut pipes that are too long. In hard-to-reach places, use a flexible extension of the polymer pipe. When installing a new sink, consider replacing all the pipes underneath.