Tired of the look of your old kitchen sink and want something fresh and new to brighten up your kitchen? You can call in a professional, but if it's a straightforward like-for-like replacement, it's a task a confident DIYer can tackle themselves.
To make it easy, ensure you have the correct sink size and that the pipework matches the openings in the new sink. Get this right, and it won’t be long before your new kitchen remodel ideas come to life. Here we tell you how to make it happen.
Dan Weston leads Franke’s Field Service team, ensuring customers across the UK receive expert technical support. With extensive experience at Franke, Dan specialises in diagnosing and repairing products like instant boiling water taps, cooker hoods and waste disposal units. He also provides retailer training on product installations and technical advice, ensuring seamless service and customer satisfaction.
Choosing a kitchen sink
Before you consider installing a kitchen sink, determine the type you need. There are a few factors to consider, as Dan Weston, Field Service Team Leader at Franke UK, explains, “If you’re keeping the existing worktop, the most important factor is that the sink fits the exact dimensions of the current cut-out.” He adds, “This ensures it can be plumbed in easily and the tap installed without issues.”
But you don't have to stick to the same size sink. You can choose a different sink size; however, there will be more work involved, as Weston notes: “For new worktops, laminate surfaces can be cut to fit a larger sink.” If you want a stone sink cutout enlarged, you will need to call in a professional.
Try these tools for fitting a kitchen sink
A high quality, heavy duty skeleton sealant gun for standard cartridges. A high thrust ratio allows for quick, consistent application of sealant.
This tool comes with a carbon steel head and spring-loaded jaw which is auto-adjusting for one-handed operation. Ideal for removing/tightening taps.
A permanently flexible clear waterproof sealant that can withstand water immersion. It fully cures in 24 hours to a permanently flexible and watertight seal.
8 steps to fitting a kitchen sink
1. Sort pipework
If you are installing new cabinets for a new kitchen sink you need to check any pipework. Weston says, “It is essential to ensure that the pipework is positioned correctly before any cabinetry is installed.” He adds, “This includes not only the pipework for the sink itself but also any additional requirements, such as connections for a dishwasher or an instant boiling water tap.”
2. Assemble parts
If simply replacing the old kitchen sink with a new one, the first step is to check and assemble the parts. Do as much of this as possible. Once assembled, start by fitting the kitchen waste to the sink and add any fixing clips.
3. Fit tap
It's common to fit a new kitchen tap at the same time as fitting a new kitchen sink. It is easier to fit the tap to the sink before fitting. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for fitting. Typically, you attach the flexible hoses (also known as flexi tails) to the tap. Feed them through the tap hole in the top and fit the tap.
4. Turn off water and disconnect the pipework
With the new sink assembled, it's time to remove the old one. First, you need to isolate the water supply. If your pipes don’t have isolation valves (most do), switch off the water via the stopcock. Run the taps until no water comes out. Now lay down towels and place a bucket (like this Faithfull Black Builders Bucket from Amazon) under the pipework.
Unscrew the waste pipe and any fittings, and set them aside. Now remove the old tap. You can now lift out the old sink. It will typically have sealant around the edges. Cut with a sharp knife (like this Durable Folding Utility Knife from Amazon), then push up the sink from underneath to start, and lift it out.
5. Clean worktop
Once the old kitchen sink has been removed, clean up the area. Use a scraper like this Stanley Plastic Window Scraper from Amazon to remove the sealant and then clean with white spirit to remove any residue.
6. Enlarge sink cut-out size
If fitting a larger kitchen sink, you’ll need to measure up and cut the worktop to fit the new sink. Use a jigsaw (like this DEKOPRO Power Jigsaw from Amazon) with a reverse-cut blade to get a clean cut.
7. Fit and seal new sink
Now drop in the new sink. If you’re using a sealing strip, fit first. Alternatively, tighten any retaining clips and apply a bead of sealant around the whole sink.
8. Reconnect taps, pipes and test
To finish, reconnect the water supply to the taps. Use PTFE tape (like this PTFE Thread Seal Tape from Amazon) on the thread and tighten with an adjustable spanner. Now reconnect the waste pipe and overflow. Switch the water on, run the taps, and test for leaks. One tip is to fill the sink and let the water sit for five minutes before draining.
FAQs
Justin Cornforth is the owner of Ace Home Co, a family-owned company founded in 2017. With a strong emphasis on professionalism and expertise, Justin continues to lead his team in exceeding customer expectations and ensuring that all plumbing, electrical, heating, and air needs are met with excellence.
What is the best way to seal a kitchen sink to a countertop?
A sink needs to be sealed so that water doesn’t seep between the edge of the sink and the cutout. Justin Cornforth, CEO at Ace Home Co reveals the best option, “The best material to use is 100% silicone caulk. Don’t choose anything like acrylic caulk, painter’s caulk, or plumber’s putty for this purpose.”
He recommends a clear sealant, “Clear silicone works best in most cases because it blends seamlessly with any sink or countertop material and doesn't change color over time. If your sink or countertop is white, I still recommend clear silicone caulk because white caulk may stain and become yellow with use.
What type of cabinet do I need underneath a sink?
Ideally, you want to go with a base unit specifically tailored for a kitchen sink, as Cornforth notes: “You must use a sink base cabinet that is specifically designed to leave room for plumbing and the sink basin.”
The main difference in the UK is that the back panel on a base unit is shorter to accommodate pipework. However, the panel may need to be modified to fit your pipework. This Kitchen Sink Cabinet Cupboard Under Sink Base from B&Q features an open back for easy access.
Cornforth says, “If you’re installing a Belfast sink, you need a cabinet with a cutout to support the sink’s exposed front—a regular cabinet won’t hold up.” He adds, “As for materials, choose moisture-resistant plywood or a cabinet with a water-resistant coating like laminate or melamine.”
How much does it cost for a plumber to fit a kitchen sink?
A plumber typically charges around £50-£80 an hour, but this will vary depending on experience and location. You should expect to pay around £100-£200 for labour for the fitting of a new like-for-like replacement.
If the price is to include materials (sink and tap) you should expect to pay a minimum of £300. Obviously this price will rise depending on the cost of the chosen sink and taps, and the complexity of the job. Get quotes from two or three trades to get a more accurate price for your specific job.
You’ve decided you want a new kitchen sink, but not sure what you want. Check out our best kitchen sinks guide and What is a Belfast sink for insight and inspiration. If you need to add a new tap check out how to do it in our How to replace a tap guide.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
