How to Replace a Kitchen Sink – Plumbing Tips

DIY Kitchen Sink Plumbing Tips 

If there’s a pipe that needs to be replaced or repaired from a minor leak, you can often save time and money by doing it yourself. Prepare your home for any problems that may involve kitchen sink plumbing with this DIY sink plumbing advice or make sure you have the contact information for plumbing company San Jose. 

Fix Your Sink With An Emergency Kit

An emergency plumbing kit is a smart item to have stored under your kitchen sink for both copper and plastic kitchen sink plumbing repairs.  Only a few basic tools are needed, all of which can be found at your local hardware store.

You will need:

• A 5-gallon bucket, to catch leaks and for storage purposes
• Duct tape, to mask a problem until a permanent fix can be made
• A plunger, for obvious reasons
• Wrenches
• A multi-bit screwdriver
• An assortment of Allen keys
• A variety of blind caps, for broken valve repairs
• A pipe cutter, hacksaw, or a sharp saw
• A few short lengths of pipe
• Rough sandpaper, for rough cuts
• A can of cleaner-primer
• A can of solvent

If you don’t have a tool caddy, place all of the items inside the 5-gallon bucket and slide it beneath your sink.

DIY Kitchen Sink Plumbing Tips

DIY sink plumbing for beginners can cause a variety of problems, but it can also be a great success.  For a triumphant experience repairing your kitchen sink, follow these DIY plumbing tips:

• Turn off the water.  Before you begin any repairs, remember to turn off water first.   Locate the two valves underneath the sink and turn off the water heater.  If your property has a gas water heater, switch the gear to “pilot.”  If you forget, be prepared to rent a wet/dry vacuum for the mess!
• Know the anatomy.  No matter the project, it’s important to know what you’re working with before you try to make repairs.  Learn the makeup of your plumbing work to avoid a larger disaster. 
• Examine the damage.  Every leak is unique, and different types require different repair methods.  For example, there is a difference between a spout that drips and a leak around the base of the spout.  A spout base leak can be fixed easily by pulling up on the spout, and twisting and turning it free.
• Repair with efficiency.  Working quickly when dealing with a kitchen sink plumbing repair is important to avoid water damage to your floorboards and a buildup of waste water and mold.  Not to mention, the slower you work, the fouler the smell!
• Research a water damage restoration timeline to properly handle water issues. Plus, standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

How to Replace a Kitchen Sink

Replacing a kitchen sink on your own is an easy to moderate, inexpensive task that will take less than a half a day.  Follow these DIY tips on replacing a kitchen sink:

1.    Again, turn off the water.  Always turn off the water first.

2.    Loosen the slip-nuts at either end of the drain and disconnect any plumbing connections such as a dishwasher or garbage disposal.

3.    Unscrew the mounting clips beneath the sink and cut through any seal around the sink’s edge.

4.    Lift out the old sink.

5.    Conduct a fit-test for the new sink.

6.    Install the sink’s basket strainer with tape and plumber’s putty.

7.    Apply sealant around the edge of the opening.

8.    Lower the new sink into the opening.

9.    Tighten the mounting clips on the underside of the new sink.

10. Connect the drainpipe, trap, and water lines before checking to see if your installation was a success.

Dan Gagne owns Benjamin Franklin Plumbing located in the San Francisco Bay Area.   Dan is passionate about running a family-owned company with his brother that specializes in plumbing. He lives and works in Marin, CA. During his spare time, he loves traveling to Canada.