How to Install a Kitchen Sink

Learn how to install a new kitchen sink with our easy-to-follow guide! In just a few steps, you will master the art of DIY sink installation, giving your kitchen a simple, but effective upgrade.


Skill
Advanced
Time
Few Hours
Cost
Less Than $1,000

What You Need for This Project

Tools

Materials

Prepare for the New Kitchen Sink 

Before you begin this project, read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow all local building codes. 

Select the appropriate type of replacement sink. Single- and double-bowl drop-in sinks can be installed into most countertop surfaces. Undermount sinks install beneath the counter and should only be used with solid-surface and natural or engineered stone countertops.

Follow these instructions for installing a drop-in sink:

  1. 1

    Measure

    Measure your existing sink. If your new sink has different dimensions and drain location(s) than the unit it will replace, you may need to modify the countertop opening and/or plumbing.

    Tip: For best results, make a drawing of your old sink with all measurements including distances from the sink wall to the drain centre to use as a shopping aid and reference. Or you can remove your old sink, take it to Lowe's, and ask a Lowe's associate to help you select a replacement unit.

    Caution: Wear safety glasses when working under the sink or cutting pipe and other materials

  2. Steps:

Measuring the kitchen sink
  1. 2

    Plan Out Your Faucet

    Decide if you will also replace the faucet or install additional components such as a sprayer, soap dispenser, on-demand hot water tap or filtered water tap. 

    Standard sinks have 1, 2, 3 or 4 holes on the rear lip for a faucet and additional components.

    Installation of a new faucet and other components is easier if it is done when you are installing a new sink, since you can easily access the hardware with the sink out of the countertop.

  2. Steps:

Remove the Old Sink

  1. 1

    Turn Off Water

    Turn off both the hot and cold water supply lines. The shutoff valves typically are in the cabinet below the sink or in the basement. If you cannot find them, turn off the main water line to the house.

  2. Steps:

Water valve
  1. 2

    Turn on the Faucet

    Turn on the faucet to relieve water pressure in the lines.

  2. Steps:

Turning on the faucet to relieve water pressure
  1. 3

    Disconnect the Water Supply Line

    Use adjustable wrenches to disconnect the water supply lines to the faucet. Have a small bucket ready to catch any water left in the supply lines and drainpipes as they are removed.

    Tip: Leave the faucet attached to the sink. You can remove both the sink and the faucet as one unit.

  2. Steps:

Disconnecting the water supply.
  1. 4

    Disconnect the Garbage Disposable

    If you have a garbage disposer, turn off the circuit, then unplug it. Use pliers to disconnect the drainpipe and P-trap from the sink drain. Keep a bucket or pan underneath the drain to catch excess water.

  2. Steps:

Placing a bucket under the P-trap
  1. 5

    Remove Drain Line

    Then remove the dishwasher drain line.

  2. Steps:

Removing the dishwater line
  1. 6

    Remove the Garbage Disposer

    Remove the disposer following the manufacturer's instructions.
    • If you don’t have your disposer instructions, check the manufacturer’s website.

    • Have a bucket ready to catch any water.

    • Most disposers loosen at the mounting bracket connection to the sink drain and twist off.

  2. Steps:

Removing the garbage disposal
  1. 7

    Loosen Metal Clips

    Locate the metal clips under the counter around the sink's perimeter. Loosen them with a screwdriver, open-end wrench or socket wrench and swing them toward the sink bowl.

  2. Steps:

Removing metal clips under the sink
  1. 8

    Remove Caulking

    Cut the caulk around the sink with a utility knife.

  2. Steps:

Cutting caulk with a utility knife
  1. 9

    Remove the Old Sink

    Push the unit from underneath and lift the old sink away.

  2. Steps:

Lifting out the old sink.
  1. 10

    Remove Grime

    Use a putty knife to remove grime, caulk and old plumber's putty from the countertop. Likewise, clean any components you will re-install.

  2. Steps:

Removing grime

Install the New Sink

  1. 1

    Place the New Sink

    Set the new sink in the countertop hole to verify that it fits. If necessary, modify the countertop opening using a jigsaw, router or tile cutter.

    If your new sink has larger dimensions than the current countertop opening, turn the sink upside-down where you want it on the countertop. Trace the outline and create a new cutout with a jigsaw.

  2. Steps:

Placing the new sink
  1. 2

    Attach the Clips

    Remove the sink from the countertop hole to attach the clips, turned inward toward the sink bowl.

  2. Steps:

Clips turned upwards
  1. 3

    Install the Faucet

    Install the faucet and additional components.

  2. Steps:

Installing a faucet
  1. 4

    Secure Drain Strainer

    Apply a small bead of plumber's putty around the drain strainer and install the strainer, pressing firmly against the putty.

  2. Steps:

Plumber’s putty next to a strainer
  1. 5

    Secure the Gaskets & Flange

    Tilt the sink to its side to place and secure rubber gaskets and threaded flange to the underside of the sink drain. Repeat this for additional drains without disposers.

  2. Steps:

Sink Gasket
  1. 6

    Remove Excess Putty

    Remove excess putty with a soft towel.

  2. Steps:

Using a towel to remove putty
  1. 7

    Install Mounting Bracket

    If you have a garbage disposer, use a screwdriver to install the mounting bracket to the bottom of the sink following the manufacturer's instructions.

  2. Steps:

Attaching a garbage disposal bracket
  1. 8

    Apply Silicone

    Apply a bead of silicone sealant to the edge of the basin.

  2. Steps:

Applying silicone sealant.
  1. 9

    Align the New Sink

    Lower the sink into the countertop opening, aligning squarely.

  2. Steps:

Lowering the sink into the countertop
  1. 10

    Secure Clips

    From below the sink, rotate the metal attachment clips outward and tighten the nuts or screws.

  2. Steps:

Tightened bolts under sink
  1. 11

    Re-connect the Supply Lines

    Attach the supply lines to the water connections of the faucet and the supply pipes. Tighten the connections, taking care not to strip the threads or over tighten.

  2. Steps:

Attaching the water supply line
  1. 12

    Install Garbage Disposal

    If you have a garbage disposer, install the unit following the manufacturer's instructions. Insert the discharge pipe and tighten the clamp.

  2. Steps:

Attaching the garbage disposal
  1. 13

    Attach the Dishwasher Drain

    Reinstall the dishwasher drain.

  2. Steps:

Re-installing the dishwasher drain
  1. 14

    Connect the Disposal Discharge

    Connect the disposer discharge pipe to the sink drain pipe and reattach the P-trap.

  2. Steps:

Re-attaching the P-trap
  1. 15

    Make Adjustments to the Drainpipes

    If your old drainpipes don’t line up to your new sink, you can make some simple adjustments. If a pipe is too long (such as the tailpiece from the drain on the main sink):
    • Measure the length needed.

    • Add a little extra to the measured length to ensure a tight connection.

    • Wearing safety glasses, cut the pipe with a hacksaw.

    • Place a washer on the pipe, then slide a slip nut onto the pipe over the washer.

    • If you need a slip nut for the other end of the pipe, slide the slip nut onto the pipe facing the appropriate direction. Then, add a washer.

    • Hold the pipe in place and screw the slip nut(s) to the appropriate fittings.
    If a pipe is too short:
    • Determine the length needed.

    • Add a little extra to the measured length to ensure a tight connection.

    • Purchase a longer pipe. Be sure the new pipe is the correct diameter.

    • If the pipe is longer than needed, cut it with a hacksaw. Wear safety glasses when cutting.

    • Place a washer on the pipe, then slide the slip nut onto the pipe over the washer.

    • If you need a slip nut for the other end of the pipe, slide the slip nut onto the pipe facing the appropriate direction. Then add a washer.

    • Hold the pipe in place and screw the slip nut(s) to the appropriate fittings.

    If you need to make a bend (such as to a wall outlet):
    • First, try rotating the P-trap, outlet tee or any other pipes to line up appropriately.

    • If that’s not possible, use a flexible extension pipe to make the connection. Just bend the pipe to the desired position, and use rubber washers and slip nuts to attach it to the other plumbing.

  2. Steps:

Sink drainpipe adjustment kit
  1. 16

    Seal the Perimeter

    Apply a small bead of sealant to the perimeter of the sink.

  2. Steps:

Applying sealant to the sink perimeter
  1. 17

    Turn on the Water

    Reconnect the power to the disposer. Turn the water on and check for leaks.

  2. Steps:

Checking for leaks

How To Terms

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.


Related Articles

Kitchen with black door and cabinetry, beige countertop, grey stone backsplash, and white farm sink

Kitchen Sink Buying Guide

Every kitchen revolves around the sink. Our buying guide will walk you through how to pick the perfect kitchen sink for your space.
Modern kitchen with island and stainless steel appliances

Top 10 Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Read our top 10 kitchen renovation ideas and designs that can work in any layout. Get home improvement tips for your kitchen cabinets, island, and more.