Sink and Faucet Replacement

PREPARATION: Always read your owner's manual thoroughly. Pay special attention to safety precautions before attempting any project. Just as important is reading the owner's manual of any tool you will be handling, for safety awareness before using the tool. Wear safety goggles when working under the sink (for example, when looking up to remove a retaining clip, a loose screw or clip could fall unexpectedly, so be sure to use goggles for added protection). Also, be very cautious when using any tool that has a sawing or cutting blade. Keep all tools and materials out of the reach of children.

TOOLS
    * Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
    * Large and small adjustable wrenches
    * Nut-driver
    * Small hammer
    * Penlight
    * Small, handheld mirror
    * PVC cutting tool

MATERIALS
    * New sink (with the proper dimensions to fit the countertop hole)
    * New faucet (s) and other fixtures (sprayer, ventilator, etc.)
    * New water supply lines (optional)
    * New PVC P-trap assembly (optional)
    * Masking tape
    * Small plastic bucket
    * Hand towels
    * Plumber’s putty
    * Plumber’s tape  
    * Tube of plumber’s caulk
    * PVC cleaner/primer (optional)
    * PVC cement (optional)

Here are the steps you'll take in this project:

   1. Remove the cabinet doors for easier access to the area underneath the sink.
       
   2. Set the doors out of the way and be careful not to lose the screws. One way to avoid losing the screws is to tape them to the inside of the doors with a small piece of masking tape. Later, you will know exactly where they are, when you need to reattach the doors. Clear out everything that you store under the sink, as you will need the maximum working space possible for each step in the project.
       
   3. Turn off the water supply line valves under the sink (turn clockwise). Unplug the garbage disposal from the AC outlet.
       
   4. Loosen the locking nuts so that you can remove the drain pipe assembly under the sink. Use a large, adjustable plumber’s wrench to loosen the nuts. Adjust the wrench firmly onto the nut before turning it, to avoid damaging the perimeter surfaces of the nut. Turn counterclockwise to loosen.
       
   5. Carefully remove the drain pipe assembly from underneath the sink. You should have a bucket handy, to catch excess water that will spill out of the P-trap. You will probably need some towels, as well. Set aside the drain pipe assembly.
       
   6. Using a nut-driver, release the hose clamp and disconnect the garbage disposal hose. Disconnect the dishwasher drain hose in the same manner. Have a towel or bucket handy for any excess water in these hoses.
       
   7. To remove the garbage disposal from the old sink, first locate the metal retaining ring. Using a small hammer, gently tap the ring to loosen it enough to finish loosening it with your hands. It will loosen counterclockwise. When removing the disposal, be aware that it is somewhat heavier than it looks. Have a good, solid hold on it as it is fully loosened from the sink so that you can remove it from under the sink without incident.
       
   8. Remove the handles on the water supply valves by carefully unscrewing the screws that fasten them to the valves.
       
   9. With a small adjustable wrench, loosen the nuts and disconnect the water lines.
       
  10. Clear away any objects or tools that are in your workspace directly under the sink.
       
  11. Using a penlight under the sink, look all the way around the rim to locate any and all retaining clips that hold the sink to the countertop. There will be approximately eight of these (more or less) evenly spaced around the rim underneath the countertop. You may find that a small, handheld mirror can help locate all the clips, but always be careful when using any breakable object in tight quarters. Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining clips.
       
  12. Standing over the old sink, using appropriate posture for lifting heavy objects, carefully lift out the old sink and set it aside. Important: if the sink seems too heavy for one person to lift, get help --- do not strain yourself. If the sink will not come out, double check to see if you have removed all of the retaining clips.
       
  13. It’s now time to make the necessary connections and fittings on your new sink.
       
  14. Do not place the new sink in the countertop hole until you have completed all of the new connections and fittings on the sink end of them.
       
  15. When installing the drains in your new sink, use plumber’s putty to make a good seal between the drain and the sink. Use plenty --- you can trim off the excess later.
       
  16. Secure the gaskets and rings for the garbage disposal fitting by following specific instructions in your new sink’s installation instructions.
       
  17. New sinks are marked with knock-out spots that will provide openings for faucets and other topside devices, as needed. You will probably not need all of them, so do not open up any knock-out holes until you have determined exactly which ones you will need. For example, if you are going to install a single faucet for both hot and cold water, you do not need two holes for faucets. Always read installation manuals for both the new sink and the new faucet before making any permanent adjustments such as tapping out knock-out holes. After planning which hole you need, use a large screwdriver and a hammer to very carefully tap open the knock-outs. Use the screwdriver as you would a small chisel --- do not bash out the holes with just the head of a hammer.
       
  18. Attach all of the new fixtures (faucet, ventilator, etc.) firmly to the new sink according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Attach water supply lines and fixture lines, making sure the nuts on the fittings are good and tight. You may want to wrap a layer of plumber’s tape one time around the threads to ensure a watertight seal.
       
  19. Squeeze out an even bead of caulk around the underside of the new sink rim.
       
  20. Lift the new sink (with all its new fittings and attached lines) up over the countertop hole and set the new sink down into the hole, making sure the rim covers the hole edges all the way around. Again, do not strain yourself by attempting to lift a sink that is too heavy for one person to lift --- get help, if you are in doubt. Watch your fingers! Secure the new retaining clips underneath the rim.
       
  21. Reattach the hoses underneath the sink. Tighten all nuts. Again, you may want to use a layer of plumber’s tape on the threads to make tighter seals.
       
  22. Replace the water supply line valve handles with a screwdriver.
       
  23. Attach the garbage disposal to the new sink. Make sure the locking ring is tightened securely, to firmly and properly hold the disposal in place.
       
  24. Reconnect drain pipes and P-trap, making sure to tighten locking nuts to avoid any leaks at joints or connections. If you are installing a sink with a deeper tub than you had before, you will probably need to install a new PVC P-trap kit which you can pick up at your local hardware store. Follow the kit’s specific instructions for assembly and installation, marking and checking any customization adjustments carefully before sawing or cutting PVC. A PVC cutter is preferable to using a hacksaw to make pipe length adjustment cuts. Clean, prime and cement the new PVC P-trap assembly together following manufacturer’s directions.
       
  25. Once all connections and pipes are securely fastened, turn on the water at the valve handles. Check for leaks. If there are no leaks, plug the disposal’s power cord back into the AC outlet.
       
  26. Reattach the cabinet doors.
       
  27. Run water into the sink, try using the disposal, then double check for leaks under the sink.
        
Enjoy your new sink and faucet!