Replace a Leaking Sink

A sink does not leak often, so if your home has a leaking sink something is definitely wrong. Most sinks are one piece units with all the connector holes predrilled and to leak the sink must either be cracked or the flange around one of the connector holes must be bent and caulk will not stop the leaking. You need a new sink.

The very first step in replacing a leaking sink is to turn off the water to the sink. The water can be turned off at the meter, but that shuts down the entire house, so turn off the water at the shut off valves under the sink.

The next important step is to disconnect the drain lines being careful not to break them. If the sink is a kitchen sink disconnect the drain from the garbage disposal and the electric to the disposal making sure the power is off. Make sure everything is disconnected and water and power are off!

After everything is disconnected it is time to find out how the sink was actually installed. Most sinks sit in a bed of silicone caulk and are held in place by a series of clips. Loosen the clips and turn them to one side so the sink will come out of top without catching on the edge. Silicone caulk is strong, so you must pull the sink up and out of the hole by pulling and gently prying until the sink is loose. You must always be careful in removing a sink so as not to damage the counter top that it is coming out of. Scrape away all the old silicone caulk and now you are prepared to put in the new sink.

To put in the new sink turn it upside down and first mount the faucet assembly to the sink, not too tight , and then attach the water lines, again not too tight. Turn the sink right side up and set the sink into the cut-out and attach the water lines and check for leaks at the faucet attachment.

It is a good idea to disconnect the water line from the shut off valve again and remove the sink before you caulk.  Put a small amount of caulk around the sink cut out lip, not too much or the job will look sloppy, set the sink back into place and gently press down. Under the sink cabinet tighten the clips that actually hold the sink, not too tight. Now reconnect the water lines, the drain lines and the garbage disposal.

If your sink is a molded sink or an under mount sink or a bowl on a countertop do not try replacing your sink without professional help. Any sink replacement can bring other problems to light, such as leaky shut off valves, and while doing a sink replacement it is a good time to have a professional retrofit all the plumbing parts to ensure you will be leak free for a long time.