Replacing a Kitchen Sink...

[JMintzer]

SWMBO, isn't happy with the typical double basin kitchen sink and wants to replace it with one large sink. (It's a resale, and the house came this way)...

I found a sink that should fit (30").

I climbed under the sink to see how it was attached and noticed the the lip of the sink (in the front) was resting on the cabinets to either side of the sink. The cabinets are slightly angled backwards...

It doesn't look like it will easily drop down.

We have granite countertops and backsplash, so simply lifting up the counter could be a major undertaking.

Anyone dealt with this in the past, or had someone do it for them without wrecking the current granite?

Thanks in advance!

[Decadeofdave]

With granite or quartz sinks are glued on. You may need a pro to do this one. I have seen them installed, never removed.

[Malsua]

I've installed sinks before, including the sink in our NJ house(see pic below). In fact, I installed all of the cabinets, plumbing, backsplash, trim and electrical.

The counter tops however were cut and installed by a pro. While I would be comfortable simply replacing the current sink with a similar one, you are looking at a lot of trouble if it's not an exact fit. It's also a lot of work to cut and remove all the glue and sealer.

The sink does sit on the cabinet below. It should not slope backward, if it does, you'll need to shim it.

If your counter is split at the faucet, it's much easier to remove but a little harder to seal when re-installing. A single piece would be super easy to break. Your mileage may vary.

There is no real rocket science to it other than having the right sealer, in the right amount, applied in the right way. If it requires a recut of the counter, it'd be better just to have someone do the whole thing.

If your sink sits on the counter, then pry it up and put another one on there :).

[JMintzer]

Anyone have any suggestions on who would do this type of job?

Counter guy? Plumber?

[Topspinmo]

IMO if it’s not broke why replace it? Not only with basin fit problems you have plumbing problems going from 2 holes to one. But, I understand “ I want”. Problem? :icon_wink:

You’ll be lucky to find plumber to deal with granite installed over the sink? You’re probably going to need both?

[kkingston57]

Not sure what you have but it does appear that you might need an undermount sink.

As an aside we have a farmer style sink(one big tub) and it drains poorly. This appears to be caused by fact that the sink is square(no rounded corners). We have to push the water down to the drain.

[retiredguy123]

It sounds like the existing sink is an undermount sink and it is probably attached to the underside of the granite with wingnuts. You should be able to remove it, even if you need to cut away some of the cabinet wood to get it out. You can then install a new undermount sink. But, whatever you do, I would not try to lift up the granite countertop to remove the sink. Too much risk of it cracking. Good luck.

[JMintzer]

It sounds like the existing sink is an undermount sink and it is probably attached to the underside of the granite with wingnuts. You should be able to remove it, even if you need to cut away some of the cabinet wood to get it out. You can then install a new undermount sink. But, whatever you do, I would not try to lift up the granite countertop to remove the sink. Too much risk of it cracking. Good luck.

Yes, it's an undermount sink.

I figured I'd need to remove some of the cabinet)which would be hidden from view), but I'm nit sure I'd be able to mount the new sink.

I guess I'll call some counter people and see what they think...

[retiredguy123]

Yes, it's an undermount sink.

I figured I'd need to remove some of the cabinet)which would be hidden from view), but I'm nit sure I'd be able to mount the new sink.

I guess I'll call some counter people and see what they think...
If you can get the old sink out, you may want to use a new drop-in type sink (instead of an undermount), maybe a porcelain or cast iron type. It may be easier to install.

[gradnjw]

Mike Scott Plumbing handled ours, and they coordinated the trimming of the hole with the sink installation (two different individuals). We purchased the new sink from them - so I cannot speak to them installing a different sink. Done efficiently - we were very happy with the results!

[La lamy]

Not sure what you have but it does appear that you might need an undermount sink.

As an aside we have a farmer style sink(one big tub) and it drains poorly. This appears to be caused by fact that the sink is square(no rounded corners). We have to push the water down to the drain.
I'm also looking to replace my sink. This is helpful info. Thanks

[eeroger]

SWMBO, isn't happy with the typical double basin kitchen sink and wants to replace it with one large sink. (It's a resale, and the house came this way)...

I found a sink that should fit (30").

I climbed under the sink to see how it was attached and noticed the the lip of the sink (in the front) was resting on the cabinets to either side of the sink. The cabinets are slightly angled backwards...

It doesn't look like it will easily drop down.

We have granite countertops and backsplash, so simply lifting up the counter could be a major undertaking.

Anyone dealt with this in the past, or had someone do it for them without wrecking the current granite?

Thanks in advance!

A few years ago, I worked with Stone Central in Wildwood for the replacement of my new sink. Did a great job with granite (had to cut slightly larger opening) and sink installation. I hired a separate plumber to undo/re-do plumbing under sink.

[Diane F]

Not sure what you have but it does appear that you might need an undermount sink.

As an aside we have a farmer style sink(one big tub) and it drains poorly. This appears to be caused by fact that the sink is square(no rounded corners). We have to push the water down to the drain.
I have yet to figure out the fascination with the farm style sinks. If you do any hand washing of dishes, you really don't have any place to let them drain like you do with a double sink. You do have to chase around pieces of food to get them to down into the disposal. I personally think it is a fad that will eventually fade out. Just as colors of countertops, appliances and wood or painted finishes on cabinets come and go, I think the be tub sink will too.

[angelscelebrate]

Drop in is easiest route but seems your space is small under the counter top. https://www.havensmetal(dot)com/ (located in Orlando) can help you with your sink questions and/or can build you an awesome sink that can slide in between the counter top and cabinets. You can also have the sink designed to be exact size of the cabinet opening so if you have a 36" cabinet your sink can be designed to be the same. The sink can slide in if you went with an apron front sink.

[nick demis]

Being a retired plumber, I would hire someone.

[Tmarkwald]

I have yet to figure out the fascination with the farm style sinks. If you do any hand washing of dishes, you really don't have any place to let them drain like you do with a double sink. You do have to chase around pieces of food to get them to down into the disposal. I personally think it is a fad that will eventually fade out. Just as colors of countertops, appliances and wood or painted finishes on cabinets come and go, I think the be tub sink will too.

I put in the single farmhouse style/ tub sink a few years ago. Thought it would be a pretty cool thing to have.

Never again - worse decision ever.

The problems mentioned in the post are accurate.

You cannot beat a big, cast iron, heavy double sink.

IMHO, of course!!

[bowlingal]

Malsua, I LOVE your farmhouse sink!

[Pamelah]

SWMBO, isn't happy with the typical double basin kitchen sink and wants to replace it with one large sink. (It's a resale, and the house came this way)...

I found a sink that should fit (30").

I climbed under the sink to see how it was attached and noticed the the lip of the sink (in the front) was resting on the cabinets to either side of the sink. The cabinets are slightly angled backwards...

It doesn't look like it will easily drop down.

We have granite countertops and backsplash, so simply lifting up the counter could be a major undertaking.

Anyone dealt with this in the past, or had someone do it for them without wrecking the current granite?

Thanks in advance!
Can’t People Take The Time To Write Out Whole Words?
Does everyone but me know what “SWMBO” means? Really!

[wamley]

Undermount sinks are usually installed onto the bottom of the countertop by the counter provider and then the counter & sink is placed in position on the cabinet. I would think they could reverse the process, but would be costly. There is a good amount of glue and sealers used in the process. Plumbing connections are the least of the issue.

[Tom52]

Can’t People Take The Time To Write Out Whole Words?
Does everyone but me know what “SWMBO” means? Really!

She who must be obeyed.

So reading between the lines, my interpretation is his nagging wife wants a new sink and he will really regret it if she doesn't get one.😊

[SydMom]

We changed our double bowl under mount sink to a large single bowl sink recently. Mike Scott Plumbing did it for us. They did a great job.

[Malsua]

Malsua, I LOVE your farmhouse sink!

That was my wife's decision. We both like it too, but we're selling that house within a few months. We literally tore the old kitchen off the house in 2017, it was a 10x12 galley on piers and replaced it with a 16x22. I guess that's why I have no fear working on it. That said, it'd be a big job to replace the sink since you need to remove the counters.

For what it's worth, ours drains just fine, but then I know the installer(me) who spent a bunch of time shimming that sink cabinet so it was perfectly level in every dimension. ;)

Here is a link to a 5 minute timelapse of the kitchen coming off. Demolition of our Kitchen - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW4zFFRq9Fc)

[paulajr]

I called many people to try to replace my sink, and no one would touch it because of the granite. I ended up with beautiful new Quartz countertops and a beautiful new sink. ������ It was more expensive but the kitchen looks much better and is more efficient. . For those wondering why anyone would want to replace the 2 basin sink...if you actually cook, your big pans will not fit in the 2 basin sink!


SWMBO, isn't happy with the typical double basin kitchen sink and wants to replace it with one large sink. (It's a resale, and the house came this way)...

I found a sink that should fit (30").

I climbed under the sink to see how it was attached and noticed the the lip of the sink (in the front) was resting on the cabinets to either side of the sink. The cabinets are slightly angled backwards...

It doesn't look like it will easily drop down.

We have granite countertops and backsplash, so simply lifting up the counter could be a major undertaking.

Anyone dealt with this in the past, or had someone do it for them without wrecking the current granite?

Thanks in advance!

[LieutenantEd]

1. Look at the “build sheet” for the house, the make and model # of the existing sink will be listed.
2. Research size of existing sink and compare to new selection. ( ours was Koehler double sink replaced with a Koehler single that fit in opening) Koehler has a very comprehensive website.
3. You will need two contractors, a granite counter company, and a plumber.
4. Counter company will coordinate with plumber to remove plumbing first, counter company removes existing sink, installs new sink, and coordinates to have plumber return same or next day.

We donated 18 month old Sink removed to Habitat for Humanity. Koehler original was a quality sink $ as was Koehler replacement $654.00 Koehler prices same everywhere.

[MoNonnon]

Mike Scott replaced our double sink w a nice new large one. You will love it. They coordinated w another guy to remove and reinstall the new sink under the granite.Scott’s did the plumbing. Go talk to them. They know exactly what sink fits these old double ones.

[llaran]

I got a new double sink BUT the center divide was half tall, also it is a granite composition. check on line new styles and colors.

[brownsinfhB0nifay]

We did exactly what you are looking to do. Hired Mike Scott Plumbing. We bought the sink from them, a Blanco granite composite. They use Stone Central to cut the counter top to fit the new sink and they install the new sink. My understanding is they are the only one in the area who will do this. I went to 3 others who said no as they didn't want the liability of messing up the counter. ScottPlumbing disconnected and reconnected the plumbing.
You can do this all separately, ie buy the sink, hire a plumber and Stone Central and you may save a few bucks. For me it was easier to have it all coordinated and done in 2 days.

[JMintzer]

She who must be obeyed.

So reading between the lines, my interpretation is his nagging wife wants a new sink and he will really regret it if she doesn't get one.😊

I wouldn't say that... At least not out loud... ;)

[DAVES]

I put in the single farmhouse style/ tub sink a few years ago. Thought it would be a pretty cool thing to have.

Never again - worse decision ever.

The problems mentioned in the post are accurate.

You cannot beat a big, cast iron, heavy double sink.

IMHO, of course!!


Been there. Done that. Heavy cast iron sink. Hum, have they gotten heavier or is it due to the fact that I am 20 years older than last time and my back has not recovered from preparing our previous home for sale and packing and moving.

I still remember doing the faucets over and over and over again. Could not get them to turn properly. After wasting most of a weekend doing it, I called the company and was told, that is a mistake in the instructions, you need to .................

[DAVES]

We did exactly what you are looking to do. Hired Mike Scott Plumbing. We bought the sink from them, a Blanco granite composite. They use Stone Central to cut the counter top to fit the new sink and they install the new sink. My understanding is they are the only one in the area who will do this. I went to 3 others who said no as they didn't want the liability of messing up the counter. ScottPlumbing disconnected and reconnected the plumbing.
You can do this all separately, ie buy the sink, hire a plumber and Stone Central and you may save a few bucks. For me it was easier to have it all coordinated and done in 2 days.

My opinion, you are better off having one entity do a job. As the customer, you do not want to be caught with the plumber blaming the counter person or the sink manufacturer or.............

[Malsua]

My opinion, you are better off having one entity do a job. As the customer, you do not want to be caught with the plumber blaming the counter person or the sink manufacturer or.............

I agree. I'd get the counter people. That's the difficult part of it. A trained monkey can manage the plumbing.

[bpascani]

There is a company down here called Doc's Restoration. 352 753 0056; 15580 US 441 Summerfield, Fl. I would either give them a call, or go to their shop and explain what you need/want, take pictures of existing, and also of the sink (sounds like you have already purchased the new sink??)

[gregckinc]

wildwood kitchen and bath does them all the time

[retiredguy123]

wildwood kitchen and bath does them all the time
I don't have any personal experience with Wildwood Kitchen and Bath, but there are several threads and posts on this website where the reviews are horrible. Do a search.

[JMintzer]

Thanks for all the feedback.

No, we haven't yet bought a sink,

I'll be giving Mike Scott a call as soon as we're ready to move forward...