Can You DIY A Kitchen Sink Replacement Or Is It Best Left To The Professionals?
If the sink in your cooking room has started losing its luster, is too small for your needs, or you have your heart set on another beautiful kitchen sink, obviously, the best course of action is to replace the sink. However, this decision comes with a new conundrum — should you DIY a kitchen sink replacement or rope in professionals to get the job done? The answer is simple: You can DIY a kitchen sink replacement if you have the know-how and aren't afraid of rolling up your sleeves and tackling less-than-pleasant under-the-sink jobs. To elaborate, you'll have to shut off the water supply, remove the garbage disposal unit if you have one, disconnect the p-trap and pipes, and take out your current sink.
Though it sounds simple on paper, you need to take care throughout the process and have the required tools handy — like a sharp razor, seven-piece multitool, and wedges – to ensure you don't damage the opening or harm yourself. Once this is done, you have to measure the counter's opening to ensure the new countertop you pick fits in the gap. This is necessary because if the sink is too big for the gap, you'll have to cut out your countertop; even worse, if it's too small, you'll be left with an awkward empty space around your new sink. After the measurements are all squared away, you have to change the kitchen faucet, caulk the strainer, crawl underneath the sink to fix the plumbing, reattach the garbage disposal, and ensure it all works as intended.
Factors to consider before you DIY your kitchen sink replacement
The primary incentive for homeowners to undertake a DIY kitchen sink replacement is the potential for significant cost savings. If you're comfortable with the work involved, you might be able to save between $45 and $200 per hour (via Angi). Considering pros require around four to eight hours for a basic sink replacement, you stand to save at least $300 to $800. That being said, it's important to note that this project is best suited for individuals with a serious knack for DIY and comfort with plumbing-related tasks, as you can easily get lost while installing a kitchen sink drain.
Otherwise, simple errors like overtightening connectors or not using the right caulk could cost you more in the long run than you potentially save. Further, some styles of sink are easier to DIY than others. In certain cases, you might have to replace your countertop, and those situations are very difficult to DIY. If you aren't a DIY enthusiast, it's best to leave the task to the professionals. But that doesn't mean you can't save money along the way. For instance, reusing your current faucet or picking a functional one without the decorative bells and whistles will save you money.