How Do I Replace My Drop In Bathroom Sink?

How Do I Replace My Drop In Bathroom Sink?

Drop-in sinks, also known as self rimming or top-mount sinks, are commonly found in bathrooms paired with various countertop materials. The sink is secured via the rim on top of the counter, and the bowl of the sink sits below the surface. These sinks can be installed in any countertop that has a suitable hole cut to the right dimensions. Drop-in sinks come in many styles and sizes, all with the same installation process. They are “dropped into” the hole cut in the counter and secured with a bit of silicone caulk. 

When it comes to replacing a drop-in bathroom sink, it’s important that you choose a replacement sink that is the same dimensions as the old one. Then, once the old sink is removed, the new one can be dropped into place. With that said, the following steps will walk you through how to successfully replace your drop-in bathroom sink:

Step 1: Preparation

The first step in replacing your drop-in bathroom sink is to shut off both the hot and cold water supply. Then, turn on the faucet to drain out any excess water in the lines and place a bucket under the supply lines to catch water that may escape as you are removing the sink.

You should also drain the supply lines by disconnecting them with a wrench at the spigot. This will cause the water to flow out and into the bucket.

Step 2: Disconnect

At this point, you want to disconnect all of the connections under the sink. With the water supply shut off, you can safely disconnect the P-trap portion of the drainpipe. However, some water may come out, so you should put a bucket under the pipe before you begin. Then, depending on your sink, it may have clips or bolts holding it in place. If either is the case, these should be removed.

Step 3: Remove Sealant

Since you have a drop-in sink, it’ll be sealed with caulking or some other form of sealant. To remove the caulking and free the sink from the counter, use a putty knife to cut around the material. In some cases, you may need to use a rubber mallet to release the seal between the sink and the counter.

Step 4: Remove the Sink

After the seal is released and the caulking is no longer holding the sink in place, you should be able to lift it straight out of the cabinet.

Pro Tip: In order for your replacement bathroom sink to fit appropriately, you must know the dimensions of the old one – including the width, length and depth.

To ensure that you have the right dimensions, you may want to wait until the old sink is removed to get the most accurate measurements. On the other hand, if you choose to install a sink with differing dimensions, you will have to adjust the size of the hole in the countertop. This makes the replacement process more complicated and is generally not recommended if you’re handling this as a DIY project.

Step 5: Install Faucet

Regardless of the type of sink you have, it’s always easier to install the faucet before you drop the sink into position. If you’ve chosen to purchase a new faucet, it will come with instructions from the manufacturer for installing it. Whereas, if you’re planning to repurpose the old faucet on your new sink, pay close attention to how it is attached before you remove it. That way, you know exactly how to install it on the new drop-in sink.

Step 6: Install the New Sink

With the faucet installed, it’s time to position the new sink in the countertop. Before you drop it in, apply some caulking on the underside of the rim around the entire sink. This will create a watertight seal that prevents water from dripping through the gap and into the cabinet. Then, carefully put the new sink in place. Use a damp rag or cloth to remove any excess sealant that escapes from under the gap.

Once the sink is in place, secure it with clips or bolts, if applicable. Let the sink sit for about 24 hours, as this will give the caulking or sealant the appropriate amount of time to dry before you proceed with the next step.

Step 7: Reconnect the Drain, P-trap & Water Lines

With the caulking dry, you can now install the drain. If you’re repurposing the drain from your old sink, like with the faucet, pay close attention to how it is connected when you remove it so you know how to put it back together. Whereas, if you purchased a new drain, you’ll follow the instructions that come with it to install. Alternatively, you can choose to install the new drain at the same time as the faucet (in step five).

At this point, you can also reattach the water supply lines and the P-trap. This should be a very simple task that involves simply screwing all the nuts back into place. If necessary, you may need a wrench or pliers to help secure the supply lines.

Step 8: Apply More Caulk

Since you’re installing a drop-in sink, you will need to apply an additional layer of caulk around the sink where it meets the countertop. Once this step is complete, wait a further 24 hours for the caulk to dry. It may not be completely necessary to wait a full 24 hours after the caulk is applied, but it is highly recommended to ensure that it has plenty of time to dry, sealing up all the gaps.

Step 9: Test!

With everything connected and the caulk dry, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet! Test both the hot and cold water to ensure that everything is functioning as expected and there are no leaks. While the process of replacing a drop-in bathroom sink isn’t all that complicated, there are some situations where it may be worth it to hire a professional!

Whether you simply have questions about the process or you’d like to schedule a drop-in bathroom sink replacement, give Anytime Plumbing a call today! Our team of experienced and highly-trained technicians are available 24/7 to tackle all of your plumbing needs.