## How to Take Out an Old Kitchen Sink
Replacing an old kitchen sink is a relatively simple plumbing project that can be completed in a few hours. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can safely and easily remove your old sink and prepare your kitchen for a new one.
### Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
– Adjustable wrench
– Channel-lock pliers
– Bucket
– Dish soap
– Flashlight
– Gloves
– Plumber’s putty
– Screwdriver
– Utility knife
### Safety Precautions
Before starting any plumbing work, always turn off the water supply to the sink. This can be done by closing the shut-off valves located under the sink. If there are no shut-off valves, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your home.
Once the water supply is turned off, open the faucet to release any remaining water from the pipes.
### Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Remove the Drain Stopper and P-Trap**
Start by removing the drain stopper from the sink. Then, use the channel-lock pliers to loosen and remove the nuts that hold the P-trap in place. The P-trap is the curved pipe that connects the sink drain to the drainpipe in the wall.
**2. Disconnect the Water Supply Lines**
Once the P-trap is removed, you can disconnect the water supply lines from the sink. To do this, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts that secure the water supply lines to the sink. Be careful not to overtighten or damage the nuts.
**3. Remove the Sink Mounting Clips**
Next, you need to remove the sink mounting clips. These clips are usually located around the perimeter of the sink and hold it in place. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the clips.
**4. Lift Out the Sink**
Once the mounting clips are removed, you can carefully lift the sink out of the countertop. Be careful not to damage the countertop or the sink.
**5. Clean the Countertop**
Before installing the new sink, it is important to clean the countertop thoroughly. Use the dish soap and a sponge to remove any dirt or debris from the countertop. Rinse the countertop with clean water and dry it with a towel.
**6. Apply Plumber’s Putty**
To seal the new sink to the countertop, you will need to apply plumber’s putty. Roll a rope of plumber’s putty around the edge of the sink flange. The flange is the raised lip around the bottom of the sink.
**7. Set the New Sink**
Carefully set the new sink into the countertop. Make sure that the plumber’s putty is evenly distributed around the flange. Press down on the sink to ensure that it is securely in place.
**8. Reconnect the Water Supply Lines**
Reconnect the water supply lines to the new sink. Tighten the nuts that secure the water supply lines using the adjustable wrench.
**9. Install the P-Trap**
Install the P-trap under the sink. Tighten the nuts that hold the P-trap in place using the channel-lock pliers.
**10. Install the Drain Stopper**
Finally, install the drain stopper in the new sink.
### Tips for Removing an Old Kitchen Sink
– If you are having difficulty removing the sink, you can use a utility knife to cut through the plumber’s putty.
– If the sink is very heavy, you may need to get help from a friend or family member to lift it out.
– Be sure to dispose of the old sink properly. Most hardware stores offer a disposal service for old sinks.
### Conclusion
Removing an old kitchen sink is a relatively simple plumbing project that can be completed in a few hours. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can safely and easily remove your old sink and prepare your kitchen for a new one.