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One of the most effective upgrades in a home is to DIY replace your washroom sink. Most home owners will not change up their sinks for decades. This is our case, but not anymore.
The two sinks we are replacing have been part of the house since the time of build. They have never been changed, which is 30 years. The faucet has been upgraded but there is a lot of calcium and minerals from the water on it. Instead of buying a new faucet and replacing a nice one we have, we are cleaning it up using CLR.
Replacing your washroom sink is one of the 8 winter low cost home upgrades to complete during the cold season.
You do not need a plumber to install a sink. If there is a handy person in the house who can install a sink, that is all you need. There are people who can change a sink without using a licensed plumber. If you know a friend or an acquaintance who can help you out, ask them first before paying a plumber to come in and do the job.
How Hard Is it to Replace a Sink?
It depends on the sink you are working on. If the sink is old, rusted and in poor condition, expect to exert a little more effort. If it is as straight forward as taking out a sink and putting in a new one, it may not be as difficult. It also depends on the drain connection under the sink, that it is not damaged and in good working condition. Otherwise, while you are working on replacing a new sink other issues may crop up which need to be resolved first.
Can You Replace your bathroom sink without replacing the counters?
Yes you can. You do not need to replace the counters if your intention is only on changing the sink. This is shown below. Even though we changed out our sink to a new one, we did not change our counters. The are the same.
Can I change a bathroom sink myself?
This all depends on the person doing the work. If you have not changed a sink before and do not normally do such kinds of projects, it is likely not going to be easy to do, at least the first time. It is better to work with a partner and help out whenever you can. Eventually, the more you do it and see how it is done it is possible for you to do it yourself.
How much does it Cost to replace a sink in the bathroom?
We went to the hardware store to see how much the average sink is sold for. The lowest price is just under $40.00 for a drop-in porcelain sink. The next one after that is $70.00 and it continues to go up from there. All you really need is a new clean sink. This is what we went for, two new clean and basic sinks to change up our old sinks. Just make sure that the new ones you buy will fit into the existing hole in your counter if you are not replacing the counter.
Steps to DIY Replace Your Washroom Sink
1. Clean the whole area out. Remove everything from the counter around the sink and from the cabinet under the sink. Set it aside somewhere as you begin to work.
2. Before buying the sink, make sure to take measurements of the existing one so that you buy the right size at the store. This only applies if you are keeping your existing countertop.
3. After you have the sink, turn the water off to your faucet. Disconnect the water lines and the drain so that the sink can lift out.
4. Depending on what kind your existing sink is, it is either held in place with brackets or with silicone. Start by removing the brackets or cutting the silicone so that the sink can be removed.
clean off all the dirt that was hidden once the sink is removed
To point out, our faucets look good and do not need to be replaced. Buying the same style at the store sells for $170.00 for one of the faucets. The next one is much less, but still in mint condition. Therefore there is no need to change that one either. We saved a little over $200.00 just by keeping our faucets the same and cleaning them up.
5. Whether you buy a new faucet or reuse your existing one, you need to install the faucet into the new sink before you install the sink in the countertop. If you are using your old faucet, clean it first for 30 minutes in water and CLR.
6. Next, install your drain piece in the new sink (either new or transferred from the old sink depending on the condition).
7. Dry fit your new sink in the opening of the countertop and line up the drain piece with the ABS P-trap drain. Mark it with masking tape around the edges of your new sink on the countertop. Remove the sink.
8. Run a bead of silicone around the edge of the opening in the countertop within the area you marked with masking tape. This way you will not have silicone to clean up after you put your sink back into the opening.
the second sink removed
9. Carefully place the new sink into the opening in the countertop making sure your drain pipes line up and gently press down so the silicone can create a seal between the sink and the countertop.
10. Reconnect your water lines and drain pipe fittings. Also, check for leaks and do a final clean up before putting everything back under the sink and on your counter.
the new sink that is ready to be installed
11. Avoid using your sink until the silicone has had a chance to cure. Check the instructions on your tube of silicone (typically 24hrs).
Results
The work takes a couple of hours, depending on how easy to is to remove the old sink and replace it with a new one. It took about four hours to change two sinks in the house, from old to brand new. The difference is apparent. Even though we chose two low cost sinks to install, the new sinks are brand new and clean.
DIY replace your washroom sink is an easy and cost effective upgrade. The total cost of this project is just under $120.00. Since we are reusing the drain and the faucets, we are not spending as much to do this DIY project.
The two washrooms where the sinks are being replaced already have some DIY home renovations done. Check out upgrading the middle washroom floors as well as renovating your ensuite bathroom. This is the next step in making changes one step at a time.
One winter project is complete. Small changes make a big difference. Take advantage of items that are low in cost and easy for someone to do.
There is more to come.
January 21, 2022.
