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How long does it take to replace kitchen sink?

undermount-stainless-steel-kitchen-sink

Estimating number of man-hours for kitchen sink replacement

Total time to complete a kitchen sink replacement project depends on multiple factors, and before analyzing difficulty of work, it is impossible to estimate a number of man-hours correctly. On average, installation of a new 33” x 22” x 8” drop-in kitchen sink should be performed in 1.5 – 2 hours by an experienced installer. But there is no equation in all home improvement projects and some sinks are relatively easy and fast to install while others will consume much more time.

Kitchen sink type and installation method

Installation of self-rimming single bowl stainless steel or copper sink consume significantly less time compare to mounting a cast iron apron kitchen sink. It is much easier and faster just to put the sink in the cutout area compare to securing it under the counter.

Dimension and weight factors

Some bigger sinks made of stone or fireclay can weight over 90 lbs and installation of such products is not a one man task. Involvement of extra hands into the project will result in man-hours increase.

Replacement or new sink installation

Old sink removal could be more time consuming process than installation itself. If a kitchen sink was set on silicone or glued to the counter, preparation work could easily take a few hours prior to new sink installation.

Kitchen countertop material

Drilling mounting holes and placing screws in granite, quartz, glass or other hard surface materials is much more complex task compare to putting screws in wooden counter.

Additional considerations

Kitchen sink replacement means not only sink removal and putting new one into the place, but disconnecting drains, garbage disposal, installation of a new basket strainer and connecting new drains. If you are replacing a kitchen counter, it is never wise to live old sink even if it is still in a good shape. In addition mounting a new sink during counter replacement is much faster and often cheaper solution.

If an old counter will stay in place, always purchase a new sink identical in dimensions to existing one because making a cutout bigger might be an extremely costly option.

Do it yourself or hire an experienced professional

Kitchen sink installation is relatively an easy home improvement project, but it certainly depends on your skills whether to perform sink replacement by self or hire a handyman to complete the work.

If you are remodeling a kitchen and planning to install a new granite, marble or limestone countertop, always take into account that many local natural stone installers who will be hired to fabricate and install a new counter offer kitchen sink installation as well.