An undermount sink is mounted under the countertop, providing a smooth, sleek appearance and a surface that’s easy to wipe clean. It gives a clean, modern look and makes cleaning the counter easy. These kinds of installations are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms because they are very easy to operate and come in very refreshing modern designs. But over time, you might want to get rid of them. Maybe they’re cracked or leaking, or maybe it’s just time for a complete design overhaul.
Learning how to remove an under-mounted sink will spare you from costly mistakes. Carefully disassembling it will allow you to save the countertop and plumbing while getting this job done without a hitch. The following simple guide will take you through each of the steps so that you can confidently remove your old sink.
Tools and Supplies
There are no special tools for removing an undermount sink from a kitchen or bathroom; rather, it is a matter of using some basic items you probably have in your house.
Basic Tools:
- You must adjust the Wrench to tighten or loosen water lines.
- Use a Utility Knife to cut through the old sealant.
- Carefully slide a putty knife underneath the sink to loosen it, then gently lift it out.
- A screwdriver to use with mounting clips.
- A bucket to catch any water during draining.
Safety Gear:
- Work gloves (for protection against sharp edges)
- Protective goggles (to shield your eyes from debris and splashes during the removal process)
Some Other Useful Items:
- Cloths or Absorbent Towels: To wipe up any spills or dry the surface after cleaning.
- Flashlight: To examine beneath the sink.
Above all, you will surely be able to carry out the fast removal of your undermount sink.
Turn Off the Water and Disconnect the Plumbing
Before you do anything else, you need to shut off the water and disconnect the plumbing. This task is most important, when your are removing an undermount sink from a kitchen or a bathroom.
Shutting off the Water Valves:
- Underneath the sink are two small valves: hot and cold.
- Turn both valves clockwise to shut them off.
- Just to be sure, open the faucet to see if water comes out.
Drain the Pipes:
- Place a bucket beneath the sink to collect any water that may spill during the removal process.
- Open the faucet to drain out all remaining water from the lines.
Disconnect the Plumbing:
- Take care of the connections between the water supply lines and the faucet, and loosen them using a pipe wrench.
- If you’re in the kitchen, unplug the garbage disposal and disconnect the drain pipe.
- If you’re in the bathroom, remove the P-trap and drain lines connected to the sink.
Types of Countertops and Their Removal Impacts
Countertops play a significant role when it comes to installing an undermount sink and the removal of an older unit. Different types require different tools and methods to ensure the smoothest removal possible without damaging the countertop.
Granite:
Being strong and durable, granite countertops are usually bonded with very strong adhesive or epoxy. While removing an undermount sink from granite, one may need to provide some heat or solvents to soften the adhesive.
Be careful when lifting the sink to avoid cracking the countertop, because granite is heavy and hard. It is a good idea to get assistance during the removal, especially when dealing with a large sink.
Quartz:
Much like granite, quartz countertops are usually glued down with a strong adhesive or epoxy. When removing an undermount sink from quartz, heat or a solvent will most likely need to be applied to break the bond. The most important thing is not to put a lot of pressure on the quartz while the sink is being removed to avoid cracking.
Quartz is much more flexible than granite, but you should exercise a lot of care in both methods of removal to avoid damaging the sink or the slab.
Laminate:
Laminate countertops are generally easier to work with than stone countertops, in granite or quartz. Most are held by the sink with the use of brackets or clips that make removal quick and easy. No heat or solvents are needed; simply unscrew the clips and lift out the sink.
Solid Surfaces (Corian):
In the case of solid surface countertops such as Corian, the sink may be integrated with the solid surface, meaning it would have been glued together or molded together with it. When taking out an undermount sink with these types of surfaces, extra care has to be taken so that the sink or countertop damaged and will require a replacement of both.
Concrete:
While concrete countertops are heavy and tough, they come with their challenges.. If you need to remove an undermount sink from concrete, make sure you have the right tools on hand. For larger sinks or thick concrete, it’s best to ask for assistance to ensure a safe removal.
Cutting Sealant and Adhesive
The first step in removing an undermount sink is to cut the silicone or adhesive sealer with which the sink is attached. Since this sealant might be tough, choosing the right tools becomes paramount.
A utility knife would be the optimal choice for cutting through silicone. Knife safety requires sliding it along the seam between the sink and the counter in order to dislodge the sealant correctly without damaging either surface. Be careful not to ruin the countertop material while doing so.
Different countertop materials might need a different approach. For some stones, such as granite or quartz countertops, heat or solvent may be required to loosen the adhesive. Laminate countertops, however, usually require only simpler adhesives or clips. Over here, cutting through the silicone is all that is needed to free the sink.
Removing Mounting Clips or Brackets
Next, you will need to remove the mounting clips or brackets that secure the sink from underneath the countertop. These are generally located underneath the sink, where they attach to the countertop. Find them by looking underneath the sink inside the cabinet. Once they are located, allow a screwdriver to loosen the clips. Handle with care, as applying too much force can harm the countertop.
The clips or brackets might very well be rusted or corroded. If these are hard to remove, apply a little WD-40 or rust remover to loosen them up; let them sit for a few minutes and try again. If that does not work, pliers can be used for extra grip; always taking precautions not to damage the countertop in the process.
Sink Lift-Out: Do It Safely
Once you have disconnected the plumbing and unfastened the mounting clips or brackets, you can lift out the sink. Removing the undermount sink requires some gentle handling. First, rock the sink to and fro to loosen any remaining adhesive or sealant.
However, it takes a great deal of patience, as rushing may crack the countertop. Once the sink is loose enough to feel it being freed, hold it securely from the sides and carefully lift it out.
What To Do If The Sink Gets Stuck?
Do not force it if the sink is stuck. It may be tightly bonded with the adhesive or silicone. Use a utility knife or putty knife to carefully cut through the sealant. Move the knife along the edges with gentle pressure to avoid harming the countertop.
If the adhesive is particularly strong, heat or solvent can help loosen the bond. When the solvents begin to soften the adhesive, you should resist any temptation to remove the sink and permit some more time to do their work.
Getting Help for Heavy Sinks or Large Sinks
It is always best to get help with heavy or large sinks. Replacing an undermount kitchen sink will be quite difficult, especially in situations where the sink is very large and made of a heavy material like granite.
An extra pair of hands will help in making the lifting process much safer. The other person can help support the weight of the sink, ensuring that it is lifted out without damaging your countertop or anything around it. Lifting straps or dollies will also complicate the task for really heavy sinks and put less strain on your body.
Cleaning the Area After Removal
After an undermount sink has been removed, cleaning must be performed to prepare for the next step. What you need to do next:
Removing Leftover Adhesive or Silicone
There will most probably still be residue from the adhesive or silicone sealant close to the perimeter of the sink. Carefully use a putty knife or utility knife to remove any leftover material, making sure not to damage the countertop surface.
For stubborn glue, use a solvent like rubbing alcohol or an adhesive remover. Dampen a cloth with the solvent and gently rub it on the area to loosen the adhesive, making it easier to remove.
Checking Damage to the Countertop
- After you’re done removing the adhesive, take a good look at your countertop to see whether it shows any signs of damage.
- Check for cracks, chips, or scratches inflicted during removal. If so, you will need to have them rectified before you put in the new sink.
- Special repair kits are used for fixing small scratches and chips, while larger cracks may require the services of a trained technician.
Preparing for the Sink
Time to get ready for a new sink if the under-mount kitchen sink has to be taken out. Next, clean the area from any dust, debris, or refuse material that may have settled from the removal of the old sink.
Measure the sink area with a tape measure to confirm that the new sink will fit snugly in the available space. An additional bead of adhesive or silicone, as may be needed, should be applied to the sink rim for the ergative purpose of holding the new sink in place. Everything must be level and strongly installed before proceeding with the new sink.
Tips for a Smooth Removal
Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your work on removing undermount sinks is done as smoothly as possible.
Taking Photos Before Disassembly as Reference
Before you begin disassembling your setup, take several photos of how everything is arranged. These pictures will help you if you forget how it was all hooked up. This is especially handy with plumbing and clips, ensuring that it all goes back together without any doubt when putting in a new sink.
Label Components and Tools
As you take apart the various parts, be sure to label them-all the screws, clips, and brackets in different containers labeled so it is obvious where everything goes when re-assembling should keep such a little step save time and heartaches later on.
When to Call in the Professionals
If any part of the process exceeds your comfort level, such as cracking the countertop or dealing with stubborn adhesives, it’s best to call a professional. Large, heavy sinks also require expert help to avoid damage. Sometimes, calling experts is the best way to avoid any damage while achieving a smooth, perfect installation.
If you’re looking for high-quality materials and expert help for your next sink project, consider Keystone Granite. Whether it is an undermount sink removal or some other remodeling project, Keystone Granite is your easy, worry-free way to get through your project.
Conclusion
Removing an undermount sink is simpler than it may seem. If you have the right tools, patience, and pay attention to detail, then anyone can do that in their home. It doesn’t matter if you are upgrading your entire kitchen or just remodeling a bathroom; just do everything the right way, and things will run smoothly and efficiently.
If you’re looking to remove an undermount sink in Columbus, OH look no further because Keystone Granite can assist you. DIY enthusiast or just starting, our team walks you through each step in being able to comfortably complete your project with professional advice on how to handle it without difficulty.
FAQs
How Hard is it to Remove an Undermount Sink?
Removing an undermount sink can be tough, especially depending on the sink size and countertop material, but it’s doable with the right tools.
Are Undermount Sinks Removable?
Yes, undermount sinks are removable with the proper steps, including cutting the adhesive and removing the clips.
Can an Undermount Sink Be Removed from Granite?
Yes, it can be removed, but it might require extra effort due to strong adhesives and the heavy granite countertop.
Are Undermount Sinks Just Glued In?
Undermount sinks are usually glued in with adhesives such as silicone or epoxy to secure them to the countertop.
