kitchen sink installation cost

Average Cost of Kitchen Sink Installation

The average cost to buy a sink and hire a plumber to install it is $625. Sink replacement involves disconnecting the faucet and plumbing of the old sink and removing it, and then mounting, securing and hooking up the new sink. DIYers save $100 to $250 on labor depending on the difficulty of the installation. Basic tools and supplies like screwdrivers, caulk, and plumber’s putty are needed, and buying them, if necessary, will cut into your savings.

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Overview of Kitchen Sink Replacement

Updating your kitchen sink is a great way to give your space a fresh look and get the sink functionality you prefer – single or double sinks, deep farmhouse sinks, etc. In most cases, this is done all the time when replacing kitchen countertops as well, so plan ahead and combine multiple related projects when able to do so.

There are many different types of kitchen sinks to choose from, in materials that significantly affect cost. There is a kitchen sink for every budget and preference. If you are doing a sink remodel, you are likely considering a kitchen faucet replacement too.

This kitchen sink replacement cost estimate covers different types of kitchen sinks and their price ranges, information for DIY kitchen sink installations, and the cost to hire a professional installer.

Kitchen sink replacement is not a DIY project for the faint of heart! Plumbing can get messy, and this is a project that needs to be done properly to prevent leaks and water damage down the road. It’s also a very hard project on your back, climbing under the countertop, etc. If you have previous experience with this kind of project or are eager to learn, this can be a fun DIY project to tackle. Otherwise, we recommend that you hire a professional plumber to get ‘er done. See more in the DIY or Pro section below.

Product and Installation Supplies Cost Details

New Kitchen Sink Cost Factors

This section provides a list of cost factors that will determine the total amount for your project. The price range for a kitchen sink replacement can be wide, and these are the things that affect that cost.

• Type of Sink – There is a wide range of kitchen sink types that range from simple and budget friendly to more elaborate and costly.
• Number of Basins – Single-basin sinks are the least expensive type of sink, but double-basin sinks are very popular for kitchens. A double-basin kitchen sink streamlines dishwashing and food preparation because there is divided sink space that can be used for two different purposes at once. Double-basin sinks tend to be about $100 more than single-basin sinks of the same material and style.
• Kitchen Sink Size – As a homeowner, you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to sink size! The larger the sink, the more it will cost – but the less countertop space you’ll have. So, think it through. Tip: Make sure to measure your counter before picking a sink so that you know what will fit your space.
• Kitchen Sink Material – Stainless steel is the most affordable and common kitchen sink material, but there are plenty of other options including granite, marble, fire clay, cast iron, and resin/quartz composite.
• Plumber/Installer or DIY – Another factor in the cost of your sink replacement is who is doing the labor. If you hire a professional plumber, you will need to pay for the sink unit and the cost of labor. If you choose to DIY, you will save money on labor costs, but you will have to purchase all the tools and materials you will need to complete the installation, like screwdrivers, pliers, caulk, caulk guns, a putty knife, and plumber’s putty.
• Old Sink Disposal – If you hire a professional, the disposal of your old sink will be included in the total cost for the installation service, with a value of about $25. If you DIY, the sink can be disposed of in a large garbage bag or the bin used for your weekly waste pickup.
• Other Work at the Same Time – If you’re having multiple kitchen projects done at the same time, it could represent some cost savings on individual projects. A good example would be replacing the kitchen sink when you’re replacing the countertops. Since everything is already removed, adding the new sink can be as inexpensive as the cost of the sink itself, since the rest is already being done.

Retail Kitchen Sink Costs

• Drop-in Sink: The most simple and inexpensive type of sink with the easiest installation. $75 – $300
• Undermount Sink: An undermount kitchen sink is installed into the counter so that the top of the sink sits below the counter height. $150 – $400
• Farmhouse Sink: Farmhouse style is having a big moment in interior design right now, and farmhouse sinks (also known as apron sinks) are a lovely addition to any kitchen. Farmhouse sinks tend to be larger in size and have a front panel that is not concealed by the counter. $200 – $600

When installation labor is included, total cost ranges from an average of $440 to more than $1,000. Kitchen Remodel Prices shows a price range of $220 to $1,600, and that’s possible when considering the most expensive kitchen sinks available. The $395 average shared by Improvenet is closer to our $440 average. Homewyse puts the installed cost of the most popular sinks at $520 to $630, close to what what our research shows as well.

Permits, Inspection, Related Costs and Installation Time

Permits and Inspection Cost

• $0 | Replacing an old kitchen sink does not require a permit or inspection unless you are running new plumbing lines.

Related Costs and Installation Time

• Pot Filler Faucet Installation
• Kitchen Faucet Replacement
• Granite Countertop Costs
• Marble Countertop Costs
• Concrete Countertop Costs
• Soapstone Countertop Costs
• Quartz Countertop Costs

Approximate Labor and Installation Time

• 1.5 – 3 hours | The time it takes to replace a kitchen sink depends on the type of sink you are installing. A simple drop-in sink installation goes quickly. An undermount kitchen sink installation takes more planning and time to get it right.

DIY or Hire a Pro?

The experienced DIY homeowner doesn’t bother to ask – the job just gets done. We say that to make the point that this is a task you can probably accomplish. If they can do it, so can you.

If you’re gaining do-it-yourself experience, installing a sink is an opportunity to grow your knowledge about water supply to a faucet and wastewater drainage from the bottom of the sink. The potential risks are minimal – just monitor the inside of the sink cabinet for leaks, and if you find them, try to resolve them before calling a plumber.

If you do decide to do the installation yourself, follow the sink installation instructions, likely in the box, very carefully.

Also, make sure to load up on caulk and plumber’s putty, because those are the materials that seal up any areas that are prone to water leakage.