The average cost to replace a kitchen sink typically ranges from \$300 to \$1,500, depending on the type of sink, faucet, complexity of the job, and where you live. This price includes the cost of new kitchen sink basin, labor, and basic materials.
Replacing a kitchen sink might seem like a simple swap, but many factors can affect the final bill. Whether you are upgrading from an old, stained model to a shiny new one or changing the entire setup, knowing what to expect helps you budget well. This guide breaks down all the costs involved in getting a fresh look and better function for your kitchen workspace.
Deconstructing the Kitchen Sink Replacement Cost
The total kitchen sink replacement cost is made up of two main parts: the cost of the materials (the new sink and faucet) and the cost of labor to put it in. Sometimes, extra plumbing work adds to this total.
Cost of the New Kitchen Sink Basin
The sink itself is often the biggest variable cost. Sinks come in many materials, shapes, and sizes. What you choose directly impacts the price tag.
Material Matters: Sink Pricing Breakdown
Different materials offer different looks, durability, and price points. Think about how often you use your sink and what style fits your kitchen best.
- Stainless Steel Sinks: These are the most common. They are durable and budget-friendly.
- Price Range: \$100 to \$500 for a good quality unit.
- A high-end, thick-gauge stainless steel sink replacement cost might push closer to \$700.
- Composite Granite/Quartz Sinks: These look great and resist scratches well. They are heavier than stainless steel.
- Price Range: \$250 to \$800.
- Fireclay or Cast Iron Sinks: These offer a classic, deep farmhouse look. They are very heavy and require strong cabinet support.
- Price Range: \$350 to over \$1,000, depending on the brand and finish.
- Acrylic Sinks: These are the cheapest option but are less durable and can scratch easily.
- Price Range: \$80 to \$250.
Sink Style Impacts Price
The way the sink sits in the countertop changes the difficulty of installation, which affects labor costs.
Drop-In Sink Installation Cost
A drop-in sink (also called a top-mount) has a rim that sits on top of the counter. This is usually the easiest type to install.
- Pros: Faster and easier for plumbers to fit. No need to seal the counter edge around the basin.
- Price Impact: Lower labor costs. You can expect a lower overall drop-in sink installation cost compared to other styles.
Undermount Sink Replacement Cost
An undermount sink replacement cost is usually higher. This sink mounts beneath the countertop. This method requires a solid surface countertop (like granite or quartz) that can handle the weight and moisture around the exposed edge.
- Pros: Easier cleanup, as crumbs sweep right into the basin. Sleek, modern look.
- Price Impact: Higher labor cost. Installers must work under the counter and ensure strong, waterproof seals. This often adds \$100 to \$300 in labor alone.
Number of Basins
A single-bowl sink is usually cheaper than a double-bowl sink, both in material cost and installation time. Large, deep bowls also cost more than shallow ones.
Labor Costs for Installation
Labor is a major part of the new kitchen sink installation price. This covers removing the old unit, preparing the space, hooking up the plumbing, and installing the new faucet.
Labor Cost to Replace Kitchen Sink
The labor cost to replace kitchen sink can vary widely based on local rates and the complexity of the swap.
- Simple Swap (Similar Size/Type): If you are replacing a drop-in stainless steel sink with a new, same-sized drop-in model, the job might take 2 to 4 hours. Labor could cost between \$150 and \$350 per hour.
- Complex Swap (Changing Type or Size): Switching from a drop-in to an undermount sink, or significantly changing the size, requires more work. This might involve cutting the countertop, reinforcing the cabinet base, or sealing new edges. This can push labor costs up significantly.
Kitchen Sink Plumbing Replacement Cost
When you replace the sink, you often need new connections. Old pipes or drains might not fit the new sink perfectly.
- If the drain assembly, garbage disposal, or faucet are old, you might need to replace them too. This falls under the kitchen sink plumbing replacement cost.
- Replacing just the drain hardware and P-trap usually adds \$50 to \$150 to the total job cost. If the plumber finds old, corroded pipes requiring soldering or replacement, costs will rise further.
Additional Factors Driving Up the Price
Several decisions or existing conditions can increase your overall expense beyond the basic sink and labor fees.
Faucet Integration
Most people replace the faucet when they replace the sink. The cost to install new kitchen faucet and sink together is often bundled by plumbers, offering a slight discount compared to doing them separately.
| Faucet Type | Average Cost (Material Only) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pull-Down Sprayer | \$100 – \$250 |
| Mid-Range Touchless Model | \$250 – \$500 |
| High-End Commercial Style | \$500 – \$1,200+ |
If your new sink requires more holes than your old one, or if you add accessories like a soap dispenser or a side sprayer, the installation time (and thus labor cost) increases.
Countertop Modifications
This is the most common reason for unexpected price hikes.
- Changing Sink Style: As mentioned, moving from a drop-in to an undermount often requires professional cutting of granite, quartz, or solid surfaces. This specialized labor costs hundreds of dollars.
- Changing Sink Size: If the new basin is smaller or larger than the old cutout, the countertop must be modified. For laminate counters, this might be easy cutting. For stone counters, it needs careful grinding and sealing.
Disposal and Removal Fees
Your plumber or contractor will charge a fee to haul away the old sink and dispose of it properly. This is usually a small, fixed fee of \$25 to \$50, or it might be bundled into the hourly labor rate.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your current garbage disposal is old, it is wise to replace it while the area is open. A new unit might cost \$100 to \$300, plus the labor to wire and connect it to the new plumbing.
Breaking Down the Project: Project Scenarios
To give you a clearer picture, here are three common replacement scenarios and their estimated total costs. These estimates assume a licensed professional handles the work.
Scenario 1: Budget-Friendly Drop-In Replacement
This is the cheapest option. You keep the same sink configuration and upgrade only the essential components.
- Old Setup: Existing drop-in stainless steel sink.
- New Parts: New, standard 20-gauge stainless steel drop-in sink (\$150) and a basic faucet (\$120).
- Labor: Simple swap, 3 hours of labor (\$450).
- Total Estimated Cost: \$720
Scenario 2: Mid-Range Composite Sink Upgrade
This involves upgrading to a more modern, durable material while keeping the basic layout.
- Old Setup: Existing double-bowl sink.
- New Parts: Composite granite double-bowl sink (\$450) and a mid-range pull-down faucet (\$300).
- Labor: Install new sink and faucet, minor drain adjustments (4 hours, \$600).
- Total Estimated Cost: \$1,350
Scenario 3: Luxury Undermount Conversion
This is the most expensive scenario, requiring countertop alteration and high-end materials.
- Old Setup: Existing drop-in cast iron sink.
- New Parts: High-quality stainless steel undermount sink replacement cost materials (\$600) and a premium touchless faucet (\$550).
- Labor: Removal, countertop cutting and sealing for undermount style, new plumbing connections (8 hours, \$1,200).
- Total Estimated Cost: \$2,350+
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Deciding whether to do the job yourself can save money but introduces risk.
DIY Installation Savings
If you have plumbing experience and the right tools, you can save the entire labor cost to replace kitchen sink. For a simple drop-in swap, you might save \$400 to \$800.
DIY Risks:
- Improper sealing leads to leaks under the cabinet.
- Incorrect drain hookups can cause slow drainage or sewer gas leaks.
- If you damage the existing countertop while removing the old sink, repair costs can quickly erase your savings.
When to Hire a Pro
Always hire a licensed plumber or experienced contractor if:
- You are switching from a drop-in to an undermount sink.
- Your countertop is stone or high-end material.
- You are replacing or installing a garbage disposal.
- Your current plumbing seems old or corroded.
A professional ensures the job is done right the first time, protecting your cabinets and preventing costly water damage repairs later.
Step-by-Step Cost Influences: Fathoming the Process
When you get a quote, the professional breaks the job down. Here is what they focus on that determines the final price.
1. Removal and Disposal
The plumber first shuts off the water. They disconnect the supply lines and the drain lines. They remove the clips holding the sink in place and lift it out. If the sealant is strong, this step takes time.
2. Countertop Assessment and Prep
If you are reusing the countertop, the plumber checks the cutout size. They clean debris from the opening. If you are installing an undermount sink, they might need to secure support brackets to the underside of the counter material before mounting the basin.
3. Installing the New Sink Basin
This involves setting the new basin into place.
- For drop-in sinks, plumber applies silicone sealant around the rim before pressing it into the hole.
- For undermount sinks, heavy-duty epoxy and clips are used to secure it firmly beneath the counter edge. This requires precise alignment.
4. Faucet and Drain Assembly
The cost to install new kitchen faucet and sink often means installing the faucet first, as it’s easier to access from above before the sink is fully set. Then, the plumber installs the drain flange, basket strainer, and connects the tailpieces to the P-trap. Proper alignment here minimizes the kitchen sink plumbing replacement cost down the line.
5. Final Checks
The plumber turns the water back on slowly. They check every connection point—under the sink, around the faucet base, and at the disposal connection—for leaks. They run the water to ensure full drainage.
Comparing Costs: A Material and Installation Table
This table summarizes the price spectrum for different sink and labor combinations. These are national averages for material plus professional installation.
| Sink Type / Configuration | Sink Material Cost Range | Labor/Installation Cost Range | Total Estimated Project Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Drop-In (Stainless Steel) | \$100 – \$250 | \$300 – \$500 | \$400 – \$750 |
| Mid-Range Composite (Drop-In) | \$300 – \$550 | \$400 – \$650 | \$700 – \$1,200 |
| High-End Fireclay (Drop-In) | \$500 – \$900 | \$450 – \$700 | \$950 – \$1,600 |
| Undermount Sink Replacement Cost (Stainless Steel) | \$250 – \$450 | \$600 – \$1,000 | \$850 – \$1,450 |
| Undermount Sink Replacement Cost (Granite/Quartz) | \$400 – \$800 | \$700 – \$1,200 | \$1,100 – \$2,000+ |
Note: These figures do not typically include the cost of a new high-end faucet or garbage disposal unless specified.
Geographic Factors Affecting Pricing
Where you live greatly influences the kitchen sink replacement cost. Plumbers in major metropolitan areas (like New York City or San Francisco) charge much higher hourly rates than those in rural areas.
- High Cost-of-Living Areas: Expect labor rates to be 20% to 40% higher than the national average.
- Low Cost-of-Living Areas: You might find labor closer to the lower end of the estimates provided here.
Always get at least three itemized quotes from local, licensed professionals. Make sure the quotes explicitly list:
- Removal of the old sink.
- Cost of the new sink basin.
- Labor rate per hour or fixed project fee.
- Cost for any required modifications (e.g., countertop cutting).
Frequently Asked Questions About Sink Replacement
What is the cheapest way to replace a kitchen sink?
The cheapest way is to choose a basic, standard-sized stainless steel drop-in sink installation cost model and install it yourself (DIY). If you hire help, choosing a contractor who can do the job in under three hours for a simple swap will keep labor costs low.
How long does it take to replace a kitchen sink?
For a straightforward replacement of the same sink style, the job usually takes a professional plumber between 3 and 5 hours. If the countertop needs cutting for an undermount sink replacement cost, the process could take a full day or require multiple visits if stone fabrication is involved.
Does replacing a sink require new plumbing?
Not always, but often some components need refreshing. The plumber will inspect the P-trap, the garbage disposal connection (if applicable), and the water supply lines. If these parts are old or damaged, the kitchen sink plumbing replacement cost will increase to ensure a watertight seal.
Can I install a new faucet and sink myself?
Yes, if you have basic DIY skills, tools, and experience working with water shut-offs and drain connections. However, connecting the faucet to the water lines and ensuring the sink seals properly to the counter are critical steps where errors cause major damage.
What is the difference between undermount and drop-in installation?
A drop-in sink drops into a hole cut in the counter, resting on the surface with a visible rim. An undermount sink is attached to the underside of the counter. Undermount sink replacement cost is higher because it requires specialized mounting hardware and sealing techniques, often needing stone countertop fabrication skills.