How to remove a drop-in porcelain sink under a countertop?
#1
12-29-14, 08:51 AM
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How to remove a drop-in porcelain sink under a countertop?
My porcelain sink has a few chips and my wife wants it replaced.
It looks like an under-mount but when I look from under, it sits on top of the plywood. So, it is a drop-in (on the plywood) before they put the countertop on.
I don't want to remove the countertop as it is a BIG piece. Maybe I can use a router or some sort of cutter to cut around (see the red line in the last picture) and drop it down to the bottom to remove it, then install a drop-in?
How do you cut a porcelain sink? Router with a special bit? Angled cutter or some sort? Or hammer?
It looks like an under-mount but when I look from under, it sits on top of the plywood. So, it is a drop-in (on the plywood) before they put the countertop on.
I don't want to remove the countertop as it is a BIG piece. Maybe I can use a router or some sort of cutter to cut around (see the red line in the last picture) and drop it down to the bottom to remove it, then install a drop-in?
How do you cut a porcelain sink? Router with a special bit? Angled cutter or some sort? Or hammer?
#2
12-29-14, 09:03 AM
Welcome to the forums Derek!
I've never seen a sink and top installed that way. You might consider bring someone in to refinish the existing sink. A sawsall or grinder would work better than a router .... not sure you can even get a router bit that would cut the sink.
I've never seen a sink and top installed that way. You might consider bring someone in to refinish the existing sink. A sawsall or grinder would work better than a router .... not sure you can even get a router bit that would cut the sink.
#3
12-29-14, 09:03 AM
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Welcome to the forums.
Disconnect all the water lines and this should lift out. If not, you likely have a bead of caulk you'll need to cut.
Disconnect all the water lines and this should lift out. If not, you likely have a bead of caulk you'll need to cut.
hopefully I'm wrong and you are right as that would be a LOT less work 
#5
12-29-14, 10:28 AM
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Yeah, hard to tell from the pics but I can see the possibility you are correct.
Sawzall, sledge hammer and start over time....
Sawzall, sledge hammer and start over time....
#6
12-29-14, 12:08 PM
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I am the original poster.
Yes, the countertop sits on the edge of the sink. The sink is a drop-in. It is sandwiched between the plywood and the countertop. The countertop is a BIG L piece all the way across the kitchen (plus the wall pieces) and in good condition. Lifting it up is not DIY nor do I want to break it.
The easiest way seems to be to cut around the sink and drop it down, leaving the trim sandwiched in the plywood and the countertop and then just install a new drop-in sink.
Question I have is what and how do I cut around it? Router with some sort of bit? Or some diamond wheel grinder / cutter?
Yes, the countertop sits on the edge of the sink. The sink is a drop-in. It is sandwiched between the plywood and the countertop. The countertop is a BIG L piece all the way across the kitchen (plus the wall pieces) and in good condition. Lifting it up is not DIY nor do I want to break it.
The easiest way seems to be to cut around the sink and drop it down, leaving the trim sandwiched in the plywood and the countertop and then just install a new drop-in sink.
Question I have is what and how do I cut around it? Router with some sort of bit? Or some diamond wheel grinder / cutter?
#7
12-29-14, 12:11 PM
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This is an under mount sink, even though the flange is sitting on plywood.
There are two ways to remove it, neither is fun.
1. Remove counter. It looks like you have Corian and this should only be done by a pro.
2. Cut plywood from underneath. Best way to do this would be an oscillating tool. Cut around the entire perimeter under sink. This is a long slow process as the tool doesn't cut fast. Get the best blades you can find (Fein 1-1/2" Wood Blade).
After you cut out plywood, you will need to mount new sink. Use translucent silicon and sink mounting clips epoxied to under side of counter. Quite a job.
There are two ways to remove it, neither is fun.
1. Remove counter. It looks like you have Corian and this should only be done by a pro.
2. Cut plywood from underneath. Best way to do this would be an oscillating tool. Cut around the entire perimeter under sink. This is a long slow process as the tool doesn't cut fast. Get the best blades you can find (Fein 1-1/2" Wood Blade).
After you cut out plywood, you will need to mount new sink. Use translucent silicon and sink mounting clips epoxied to under side of counter. Quite a job.
#8
12-29-14, 12:13 PM
I would think the best method would be to cut up the middle of the sink with a grinder and work your way towards the edges. That should make the perimeter of the sink pliable enough where you can work it out from under the top.
edit;
Brian knows a lot more about sink removal/installation than I do .... so I'd take his advice over mine
edit;
Brian knows a lot more about sink removal/installation than I do .... so I'd take his advice over mine
#9
12-29-14, 02:57 PM
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Ha. Nice to see pros giving me answers.
So, this is an undermount but they got lazy and just cut a hole on the plywood and put it in.
So, porcelain sink can't be cut because inside is cast iron which is super hard to cut thru?
So, this is an undermount but they got lazy and just cut a hole on the plywood and put it in.
So, porcelain sink can't be cut because inside is cast iron which is super hard to cut thru?
#10
12-29-14, 06:10 PM
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This is a perfect candidate for a re-glaze done by a professional and not from a paint can. The sink will look brand new when completed. When interviewing prospective re-glazers, make sure they acid etch first after cleaning, spray a primer and then a finish coat. Plan on eating out for a few days to let the process fully cure.
#11
12-29-14, 07:10 PM
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Your sink is not cast iron Derek, it's porcelain on steel. You could cut through it, but it's not the ideal way to replace it.
Above I said it would be a long process to cut through plywood from underneath, you could have it done in an hour or so with a decent oscillating tool and vacuum.
One benefit of cutting out from below is you can measure your opening and have choices of new under mount sinks (true under mount). Stainless or cast iron would be nice.
Above I said it would be a long process to cut through plywood from underneath, you could have it done in an hour or so with a decent oscillating tool and vacuum.
One benefit of cutting out from below is you can measure your opening and have choices of new under mount sinks (true under mount). Stainless or cast iron would be nice.
