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Replacing an Existing Surface Mounted Sink

By Bob Formisano, About.com

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Replacing an Old Sink: Introduction, Difficulty Level and Needed Tools

Self Rimming or Drop-In Sinks Set on the Top Surface of the Counter

Introduction, Difficulty Level and Needed Tools
You can easily replace that grungy looking old sink in your kitchen with a nice new sink and do it yourself! There are two basic styles of sinks, self-rimming (or surface mounted or drop-in) and under-mount sinks. If you have a plastic laminate, tile or other countertop material that is not solid throughout, then your sink is a "self-rimming" or "drop-in" style of sink and sets on top of the countertop surface. The most typical of these installations is a stainless steel sink setting on a plastic laminate countertop.

    Difficulty Level
  • Easy to Average
    Needed Tools and Materials
  • New Sink of Same Opening Size
  • Plumber's Putty or Silicone Caulk
  • Adjustable Wrench
  • Phillips Head Screwdriver
  • Standard Slot Screwdriver
  • Teflon Tape for Threaded Plumbing Connections
  • New Plumbing / Drain Parts as Required

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