How to Loosen a Sink Fastened With Silicone

Silicone caulking is an ideal choice for bathrooms and kitchens, due to its ability to adhere to slick surfaces such as porcelain and tile. Although sink fixtures vary considerably, above-mounted sinks require a bead of silicone caulk around the underside of the sink's perimeter during installation. When the silicone dries, it helps keep the sink in place. An additional bead of silicone caulk seals the sink to the countertop. You must loosen the existing caulk before you can remove and replace the sink.

Caulk softener
Putty knife
Wrench
Pry bar

Instructions

- 1
  Spray caulk softener on the silicone caulk surrounding the sink base. Let the caulk softener sit and soak into the caulk for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.
- 2
  Wedge the tip of a putty knife underneath the softened caulk. Peel away the caulk in a line. Discard the old caulk. Scrape away any residual caulk you see with the putty knife.
- 3
  Turn off the water supply. Unscrew and remove the sink's drain pipe. If your sink has a garbage disposal, detach and remove it from beneath the sink.
- 4
  Remove any sink clips holding your sink in place.
- 5
  Slide the blade of the utility knife underneath the sink rim, loosening the silicone adhesive below the sink's rim as much as possible.
- 6
  Pry the sink free from the countertop with a pry bar.

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