How to Replace a Cast-Iron Sink With Stainless Steel

Measure Size and Remove the Cast-Iron Sink

• 1

  Measure the width and length of your existing sink. Use these measurements as a guide when you shop for the new stainless steel sink. The new sink should not be smaller than the old one. You can always cut a larger opening, but a smaller opening will require replacing your existing countertop.

• 2

  Turn off the water supply valves under the sink cabinet with a wrench. Place a bucket underneath the water supply, and disconnect the supply and drain lines. Catch any water with the bucket.

• 3

  Remove any existing clips or fasteners holding the cast-iron sink in place. Slide a utility knife under the counter surface edges of the sink to dislodge the caulking. Lift the cast iron sink up and out of the counter.

Mark and Cut the Opening for the Stainless Steel Sink

• 4

  Center the template provided by your stainless steel sink manufacturer over the sink opening. Place the template at least 1 ½ inches from the outer edge of the counter. Trace the outline with a carpenter’s pencil. If your sink did not come with a template, make your own by turning the sink upside down on top of newspaper, and then trace around the sink edges.

• 5

  Spread a dropcloth inside the cabinet to catch wood chips. Drill starter pilot holes on the corners, staying inside the template lines.

• 6

  Insert the edge of a jigsaw into the upper left pilot hole, and proceed to cut clockwise, following your template line.

Install the Stainless Steel Sink

• 7

  Clear a work area on the countertop or set up a flat work surface. Turn the sink on its side on top of your work area. Run a bead of silicone caulk around the openings for the faucets. Insert the faucets and tighten the screws with a wrench. Next, attach the flexible water supply lines to the faucet assembly.

• 8

  Run a bead of caulk along the underside edges of the sink. Position the sink in place over the countertop, with the assistance of a helper. Lower the sink into place.

• 9

  Press the edges of the sink firmly into place. Use a sponge to remove any excess caulking around the edges. Install any clips or fasteners underneath the counter, if they were supplied with your kitchen sink assembly pieces.

• 10

  Run a bead of plumbers putty around the sink drain area. Attach the sink drain and drainpipe assembly piece connections using channel lock pliers. Tighten the lock nut washer piece that connects the sink drain to the sink. Then use pliers to connect the J-trap assembly piece to the sink drainpipe.

• 11

  Connect the flexible water supply lines to your hot and cold water lines with a crescent wrench. Turn the water on and test to make sure the faucets are functioning properly. Check for leaks around supply lines. If you find leaks, turn the water supply off. Gently tighten the connections where you find leaks. When all connections are tight, your stainless steel sink installation project will be complete.