If your mobile home's stainless steel drop-in kitchen sink has corroded through on the bottom and you need to replace it with a new sink, then this is a job you can easily tackle as a DIY project.
If you have basic home repair skills and some plumbing tools, then you can replace your sink on a weekend afternoon. However, if you don't want to do the job yourself, then this is a job for a licensed plumbing contractor in your local area. The plumber will have a lot of experience with sink replacements and can do this job in a couple of hours.
If you want to replace the sink yourself, here's how to do so:
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply Lines to the Sink
Your kitchen sink has two main water lines leading to its faucet. Before you start removing the sink, first, turn off both the hot and cold water supply lines.
Step 2: Disconnect the Plumbing from the Sink
Your kitchen sink has water lines attached to the faucet and a drain line connected to your home's plumbing system. All of the plumbing connections need to be removed before you can remove the old sink.
To remove the water supply lines, use a basin wrench. If you don't have one, you can buy a basin wrench connector for your ratchet. This wrench allows you to easily reach the plumbing connections with the right orientation.
Use a pipe wrench to loosen the connections for the drain pipe and remove it.
Step 3: Cut the Caulking Beads Holding the Sink in Place
The only thing holding your mobile home's sink in place is likely a bead of caulking around its outer perimeter. Cut this caulking with a utility knife with a new razor blade.
Once the caulking has been cut, then lift out the old sink. The sink can be recycled at your local metal scrap yard. If you plan to replace the faucet, the old faucet can also be recycled.
Step 4: Install the New Sink
Before installing the new sink, take a moment to clean the counter and remove any stray caulking that's still present. Once the counter is clean, drop in the new sink and apply a new bead of caulking around its perimeter. This will seal the sink against leaks and will also help make the installation look professional.
Step 5: Install the New Faucet
Whether you choose to install a new faucet or put the old one back into the new sink, now is the time to install it.
Place the faucet through the holes on top of the sink and screw it into place from underneath using your basin wrench. Connect the drain line and water supply lines to finish up the job.
Lastly, turn the water back on and make sure nothing is leaking.
For more information on replacing your sink, contact a plumber in your area.
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