How to Install a Wall Mounted Sink

If you have an older style home, you may still have a wall mounted sink in your kitchen or bath. These sinks are generally very durable in design, but you may find yourself having to replace one. A common issue is that the sinks can develop cracks over time, or the surface can be completely worn down.

Removing the Old Wall Mounted Sink

1. Turn off the water valves below the old sink. Put on all protective gear. Lay out a few tarps in the work area.
2. Use a pair of channel lock pliers if the valves appear hard to turn. Use a faucet wrench to disconnect the supply lines where they connect to the faucet itself.
3. Disconnect the PVC P-trap using a pipe wrench. Leave the drain and drain extension in place for now. Leave the rest of the PVC drain connection in place too.
4. Remove the drain clip and pull the lift rod loose from the drain assembly, using the needle-nose pliers. Do the same for the ball assembly connection that lifts the drain plunger up and down.
5. Remove the faucet lock-nuts, using a specialized faucet wrench that's designed to fit into tight spaces, such as behind a sink. Gently run a utility knife around the base of the faucet to remove any silicone or plumber's putty.
6. Lightly tap the faucet with a rubber mallet until it breaks loose.
7. Remove the faucet from the sink.
8. Have a helper hold the sink for you while you remove the wall lags holding the sink to the wall. Use a socket set to do this.
9. Remove the sink from the wall

Installing the New Wall Mounted Sink

1. Measure the lag hole placements on the back of the new sink to see if the width between them is the same as the old sink. If they match up, then you can use the same holes already drilled into the wall. If they are spaced differently, then you will have to drill new lag holes.
2. Run a tape measure up from the bottom of the wall to where you want the top of the new sink to be. Do this on both sides of the sink. Sometimes you can just use the paint line that the old sink left behind on the wall. Mark a line horizontally with a marking pen and make sure it's level. This will be used to help you line up the new sink, since it's quite heavy to hold in place.
3. Have your helper hold the sink up to the wall. Install the lags directly through the wall mounted sink holes, using the socket set. If you need to install new lags, then mark the mounting holes with a marking pen, remove the sink, and prepare to drill new holes.
4. Drill two, 1/4 holes in the marked hole locations, using the cordless drill and drill bit. Pound in wall anchors, using the hammer. Place the sink back on the wall with your helper and install the new lags.

Plumbing, Drain and Faucet Hookup

1. Reconnect all of the PVC plumbing pipes under the sink, in reverse order of the removal. Hook up a new faucet and drain the same way. Apply a silicone bead around the sink, using a silicone gun. Turn the water valves back on and test for leaks.