How to Replace a Tiled-In Under-Mount Kitchen Sink Without Replacing Any Tile

In this tutorial, you’re going to learn how to remove your old tile-in kitchen sink and then how to install a new kitchen sink – without replacing any tile or even having to mess with grout.

I had this old beat-up kitchen sink for years, but I never got around to replacing it because I couldn’t find a good way to do it that didn’t require either replacing the countertops or searching for matching tile.

Then one day, I decided to solve this problem and ended up discovering a great solution that I’m excited to share with anyone in this same situation.

Here’s what I did…

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Tools Required

• 4″ Angle Grinder
• Diamond Blade for Angle Grinder
• Reciprocating Saw with fresh wood blades
• Hammer
• Chisel or Flat Metal Tool for chipping away mortar
• Vacuum
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Wrenches for plumbing

Materials Needed

• Stainless Steel Drop-in Sink (Here’s the one I used)
• Silicone Caulking
• Plumbers Putty
• Masking Tape

Step 1 – Find a Replacement Sink

The key to this project is first to find a sink that is big enough so that it covers the hole you are going to create by removing the old sink. But, also make sure your new sink is small enough to fit in your existing cabinets.

Take your time to take the appropriate measurements.

The sink I went with was the Loften Stainless Steel 33 inch Single Bowl Sink by Kraus, which also came with a pull-down faucet. You can pick this baby up at Home Depot for just about $400. The reason I like this sink is that it has squared corners, and it’s the perfect size. Plus, it is a single bowl sink which is the only way to go. You’ll realize how silly a two-basin sink is once you have a single basin sink.

NOTE: The width of the opening in my cabinets was technically smaller than the minimum recommendations that were listed on the sink installation instructions. However, after a good amount of planning, I decided I could make it work. 

Step 2 – Unhook The Plumbing

Once you have your sink in hand and the project planned, it’s time to disconnect the plumbing. Before you disconnect anything, make sure to turn off the water supply to the faucet. Usually, this can be done directly below the sink.

There should be one valve for the hot and one valve for the cold. Once the water is turned off, just start disconnecting everything. It’s a good idea to have a towel and bucket on hand to catch any water that is leftover in the lines.

Step 3 – Plan Your Cut

Since you are replacing an under-mount sink, you will have to cut through the tile to get the old sink out. So, start out by measuring the size of the cutout you will need for the new sink. Then, transfer those measurements onto the countertop where you want to make your cuts. Be sure to consider your cabinets so the sink will fit in.

Then, mark where you will cut the tile with either a pencil or some masking tape. Watch the video above to see what I mean by this.

Step 4 – Cut the Tile to Remove the Old Sink

Using a 4″ angle grinder with a diamond blade, start cutting the tile all the way around the sink. Do this slowly, so you don’t chip the tile. You may have to make several passes, but eventually, you’ll get through the tile and the mortar bed.

This is a dusty process. I recommend holding a vacuum behind the grinder to catch as much dust as possible and do whatever else you can to minimize dust. Watch the video to see how I was able to keep all dust out of my kitchen.

Step 5 – Remove the Old Sink

Now that you’ve cut through the tile, you should be able to pull out the old sink. If the old sink is larger than the hole that you cut, then you’ll also need to cut through the sink as well. If you have a metal sink, you can cut through it by putting a metal blade on your angle grinder. But, hopefully, you won’t have to do that. I didn’t have to in my installation.

Step 6 – Cut the Wood Around the Sink

The old sink probably rests on wood. You’ll need to cut that as well. So, take a .5″ drill bit and drill holes at each corner. Then, use a reciprocating saw to cut through the wood, so you have one clean cut all the way through the tile, wood, and mortar bed.

Be careful with this saw since the vibrations can rattle surrounding tiles loose.

Step 7 – Test Fit the New Sink

Now that you’ve cut the hole go ahead and see if the new sink fits or if you need to cut the hole bigger. If you took your time, then this is a quick and easy step.

Step 8 – Apply a Bead of Silicone

Once you’ve tested the fit of the sink, remove it again so you can apply a thick bead of silicone all the way around the rim of the sink. Then, carefully set the sink in place again. Once you’ve set the sink in place, go underneath and tighten down the sink brackets, so the sink is clamped securely to the countertops.

Step 9 – Hook up the Drain and Plumbing!

Now your sink has been replaced. The next step is to simply hook up all of the plumbing. If you aren’t comfortable with this, then you should definitely get a professional plumber to help you. I’m not going to go in-depth on how to do this because there are plenty of other tutorials on how to do this already.