What are expert tips for sink installation costs?

Drop-in sink replacement is a great DIY project. The hardest part is applying the drain assembly -- use plumber's putty, not silicone, for the basket strainer. Schedule undermount sink installation with your countertop fabricator, not separately. They template the cutout for a perfect fit. If converting to a farmhouse sink, get quotes from both a carpenter (for cabinet modification) and a plumber (for connections). Some installers do both. A garbage disposal adds 15-30 minutes to any sink installation -- mention it when getting quotes.

What mistakes should I avoid with sink installation costs?

Trying to DIY an undermount installation without the right clips and adhesive -- a 75 lb sink falling off the counter is a disaster. Not reinforcing the cabinet for a farmhouse sink. Standard cabinets aren't built for 80-120 lb sinks full of water. Scheduling a plumber before the countertop is installed. The plumber needs a finished counter to connect everything. Forgetting to budget for a new faucet and garbage disposal installation alongside the sink.

Sink Installation Costs | The Plumbing Directory

Overview

Sink installation costs depend on the type of sink, whether it's a replacement or new location, and what supporting work is needed. A drop-in replacement on existing plumbing is simple. A farmhouse sink conversion or new bathroom rough-in is a significant project. Here's what to budget for each scenario.

Cost Breakdown

Drop-In Replacement

Removing an old drop-in and setting a new one in the existing cutout: $150-$250 labor. This includes connecting the drain assembly, hooking up supply lines, and applying plumber's putty or silicone. Under 2 hours for most plumbers.

Undermount Installation

Typically done by the countertop fabricator during counter installation: included in counter price or $100-$200 extra. If retrofitting an undermount into an existing countertop: $250-$400 labor. The cutout must be precise and the mounting hardware secure -- especially for heavy sinks.

Farmhouse / Apron-Front

Cabinet modification for an apron-front sink: $200-$500 (carpenter or installer). Plumbing connection: $150-$300. Total installation labor for a farmhouse sink conversion: $400-$800. New construction or renovation where the cabinet is built for the sink is much cheaper than retrofitting.

New Sink Location

Adding a sink where none existed (wet bar, basement bathroom, laundry room): $500-$1,500 for plumbing rough-in. This includes running supply and drain lines, adding a vent, and connecting to the existing system. The cost depends on distance from existing plumbing and whether the new location is above or below the drain line.

Pedestal and Vessel

Pedestal sink installation: $200-$350 labor. Requires mounting to the wall (blocking may be needed inside the wall). Vessel sink: $150-$300 labor. Straightforward plumbing but the faucet setup may require a different type of drain and pop-up assembly.

Pro Tips

Drop-in sink replacement is a great DIY project. The hardest part is applying the drain assembly -- use plumber's putty, not silicone, for the basket strainer.
Schedule undermount sink installation with your countertop fabricator, not separately. They template the cutout for a perfect fit.
If converting to a farmhouse sink, get quotes from both a carpenter (for cabinet modification) and a plumber (for connections). Some installers do both.
A garbage disposal adds 15-30 minutes to any sink installation -- mention it when getting quotes.

Mistakes to Avoid

Trying to DIY an undermount installation without the right clips and adhesive -- a 75 lb sink falling off the counter is a disaster.
Not reinforcing the cabinet for a farmhouse sink. Standard cabinets aren't built for 80-120 lb sinks full of water.
Scheduling a plumber before the countertop is installed. The plumber needs a finished counter to connect everything.
Forgetting to budget for a new faucet and garbage disposal installation alongside the sink.

When to Call a Pro

Undermount and farmhouse installations are best left to pros. Drop-in replacements and pedestal sinks are DIY-friendly. Any new sink location requires a licensed plumber for the rough-in.

Bottom Line

Drop-in replacement: $150-$250 labor. Undermount: $100-$400. Farmhouse conversion: $400-$800. New location: $500-$1,500. Plan for supporting work (cabinet mods, countertop, faucet) in addition to the plumbing labor.

Sink Installation Costs