Replacing an existing surface mounted sink is one of the most effective ways of giving your kitchen a unique appearance. However, you have to consider a number of potential plumbing and installation problems, which are vital in the process. Even though some homeowners can easily replace their old and dirty-looking sink by themselves, it is advisable to hire a professional licensed plumber to eliminate the risk of wrong installation of the new sink.

Surface mounted sinks, also known as self-rimming sinks and under-mount sinks are the common types in the market today. Surface mounted sinks are fixed with tiles, a plastic laminate, and other solid countertop materials throughout the surface. Several installations of this type usually include a stainless steel sink resting on a plastic laminate countertop.

The least cumbersome method of replacing an existing surface mounted sink is buying the exact size of the old sink. As long as you preferred the old sink in accordance with its dimensions and adequate size, you should first measure its length, width and depth as well as the center-to-center measurements of the various holes. If you wish to replace the faucets and sprayers too, then you will have to take their measurements as well.

Buying and installing a surface mounted sink calls for a thorough examination of the drop-in dimension, which should be exactly similar to the old one as well as the number of sinkholes for both the sprayer and the faucet. A professional plumber can help you decide on the right plumbing or home building supply store around your area to buy the most suitable sink. Furthermore, if you decide to upgrade your sink from having faucets that single out hot and cold water to a single-handle faucet, then the hold structure on the new sink should match the new faucet.

One of the most important things to note is that installing the faucet before the new sink is fixed into the countertop is more convenient. Since the professional plumber will have to remove the old sink first, it becomes easier to access the back of the sink, which makes it easier to use the sinkhole to measure the faucet plumbing lines, while tightening the faucets.

Immediately the new sink is firmly fixed in place, the plumber will have to tighten its grip against the countertop using special mounting clips, which bind them. Generally, replacing an existing surface mounted sink is not difficult, but you still need to contact a professional licensed plumber to help you through the process, especially when it comes to measurements and tightening.