Choosing the right pro for a sink installation project depends on the scope of the job. Narrow your search to focus on plumbers (or handymen with a plumbing license) for basic sink installation projects that include removing an existing sink and installing a new one.

If you need to install cabinetry or a new countertop, you may need someone with more expertise. If your plumber can’t do this work, consider hiring a carpenter, cabinet installer, countertop fabricator or countertop installer. 

Alternatively, you may want to hire a general contractor who can bring in the right team to complete the project, especially if you plan to work on other areas of your kitchen or bathroom.

Once you have a list of potential professionals, make sure you:

• Verify their license to ensure it’s valid and active.

• Make sure they have insurance.

• Read their customer reviews.

• Get price quotes from each.

• Share details about your existing sink, countertop and new sink.

• Ask plenty of questions, including how long the project will take and if they have experience completing projects that are similar to yours.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

The national average to install a sink ranges from around $230 to $615,* according to Thumbtak data. This price can vary based on multiple factors, including the amount of labor needed and the type of sink you want to install.

The cost will also depend on whether the space has an existing sink. If not, your plumber might need extra time and materials to run the plumbing to the new site. 

Be aware that if you’re replacing a sink, you might also consider replacing the faucet — especially if your current faucet is old or worn. Depending on the faucet you choose, this might increase the total cost. 

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

While most sink installations are quick jobs that the average plumber can accomplish within a day, that doesn’t mean they’re always simple. Installing a sink typically involves these steps:

• First, the plumber will need to remove the existing sink. If there’s no existing sink, then the plumber will usually run water and drain lines to the area. They (or another professional, like a countertop fabricator) may also need to cut a hole in the countertop to fit the new sink.

• Plumbers often install the faucet as the next step before installing the sink itself. This tends to make it easier to ensure that the faucet seals tightly to the sink.

• Next, they’ll fit the sink to the countertop and ensure that it forms a tight, leak-proof seal around the perimeter of the sink.

• Last, they’ll hook up water and drain lines and test the new sink to ensure it’s leak-free.

You don’t always need to replace the countertop when replacing the sink. If your new sink is smaller than the old one, however, keep in mind that this may be necessary. Consult your plumber to find out if you should consider replacing your countertop to fit your new sink.

Also, replacing your double sink with a single sink is typically an easy job, but only if they have the same dimensions. If not, the plumber will likely need to adjust the drain lines. Confirm with your plumber if it’s possible to change your double sink into a single sink.

In many cases, a professional plumber can install a sink within a single day. That includes removing the original sink, making any needed adjustments to the plumbing and dropping in or mounting a new sink to the existing countertop.

If you need to install a new countertop or cabinetry, a professional may need an additional day or so before installing the sink itself. 

In cases where new plumbing needs to be run to install a sink where there wasn’t a pre-existing one, the job may take two to three days. One day for plumbing, another to install cabinetry and a countertop and a third for sink installation.

When you start getting quotes from local plumbers, ask them to include the estimated timeline for this project. 

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

If you’re not an experienced DIY-er, it might be best for you to hire a professional to install your sink.

Poorly installed sinks can lead to leaky fixtures that may cost a small fortune in water damage repairs. A licensed plumber can remove the existing sink and install the new one, all while ensuring that the faucet and drain connections are properly installed to prevent leaks.

Also, you might be legally required to obtain a permit to do this job, which a professional can often help with. A plumber can remove the existing sink and install the new one while ensuring that the faucet and drain connections are properly installed to prevent leaks. 

Part of the job may require a carpenter, countertop fabricator or countertop installer to create an opening within your countertop to fit the new sink. Ask your plumber if they can complete this task, or if you’ll need to hire someone else. 

Most sink installation jobs are feasible as long as the plumber has all of the necessary tools and labor. Still, some projects can be extremely difficult (and usually more expensive). Here are some examples:

• Undermount sinks are typically harder to replace than drop-in sinks because the plumber will need an extra set of hands to hold both the original sink and the new sink in place during the removal and replacement process.

• If there is no plumbing in the area where you wish to install a new sink, your plumber will likely need to run water supply lines and drain lines, which may be costly and time-consuming. In many cases, this is typically true when long spans of piping need to be installed or when plumbing needs to be routed through ceilings or obstacles like cinderblock walls.

• Below-grade sinks (in basements, for example) may require the plumber to bring in a general contractor or other professional to jackhammer out sections of the floor so that below-grade drains can be installed. Alternatively, they might need to install a utility sink pump to drain water upwards to the main sewer line.

A plumber will be able to tell you whether your sink installation project will be difficult or easy, and how it will impact the project’s cost and timeline.