How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sink?

Whether it is installed in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, a sink is an integral part of every home. Sinks are used every day to wash hands, bodies, dishes, pets, and clothing. They can hold items to soak or be used as a place for a quick rinse.

Sinks are available in many shapes, sizes, colors, and materials to meet the needs of the user, space, and style of the room. The national average cost of installing a sink ranges from $200 to $1,000. For example, installing a drop-in, double-bowl kitchen sink in an existing counter should cost about $400.

Sink Prices

Bathroom Sink Cost by Style

There is a range of different types and styles of bathroom sinks, and the costs vary greatly. For example, there are simple drop-in sinks that can be fitted into a vanity or countertop or pedestal sinks that stand alone. Different sink styles offer varying aesthetics and can be installed in several ways. Some require a pre-existing counter or vanity while others mount on the wall.

Drop-in Sink Cost

A drop-in or self-rimming sink is installed into a vanity or countertop. It drops right into the countertop, with a rim that runs around the outside. Drop-in sinks are among the cheapest and easiest to install, with an average cost of $200 to $300.

Undermount Sink Cost

Undermount sinks are mounted beneath the countertop and then sealed in place, usually with a high-strength epoxy or silicone caulk. They often look like the counter simply dips down to form the sink. The average cost for an undermount sink is between $200 and $500.

Wall-mount Sink Cost

A wall-mount sink is mounted or hung directly on the wall. You can usually see the plumbing with this sink style, so it may need to be hidden with a vanity. The average cost for wall-mount sinks ranges from $300 to $600.

Pedestal Sink Cost

A pedestal sink can stand on its own, without the need for countertops or vanities. These models are gaining in popularity due to their fashionable and elegant designs. Even though they come with a base, these sinks still need to be fitted onto a wall to remain sturdy and upright. Costs range from $300 to $2,000 on average.

Vessel Sink Cost

A vessel sink is like a large bowl that sits on top of the counter or vanity. These sinks are popular because of the wide range of colors, designs, and materials you can choose from. You can buy vessel sinks in glass, metal, ceramic, and stone. Since there are many options with vessel sinks, the average price has a broad range, from $400 to $5,000.

Console Sink Cost

A console sink is hybrid between a wall-mounted sink and a pedestal sink. They usually feature a sink and countertop that is mounted to the wall and then supported by two or four legs. Because they are often made of high-quality materials, they can be expensive, ranging from $500 to $5,000.

Kitchen Sink Cost by Style

Kitchen sinks are rarely given the same importance as bathroom sinks because they are not usually a key feature of the room. They may be less visible and integral to the overall look and feel of a kitchen, but they still have a wide range of styles and sizes. Some styles are aesthetically pleasing, while others focus only on functionality.

Drop-in Sink Cost

A drop-in or self-rimming kitchen sink slips into the countertop and hangs on by the rim. It can be a single, double, or triple bowl, depending on the model, and the average cost varies from $200 to $500.

Bar Sink Cost

A bar sink is one of the smaller sinks available for the kitchen. Most commonly used as a secondary sink due to its smaller size, bar sinks are often more decorative and fancy. The average cost for a bar sink is between $200 and $500.

Corner Sink Cost

A corner sink is placed in the corner of the counter, wherever it forms a 90-degree angle. Corner sinks are available as a single and double bowl and cost between $300 and $600 on average.

Undermount Sink Cost

An undermount sink is installed beneath the countertop, creating a smooth and flowing aesthetic that is appreciated in contemporary kitchens. These sinks are available as single, double, and triple bowls and cost from $300 to $2,000.

Farmhouse Sink Cost

A farmhouse sink is similar to an undermount sink in that it is installed beneath the countertop. Unlike an undermount, the front part of a farmhouse sink is visible, which leads to the sink base cabinet being lower. These sinks are often chosen for their rustic charm and unique aesthetic qualities. They are found in single- and double-bowl styles and cost between $500 and $2,000.

Sink Price by Material

Both bathroom and kitchen sinks come in a wide range of materials. While the majority of bathroom sinks are porcelain and most kitchen sinks are stainless steel, you can also find sinks in a much wider variety of material.

Bathroom Sink Cost

Kitchen Sink Cost

Cost to Install Kitchen Sink Plumbing

Installing a sink is a relatively quick and easy task. Some plumbers charge a flat rate, while others charge by the hour at a rate of $45 to $65 per hour for the job. In most cases, however, the installation costs are around $150 to $200 per sink, including the labor and cost of any additional parts needed for the install.

Sink Installation Process

Installation for a sink varies tremendously depending on the style, its location, and what material it may be installed on.

For pedestal and wall-mounted sinks, a bracket ¹ is installed first that holds the weight of the sink. The sink is screwed to the bracket 2, the plumbing is hooked up, and in the case of the pedestal, the lower portion is installed last.

If the sink is being installed in a drop-in style, a bead of adhesive is run around the rim, and the sink is simply lowered into place. The same applies to vessel sinks. The plumbing and faucet can be installed at the same time.

If you are undermounting a sink, the sink itself is usually installed at the same time as the countertop. Epoxy ² is used to hold the sink in place and to attach the brackets 2 that lend support. While the epoxy ² cures, a large D clamp is used to hold the sink in place. This remains for roughly 24 hours, then the plumbing and faucet can be hooked up.

Some bathroom vanities may come with the sink already attached, in which case the plumbing can be installed right away.

In most cases, replacement sinks need to be the same size as the current sink, particularly if using a vanity or sink-base cabinet in a kitchen. Even with a new countertop, it is the size of the cabinet that determines the size of the sink. To determine the largest size sink that will fit inside a cabinet, open the cabinet and measure from inside stile to inside stile and subtract 3 inches. This is the largest size that can be installed in this vanity or cabinet.

Sink Bowls

The vast majority of bathroom sinks have a single bowl or basin. If a second basin is needed, it is common to install a second sink nearby in either the case of a pedestal or larger vanity.

For the kitchen, however, sinks come in a variety of configurations, including those with single, double, and even triple bowls. Each of these come in a variety of shapes, such as a D-bowl, a simple rectangle, two sinks that have equal compartments, or a D-bowl with a smaller side compartment.

When choosing a double bowl or even a triple, keep in mind that the costs typically rise for both the sink and installation. Sinks with multiple compartments cost more, but also the installation is more expensive because a second P-trap is necessary.

If you install a garbage disposal, it is common to designate one bowl for the disposal and the second bowl for plain water.

Average costs for installing a single-bowl sink is around;$360, while a double bowl of the same size is about;$470. A triple bowl is even more expensive with an approximate cost of $600. Keep in mind that triple bowls are slightly more difficult to find, which can increase costs as well.

Faucet

A new faucet does not always need to be installed at the same time as a new sink. However, they are frequently paired together, particularly in renovations, with new countertops, or when the faucet installs directly into the sink itself.

Faucets come in nearly as many combinations, configurations, and styles as sinks. They are available in many finishes and function in different ways.

If the faucet is to be installed in the sink itself, pay attention to the hole drillings. Faucets come in single-hole (monoblock), 4-inch (centerset or minispread), and 8-inch (widespread) styles. Not every faucet will fit every sink, so take care to match the drillings to the faucet style.

If using a sink with a narrow ledge, consider installing a wall-mounted faucet to make more room. Vessel sinks may require either a wall-mounted faucet or tall, monoblock faucet to fill the bowl.

If you choose an oversized kitchen sink or one with many compartments, make sure that the faucet can swivel to reach the different sections. Pull-down sprayers help ensure that you can reach all areas.

Both bathroom and kitchen faucets start at around $100 each, with most ranging between $200 and $600. Expect to pay another $50 in installation if installing at the same time as the sink.

Sink Maintenance

The maintenance of your sink is determined by the material it is made from. Copper, for example, has a living finish and is best treated with beeswax. Stainless steel requires a stainless steel cleaner, while a natural stone sink needs a PH-neutral cleanser and sealer.

When in doubt, check with the sink manufacturer for the recommended maintenance and care of your sink. In most cases, however, simply wiping the sink dry after each use and using a rack to avoid scratches is the best practice.

Cost to Replace Kitchen Sink

Even though it may seem like a small job at first glance, removing an installed sink is not always easy. It can increase the cost of your project, depending on how much labor is involved. For example, an undermount sink can be tricky to remove, while a drop-in kitchen sink will be easier to take out. Expect to pay around $25 to $75 for the removal of a fitted sink and then another $20 to $30 to have it sink disposed of. In total, the extra costs for removal and disposal range from $45 to $105.

Cost to Replace Bathroom Sink

Just like with a kitchen sink, you may have to pay extra fees when hiring a professional to remove and replace a pre-existing bathroom sink. The overall cost depends on what type of sink you need removed. A wall-mounted pedestal or console sink may cost more to remove because the job requires more labor. You will pay about $25 to $100 for the removal of a bathroom sink and then another $20 to $30 for disposal, for a total cost of $45 to $130.

Sink Repair Cost

A range of common and uncommon problems arise with a sink, and you usually need to hire a professional to repair them. These include clogged pipes, dripping faucets, and issues with the sink’s surfaces like chips and scratches. In general, the average cost for sink repairs ranges from $75 to $200, depending on the job and amount of work needed.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Existing Sink Removal

Some plumbers charge to remove your old sink. This varies depending on the size of the sink, the materil, whether it can be easily disposed of, and if there is a disposal fee. In many cases, there may be a $50 charge if you choose to have the plumber remove the old sink.

Garbage Disposal Installation

If you are having a garbage disposal installed, it can be hooked up with the rest of the plumbing. This increases your costs by around $300 for both the disposal and installation fee.

Drain Strainer

If you do not have a disposal or have a double sink with only one side hooked to a disposal, you may want to invest in a drain strainer to keep food out of the pipes. These are relatively inexpensive, costing between $5 and $20 per piece, and fit directly into the drain when needed.

Water Treatment Accessories

If you have hard water ³, avoid stains on your new sink by installing a water treatment accessory beneath the counter. These range in cost from $200 to $1,000 on average and improve the quality of your tap water.

Custom Colors

Not all sinks are available in custom colors, but a handful are. Expect to pay at least $50 more per sink for a custom color or hand painting.

Accessories

Some sinks have a range of accessories that protect them and make them easier to use. Drainers, plugs, protective liners ⁴, and more may be available from the manufacturer. These are sized to fit your sink, so always double check the size and model before purchase. Costs start at around $20 for most accessories.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Some sinks come pre-drilled for faucets, particularly those that are drop-in style. Make sure that you have enough holes for your purposes. Most sinks are drilled for three-hole faucets.
• Dishwashers are common in many kitchens and, by code, are installed next to the sink. Dishwasher installation costs $325 to $450 on average.
• Always measure your countertop and cabinet depth as well as the cabinet width before purchasing. Different sink styles require different amounts of clearance, with undermount sinks requiring the most.
• It is common to install a new sink with other coordinating bathroom fixtures at the same time, such as tile, vanity, toilet, and light fixtures, to complete the style of the room.
• Keep in mind that you may need to purchase other accessories including soap dispensers or replacement spray hoses, which can add to costs.
• It is usually recommended that you purchase a sink of the same size when replacing. In some cases, you may be able to go larger, but it is generally harder to go smaller because this often leaves gaps that are difficult to fill.
• If the new sink installation requires repairs to existing floors or walls, your costs will be higher to cover these repairs and any new materials needed.
• Sinks are considered an integral part of a home. Replacing one does not increase the resale value but does help to maintain the value of your house.
• If you choose to use a solid surface countertop and sink, these are purchased and installed together and cannot be used separately.
• Extra wide sinks require special sink base cabinetry to accommodate them and must be planned for ahead of time. This will increase the cost and time to install.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Bracket: A support that projects outward from one surface to hold another surface to it, such as attaching a shelf to a wall or piece of furniture. Brackets can also be used to strengthen joins between two materials

² Epoxy: An adhesive, plastic, paint, or other material made from polymers containing epoxide groups. Epoxy is best used for bonding or for creating a protective coating