Moving Kitchen Sink Cost

How Much to Relocate a Kitchen Sink?

The kitchen sink, a contemplative space for so many of us. No wonder, it is so important that it is in the right position. Whether you want a ceramic Belfast sink by the window, a kitchen island sink in the centre of the room, a granite composite corner sink or a sink in a different room altogether, the location of your kitchen sink is an emotive issue, that can make or break a space.

So what should you expect if you are planning to move a kitchen sink? Although it sounds like a simple job, moving a kitchen sink is probably much more complex than you think. When we consider the prospect of re-modelling any part of a kitchen, we are used to having endless options. However, when it comes to relocating your stainless steel sink, the choices are restricted to a degree by plumbing and drainage considerations.

Any re-positioning of a sink, also involves ensuring that the waste pipe and soil stack are accurately connected to the sink to ensure proper drainage. These two fixtures that we rarely pay any attention too, are the reason that most kitchen sinks are positioned against an outside wall – hence the cliché of the stainless steel sink by the window.

However, plumbing and drainage issues do not mean that moving a sink cannot be done, but it does mean that it can be a tricky, technical and possibly structurally risky job. Depending on the distance moved, the work to relocate a kitchen sink to a central island, for example, is likely to involve digging through the kitchen floor (avoiding important joists), laying new pipes under the floor, configuring new drainage systems to ensure that the waste drains away effectively and at the right angle, digging underneath the house from outside etc.

Such a major piece of work that involves breaking through the kitchen floor, re-locating plumbing and laying new piping, may also require further work to: replace flooring, install kitchen units to hide plumbing, re-plastering, fit new work surfaces, conceal old plumbing and more.

Further, the potential to cause serious damage to your property when you move a kitchen sink are huge. What may have first appeared to be a small re-positioning, can result in long-term structural damage, ongoing drainage issues and further work to dig up your flooring again in future, if not done properly. The consequences of an ill-advised move could be catastrophic. Therefore, it is a good idea to seek a number of professional opinions, from experienced tradesmen, before proceeding with the work.

It is useful to remember that with a new sink in place, you may find that you now have old piping that needs to be hidden, gas or electrical works that need to be dealt with, new workspaces that need to be covered, exposed walls that now need to be painted or additional plumbing costs from extra parts and renovations that are needed to ensure adequate drainage, so it is important to include these extras in any costing.

70%

Materials
£350

20%

Tradesmen
£100

10%

Waste Removal
£50

FAQs

Do you need planning permission to move a kitchen sink?

Most re-locating of kitchen sinks do not require planning permission. However, if moving your kitchen sink will involve any of the following, then you will need to seek planning permission from your local council first. Seek planning permission to move a kitchen sink if:

• • moving walls
• • working in a listed building
• • adjusting the size of doors or windows

If you are moving the kitchen sink to a different room which has never had a sink before, then you should contact your local council first to check whether there are any building regulations that you need to follow.

Can I move a kitchen sink to another room?

Moving a kitchen sink is a tricky job that involves moving plumbing, as well as digging through the floor. The work may require working around important joists and structural beams, which can turn out to make a relocation impossible. Therefore, this is a major job that can get very expensive and building regulations will need to be followed. You may decide that it is more beneficial to move the sink to a new position in the existing kitchen, although that is still a costly job. For any re-positioning of a kitchen sink, it is advisable to obtain professional guidance from experienced builders and plumbers, before you make any firm decisions.

Can I move a kitchen sink to an island in the middle of the room?

Yes, it is possible to create a kitchen island sink. However, there is a lot of work involved because you will need to have new pipes laid underneath the floor, which means that your kitchen floor will need to be dug up, there may also be further digging required underneath your home as well as work to secure proper drainage. Thus, this type of renovation can get very pricey, so it is important to seek professional advice before making any further plans.

Why are kitchen sinks positioned underneath or close to windows?

Kitchen sinks are traditionally positioned under or close to windows, because the window indicates that the kitchen sink is resting against an outside wall. The outside wall is a crucial part of ensuring that the drainage systems for the kitchen sink are fitted effectively for good drainage. Why? Because the shorter the waste pipe, the better the drainage system will work, the cheaper it is to fit and the easier it is to access the piping to deal with any drainage problems.

What is the best type of material for a kitchen sink?

There are lots of different types of kitchen sinks on the market. The biggest factors in your choice are going to be cost and durability.

• • Stainless steel: For the best value and long-lasting material for a kitchen sink, stainless steel is hard to beat. Stainless steel remains the most popular choice because: it is long-lasting, suitable for frequent use, available in a wide variety of styles and damage-resistant.
• • Fireclay ceramic: For a retro-feel, traditional fireclay ceramic kitchen sinks will last for a lifetime, although they can get chipped, are more expensive and come in a much smaller range of sizes.
• • Natural stone: Granite composite, marble or 100% granite kitchen sinks, provide a beautiful, luxe finish, however, they can damage objects that are fall into them and their heavy density can mean that they require special fittings to install.