Replacing your outdated bathroom sink is a great way to transform your bathroom. There are countless options to fit any style you're looking to achieve. But when you find the perfect sink for your bathroom, how much will it cost you to replace the old one? We've done the research to bring you the answer.
Factors such as materials and labor costs can affect how much a sink remodel will cost you. On average, you can expect to spend around $450-$700.
Due to all the factors involved in replacing a bathroom sink, determining how much it will cost will depend on decisions about materials and even your location. We've looked at all of these factors and broken them down in this guide to help you determine how much this project will cost. So, be sure to keep reading.
The Cost Of Replacing The Bathroom Sink
From the cost of labor to determining when it's time to replace your bathroom sink, a lot goes into deciding how to approach this project.
Labor
Having an experienced technician or plumber install your new sink will assure that the job gets done correctly. Often, these jobs can be done quickly by an expert and can eliminate the stress of you having to learn to install the sink yourself.
Installation
The cost of labor will vary by location and what the project entails. For instance, living in an area such as a small town or an area where the cost of living is lower will have a lower labor cost. However, if you live in an area where the cost of living is higher, that will reflect in labor costs.
The size of the project will also determine the labor cost. If you are replacing a faucet or a single sink vanity, the labor will be lower as less work goes into this type of work. However, if you are needing to replace existing sink plumbing or add a sink mount that requires a change to the wall where it's located, it will cost more.
Putting a pedestal sink that stands off the wall in place of a single sink vanity that covered the wall behind it may call for a new coat of paint or even patching to hide previous plumbing. If you are simply changing the sink on a bathroom counter, then no extra labor should be required during the installation and it will be less expensive.
Installation Costs
The range for labor cost can be anywhere from $100-$500. A standard bathroom sink replacement with minimal change to the area can take an average of 2.5 hours to complete. The lower end of this range would be around $45/per hour while the higher end would be $200/hour.
These factors will be influenced by location and cost of living, as these hourly rates tend to be set. Then you have to account for the amount of work needed to complete the project and how much time that would take. The best way to get the most accurate cost is to call your local plumber. Most of the time they can offer you a free estimate of the work.
Removal
Removing the sink is extra labor and therefore will cost a bit more. This can be as low as $20 or as high as $150. Again, these factors are affected by location and the amount of labor required in the removal. Often, these costs will include hauling away the old sink, so you don't have to worry about how to dispose of or recycle it yourself.
Can You Replace The Bathroom Sink Yourself?
Yes, you can replace the bathroom sink yourself. If you are experienced in remodeling or plumbing, then you can feel confident in accomplishing this yourself. However, if you don't have the experience, then consider the work at hand. Replacing a drop-in sink or a sink that sits inside the vanity counter can be accomplished by watching a YouTube video or by talking to your local hardware store representative.
If the project is far from a simple YouTube video, it's best to hire a professional. You don't want to risk creating damage or an issue that would cost you more money to fix than the installation of the sink would have.
Sink Material And Mountings
There are four common mountings of sinks and several different materials for those sinks. We're going to look at where those stand in terms of cost.
Low-End
Low-end sinks are more common and most likely what you are used to seeing in most homes.
Drop-In
Drop-in sinks are a standard sink in most households. The sink itself is set into the vanity or counter and provides support from the top lip that sits on the counter.
These sinks are among the most affordable, yet do have more elaborate designs that can be costly. The lower end of the range is less than $40, which is usually the average round sink that most people have seen. However, if you are looking for something more modern, a rectangle drop-in sink can be as little as $100.
Pedestal
Pedestal sinks are a way to make your bathroom look upgraded without spending a ton of money. Usually, these sinks will replace the vanity with a drop-in sink. Unlike the drop-in sink which can be replaced without removing the vanity, the pedestal is purchased as sink and mount.
Although you can choose to spend upwards of $1,000 on a high-end pedestal sink, these can be purchased as low as $120.
Both of these sinks are typically available in ceramic, Vitreous China, or porcelain. All are sturdy enough to stand up to everyday use and resist scratches and stains.
High-End
If you're looking for a luxurious upgrade and have the money to spend, these sinks can help you achieve your dream bathroom.
Undermount
Unlike the drop-in sink, this sink is attached from underneath the counter, providing more space around your sink and creating a seamless look in your bathroom.
Although there are cheaper versions of this sink available, to really take advantage of the classy look this can provide, a higher-end option is recommended. Copper undermount sinks are a unique addition to any bathroom, and they can range from $150-$200.
Vessel
Vessel sinks are a gorgeous upgrade from an average sink or vanity. These sinks sit on top of the counter. There are options to fit almost any style, from natural stone or colored glass to classic porcelain and ceramic.
If choosing this type of sink, pay attention to whether or not it has an overflow drain. This is the hole on the inside wall of a sink that drains water out if the sink gets too full in order to prevent overflow. Glass or stone vessels tend to not have these drains, so if it's an important feature for you to have, be on the lookout for it when sink shopping.
Ceramic and some glass vessel sinks will start just above $100 while more elaborate glass and natural stone can cost you $500-$1,000. There's an option for almost all price ranges, but the more unique options will cost you more.
What Is The Most Durable Bathroom Sink Material?
Stainless steel is the most durable sink material. Although it's mostly used in kitchens for its ability to stand up to bacteria, stains, and corrosion, it's making it's way into bathroom decor as well. Although ceramic and porcelain also maintain themselves against stains and scratches very well, they are still able to be chipped and can break if they fall, are dropped, or something heavy lands on them.
Extra Materials
Once you've picked your sink, there are some extra materials you need to have in order to begin. First, if your sink didn't come with its own faucet, you'll have to purchase one. There are tons of styles to choose from and range in price from $6-$900, depending on your style of choice.
Most faucets will also come with a drain and stopper, but the cheapest ones may not. If you need a drain and stopper, make sure to find one that matches your faucet's finish. These are relatively cheap and generally won't cost more than $10.
You'll also need a sink installation kit. Again, this is something that could come with the sink itself but absolutely needed if it doesn't. These kits contain the necessary parts to connect the drain in the sink to the plumbing. You can purchase a kit that contains all the parts for less than $20.
Click here to view this drain kit on Amazon.
How Do You Know When The Bathroom Sink Needs Replacing?
Sinks tend to last a very long time. Even the less costly porcelain and ceramic sinks can last decades. When trying to decide if it's time for a new sink, you can look at how the water behaves. If the sink is leaking, chipped and broken, or is showing signs of mold, then it's time to replace the sink or, at the very least, upgrade the plumbing.
How Long Should A Bathroom Sink Last?
In general, sinks should last about 15-20 years. Even then, its faucet may be the only element that needs replacing. Soapstone sinks are natural stone that is capable of lasting 50-100 years. Although the faucet would need replacing a few times in that span, this hard stone could be around for a century.
In Closing
Replacing your bathroom sink can give your bathroom a new look without the hassle of a full remodel. No matter what style or price ranch you are looking for, you can find something you will love in your home!
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