Sink installation costs: How do labor, parts, and extras add up?

Is your current sink showing its age with stubborn stains, persistent leaks, or outdated style? Many homeowners put off replacing their sinks due to concerns about cost or the disruption it might cause. However, delaying this upgrade often leads to bigger headaches like water damage to cabinets, mold and mildew growth, and more.

With the average sink installation in the US costing around $416, it’s an investment that pays daily dividends in functionality and aesthetics. To help you budget effectively and understand which factors might lower or raise your final bill, our comprehensive sink installation cost guide below breaks down everything you need to know before hiring a professional.

How much does sink installation cost in the US?

The cost of sink installation in the US typically ranges from $280 to $1,400 for standard installations. This includes materials and labour, although prices vary significantly based on type and mounting style. For instance, kitchen sinks usually cost more than bathroom sinks as they often incorporate waste disposal units, multiple basins, and specialised taps.

To help you budget more effectively, check out the cost estimates below.

A professional installing a new stainless sink. (Source: iStock)

Sink prices by material

One of the factors that affect sink installation costs is its material. Various materials cost more than others. This can be because of its durability and unique features. 

Factors that affect sink installation costs

Type of sink

The type of sink you choose will greatly affect your final bill. Single-basin sinks are usually the easiest to install since there’s just one drain to connect, so your plumber can complete the job quicker. Double-basin sinks require more plumbing work, with extra drains and connections requiring more time and materials.

Are you eyeing those fancy kitchen sinks with built-in cutting boards or drying racks? Just remember that they often need special cabinet adjustments to fit properly. For this, it’s highly recommended that you call a professional carpenter to assess whether your existing cabinets might need strengthening to hold the weight of the sink you plan to install.

Sink materials

You should also consider what the sink is made of. For instance, stainless steel sinks are lightweight and quick to install. Heavier materials like cast iron might need two installers and cabinet reinforcement. Your choice also affects how the sink connects to your countertop.

• Ceramic and porcelain sinks are hefty and need careful handling to prevent chips or cracks.
• Granite or composite sinks are durable but heavy, often requiring cabinet assessment.
• Copper sinks need special handling to protect their finish and specific installation methods

Labor

More experienced plumbers tend to charge more compared to newer ones. The complexity of the job also affects the cost of labor. It will be more work and may take them longer to remove an old and damaged sink.

A plumber repairing a broken bathroom sink (Source: iStock)

Replacements or damage

If you’re remodelling your kitchen and thinking of installing a new sink, it should fit easily based on your arranged layout. However, replacing an existing sink is trickier since your plumber might find water damage, corroded pipes, or outdated connections that need fixing first. 

Due to their complexity, changing sink styles can also affect your plumber’s hourly rate. For example, if your new sink is larger or smaller than the original, the pipes won’t line up properly and will need adjusting. Adding new features like a waste disposal unit or filtered tap may also mean extra electrical or plumbing work. 

Mounting type

An under-mount sink (mounted underneath the countertop) costs more than an over-mount sink (mounted on top of the countertop) because it requires extra labour. A plumber needs more work to install a flush placement with this kind of sink. However, undermount sinks are an ideal option because they require less upkeep.  

What if you just need a sink repair service?

Not sure if your sink needs replacing or just fixing? Most sink issues can be resolved with professional repairs, saving you significant money compared to complete replacement. Before booking a full installation, check these common indicators that your sink might just need repairs instead:

• Leaky taps can usually be fixed by replacing washers, O-rings, or cartridges
• Slow or blocked drains typically need professional cleaning or pipe replacement rather than a new sink
• Loose fixtures like wobbly taps or handles can be tightened or have mounting hardware replaced
• Minor cracks or chips in porcelain or ceramic sinks can often be repaired with specialised fillers
• Water pressure issues might be related to your plumbing system rather than the sink itself
• Worn seals around the sink edges can be resealed to prevent water damage to cabinets below

However, if your sink has multiple issues, is very old (10+ years), or has significant basin damage, replacement might ultimately be more economical than paying for repeated repairs.

Post a task for sink installation and repair

Struggling with that dripping tap or dreaming of upgrading to a stylish new sink? Don’t let plumbing challenges make your kitchen or bathroom renovation a nightmare. Simply post a task on Airtasker to connect to a local sink installer near you. Just describe your project, upload a photo of your space, set your budget, and let trusted professionals handle your renovation.