How to remove a cast iron sink

[@mikepolson7219]

Great video and even better camera work in such a tight space - well done thank you!

[@how2q]

Thank you for the compliment. Had to tell my wife your comment, she is my "technical" advisor, "you need better quality video!"lol

[@siku5it]

You helped me take the courage to remove my very similar cast iron sink - HEAVY. Thank you for the encouraging video.! :)

[@how2q]

Usually saving money is my main motivation...and...satisfaction of "doing it yourself". So glad it helped!

[@MagaRickn]

Good video! We are replacing laminated plastic countertops with granite, and removing a cast iron sink and putting another drop in different color cast iron sink. New sink is 130 lbs. So I imagine old one is too. Glad I have help!

[@how2q]

Wow! I would have definitely needed an extra set of hands if it was that heavy! Good luck

[@michellemorgan-perry5528]

Thank you so very much, Helping Hubbie remove our sink that looks exactly like this one, tile and all. We got it out without any tile breakage, because we are not replacing ours just yet.Great Video!

[@how2q]

Thanks michelle...glad it helped. Well done on no breakage...try and sell it on offerup! I wish we would have saved this one, we could have used it in a renovation we were doing.

[@ZadiusTech]

how did you manage to do it without breaking the tiles? I also am not replacing the tiles.

[@462-x5n]

Thanks for posting! You answered my question about sink clips before I even asked! I was curious why my cast iron sink did not come with any but my old stainless steel has them.

[@how2q]

Yeah, that was the first thing I look for when I started to tackle this project. When you begin to lift the sink you will understand why sink clips are not necessary...Good Luck!

[@ilga7190]

Hi Quinn, just found your video's and they look great! Am only at the 2:00 mark of your: 'How to remove a cast iron sink', and paused to say Thank You !=)) My wife & I are going to tackle the job tomorrow; we have the exact same set-up as your video---except we have linoleum countertop material---w/same cast iron sink, disposer on left, white PVC on right, w/similar dishwasher drain &c, except for our 1/2" copper supply lines being stubbed-up thru the bottom of our cabinet---due to the oft freezing winter days here in Grand Rapids, MI, unfortunately :~\ ---terminating w/ball valve shutoffs > then 1/2" to 1/4" reducers > then the connection to the 3/8"? nut at the bottom of our 1/4" copper lines hanging down from our old Delta faucet hub. So I'll go un-pause and try to remember all your helpful tips, and I'm already looking forward to watching more of your video(s), so thanks again for devoting your time and experience and helpful info and most of all, your kindness in making them !;-) 👍

[@how2q]

Thanks for the response! Make sure you shutoffs actually shutoff; if not make sure shutoff to house works. Can always cap them while you remove sink. Best of luck

[@ilga7190]

@@how2q Thanks for that reminder and will do. We checked them last weekend ;-) We're hoping to install a Kohler stainless steel top-mount [Toccata K-R3847-3]; that is if we can get it to fit, which I'm not sure we'll be able to, as the existing cast iron sink only has 1/4" clearance at the sides---due to a shockingly narrow 31" [inside-to-inside] kit sink cabinet---from the outside of the basins to the cabinet. So I'm guessing that the new SS Kohler clip channels are going to keep it from dropping in the existing cut-out. =( Haven't ever done a replacement before, but I guess the only way to find out is to pull the existing cast iron sink. :~\ Then decide if I can somehow router or multi-tool the sides and rear and front of the cutout....without messing up the linoleum. :~\ As we're not ready to replace the countertop yet, as we're planning on re-designing the entire kitchen & din rm. &c. Thanks again for your great & helpful video(s) !=))

[@JoshuaSciascia]

I had a flush set cast iron next to tile. I scored the grout/caulking between the sink and tile. Between using a hook knife and dremel (after my wife broke off the tip) i used a few solid retaining wall bricks and a car jack underneath with a piece of wood to evenly distribute the pressure. The car jack worked extremely well. I broke only 1 tile and this probably could have been avoided if i rescored what was left after 85% was already lifted.

[@how2q]

Thank you for sharing...i have had several questions on not breaking tile while removing sink. Glad it worked out

[@MichelleLee-fn9wz]

I'm a 25 year female watching this after trying to pull my cast iron sink out alone! Glad to know I'm not the only one with trouble!

[@how2q]

Definitely helps to have another person!

[@davidpai7127]

Just watched your video very helpful! If i want to keep my tiles but just change out the sink is it very difficult to remove it without damaging the surrounding tiles? My cast iron is from the 90s so i imagine itll be similar in terms of amount of it being stuck on there.

[@how2q]

Hey david thanks for watching. One option you may want to explore is lifting sink straight up. I think if you tilt sink you might possibly break tile. Grab your tire jack from your car and use that to lift straight up. You may need scrap 2x4 lumber to make up the distance between jack and sink. Once you have some clearance shim sink w 1x2 lumber so it can rest on it. Then i think you can tilt and remove as you saw me do. It will be tough not to break off some of the grout between tile but that is easy to replace and not too noticeable. Hope this makes sense. Let me know how it goes.

[@andrewhansen4179]

Hello. I want to remove my 137 pound Kohler sink for replacement. No way will I be able to lift it out easily. Is there some sort of lift I can use to yank the sink upwards? Maybe something like an automotive engine hoist? Any ideas?

[@how2q]

Wow…137 lbs! Where there is a will there is a way. Right away I thought about using a car tire jack. To lift it up initially. Honestly a engine hoist isnt a bad idea. If you use a jack just make sure you brace it from bottom. You don’t want to blow out the bottom of cabinet. Let me know if you find solution.

[@rj3504]

Nice job...helped with my removal!

[@trexinvert]

That's a top mount. You lucky. I'm working on an undermount cast iron for a bathroom faucet. No corrosion to help. Any tips. Oh, and I already tried hot air to soften the caulking. No good.

[@how2q]

I wish I could help...have not taken on a project like that. Let me know how you break it free.

[@trexinvert]

Just did it!!!! Old "rusty" cast iron/enamel sink basin outta here. Thanks to my new tool. One of those oscillating multi-tools. Somebody had mentioned using it on a video I watched. Then I quickly searched harbor freight for tool reviews so I got the best one recommended. It did a great job prying between the sink flange and the bottom of the sink cabinet. I had it off in 5 minutes!!!

[@springer-qb4dv]

Those old cast iron sinks are built like a tank and made to last forever! Unfortunately style changes faster

[@how2q]

Ha...I love it when people use the term timeless. In home decor and especially plumbing fixtures...no such thing.

[@k.orange7156]

Good video. Thanks!

[@how2q]

Glad you liked it! Hope it helps with your project

[@piper1727]

Another way is use 2x4's and a small car jack. with all positioned right and scour around sink caulking edge with utility knife it will pop right up. Dont use chizel if you plan on saving counter top.

[@how2q]

I think someone else also mentioned that...great idea and working smarter not harder!

[@piper1727]

I sware to God I did not see that comment about the jack until after posting mine. I was on youtube trying to find a good way to cut out a cast iron sink which was sandwiched in between a wood slab and tiled counter top. Thats what lead me to your video.. Still good stuff, and info you have provided.. never mind the 2 cents I've added..lol.. Im a Service Plumber of 25 years.. I learn something new everyday.. Thanks, your vid is definitely useful.

[@really2345]

You explained later on that you were replacing tile, but it would have been nice if you had placed wood between the bar and the tile so that viewers would have realized there is a proper way to pry apart two objects without damaging materials.

[@how2q]

Thanks WOB. We replace counter with quartz and were able to use the previously installed wood. Appreciate the input and hope others do too!

[@louishollandjr]

How to release the tan silicone without tearing up countertop.

[@how2q]

That is tough...a razor will probably scratch if you are not safe. A putty knife is usually a good way to do it.

[@yadayadayada4674]

How heavy is it? I am female 5'7", middle aged but fairly strong. Can I lift it myself?

[@how2q]

I would not recommend doing it by yourself. I'm guessing 45-50 lbs

[@RyanInFlorida]

I just pulled mine out and it weighs a little over 100Lbs, Kohler brand.

[@yadayadayada4674]

Thank you both for responding. I don't think I can manage that alone, kind of bummed but better to know now than end up hurting my back.

[@kfiscal01]

How to put one in? HEAVY!

[@how2q]

Yes, heaving but easier than using clips with stainless. Just drop it in and its good to go. Thank you for watching!

[@jgjg3848]

How can I tell if my sink is cast Iron? I'm not sure what I have, if it's cast iron or just a porcelain sink. It's marked with a date of 1993 but that's about it underneath. It's an awful bisque color. If it's cast iron, I would keep it & just change the color, but if it's not cast iron, I'll just buy a new one & put it in. Is there a way to determine what a sink is made of?

[@how2q]

jg-thanks for your questions. Most sinks you run into are either cast iron (with porcelain coating) or stainless. There are numerous other possibilities for sinks (composite, acrylic, enamel) but all these are more rare. If it is a bisque color, I'm guessing either cast iron or enamel. Enamel is a cheaper sink that looks very much like porcelain over cast iron but doesn't hold up very well. If it is an older bisque sink, willing to bet it is cast iron. I WISH i would have save this one...we could use it in a project we have. Instead of "painting" your sink, I would go to a used building supply place if you live in a larger city. Used cast iron sinks are very cheap to purchase (under $30) and will hold up better than painting your current one.

[@jgjg3848]

Thanks for the reply. I think it could be cast iron as well. It was a heavily used sink by prior homeowners (everyday and with teen boys) and there's not a nick or scratch on it & the sink was there when he bought the house. I know how abused the sink likely was by the prior homeowner for the 16 years he owned the house and for it to hold up to 3 guys, all 200lbish football players without a nick or scratch, it MUST be cast iron. lol

[@bgregg55]

I use a car jack to lift those cast iron sinks.

[@how2q]

Yup been there done that!! As i get older will def need more “help”

[@ThumperSillywabbit]

Thank you for sharing your experience as I was wondering if engine hoist would work.

[@how2q]

Definitely hoist would work…haha most don’t have one

[@fd8133]

what size is this sink?!

[@how2q]

15 inches W x 17 in L x 10 in D

[@fd8133]

wow and one have here in this apartment is 22 by 33 Length they say this is standard and all they have online now again we had this at my Dad's house cast iron he used my aunt's sink old in new house next door and it's on granite here pink I can't change it I was going to look up cast iron sinks I still haven't you had gave me name I was looking for it actually

[@fd8133]

It can't be 17" Length actually from side to side left to right

[@fd8133]

I wanted to know size of countertops yours looked smaller mostly and a bit too and sink almost looked same cutout alittle bigger smaller sink cus ours looks bigger here and is was .., ..... than yours

[@tabithalynngordon]

How2q thanks man.