Thinking About Replacing Your Kitchen Sink?
Read This First—Especially if You’re Keeping Your Countertops
Kitchen Sink Replacement Lessons from the Field
At Herman Services, I’ve come across a variety of kitchen repair situations, but few surprise homeowners more than what happens under the kitchen sink—especially when replacing it without changing the countertop.
Recently, I helped two different customers who wanted to replace their kitchen sinks. Sounds simple enough, right? In both cases, the new sinks were similar in size to the old ones, and the plumbing work was pretty straightforward.
But here’s where things got tricky: the condition of the laminate countertops.
Why Your Countertop Matters When Replacing a Sink
If you have a laminate countertop and you’re replacing your sink—especially for the second or third time—there are a few things you should know:
The area around the sink cutout may be fragile or worn. Over time, moisture can get under the sink rim and start to damage the particle board beneath the laminate surface. You won’t know the condition until the old sink is removed.
Previous sink installations may have left permanent marks. One of the customers I helped had a countertop in great shape—the caulk cleaned up well, and the new sink fit perfectly. But in the second case, the countertop had been scored (cut or marked) by a previous installer, and when we removed the old sink, the damage was clearly visible.
Replacing a sink for the third time often reveals the most wear. When a sink has been changed more than once, it's likely that adhesives, caulk, or scraping from previous jobs has left the countertop weakened or visibly marked. There’s often no way to cover these up, especially with a drop-in sink where the edge of the sink doesn’t extend far past the opening.
A Word of Caution for Homeowners
If you're planning to upgrade your kitchen sink but keep your existing countertop, here’s what I recommend:
Be prepared for the possibility of visible damage once the old sink is removed.
Understand that laminate countertops can’t always be repaired or refinished if they’re chipped or cut.
Whenever possible, try to match the size and shape of the new sink to the old one to avoid exposing flaws around the cutout.
If this is your second or third sink swap, it might be worth considering a countertop upgrade, especially if the laminate is aging or moisture-damaged.
Need Help with a Sink Swap? I’ve Got You Covered.
Kitchen sink replacements can be a great way to refresh your space—but only if you’re prepared for what’s underneath. If you're in DuPage County and thinking about replacing your sink (or you want to know if your countertop will hold up), give me a call.
Get in Touch!
Contact me today through the form at hermanservices.net or give me a call at
630-449-8263.
I’m happy to take a look and help you make the best decision for your kitchen.
