How to remove an undermount bathroom sink

[RG Conant]

I'd like to remove and replace a vitreous china undermount type sink in my bathroom that I hate. I don't want to damage the counter top that is something like granite. I've found a replacement sink that uses the same "template" and will fit the hole and clips that is in the counter. I'm looking for the best way to remove the old sink. I have almost no access to the bottom side of the counter and no way to remove the silicone from that side that holds the sink to the counter. I'm sure sinks must get broken or stained and have to be replaced. There must be recommended ways to do this.

 

[Cacher_Chick]

If you cannot remove it in place, the countertop needs to be removed from the cabinet so it can be flipped over and worked on.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[RG Conant]

If you cannot remove it in place, the countertop needs to be removed from the cabinet so it can be flipped over and worked on.

Due to the way the counter was installed and then the tile backsplash, the counter is there to stay and the sink will have to be removed "from the top". I'm considering a "hammer" and then taking the sink out in pieces, but hoped someone would think this would actually work and be a good idea. Thanks

 

[Jadnashua]

Especially at the front and back, the granite counter slab is relatively thin...smashing the sink out is likely to crack your slab at those thin/weaker parts.

Any way to take something like piano wire, looped around two dowels or something similar, and working it back and forth under the rim from the bottom? Done right, the piano wire would act like a knife.

 

[Jadnashua]

Especially at the front and back, the granite counter slab is relatively thin...smashing the sink out is likely to crack your slab at those thin/weaker parts.

Any way to take something like piano wire, looped around two dowels or something similar, and working it back and forth under the rim from the bottom? Done right, the piano wire would act like a knife.

 

[Dj2]

jadnashua - I think it would be almost impossible with the limited space inside the cabinet.

Qoute: "the sink will have to be removed "from the top". I'm considering a "hammer" and then taking the sink out in pieces"

You can try this. get the bigger pieces first, to get rid of most of the weight, then work the rim with a chisel or a putty knife.
Worst case, you would bust the granite.