I'm at a stage in a kitchen reno where I am removing the sink so I can remove the benchtop. I was (after some fight, swearing and brute force) able to get the taps off (that was a win). However the removal of the tap is causing me much grief and holding everything else up. In hindsight, yes I should have asked the plumber to do this when he turned off and isolated the water (but he was a grumpy plumber and didn't think to ask at the time for extras!). Up top I cut off the tap (I have a multi tool with a metal cutter) as thought I may need to resort to cutting off the collar as well so I could get the sink off and just leave the tap in situ until the plumber comes back. However before I attempt that can anyone suggest any brilliant way of unscrewing the tap connection underneath? My understanding is that the nut that is directly underneath the tap holds it in place but it requires a contortionist to get a spanner in there. Any thoughts as to the best way to get this off so I can remove the sink would be appreciated. Also if I decide to try and cut the collar off the tap up top what blade would be best on the multi tool?
Hi @DIYHaveaCrack
I think you might find that the under sink plumbing was fitted before the sink went in, hence the difficulty in trying to remove it with the sink fitted. I can see where copper pipe extends each end to welded joints which were probably joined afterwards from under the sink. Pretty common for something so old. I wouldn't be wasting any time here and just cut the copper pipe/s where you can and pull the sink out with the old tape ware fitted. A hacksaw will do the job nicely. Nailbag
Hello @DIYHaveaCrack
Just a friendly reminder that any plumbing work must be carried out by a registered plumber for safety and compliance.
You've done very well so far, your assessment is correct in regards to the screw underneath the sink. It's holding the spout body in place which technically holds the sink in place. In order for the sink to come out, the spout body must be removed. Due to the limited space it's very likely that the tap was installed on the sink itself before it was installed on the benchtop.
I propose using your multi tool and cutting underneath the spout flange. This will remove the top section of the body of the spout and will allow you to remove the sink all together. Another alternative is to cut the copper pipes (hot/cold) and cap off the ends using Brasshards 15mm Brass Compression Stop LF. My best advice is to make sure that the mains water is turned off before making any cuts and that the copper pipe ends are clean and smooth free of swarf.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Thanks Eric. Yes of course the disconnection and isolation of the kitchen sink was done by an authorised (if grumpy :) plumber.
Can you be more specific about using the multi tool and cutting underneath the spout flange. I think this is the best option as I'm reluctant to cut the copper pipes as I don't know what the plumber may require when he re-installs the replacement tap mixer.
Re the flange (which I think is the rounded piece at the bottom of the tap that meets the sink top) Not sure if you mean getting the multi tool under there so I can cut into the tap lower down. I see two problems - 1. I can't get the multi tool blade underneath the spout flange (not enough give) and 2 I don't think the multi tool blade is long enough to reach the tap if I can get it underneath somehow.
Or perhaps you mean cutting through the flange (and then the tap) in that top part of the flange where there is a little groove? That might then allow me to remove the bottom part of the flange which is holding the sink in place.
A bit more explanation would be appreciated. Much thanks.
Your last explanation of cutting through the bottom of the flange is exactly what I am referring to. However, upon further examination, I recall that this section is solid brass and your multi tool might not be up to the task of cutting through the spouts brass body. I propose trying this technique instead, if you have locking pliers in your tool box, I suggest clamping it onto the spout flange and turning it counterclockwise to see if you can unscrew the spout body from the top. Should you succeed the entire spout assembly will come off and allow you to remove the sink.
My only other suggestion is to use a grinder and a steel cutting/grinding disk that will go right through the brass body of the spout. Please remember to wear personal protection such as a long sleeve work shirt, pants, closed toe footwear along with gloves, goggles and a mask.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
Good Evening @DIYHaveaCrack
I think I am missing something here?
You said you had the grumpy plumber :) perform a "disconnection and isolation of the kitchen sink"
Perfect, Now are you trying to remove said sink? If the pipes are disconected (must be otherwise water would be everywhere) then why cant you undo those clips/clamps around the edge of the sink that holds it to the bench. Remove the sink and you have access to the underside. You can see one of the clips on the first photo, undo all of them around the edge and the sink should lift up and out.
I dare say the new taps you install may have a flexible hose to go from the wall cap to the sink (that way less hassel if you ever replace the taps again) There seems to be a fair crease/kink in the copper as it is (first photo) Do you have a photo of the capping off of the water pipes?
Dave
Hello Dave. I asked the plumber to disconnect the dishwasher (which he did) and to isolate the kitchen sink taps so I could do further work in that area but still have access to water in the rest of the house. So that is all he did. What I should have done (or he should have suggested) was to have him remove the taps and faucet at the same time. Yes I have unscrewed all the clips surrounding the sink ready to go and I have removed the taps however the faucet is still connected and the faucet flange prevents me from lifting the sink as it is still connected to the pipes underneath.
Okay everybody. Yes I get it after Nailbag commented and Dave-1 you are right! For some reason I was thinking that the sink was held down by the faucet flange but as the plumber has already cut the copper pipes I should be able to just get the whole thing out in one piece (and in fact didn't even need to remove the taps - however that was incredibly satisfying). :)
Will have a crack at it tomorrow - perhaps just needed some extra muscle!!
