How to Remove Kitchen Sink Cabinets

Kitchen remodeling projects often start with removal of the old kitchen cabinets. Removing the cabinets containing the sink requires extra effort due to the plumbing involved. Still, tackled with the proper tools and expertise, most do-it-yourselfers find this project within their abilities.

• 1

  Turn off the incoming water supply. This usually involves closing valves mounted under the sink on the wall. If shutoff valves are not under the sink you may need to shut off the water supply to the entire home.

• 2

  Disconnect the water lines from the valves to the sink faucet. Use a slip joint pliers or properly sized wrench to loosen the pipe fitting.

• 3

  Disconnect the sink drain pipe from the sink. A pipe wrench or large slip joint pliers is generally required. Remove components of the drain pipe system, such as the trap assembly, if these components will interfere with the removal of the cabinets.

• 4

  Remove the backsplash, the portion of the countertop running up the wall above the countertop, if separate from the countertop. Remove any other trim or exterior pieces of the cabinet assembly separate from the cabinet.

• 5

  Remove all drawers or items stored in the cabinet. Removing the drawers lightens the load for moving the cabinet and exposes more of the back wall under the cabinet.

• 6

  Lift the sink from the cabinet. Remove the clips holding the sink to the countertop located under the sink. With these removed, push the sink up from the bottom to allow a handhold and have a friend lift the sink clear.

• 7

  Locate any screws holding the cabinet to the wall. These screws commonly go through a frame component of the cabinet into a stud of the wall.

• 8

  Pull the cabinet away from the wall and dispose of properly.