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myCost of Moving a Kitchen Sink
At a Glance
- The average cost of moving a kitchen sink is around £500.
- Most straightforward kitchen sink relocations take 3 to 4 hours to complete.
- How much it costs to move a kitchen sink in the UK.
- What affects the price and what the work involves.
- How to use MyJobQuote to compare quotes from local plumbers near you.
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£500
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Kitchen Sink?
The average cost of moving a kitchen sink is around £500. Most sink relocations cost between £400 and £750, depending on how far the sink is moved and how much plumbing work is needed.
This price normally covers labour, new hot and cold water feeds, waste pipework, connectors, sealing, and final leak checks. A straightforward move close to the existing pipework may take 3 to 4 hours. Moving the sink to another wall or into an island can take longer, particularly if the waste pipe needs to run under a concrete floor.
What is your main reason for moving a kitchen sink?
Improve the layout of a kitchen
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Needing to fix an issue (leaks, pipework etc)
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As a result of plumbing work
1 votes - 25%25% of votes
Installing a new kitchen sink
1 votes - 25%25% of votes
As part of a wider kitchen renovation project
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If the sink is staying in the same position and you only need a new unit fitted, see our guide to kitchen sink replacement costs.
The exact cost depends on the new location, access to the existing plumbing and whether the worktop, cabinets or flooring need to be altered. The best way to get an accurate price is to request a free quote from a plumber for the planned relocation.
Moving a Kitchen Sink Prices
The table below shows average costs for some standard kitchen sink relocation jobs.
| Type of Relocation | Average Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Short move along the same wall (near existing feeds and waste) | £400–£500 | 3 to 4 hours |
| Move to an adjacent wall (moderate pipe extension) | £500–£650 | 4 to 6 hours |
| Move across the kitchen / opposite wall (longer pipe run) | £650–£750 | Up to 1 day |
| Move into an island (timber / suspended floor) | £800–£1,100 | Around 1 day |
| Move into an island (concrete / screed floor, waste channel cut) | £1,100–£1,600 | 1 to 2 days |
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What do I need to consider when putting a sink in a kitchen island?
"The main consideration is running the waste pipe with enough fall for the water to drain away. The water supply is normally less of a problem. If you have a screed or concrete floor, it may need to be chased out for the waste pipe. Once the water and waste connections are in place, fitting the sink is much the same as it would be elsewhere in the kitchen."
Get Quotes for the Cost of Moving a Kitchen Sink
Moving a kitchen sink can improve the functionality and workability of your kitchen.
But it can be a complicated job, so it's always best to hire a tradesperson to prepare, install and finish the project.
You can use MyJobQuote to request and compare quotes from local plumbers.
Check out our complete cost guide to find all the information you need.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Moving a Kitchen Sink
While the average cost of relocating a kitchen sink is around £500, several factors can affect the final price.
- Distance Moved — The further the sink needs to be relocated, the more pipework and adjustments are required.
- Plumbing Complexity — Connecting to existing pipes, dishwashers or washing machines can also add to labour costs. New pipework can increase costs.
- Worktop Adjustments — Moving the sink may require cutting or replacing worktops.
- Sink Type and Material — Stainless steel is most affordable and ideal for most budgets. Ceramic kitchen sinks or fireclay is mid range. A cast iron kitchen sink is high end and long lasting.
- Sink Size — Larger sinks usually cost more. 1 and 1/2 bowl kitchen sinks take more time to fit and plumb in.
- Accessibility — If the new sink location is hard to access, for example in a corner, or behind cabinets, plumbers may need extra installation time, increasing the cost of labour.
- Location — Labour costs vary by region. Prices are generally higher in London and the South East compared with other parts of the UK.
What's Involved in Moving a Kitchen Sink?
Although it is possible to install a kitchen sink by yourself, where plumbing is concerned, it's best to leave it to the experts. Hiring someone with the right experience ensures pipework is correctly fitted, reducing the risk of leaks and future issues, while allowing drains and pipes to be properly checked.
Sinks can also be heavy, and may require more than one person to move to avoid any injury or risk causing damage. This too should be carried out by a professional, especially if you are arranging a full kitchen remodel, as other jobs will likely be required at the same time.
It is also worth asking for more than one quote, which you can do via MyJobQuote, in which case search for kitchen plumbers via our website for fast and free quotes without any further commitments to go ahead.
Before the Job
- Turn Off Water Supply — Locate the stopcock (usually under the sink or near your water meter) and shut off the main water supply to prevent leaks or flooding and check to ensure there's no running water.
- Disconnect Attachments — Use a bucket to drain any excess water left in the pipes before removing filtration systems, waste disposal, dishwasher, or washing machine connections where appropriate.
During the Job
- Remove Existing Sink — Detach the drain and P-trap pipes from underneath the sink. Remove any metal clips and scrape away old caulk. Carefully lift out the sink and clean the worktop surface.
- Fit the New Kitchen Sink — The exact process may vary depending on the type of sink or where you are moving the new one to, especially if there is any work required to make space for where the sink is being installed.
- Finishing Touches — Apply caulk around the edges of the worktop cut-out, place the sink into position, and secure it underneath with clips so the sink is safely installed.
- Reconnect Plumbing and Fixtures — Reattach the taps and pipework, along with any extra kitchen appliances that may require connecting. Install the drain strainer in the plug hole and secure it with plumber's putty before connecting the P-trap and drainpipes.
- Turn on the Water Supply — Reattach hot and cold water lines, along with any other connections before turning on the water and checking carefully to ensure there aren't any leaks.
After the Job
- Final Checks — Run both hot and cold water through the system to ensure both are turned on, then inspect all plumbing connections so there aren't any potential issues and so you can confirm everything is working as expected.
- Clean-Up — Remove tools, leftover caulk, and water spills. Clean the area where necessary, leaving the area tidy and ready for use. If there's an old kitchen sink that needs removing, this should be disposed of responsibly.
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Checklist: Hiring a Contractor to Move a Kitchen Sink
When hiring someone to move a kitchen sink, you need to ensure the job is carried out correctly and professionally. As such, here is a checklist of things to take into account:
- Do they have the right qualifications and experience? Make sure that they specialise in new kitchen sink installations and ask how often they do similar jobs. Hiring a skilled and qualified plumber can help prevent leaks and costly mistakes further down the line.
- Do they have examples of previous work? Ask to see recent photos or testimonials from past projects. Alternatively, check their MyJobQuote profile for further information and customer reviews/feedback.
- Do they have public liability insurance? This isn't a legal requirement. However, many individual workmen or reputable companies will at least be covered in the event of injury or accidental damage while moving your kitchen sink.
- Are there any additional costs involved? Requesting a quote to include a full breakdown of what's included as part of the kitchen sink installation will avoid any hidden extras. Check anything such as amending pipework or waste removal is listed, and how much of the final cost is involved.
- How long will the job take? While moving a kitchen sink may sound straightforward, your quote should also indicate what's involved and the expected timeframe. Also check how many people will be onsite, as this can also impact the final price.
- Have you received more than one quote? Find local plumbers in your area with MyJobQuote and request a recommended three quotes without any obligation, so you can compare tradespeople and ensure you get the right price for the work.
FAQs
Can You Move a Kitchen Sink to an Island?
Yes, but the waste pipe must have enough fall for water to drain away. Hot and cold water feeds are usually easier to reroute. If the kitchen has a concrete or screed floor, a channel may need to be cut for the pipework, which increases the time and cost.
How Easy Is It to Move a Kitchen Sink?
The basin itself is fairly simple to move. What becomes complicated is the plumbing and pipes at the new site of installation, as well as making sure the newly installed sink and kitchen surfaces are finished to a good standard. It is often best to hire a plumber to carry out a sink relocation rather than doing it yourself.
What Is the Difference Between Replacing and Installing a New Kitchen Sink?
Replacing a sink involves taking out the old kitchen sink unit and putting a new one in its place. Installing a sink involves expanding the original site or creating a whole new plumbing system and kitchen worktop to accommodate a new sink. Replacing a current sink is more affordable than installing a new one.
Why Are Kitchen Sinks Positioned Underneath or Close to Windows?
Kitchen sinks are often positioned underneath or close to windows because a window indicates that the sink is next to an outside wall. An outside wall is essential for the sink drainage system to work effectively, as the shorter the waste pipe is, the better the system will work. A shorter pipe is cheaper to install and provides easy access to dealing with drainage issues.
Can I Move a Kitchen Sink to Another Wall?
A kitchen sink can usually be moved to another wall if the hot and cold water feeds and waste pipe can be extended to the new position. The waste pipe still needs a suitable fall towards the drain. Longer pipe runs, difficult access and alterations to cabinets, worktops or flooring can increase the cost.
