Refresh a kitchen sink area

A weekend-plus project to replace the tap, pipework and splashback around a kitchen sink, finishing with a neat tiled and resealed worktop edge.

Guides in this project

01Replace a kitchen mixer tap 02Fit an isolating valve under a sink 03Replace a sink trap 04Unblock a kitchen sink 05Reseal around a kitchen sink or worktop 06Tile a kitchen splashback

PH-01Plan the job and get everything readyMake a full shopping list before you start: tap, isolating valves, trap, tile materials and sealant, so you're not mid-job with the water off and no shop open. Clear the cupboard under the sink and lay dust sheets. Turn off the water at the stopcock and check nothing drips before you begin cutting into any pipework. Allow a full weekend for the tap and plumbing work, then a second weekend, or a few evenings, for tiling and resealing once everything is dry.

2 each · Dust sheet

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1 each · Bucket

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1 each · Cable and pipe detector (if not already owned)

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1 roll · Masking tape

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PH-02Fit the new mixer tapFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Replace a kitchen mixer tap' to remove the old tap and fit the new one. This is a good moment to inspect the old tap tails and flexible hoses, since you'll want to know if they need replacing too. Old nuts under the sink can be seized; a basin wrench makes this much easier than fighting with normal spanners in a tight space.

1 each · Kitchen mixer tap

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1 each · Basin wrench (buy or hire)

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1 roll · PTFE tape

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PH-03Add isolating valves under the sinkFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Fit an isolating valve under a sink' while the pipework is still open from fitting the tap. Fitting valves now means future tap or trap jobs won't need the water turned off at the stopcock. Trying to add these later, once everything is reconnected and boxed in, is far more fiddly.

2 each · Isolating valve

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1 roll · PTFE tape

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PH-04Replace the sink trapFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Replace a sink trap' while the cupboard is already cleared and the pipework is accessible. Even if the old trap isn't leaking, it's worth swapping it now if it's cracked, stained or smells, since you're already set up for plumbing work.

1 each · Sink trap

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PH-05Clear any blockage before you finish plumbingRun water through the sink and check it drains freely. If it's slow or gurgling, follow the HomeGraft guide 'Unblock a kitchen sink' now, before anything is sealed or tiled. It's much easier to sort a blockage at this stage than after the splashback and sealant are finished.

1 each · Sink plunger

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1 set · Drain rods (optional, if blocked further down)

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PH-06Reseal around the sink and worktopOnce the tap, valves and trap are fitted and leak-free, follow the HomeGraft guide 'Reseal around a kitchen sink or worktop'. Let the worktop dry fully first. The most common mistake is sealing straight over the old silicone instead of removing it, which looks messy and fails quickly.

1 tube · Silicone sealant (kitchen and bathroom grade)

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1 each · Sealant gun

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1 each · Mastic removal tool or blade

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PH-07Tile the splashbackOnce the sink and tap are working properly, follow the HomeGraft guide 'Tile a kitchen splashback'. Before drilling or fixing anything into the wall, check for cables and pipes with a detector, and still expect to find something unexpected behind plasterboard or tiles. If the new layout means moving a socket or light, that's a job for a registered electrician. On an existing circuit it isn't notifiable in England, but it's still not DIY.

RULES

1 m² · Kitchen splashback tiles

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1 bag · Tile adhesive

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1 bag · Tile grout

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1 pack · Tile spacers

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1 each · Tile cutter (buy or hire)

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KNOW THE RULES

Moving a socket or light on an existing circuit in a kitchen is not notifiable work in England, but it is still an electrician's job. In Wales this can be notifiable, so check before work starts if unsure.

PH-08Final checks and finishing touchesRun the tap and check the valves, trap and splashback edges for leaks over the next 24 hours. Don't put heavy use on the sink until the grout and sealant have fully cured, usually overnight to 24 hours. If an electrician did any socket or light work, keep their paperwork as proof the work meets wiring regulations.

RULES

1 each · Torch

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1 roll · Cloth or paper towel for leak checks

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KNOW THE RULES

If an electrician carried out socket or light work, ask for written confirmation it meets current wiring regulations, even though this kind of job is not notifiable in England.

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