Relocating a Kitchen Sink Cost

Written by Josh Cassidy
Josh Cassidy
Writer
I’ve been a writer since I left the military in 2013 after joining straight after High School. I have written for a wide variety of industries, in a vast array of styles for everything from recruitment, property and everything in between. As well as being a full-time copywriter, I’m also a freelance sports journalist and a fiction writer. I’ve been shortlisted for a few fiction prizes, and my first novel should be released early next year, depending on the publisher’s timeline. I also have an Honours Degree in English and Creative Writing.
18th September, 2025
Edited by Samantha Jones
Samantha Jones
Editor-in-Chief
I have a degree in English & Writing. I have been working as a content developer for three years now and have also been freelance writing for three years. I have been focussing my freelance writing within the home improvement and DIY sector.
How we get our data
We gather our data from real quotes given by UK tradespeople to UK homeowners on the MyJobQuote platform.
At a glance
  • The average cost of moving a kitchen sink is around £500
  • The job will take approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete
In this guide, you'll find the following:
  • A breakdown of the costs for relocating a kitchen sink.
  • How long the job takes and what's involved.
  • How to find and hire a local plumber.

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.

Why not request a quote from our professional plumbers?

Check out our complete cost guide to find all the information you need.

Lady under sink

Average Cost of Moving a Kitchen Sink:

Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: 3 – 4 hours

£500

How Much Does it Cost to Move a Kitchen Sink?

On average, you can expect to pay between £400 and £750 for a professional kitchen sink relocation. Plumbers and tradespeople usually charge £100-£150 a day.

Breakdown of Costs

  • Sink Installation. £150-£400 depending on the size and material of the sink.
  • Total project cost including installation, labour and materials, will average around £600.
Lady fitting tap

The cost of moving a kitchen sink varies depending on the type of sink, the complexity of the plumbing, and any additional pipework or connections required.

The best way to find the exact cost is to get a free quote from a plumber. They will assess your specific kitchen sink relocation requirements and provide a tailored quote for the job.

I want to swap my kitchen sink's hot and cold taps for a mixer tap. Can one be fitted to my existing sink or do I need a new one?

"Yes quite easily if the sink has been correctly fitted. A mixer tap will have a hot and cold feed situated at the base. You will need tap flexi pipes (Make sure you get the correct size and length. When connecting to the feed. Use PTFE tape and ensure tight fitting."

Relocating Kitchen Sink Prices

SINK TYPE SINGLE BOWL 1.5 BOWL DOUBLE BOWL
Ceramic £300 - £650 £280 - £700 £350 - £880
Stainless steel £100 - £360 £120 - £390 £90 - £850
Granite composite £190 - £450 £220 - £1150 £320 - £720
Cast Iron £450 - £870 £700 - £1010 £730 - £1840
Fireclay £210 - £900 £250 - £1110 £270 - £1240
Copper £340 - £1130 £590 - £1850 £870 - £1340
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If you would rather install a new kitchen sink yourself rather than hire a tradesperson, or want to supply your own materials, then below is a table to give you an estimate of the price of individual kitchen sink materials.

SINK TYPE SUPPLY COST
Ceramic £200 - £730
Stainless steel £30 - £700
Granite composite £120 - £1000
Cast iron £380 - £1690
Fireclay £140 - £1090
Copper £270 - £1700
Single basin £30 - £180
Double basin £150 - £2300
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Factors that Affect 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.
Man under sink
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What's Involved in Moving a Kitchen Sink?

Relocating a kitchen sink is more than just lifting out the basin. Here's a step by step guide to what a tradesperson will do during a sink move or installation:

Turn Off Water and Disconnect Supply Lines

Locate the stopcock (usually under the sink or where your water meter is) and shut off the main water supply to prevent leaks or flooding. Check the water is off before disconnecting anything.

Drain any remaining water from the pipes using a bucket.

Disconnect attachments such as water filtration systems, waste disposals and dishwashers or washing machines. Be prepared for small leaks, keep a bucket and mop nearby.

Step 2 Remove Existing Sink

Detach the drain and P-trap pipes from underneath the sink, removing the metal clips and caulk. Once all of the caulk has been scraped away, carefully lift out the sink and clean the worktop.

Step 3 Fit The Kitchen Sink

The installation process varies slightly depending on the sink type.

Apply caulk around the edges and place the sink into the worktop cut out, securing with clips underneath.

Man fitting sink

Step 4 Reconnect Plumbing and Fixtures

Reattach metal clips, taps and extra appliance connections (dishwasher, washing machine etc.) Install the drain strainer in the plug hole and secure using plumbers putty. Also connect P-trap and drainpipes.

Connect the hot and cold water lines and any extra connections. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.

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Can I Move a Kitchen Sink Myself?

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 a professional will ensure your pipework is properly fitted, reducing the risk of leaks and poor connections. Drains and pipes can also be checked for future issues.
  • Sinks are often very heavy, and if lifted incorrectly or dropped you could injure yourself or damage the sink.
  • Most DIY sink installations take 4-8 hours, a lot longer than the average time for a professional which is only 1-4 hours.
  • The quality of a DIY kitchen sink relocation won't be as good as a professional installation.

Most kitchen sink relocations do not require planning permission. However, if your project involves moving walls, windows or installing a sink where none existed before as part of a bigger kitchen remodel, check with your local council or a qualified plumber.

Hiring Contractors to Move a Kitchen Sink Checklist

  • Make sure that they specialise in new kitchen sink installations. A skilled plumber can prevent leaks and costly mistakes.
  • Check out any installation work they have done in the past. Photos or testimonials from past projects.
  • Ask for a full breakdown of what's included in the kitchen sink installation cost when they quote.
  • Make sure they fully check and test the sink and plumbing before they leave, making sure everything works and is completed to a high standard.

FAQs

Can you move a kitchen sink to an island?

While it is possible to create a kitchen island sink, this relocation involves a lot of work, including laying pipes under the floor. If a concrete floor, it may need to be dug up which may need planning permission.

There is also the possibility that you will need to dig underneath your home to create a new drainage system. This will increase the cost by a lot. It's therefore important to get a professional opinion and a quote before beginning a project such as this.

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 professional to carry out a sink relocation rather than doing it yourself.

Do I need to move furniture?

Yes, you will need to move any furniture that will block access for the tradesmen to the installation site, for example dining tables or washing machines. You will also need to clear away any items around and under the sink to allow access to the pipes.

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 for a new sink. Replacing a current sink is more affordable than installing a new one.

What are the most common types of taps?

There are lots of options for taps to go with your new sink, including kitchen sink mixer taps, those with one or two handles, waterfall taps and touch taps. Most DIY and home shops will stock a wide variety for you to choose from.

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.

Sources

https://www.hunker.com/13724825/moving-kitchen-plumbing-what-you-should-know

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