Removing a sink unit can be a little tricky. Especially if it’s been in place for a number of years. The first thing you want to do is switch off the water supply to the hot and cold taps.
Look for the isolation valves. Using a screwdriver, turn them one quarter into a horizontal position. Now turn the taps on to empty the water still in the pipework. Once the water stops running, you can go ahead and remove all the pipework.
Typically, small fixing clips connect the kitchen sink to a worktop. Use an appropriate screwdriver to remove them. You might find it easier to lie on your back when doing this bit.
Once you’ve removed the clips, from above, try removing the sink. If you can’t do it, run a utility knife around the edge of the sink to remove the old silicone. It should come away without too much fuss.
Switching off gas and electricity supplies in the kitchen
If you are disconnecting any electrical supplies, switch off the consumer unit and remove the fuse/miniature circuit breaker as well. This reduces the chance of the circuit becoming ‘live’ if you accidentally switch on the consumer unit.
Double check the supply is ‘dead’ at the point of disconnection. If in doubt use the services of a qualified electrician as electric shocks can be fatal. Don’t attempt to disconnect any gas supplies. By law, only a Gas Safe registered plumber/engineer can carry out this kind of work.
When you’ve completely removed the old kitchen, you can start work on getting the space ready for the new one. In my case, I made some repairs to the existing walls and floors and removed the old tile adhesive.
You may need to install new electrical sockets, gas pipes or lighting.
Fitting a kitchen – Where to start?
Your new kitchen units have been delivered and the kitchen area is ready for the install, but where do you start ?
The first job to do is check the level of the floor, wherever the highest point is measure up 870mm and mark the wall, this measurement allows 720mm for the base unit and 150mm for the plinth.
From your mark draw a level line using your spirit level across the wall(s), this is the guideline for all your base units. Now measure up from the 870mm mark to the bottom of your wall units (this measurement is down to personal preference).
I would suggest 400 – 440mm. From this mark draw a level line across the wall(s).
Finally, measure up from the mark to the top of the wall units i.e. 720mm, and once more draw a level line across the wall(s).
Now double check your lines are all level.
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