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Plumbing Design Dilemma Kitchens

Replacing sink base cabinet

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

In order to replace an existing sink base cabinet complete with existing plumbing how do I cut holes for all the pipes without removing the lines, shut offs etc? Currently there are single holes for clean out, two drains, (one for each double sink bowls), hot and cold, and an electric wire only for direct wiring to disposal. I am pretty handy but really don't want to remove all the valves and lines etc. I know I must disconnect these that are connected to the sink, water and drain in order to remove the sink and counter top (also replacing) but there are two water shut off valves on the incoming lines. One each for the hot water (straight forward placement) and another to the dishwasher line (which I do not have and is not connected but somebody some day may want one) to the side and one to the cold water and the ice maker line to the fridge. These are to the side of the H & C lines and will require a large hole to get around them. They are essentially an L shape but horizontal. Can I cut larger holes to accommodate them and then disguise the butchery? Am I over thinking the inside under belly of a sink base which no one will ever see but me? Any ideas are welcome. TIA

Featured Answer

armchairshopper

5 years ago

If you remove the back, be sure to put in some reinforcement, or just remove a portion of the back. The point is that many sink bases are sold without a full back.

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Comments (9)

armchairshopper
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Dear Anniemac830,

It is time to pay a visit to the big box home store. I have tried but failed to attach a screenshot of an inexpensive base cabinet. The photo would have shown that the inexpensive in-stock cabinet has no back. That makes it much easier to slide in and fit around all that plumbing.
anniemac830 thanked armchairshopper
anniemac830
Original Author
5 years ago
Ah, thank you, however the cabinets are purchased, assembled and pristine. Do not want to remove the new back but with so many holes to cut it may be an option....
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wacokid
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
You are better off removing the valves when trying to install the new cabinets. Trying to drill the holes large enough to fit over the valves and lining each hole up exactly to fit is not easy, if not impossible in some cases. I still drill at least a 3" hole for each line coming in with the valves off. The drain lines rarely will match exactly to the the new sink base so it might be easier just to replace it. Or cut it as it comes out of the wall, if it is plastic, and then use a coupler to put it back together to see if it lines up.
anniemac830 thanked wacokid
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
Cut the holes large. Who's going to look under there anyway?
anniemac830 thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
anniemac830
Original Author
5 years ago
My thinking too.
wacokid
5 years ago
You will be looking under the sink, most everyday. If you have nice, new cabinets, take the time to install them without cutting huge holes in the back of them. It not only look good but it will help keep the inside of the cabinet clean.
anniemac830 thanked wacokid
PRO
User
5 years ago
Standard procedure for demo is to cut the pipes before the shut offs and cap them. That allows the needed holes to be small and neat. This is new construction, but a renovation should be similarly neat and tidy.
anniemac830 thanked User
anniemac830
Original Author
5 years ago
I know this is how it SHOULD be done. I'm a DIYer and removing four shut off valves from fragile copper pipe is above my pay grade. I'm ok with a large cut out for them. I will rarely if ever see the actual cut outs under there. Out of sight, out of mind. :) TY though.

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