Last updated Reviewed by our licensed Chicago master plumber team
Sinks are the second-most-used plumbing fixture in a home (after toilets) — and the #1 source of small, nagging leaks that slowly rot cabinets and warp flooring. Plumbers 911 Chicago handles every sink service across Chicago and 245 surrounding cities — from $115 P-trap tightening on a drippy bathroom sink, to $900 farmhouse/apron-front installations that require cabinet modifications and reinforced countertop support, to full under-cabinet rebuilds when a long-ignored leak has rotted the base. We install and service every sink type: drop-in / self-rimming, undermount, farmhouse / apron-front, vessel (above-counter), pedestal, wall-mount, and integrated solid-surface (where the basin is part of a quartz or Corian countertop). Every repair uses braided stainless supply lines (never cheap rubber), new angle stops if the old ones seize, and schedule-40 PVC for drain work. Every install ends with a pressure test and a dye test before we declare the job complete. Call 833-758-6911 for same-day service. See related: faucet repair, garbage disposal installation, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and drain cleaning.
Common Sink Problems and How We Fix Them
Here's every sink issue we get called for, with the fix and the typical cost.
Leak Under the Sink
- Drip from P-trap: Loose slip-joint nut or failed washer. Fix: tighten or replace washer. Cost: $115 – $185. Time: 20 – 45 min
- Leak at drain basket (flange): Old plumber's putty dried out, or basket corroded. Fix: pull basket, clean, re-seat with fresh putty or silicone. Cost: $145 – $265. Time: 45 – 90 min
- Leak at supply-line connection: Worn rubber washer, cracked compression ring, or loose nut. Fix: replace supply line with braided stainless, tighten compression. Cost: $115 – $225. Time: 20 – 45 min
- Leak at garbage disposal: See garbage disposal repair
Slow or Clogged Drain
- Cause: Hair (bathroom), grease buildup (kitchen), or objects lodged in the trap
- Fix: Snake the drain (drain cable), or pull P-trap to clear directly
- Cost: $165 – $325 (may require full drain cleaning if further down)
- Time: 30 – 90 min
Faucet Drips Constantly
- Cause: Worn cartridge (most common), O-ring, or valve seat
- Fix: Replace cartridge (20 – 40 min on standard brands — Moen, Delta, Kohler, Price Pfister)
- Cost: $135 – $245
- See faucet repair for detail
Low Water Pressure at Sink (Other Fixtures Fine)
- Cause: Clogged aerator (#1 cause), kinked supply line, or failing angle stop
- Fix: Unscrew aerator, soak in CLR, reinstall. Replace supply line or angle stop if needed
- Cost: $85 – $175
- Time: 15 – 30 min
Sink Is Loose / Rocking
- Undermount letting go: Epoxy mounting failed — we re-set with fresh epoxy and cam-clips
- Drop-in moving: Clips loose or caulk gone. Re-seat and re-caulk
- Pedestal wobbling: Wall anchor loose, pedestal not shimmed
- Cost: $175 – $425 depending on sink type and severity
- Time: 60 – 180 min
Pop-Up Drain Stuck / Won't Hold Water
- Cause: Linkage disconnected, pivot rod corroded, or stopper seal failed
- Fix: Remove and rebuild the pop-up assembly, or replace entirely
- Cost: $145 – $245
- Time: 30 – 60 min
Sink Types We Install (Kitchen and Bath)
Not every sink fits every counter. Here's the installation spec and cost for each type.
Kitchen Sink Types
| Type | Install Labor | Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-in (self-rimming) | $275 – $475 | Rests on top of counter, clips underneath | Budget, laminate counters, easy DIY-accessibility |
| Undermount (single or double basin) | $450 – $875 | Requires stone counter + epoxy + cam clips | Granite, quartz, marble — modern look |
| Farmhouse / Apron-Front | $650 – $1,400 | Requires modified base cabinet + reinforced support | High-end remodels, big family kitchens |
| Integrated (solid-surface) | $450 – $900 | Basin is part of the counter (quartz or Corian) | Seamless aesthetic, easy to clean |
| Prep sink (island secondary) | $395 – $825 | Small secondary basin, often requires new drain/supply | Large kitchens, entertaining |
| Bar sink | $375 – $725 | Small, stainless or copper, for wet bar or butler's pantry | Built-in bars, entertainment rooms |
Bathroom Sink Types
| Type | Install Labor | Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-in vanity | $275 – $450 | Standard vanity top install | Guest baths, rentals, budget |
| Undermount vanity | $425 – $725 | Clean lines with stone top | Master baths, modern design |
| Vessel (above-counter bowl) | $395 – $725 | Bowl sits on top of counter, requires tall faucet | Boutique, design-focused baths |
| Pedestal | $345 – $575 | Freestanding, ideal for small powder rooms | Tiny bathrooms, traditional style |
| Wall-mount (floating) | $475 – $825 | Mounted to reinforced wall, no pedestal | Contemporary / ADA-accessible |
| Integrated solid-surface | $425 – $725 | Basin formed into quartz or Corian counter | Easy clean, seamless look |
Materials We Install
- Stainless steel — most common, durable, affordable ($150 – $850 sink cost)
- Granite composite — scratch-resistant, quiet, modern ($275 – $950)
- Fireclay / porcelain — classic farmhouse look, chip-resistant ($450 – $1,800)
- Copper — antimicrobial, patina develops over time ($650 – $2,500)
- Enameled cast iron — premium durability, very heavy — requires extra cabinet support ($450 – $1,400)
- Natural stone — marble, soapstone, granite — high-end custom ($900 – $4,500)
Farmhouse Sink Installation: What's Different
Farmhouse (apron-front) sink installs require more than a standard drop-in swap. Here's what's involved and why the price is higher.
Cabinet Modification
A standard base cabinet isn't designed to hold the weight of a farmhouse sink. The front face-frame needs to be cut away to expose the apron. For new kitchens, we specify a farmhouse sink base cabinet from the outset (IKEA, KraftMaid, and custom shops all offer them). For retrofits, we:
- Remove the existing countertop
- Cut the face-frame to fit the apron (typically 24" or 30" wide opening)
- Reinforce the cabinet with a 3/4" plywood support shelf — farmhouse sinks can weigh 100 – 180 lbs empty and 200+ lbs full
- Install support brackets or ledger strips on the cabinet sides
- Re-install countertop with a cutout sized to the sink's top dimension
Counter Top Considerations
- Undermount farmhouse (most common): Requires stone or solid-surface counter (quartz, granite, marble, soapstone)
- Top-mount farmhouse: Rarer but possible — sits on top of the counter
- Exposed apron sticks out 1/2" – 1" in front of cabinets — plan cabinet face accordingly
Additional Plumbing Work
- Drain rough often needs to drop 2 – 4" because farmhouse sinks have deeper basins (9" – 12" vs. 7" – 8" standard)
- Garbage disposal connection may need offset flanges due to the deep basin
- Shutoff valves and supply lines often need to be relocated and/or lengthened
Typical Total Cost (Farmhouse + Install)
- Sink (stainless steel): $450 – $1,200
- Sink (fireclay / porcelain): $650 – $2,400
- Sink (copper): $850 – $3,800
- Cabinet modification: $225 – $650 (waived if using pre-made farmhouse base cabinet)
- Counter cutout rework: $185 – $650 depending on material
- Plumbing install: $650 – $1,400
- Total: $1,950 – $9,200+ depending on sink material and scope
Preventing and Catching Under-Sink Leaks
Under-sink leaks are the #1 hidden cause of kitchen cabinet rot in Chicago. Here's how to prevent and catch them early.
Monthly Under-Sink Inspection (3 Minutes)
- Open the cabinet and look at everything with a flashlight
- Check the P-trap — any moisture on slip-joint nuts or trap body? Water staining on the cabinet floor?
- Check supply lines — feel the connection at the angle stop and at the faucet. Any dampness?
- Check the garbage disposal (if present) — look at the flange (top), the dishwasher inlet (side), and the motor housing (bottom)
- Smell — mildew or musty odor often precedes visible water. Investigate the source
Common Early-Warning Signs
- Water staining or rings on the cabinet floor
- Soft or spongy cabinet bottom
- Swollen or delaminated particleboard
- Lifted or peeling paint/laminate
- Visible rust on shutoff valves or supply connections
- Mildew smell
Upgrades That Prevent Leaks
- Replace rubber supply lines with braided stainless — $75 – $155 per line (cheap insurance, rubber hoses burst unpredictably after 10+ years)
- Replace seized angle stops with quarter-turn ball valves — $95 – $175 per valve. Old multi-turn angle stops often won't close in an emergency
- Install under-sink leak detector — Wi-Fi water sensors like Moen Flo or Phyn cost $40 – $150 and send a phone alert when they detect any water
- Annual P-trap inspection during regular plumbing maintenance
If You Find a Leak
- Close the shutoff valve (under the sink — turn clockwise)
- Put a bucket under the drip
- Dry the cabinet thoroughly (to prevent mildew)
- Call us — small leaks caught early are $115 – $275 fixes; cabinet rot repairs run $800 – $4,500+
Frequently Asked Questions About Sink Installation & Repair
How much does it cost to install a kitchen sink in Chicago?
Standard drop-in kitchen sink: $275 – $475 labor. Undermount: $450 – $875 labor. Farmhouse / apron-front: $650 – $1,400 labor (plus cabinet modification costs if required). Sink cost is separate and ranges from $150 – $3,800 depending on material and brand. We provide upfront pricing before starting.
Can a plumber fix a leaking sink?
Yes — sink leaks are one of our most common calls. P-trap leaks, drain flange leaks, supply-line leaks, and garbage disposal leaks are all fixable. Most repairs take 30 – 90 minutes and cost $115 – $275. Fix leaks promptly — a slow drip can rot the cabinet base in 6 – 12 months, turning a $150 repair into a $2,000+ cabinet rebuild.
What's the difference between undermount and drop-in sinks?
Drop-in sinks have a rim that sits on top of the counter — simple to install, works with any countertop material including laminate. Undermount sinks mount below the counter with exposed stone edge — requires granite, quartz, marble, or solid-surface counters and epoxy + cam-clip mounting. Undermount looks more modern and is easier to wipe crumbs directly into; drop-in is more forgiving and cheaper to install.
Do I need a permit to replace a sink in Chicago?
Like-for-like replacement: no permit required. Moving the sink to a new location (requires drain and supply relocation): yes, Chicago plumbing permit required. We pull all required permits and coordinate inspector visits.
Why does water leak under my sink only sometimes?
Intermittent leaks usually mean one of three things: (1) faucet splash-back finding a gap in the counter caulk — add caulk, (2) loose slip-joint that only drips when water pressure is running, (3) supply-line connection that sweats from condensation (common in summer). Open the cabinet while someone runs water — you'll usually see the source within 30 seconds.
Can you install a garbage disposal on any kitchen sink?
Yes, as long as the sink has a standard 3-1/2" drain opening (virtually all kitchen sinks do) and there's under-sink electrical available. We install disposals during sink installs or as standalone jobs. See our garbage disposal installation page for details.
How heavy is a farmhouse sink and will my cabinet support it?
Farmhouse sinks weigh 60 – 180 lbs empty and 200 – 350 lbs full. Standard base cabinets aren't designed to support that weight — we add 3/4" plywood support shelves, side ledger strips, or metal brackets during installation. For a pre-made farmhouse base cabinet, support is built in. For a retrofit, cabinet modification typically adds $225 – $650 to the install cost.
What's the best sink material for Chicago hard water?
Chicago water is moderately hard (8 – 13 grains per gallon). Good choices: stainless steel 16-gauge (scratches, but wipes clean), granite composite (very scratch-resistant, hides water spots), fireclay (classic look, dense enamel). Avoid budget thin-gauge stainless (20 – 22 gauge) which dents and water-spots easily. If hard-water buildup bothers you throughout your plumbing, consider water softener installation.
How long does sink installation take?
Drop-in kitchen sink: 1.5 – 2.5 hours. Undermount: 2 – 4 hours. Farmhouse: 4 – 8 hours (plus any required cabinet modifications). Bathroom drop-in vanity: 1.5 – 2 hours. Pedestal: 2 – 3 hours. Vessel: 2 – 3 hours. We always pressure-test before leaving — expect a 20-minute pressure-hold test after the install is visually complete.