Do You Need a Plumber After Countertop Installation?
Quick Definition: Yes, in most cases you need a plumber after countertop installation to reconnect the sink, faucet, water supply lines, garbage disposal, and dishwasher drain. The countertop fabricator/installer handles the stone work but typically does not do plumbing. Plan for a plumber visit on the same day as or the day after countertop installation.
TL;DR
- Yes, you need a plumber to reconnect sink plumbing after new countertops are installed
- The plumber disconnects plumbing before countertop removal and reconnects after new counters are set
- Typical plumber cost for countertop-related work: $150-$400
- The countertop installer handles sink mounting (undermount) but not plumbing connections
- Schedule the plumber for same day or next day after installation to minimize kitchen downtime
- If you're keeping the same faucet and disposal, the plumber's work takes 1-2 hours
- If installing new faucets, disposal, or adding a dishwasher connection, allow 2-4 hours
- Some countertop companies coordinate plumbing as part of their service; most do not
What the Plumber Does Before Countertop Installation
Before the old countertops come out (or before new ones go onto new cabinets), the plumber needs to:
Disconnection Tasks
| Task | Why It's Needed | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shut off water supply valves | Prevent flooding when lines are disconnected | 5 min |
| Disconnect faucet supply lines | Free the faucet from the counter | 10-15 min |
| Disconnect drain P-trap | Allow sink removal | 10 min |
| Disconnect garbage disposal | Electrical and drain connections | 10-15 min |
| Disconnect dishwasher drain hose | The drain often runs through the disposal or tailpiece | 5-10 min |
| Cap or plug open water lines | Prevent drips and contamination during construction | 5 min |
Total pre-installation plumber time: 30-60 minutes
Timing: This disconnection can happen the morning of countertop installation or the day before. Many homeowners handle the disconnection themselves if they're comfortable with basic plumbing (shutting off valves, unscrewing supply lines, loosening P-trap nuts).
What the Plumber Does After Countertop Installation
After the new countertops and sink are set by the installer, the plumber returns to make everything functional again.
Reconnection Tasks
| Task | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mount faucet | Install faucet through countertop holes, tighten mounting hardware | 15-30 min |
| Connect hot/cold supply lines | Attach flexible supply lines from shutoff valves to faucet | 10-15 min |
| Connect drain assembly | Install strainer, tailpiece, and P-trap | 15-20 min |
| Install garbage disposal | Mount disposal to sink flange, connect drain and electrical | 20-30 min |
| Reconnect dishwasher drain | Attach drain hose to disposal or tailpiece | 5-10 min |
| Install soap dispenser/air gap | If applicable, mount through countertop hole | 10 min |
| Test for leaks | Run water, check all connections, verify drain flow | 10-15 min |
Total post-installation plumber time: 1-2 hours (same faucet/disposal) or 2-4 hours (new fixtures)
Cost of Plumbing for Countertop Installation
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Disconnect and reconnect only (same fixtures) | $150-$300 |
| Disconnect, reconnect + new faucet install | $200-$350 |
| Disconnect, reconnect + new faucet + new disposal | $250-$400 |
| Full kitchen plumbing (new fixture locations, supply lines, etc.) | $400-$800+ |
| Add a sink to an island (new plumbing rough-in) | $800-$2,500+ |
Most plumbers charge either a flat rate for countertop-related work or an hourly rate of $75-$150/hour.
Can You Skip the Plumber?
DIY-Friendly Tasks (If You're Handy)
Some countertop-related plumbing is within reach for a capable DIYer:
- Shutting off water valves and disconnecting supply lines -- basic wrench work
- Removing and reconnecting the P-trap -- hand-tightened compression fittings
- Reconnecting a faucet you've installed before -- follow the manufacturer instructions
- Reconnecting dishwasher drain hose -- push-fit or hose clamp connection
Tasks That Should Be Left to a Plumber
- Installing a new garbage disposal -- involves both plumbing and electrical connections
- Moving supply lines or drain locations -- requires modifying pipes inside the wall
- Adding plumbing to a new island sink -- requires running supply and drain lines through the floor
- Dealing with old or corroded shutoff valves -- a failed valve during DIY work can cause flooding
- Gas line work (if moving a gas range related to countertop changes) -- always requires a licensed plumber or gas fitter
Scheduling: Coordinate Plumber and Installer
The biggest frustration homeowners face is coordinating trades. Here's how to handle it:
Best Approach
- Ask your countertop company if they coordinate plumbing. Some shops have a plumber on staff or a preferred plumber who works with their installation schedule.
- If you're hiring your own plumber, give them two possible dates: the countertop installation date and the next day. Confirm with the fabricator which morning the installation crew arrives.
- Morning install, afternoon plumber is the ideal same-day schedule. Most countertop installations are complete by early afternoon, leaving time for the plumber.
- Next-day plumber works if the installation runs late. You'll be without a kitchen sink for one evening.
What to Avoid
- Don't schedule the plumber for the same arrival time as the countertop crew. They'll be in each other's way.
- Don't schedule the plumber a week after installation. That's a week without a functional kitchen sink.
- Don't assume the countertop installer handles plumbing. Clarify this during the quoting process.
For fabricators, coordinating plumber scheduling is a common source of customer callbacks and complaints. SlabWise's Customer Portal includes a project timeline that shows homeowners exactly when to schedule their plumber -- eliminating the "nobody told me I needed a plumber" surprise.
Special Situations
Island Sink (New Plumbing)
If your new countertop includes an island sink where one didn't exist before, you need rough-in plumbing before the cabinets are installed. This is a much bigger job than simple reconnection:
- Supply lines must be run from the main supply through the floor/wall to the island location
- A drain line must connect to the main drain, which may require venting through the roof or an air admittance valve
- Estimated cost: $800-$2,500 for rough-in, plus the reconnection work after countertop installation
Bathroom Vanity
Bathroom countertop replacements also require plumbing disconnection/reconnection. The work is simpler (typically just one faucet, drain, and shutoff pair) and costs less ($100-$250).
Wet Bar or Butler's Pantry
Smaller sinks in secondary locations require the same disconnection/reconnection process but typically involve simpler plumbing (no disposal, no dishwasher).
FAQ
Do you need a plumber when getting new countertops? Yes, in most cases. A plumber disconnects the sink plumbing before installation and reconnects everything after. The countertop installer handles the stone but not the plumbing.
How much does a plumber charge for countertop installation? Typical cost is $150-$400 for disconnection and reconnection of sink plumbing, depending on complexity. New fixture installation or plumbing modifications add to the cost.
Does the countertop installer do the plumbing? Usually not. The countertop installer mounts undermount sinks and positions the countertop, but plumbing connections (faucet, drain, supply lines, disposal) are handled by a plumber.
Can I reconnect my own plumbing after countertop installation? Basic reconnection (supply lines, P-trap, existing faucet) is manageable for a handy DIYer. Garbage disposal installation and any line modifications should be left to a professional.
When should I schedule the plumber? Schedule the plumber for the same day as countertop installation (afternoon) or the next day. Confirm timing with your countertop installer first.
Do I need a plumber before and after countertop installation? Before: someone needs to disconnect the plumbing (can be DIY or plumber). After: someone needs to reconnect everything (plumber recommended, especially for new fixtures).
What if my old shutoff valves don't work? This is common in older homes. The plumber will need to replace the shutoff valves, which may require shutting off the main water supply. Budget an extra $50-$150 per valve.
How long will I be without a kitchen sink? If the plumber comes the same day as installation, you could be back to normal by evening. If the plumber comes the next day, plan for one night without your kitchen sink.
Does the plumber need to be there during countertop installation? No. The plumber disconnects before and reconnects after. They don't need to be present during the actual countertop installation.
Should I get a new faucet when I get new countertops? It's a good time for it. If your faucet is old, replacing it during the countertop swap is efficient since the plumbing is already disconnected. The fabricator just needs to know the new faucet model for hole drilling.
Take the Coordination Headache Off Your Plate
For fabricators, helping customers understand the plumber scheduling reduces callbacks and improves satisfaction scores. SlabWise's Customer Portal sends automated project updates -- including "time to schedule your plumber" reminders -- so your customers are prepared and your installation crew isn't held up.
Sources
- National Kitchen and Bath Association -- Kitchen Renovation Sequencing Guide
- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association -- Residential Service Rates
- HomeAdvisor -- Plumber Cost for Kitchen Remodel
- Fine Homebuilding -- Coordinating Trades During Kitchen Renovation
- This Old House -- Countertop Installation Plumbing Guide
- International Plumbing Code -- Residential Kitchen Requirements