First, any reason I shouldn't proceed with a sink install myself? Current sink is a sit on top style on granite countertop. Planning to keep with the same style but stainless. I'm thinking the most difficult part is likely the plumbing but I'm fairly handy with pvc.

Second, the idiots that built our house don't have a switch anywhere near the sink for the garbage disposal so it uses a button in the sink which is fine. However that means there is no hole available for an air gap for the dishwasher. I was just looking below the sink and they didn't even loop an air gap under the sink. Anyways, is it worth tapping another hole into sink or just go with an under sink gap?

A sink install isn't too difficult. The only reason I'd think about calling a pro on this is trying to detach your old sink from the granite. I'd be worried about cracking it depending on how it is attached.

Is that really a significant risk? I guess I figured it's just silicone caulk underneath that I'd need to cut through with a utility knife.

canadianAg said:

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First, any reason I shouldn't proceed with a sink install myself? Current sink is a sit on top style on granite countertop. Planning to keep with the same style but stainless. I'm thinking the most difficult part is likely the plumbing but I'm fairly handy with pvc.

Second, the idiots that built our house don't have a switch anywhere near the sink for the garbage disposal so it uses a button in the sink which is fine. However that means there is no hole available for an air gap for the dishwasher. I was just looking below the sink and they didn't even loop an air gap under the sink. Anyways, is it worth tapping another hole into sink or just go with an under sink gap?

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You will probably be fine. Not really a big deal to do a sink, might be a few things to figure out in the fly.

I've never lived in a place that had an air gap... I can't even recall actually seeing one outside of one time in a friend's apartment. They are really an older way that isn't in most codes anywhere.

Before you stress on adding a high loop, make sure your dishwasher doesn't already have a high loop built in (most modern dishwasher do).

I prefer the air switches in the sink over any other kind of switch for a disposal. Looks a lot better.

To echo the post above, I have never, in 42 years of living in houses, had an air gap. I've also never had a button on the sink for a disposal. I've always had switches mounted near the sink and I installed my last sink, dishwasher, and disposal in my current house without an air gap or a push button. It's switched.

You'll be fine. Just take it easy with the removal of the sink, make sure you break the caulk seal, if they even used caulking. I've seen a lot of installs where they just skip the caulk and the clips and leave. Lol.

To add on to some good posts:

Remove doors to cabinet completely, the last thing you need is to damage them trying to get in or out of the cabinet.
Hit the clips underneath with some WD40 right away, while they should be stainless steel, cheap ones will still rust.
Take piping/hoses out next in order to give a bit more space to reach clips in the rear.
Cut through as much caulk as possible, maybe tape off perimeter to limit possible scratching of countertop.

Replacing disposal? I frequently recommend a batch feed, you have to put a cover over the opening to operate it as it has a magnet in the cover that activates the switch. A bit safer for young kids...