Kitchen2 Vol.12: Removing the Sink Light

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2016-12-30 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

2026 Update u2014 Kitchen Finishing Work: A Recap

The finishing phase of the kitchen series. The sequence was: wallpaper removal u2192 caulk removal u2192 faucet swap u2192 light removal u2192 faucet installation u2192 fan reinstall. With plumbing and electrical involved, order and safety checks are essential. ^ ^

Removing Old Silicon Caulk

Degraded silicon caulk in tile joints and wall seams should be removed before applying fresh caulk u2014 both waterproofing and appearance improve dramatically.

Tools: liquid caulk remover, or a utility knife with a caulk scraper. Apply the remover, wait 30u201360 minutes, then peel away.

Replacing the Single-Handle Mixer Faucet

A kitchen faucet swap is a solid DIY task. Key points: close the supply valves completely, and confirm the mounting hole diameter matches between old and new faucets.

Standard Single-Lever Faucet Swap Steps

• u2460 Close hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink
• u2461 Remove the nut holding the old faucet
• u2462 Disconnect the supply hoses
• u2463 Insert the new faucet through the mounting hole
• u2464 Tighten the mounting nut
• u2465 Reconnect the supply hoses
• u2466 Open valves and check for leaks

A new faucet changes the whole feel of a kitchen u2014 upgrading to a single-lever mixer instantly gives it a functional, modern look. ^ ^

Sink Under-Cabinet Light: Removal and Replacement

The under-cabinet fluorescent light above the sink must be removed before re-wallpapering. Simply remove the mounting screws and wrap the exposed wire ends in electrical tape until reinstall time.

Replacing it with an LED type is the smart move for energy efficiency and long service life. As with the fan reinstall, any electrical work involving the wiring itself requires a licensed electrician.

Fan Reinstall

The cleaned fan goes back in the reverse order of removal u2014 with the breaker off throughout. If there’s unusual noise after installation, check that the propeller is properly secured. DIY Dad found a loose nut on the first test run and tightened it. (Laughs)

As a Landlord u2014 Looking Back on the Kitchen Renovation

Fresh caulk, a new faucet, and a clean fan transformed the kitchen from “old and grimy” to “clean and functional.” The combination of new wallpaper + CF + faucet + fan cleaning runs about 80,000u2013120,000 yen in materials. Hiring out the same work would cost 400,000u2013600,000 yen. DIY makes a massive difference. ^ ^

One firm rule from DIY Dad: gas equipment stays with the professionals. Gas work is life-safety territory. (Laughs)

Now to the Step-by-Step u2014 Removing the Sink Light

Hi, it’s DIY Dad! ^ ^

My wife and the kids aren’t fully recovered yet, but the fever has gone down. My wife was determined to go to her parents’ house for the holiday and decided: “We’re getting on the Shinkansen before the fever comes back!” I had my worries, but I followed her lead. ^_^;

A sudden schedule change. We took the Shinkansen. Shinkansen plus transfers u2014 almost six hours to arrive at the in-laws’ house. ^ ^ We’ll make it to New Year’s after all.

Continuing with the 1F kitchen renovation. Following the single-handle faucet removal, it’s time to remove the sink light. Tools and materials used: impact driver, screwdriver, vinyl electrical tape.

The existing under-cabinet light doesn’t turn on u2014 it may be a dead fluorescent tube or a failed unit. Either way, it’s coming out and being replaced with a brighter new one.

The light is screwed to the wall cabinet. Use the impact driver to loosen the screws. Disconnect the wiring. The wires have a retention lock u2014 insert a flat-blade screwdriver to release the lock and pull the wires free. Wrap the exposed wire ends with electrical tape.

^ Wiring after the sink light removal. All fixtures are now removed. ^ ^

That’s all for today! (^^)/~~~

同じカテゴリの記事を読む

8棟自主管理の経験から書いた関連記事 — まとめて読むと理解が深まります

▸ DIY Repairs

DIY Kitchen Repair: Cabinet Hinges, Drawer Slides, and Surface Repair

▸ English

Adding a Railing to Your Deck: Safety, Style, and DIY Steps

▸ English

Japanese Drywall and Wall Materials: What Landlords Need to Know

▸ English

Building Age and Earthquake Standards: What the 1981 Law Change Means

▸ Cost & Finance

Rental Property Insurance in Japan: What Coverage You Actually Need

▸ English

Entryway Renovation Vol.5: Wallpaper Removal