About Sinks

Peter J. Mason asked:


Kitchen sinks are used a lot, but thankfully they are the least expensive feature to change in your kitchen. There are varied options in styles, shapes and sizes, but remember that costs vary dependent on the materials they are made of and the style. However, the decisions you make determine the time the sink will last and it should be something you really like.

Sinks are classified into two types: double basin; or single basin. The less common ones are the triple basins, but they are not so easy to find. They vary greatly in depth and width. How you use your sink and what type of kitchen you have will assist you in choosing between a double or single one.

Kitchen size will also determine what you need. Small kitchens work better with single basins, and can be overwhelmed by the double variety. However, double basin sinks are beneficial because you can prepare food for cooking and wash dishes at the same time.

The most desired material choice for kitchen sinks is stainless steel. It is very easy to install, as it is fairly light weigh, very easy to keep up. Quality of stainless steel sinks is determined by the gauge of steel. Lower gauges have better quality. In addition, the quantity of nickel and chromium in the steel is important - the more the better.

For more traditional or country themes, porcelain sinks are an attractive option for home improvement. There are so many colours to choose from, in fact more than any other material.

Solid sinks are frequently used with customized countertops. They are made of composite and used in more costly kitchen projects. The surface is both scratch and stain resistant and durable. In fact they are definitely very easy to maintain and a joy to clean.

Another less costly sink material is enamel. It comes in varied styles and colours. However, it requires far more maintenance and care, and unlike stainless steel and solid sinks, it is less durable. Enamel scratches and chips way too easily, and there is no way you can use abrasives on them for cleaning.

Once you have chosen your sink, you need to decide how many holes you need to put in. You should decide how many or which of the following you want installed - soap dispensers, spray nozzles and faucets. Plus, it is important to know exactly how many handles you need for your faucets.

When choosing you sink you have to think about faucets. Faucets should be practical and fit in with the sink’s materials. Take into account the sink size when you are buying one and that it will correspond with the faucets you want. Keep in mind that triple basins or double basins work better with long spouts, and whatever the type of large or multiple basined sinks you have, you must get a 180º-swivelling faucet to reach all the sink’s bowls.



Herman

Faucet.com asked:


Types of Kitchen Sinks

When designing your home, you want everything – including the kitchen sink! The kitchen sink is the central hub of the kitchen, and consumers have a wide variety of stylish faucets with multiple spray options and a host of accessories to choose from as well. It is easy to get overwhelmed since there are so many types and styles to choose from. How do you decide? When picking a kitchen sink, you have to ask yourself a couple of questions.

How big is your cabinet? You should measure height, depth, and width.

How many bowls do you want? Depending on your needs, sinks can come with one, two or 3 bowls.

What type of sink works with your countertop? You have two major options in this category. Self-rimming kitchen sinks are the most popular and easiest to install and are generally used on Formica countertops. The sink rim sits on the countertop and weight is supported by the countertop. The faucet usually mounts directly to the deck along the back of the sink. Under mount kitchen sinks are generally used with solid surface countertops such as granite or marble, These sinks mount beneath the countertop creating a seamless look around the sink and makes counter cleanup a breeze.

Single Bowl Kitchen Sinks

A Single Bowl Kitchen Sink is great for those who prefer a dishwasher over hand washing. You might want to consider a deep bowl to assist in rinsing large pots and pans. If space is an issue in your kitchen, this is an ideal option.

Double Kitchen Sinks and Triple Kitchen Sinks

Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks and Triple Bowls Kitchen Sinks are ideal for washing dishes by hand, you can wash in one bowl and rinse in the other. Some multi-bowl sinks also come with one bowl smaller than the others, which is convenient for scraping food scraps directly into a garbage disposal or simply keeping them out of the way until cleanup.

Apron-front Kitchen Sinks

Apron-front Kitchen Sinks also known as farmhouse sinks evoke a period style kitchen and have a stylish panel in the front. They can be tiled in or come in under mount models.

Bar/Prep/Entertainment Sinks

Bar/Prep/Entertainment sinks are small sinks originally designed to scrub and prep fruits and vegetables, but their purpose has extended itself to many more applications. These sinks vary greatly in size and shape. This sink can fit virtually any application from an island in the kitchen, a bar sink in the bedroom or an entertainment sink in the family room.

You can easily find a kitchen sink that fits with the style of your kitchen and also satisfies your cooking, cleaning and lifestyle needs Kitchen sinks come in a variety of finishes. While stainless steel continues to be the most popular choice, you should pick the finish that is right for you and the look of your kitchen. Manufacturers continue to make sinks in copper, cast iron and vitreous china, so there is definitely something for everyone.



Manuel

Richard Dinae asked:


The process of choosing a kitchen sink can be complicated because there are several, different things to consider but the basis if choosing the best sink will be determined by the fit, material, type of installation, the faucet holes and the features. Read the tips below to help you find the kitchen sink that will meet your requirements.

When choosing a kitchen sink you have to be certain that it fits. Remember the kitchen sink is limited by the size of your counter top and cabinet. To determine the size of your cabinet start measuring from under the existing sink or measure where your new sink will be designated, measure beginning from left to right from the outside edge up to the other outside edge. After finding out your cabinet size, give an allowance of two to three inches on both sides. These extra inches are meant for the mounting hardware.

Next, consider the material. Manufacturers use varied material to make kitchen sinks. To name a few, your kitchen sink may be made from copper, cast iron, fireclay, granite, stainless steel or vitreous china. From among these materials, the stainless steel has come out as the most popular choice for new kitchen sink installations while cast iron remains the best choice for a colored finish.

After determining the fit of the sink and choosing the material, the installation follows.

There are different ways to install your sink such as; undermount, recessed; self-rimming, drop-in; apron; and tile-in, tile edge. The most traditional style of installation is the self-rimming, drop in type. But for those who prefer a glamorous kitchen sink you should choose the undermount, recessed installation for your sink. The apron sinks are for those who would like to have a traditional farmhouse look on the kitchen while the tile-in or tile-edge is meant to mount flash for a tiled surface. These sinks are also available as a single bowl, two bowl and three bowl models. The bowls can either be deep or shallow depending on your preferences.

The fifth consideration for your sink is the number of faucet holes. The holes in your sink should be dependent on the kind of faucet as well as accessories that you would like to install on your sink.

Lastly, you should also think about the features that are available for your sink. The features that each sink will have will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, a spillway feature is mostly available for two and three bowl sinks. Since the spillway is lower than the sides of the sinks the overflowing water will just go from one bowl to the next. Meanwhile, some kitchen sinks may have clamps which are used to attach the bowl before the sink is placed into the countertop. This feature should give you a trouble-free installation. The other rear drain features give you a bigger storage space in the cabinet below because the pipes are placed further back.

These are just some of the kitchen sink features. There are many more features that you will find with other kitchen sinks. Of course, everything will depend on how you would like your kitchen sink to appear and function.



Roy

Lena Kavhovsky asked:


Undermount kitchen sinks is top on everyone’s list of kitchen accessories these days. The highly professional and neat designs along with the compact shape make these a useful investment. With a unique design, where the sink rests under the countertop, cleaning up kitchen mess is no longer a hassle.

No water blockages

Undermount kitchen sinks come with many unique advantages. The sink may often become messy because of food particles and spillages. However, with such specialized sinks, this is never a cause for worry. You can simply wipe off the mess and throw it into the undermount sink. In addition, most of the accompanying countertops have a very smooth and glossy finish. Due to this, cleaning the countertop is extremely easy. You never have to experience water blockages because of accumulated food particles in the sink!

Hidden plumbing

The other advantage of undermount kitchen sinks is that the plumbing is camouflaged underneath the cabinet of the sink. Thus, you will never have to see the drain sights or the clutter accumulated. In this manner, your kitchen always looks neat and professional at all times. While such a design is present in many other kinds of kitchen sinks as well, the undermount varieties offer many strategic advantages in addition.

Low on maintenance

One of the great things about undermount kitchen sinks is that you do not have to worry about the maintenance. All that is needed, is regular cleansing of the surface with soapy water. You can even alternately wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a dry cloth for ensuring cleanliness. The solid material construction of the countertop is conducive to easy cleaning. Since the sink is placed underneath the countertop, your kitchen never looks messy or unkempt!

Many diverse sizes

Undermount kitchen sinks are available in many different sizes as well as shapes. Regular sizes sinks are available in dimensions of 22 by 33 inches and the width of these sinks varies between 12 and 33 inches. The sinks are available in single and double varieties. The depth ranges from 5 to even 9 inches. The drainage position is located either centrally or on the backside of the sink. Various accessories such as drain strainers or grates can be installed to ensure additional cleanliness.

Stainless steel variants

The sinks even come in stainless steel finish, lending them high durability. Most homeowners prefer the stainless steel varieties because they are easy to clean, hygienic and have a high degree of strength to them. In addition these are resistant to dents and scratches. If you are installing these, make sure to have marble, granite or concrete countertops along with the stainless steel undermount kitchen sinks.



Rita

Owen Walcher asked:


If you are considering upgrading your bathroom and kitchen sink faucets, you have come to the right place. The following explanation will make your task much easier and will save your time as well.

However, before we start, make sure that you have following materials ready with you. – New faucet assembly – Basin wrench – Adjustable wrenches – Slip-joint pliers – Scouring pad

Now follow these simple steps. (Assuming that you are replacing the old two-handled faucet with the more modern single-handled type)

Replacing Kitchen Sink Faucets

1. Before you start, go at the shut-off valves under the sink, and turn off the water.

2. Open the faucet so that it could drain any excess water.

3. The next step is to disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines from the shutoff valves. You can use a small adjustable-wrench to do this.

4. Reach up behind the faucet. You will find the coupling nuts that connect the supply tubes to the faucet. Unscrew the same using a basin wrench.

5. Behind the faucet, you will also find mounting nuts that hold the faucet in place. Remove these nuts using the same basin wrench.

6. Now that you have disconnected the mounting nuts, you can lift out the old faucet. Lifting it out, disconnect the sprayer hose from the assembly using an adjustable wrench.

7. Lift out the sprayer hose, and remove the faucet.

8. Once you have removed the faucet, clean the surface of the sink thoroughly with a scouring pad.

9. Remove the escutcheon cap and replace the same with the one that is included with your new faucet.

10. Now you are ready to make the new connection. Bring your new sprayer hose, and slip it down through the sprayer hole.

11. Feed the sprayer hose up through the center faucet hole, and connect the hose through the sprayer nipple using an adjustable wrench.

12. If the hot and cold supply tubes of the new faucet have a different length, attach flexible connectors to the fittings on the supply tubes. Hold the faucet fitting stationary with one wrench and tighten each connection with another wrench.

13. Insert and feed the supply lines and the connectors into the center hole, and then seat the faucet.

14. Now crawl up under the sink and in order to hold the faucet in place, install a washer and nut to the end bolts.

15. First, tighten the nuts by hand, and then with a basin wrench.

16. Connect the supply lines to the shutoff valves, and turn the water on.

17. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks.

Replacing Bathroom Sink Faucets

1. Go underneath the sink. Turn off the water. Loosen the collar nuts on the drainpipe.

2. Drain any excessive water, and then remove the drainpipe.

3. Loosen the nuts that hold the pop-up assembly in place under the sink using slip-joint pliers.

4. Unscrew the pop-up flange in order to free the assembly underneath the sink.

5. Remove the fittings that join the supply lines of the old faucet to the shutoff valves, using a wrench.

6. Repeat the steps 4-15 as explained above for replacing kitchen faucet.

7. Now, you have to install the pop-up assembly.

8. Push the pop-up rod down through the body of the faucet.

9. Attach the flat bar.

10. At the bottom of the new flange, use a little plumber’s putty to hold the tailpiece so that the whole assembly protrudes up through the drain hole in the sink.

11. Spin the ring to position the same with the tailpiece under the sink.

12. In order to secure pop-up housing in place, tighten the nut on top of the tailpiece.

13. Hook up the pop-up lever onto the flat bar in order to secure it to the pop-up housing.

14. Drop the stopper into the drain hole.

15. Replace the drainpipe.

16. Tighten the collar nuts.

17. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks.

Hence, replacing a kitchen and a bathroom faucet is almost similar except for the work related to the pop-up assembly that is included with the bathroom sink.



Ruby

John asked:


I have a kitchen sink with a garbage disposal. The garbage disposal still works and spins around but it leaves about an inch of water behind. It is clogged with bread crumbs. I’ve already tried Drano-o, pouring boiling hot water, and the baking soda and vinegar method. Any ideas on how to best troubleshoot this? Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer!!!

Rick

Ravi Inder Singh asked:


Adding in the right kitchen sink is going to make a great new look for your kitchen. You are going to be able to find different sizes and even colors to bring new life to your kitchen.

Your kitchen sink is going to be used a lot. You will need to find one that is going to fit your style and your budget at the same time. There are so many different sizes, shapes, and even styles to use in your area. The price of these sinks is going to be different as well. For more details go to www.dishadvice.com .You will find that this is going to be a very important decision that you will have to make. You want to find the perfect one that you are going to appreciate for a long time to come.

Using Single or Double Bowl Sinks

Most of the sinks on the market are termed to be single or double basin ones. There are even triple basin sinks that you can special order for your kitchen if you would like. The different size that is out there can be different in width or depth as well. You will want to think about your kitchen sink and how you are going to use it.

The way that your kitchen is set up and how big it is will make the difference when you are choosing your sink. Single sinks are going to be better for the smaller sized kitchens. A small kitchen can seem to be too overwhelming with a large bowl sink in it. Having a double sink will be a great benefit to most. This is going to be great for washing dishes and making meals.

Different Materials Used for Kitchen Sinks

Stainless steel sinks are a new and fresh look for any kitchen. They are light in weight and very easy to install in your kitchen. They are also very easy to maintain. This is going to be a quality item and one that will last your kitchen a very long time. You want to choose one that has a better quality of steel so that it is heavier and will last a longer time.

Porcelain is also a great choice for your kitchen sink. You will find that this is going to look great in any type of style or design. For more information logon to www.chef-123.com .You will see that there are many choices in colors and you are going to find the one that fits your style the best.

Solid surface sinks are going to be used more with custom countertops. They will composite materials used in more expensive kitchen remodeling projects. There are solid surfaces that will help keep your kitchen looking good as new. You will find that you will find a sink that resists stains and scratches. They are also going to be very easy to clean and maintain.

Enamel will be less costly for your sink option. You will find the right style and color that will enhance your kitchen. The enamel however can chip and be scratched easily. You should never use any abrasive cleaners on your sink.

You need to think about the number of holes you are going to have in your sink. Think about the type of faucet and sink dispensers you will want to have in your sink area. Think about these things carefully so that you get the best choice.

You might want to consider the faucets that you want before you select a sink. You should pick a sink that will have the right material and the right style that will make your kitchen look incredible.

Thinking about the type of faucets when you are trying to find the right sink is something that you really need to do. Consider the size of the sink when you are picking the right type of faucet. You want to make sure that your faucet is going to move up to 180 degrees if you have a double sink. This will make it easier for you to reach both sides of the sink.



Marvin

Gary McCarty asked:


By Gary McCarty

I’ve read enough papers, first as a graduate assistant and later as a university communications instructor since 1995, to know the mistakes people make and the traps they fall into. Today I’d like to focus on one of the most prevalent and treacherous of all pits into which students fall, the one I label the kitchen sink approach to writing.

Let’s look at a real example of an assignment I’ve given countless times and read thirty times for each of those countless times—an essay on “controversial television advertising.”

Generally, students have little knowledge of this subject except for what they’ve seen on TV, and usually they just remember the Paris Hilton Bentley ad for Carl’s Jr. Therefore, like so many lemmings scurrying off the nearest cliff, they rush to Google and Wikipedia (neither of which is their best recourse, but I’m talking real life here) to do research.

They end up with a slew of articles from which to fashion their essays. However, since they usually don’t bother to formulate a thesis and pick supporting topics, they then rush headlong into writing their essays. Five or so pages later, they’ve regurgitated everything they’ve read, even if it’s not really pertinent, to create a usually rambling hodgepodge of information, statistics, observations, anecdotes and so on.

Now, and here comes the surprise and the revelation at the same time, when they get to writing the conclusion, they have finally figured out their thesis. I often read in the very last paragraph or very last sentence a rather cogent statement such as, “Therefore, all television advertising should be reviewed by a ratings committee before being aired on TV, and anything deemed controversial should be rejected or restricted to late-hour airing,” or words to that effect. What a relief to have figured out what you’re writing about finally!

It’s really a shame that these students have to spend so much time writing just to figure out their thesis statement, which should be what they start with and reveal in their first paragraph. Wouldn’t it be better to brainstorm the research findings and then fashion a thesis? Of course it would!

However, students are so accustomed to the high school routine—cram as much information into as many pages as possible at the last minute—that they shortchange the writing process. It’s time to wash the kitchen sink approach to writing down the drain and start afresh, ugly metaphor and all.

Next: Crafting thesis statements.



Kristen

Erica Bosworth asked:


When you are redecorating a kitchen, choosing the right kitchen sink is an important part of this major project. There are many considerations to think about, such as decorating style, what use you put your kitchen to, such as a gathering place or whether you are a gourmet cook. You will want to choose a sink of long lasting materials that will not give you any trouble over the years. Features such as built in cutting boards, separate spray arms or double sinks can make cooking and cleaning in your kitchen a lot easier. There is also the issue of energy efficiency to consider, since water shortages do occur, and it is always a good idea to keep down the costs of all your utilities, including water. If there are children in the home, you may want to have safety features such as a hot water monitor installed. Luckily, there is such a broad range of kitchen sinks to choose from that you can meet all of your needs in terms of the design you like to complement the room plus the features you want to make your time in the kitchen easier and more efficient. There are also similar varieties in terms of bathroom sinks, with hundreds of designs that will go with just about any decor in a bathroom yet are practical and suit your unique needs.

In your kitchen, you can go with the classic style of stainless, which is easy to care for, unbreakable, and easy to clean, but has a more modern and severe touch. Ceramic sinks offer more in terms of style, and whether you want the sink to be in your kitchen, bathroom or powder room, you may want to choose a sink with colors or unusual designs. Add to the variety of styles the fact that you can mix and match fixtures such as faucets and sprays, with gold or porcelain trim so that you can achieve a luxurious look. But if you are trying to work within a budget, you will also be able to find many simple but nice looking styles and designs that will be within your price range.

The kitchen is often a focal point in a room, (and certainly one of the busiest spots, since you use it before meals for preparation and after meals for cleanup) and choosing the right one can make your kitchen look stunning. You want to make sure the sink complements the counter tops, the paint or wallpaper colors and the other appliances in the kitchen.

Today’s choice in kitchen sinks allows you to play around with designs that look best in your kitchen while still allowing you to have all of the practical features you need for your lifestyle. That should be the definition of the perfect sink- it does everything for you in terms of style, design, functionality and practicality. Even if you are not doing a complete kitchen remodel ling, you will be amazed at how much a new, well chosen sink can do to update your kitchen.



Aaron

John H asked:


I didn’t run the dishwasher or have any water in the sink when I noticed later that the kitchen sinks had mysteriously filled up with water. I tried plunging it but it didn’t work. I removed the U pipe and it would gush mystery water (that was warm and smelled a little like bleach) but I had already shut off the water, where did it come from? How do I fix my sink?

Raymond