Archive for March, 2009

Help! Does anyone know how I could fix a little crack in my aluminum kitchen sink?

Sunday, March 29th, 2009
bananarama asked:


This sounds really ridiculous, but as I was standing on a chair in my kitchen trying to reach for something on top of the cupboard, whilst holding a few things in the other hand, somehow I dropped everything into the sink and my cleaver managed to cut and pierce through the aluminum sink and theres a slight crack in it. Please, if anyone knows how I could fix this kindly let me know. Thank you so much.

Joan
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Kitchen sink broke and can’t find one that fits in the hole in the granite countertop. Any ideas?

Saturday, March 28th, 2009
mullinsbrendan asked:


I have a kitchen sink that is 30″ x 21″. It recently broke and I need to replace it. However, it is not a standard size sink and I cannot find one that fits in the hole. The counter top is granite so I do not think I can widen the hole so I need to either find a unique size sink or somehow make the hole bigger. Can someone help me with this? The hole that is in the counter is 27″ x 19″.

Cody
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Undermount Kitchen Sinks: Stylized Kitchen Sinks Possible With Undermount Kitchen Sinks

Thursday, March 26th, 2009
Lena Kavhovsky asked:


Undermount kitchen sinks are all the rage today. In these days of modernizing kitchen décor, these sinks have proven to be an invaluable asset. These sinks combine wonderful functionality with superb designs and styles to select from.

The unique functionality

Unlike other regular sinks found in kitchens, undermount kitchen sinks have a unique functionality of their own. The specialized function called flush fitting is one of the revolutionary aspects of such sinks. The sink is installed below the countertop portion. This helps lend the top of the kitchen a seamless and superb finish. With no unsightly joints and seams, the finish is professional and neat. The benefit of such a sink is that you just have to push the mess into your sink and never have to bother about it!

Various options available

There are many varieties of undermount kitchen sinks to choose from these days. Right from the kind of shapes available, to the type of materials these are made of to even the size needed, you are sure to find one that fits your unique needs. There are even varying depths of these sinks, according to your requirement. Right from stainless steel to ceramic, you can select these kinds of sinks, as per the décor of your kitchen.

Stainless steel: a favorite choice

Amongst the various kinds of undermount kitchen sinks available these days, the stainless steel ones are more popular when compared to the ceramic varieties. The high resistance and durability quotient of stainless steel makes this a good choice. Stainless steel undermount sinks are resistant to scratches, dents, stains and lots more. The kinds of shapes available in such sinks include rectangular, oval, elongated and round as well.

Customized ceramic sinks

Most of the ceramic undermount kitchen sinks come in white finish. Such a finish is great because it can match any kind of kitchen décor. You can also order a custom made ceramic undermount sink to match the theme and design of the kitchen. You can also opt for butler sink styled sinks, which perfectly complement Victorian themed kitchens and homes. If you have a more rustic and countryside styled kitchen, then solid ceramic and rectangular shapes are more appropriate to suit such a décor.

Getting it fitted

The expenses in fitting undermount kitchen sinks are not that much. These costs are slotted across diverse ranges so you can take your pick as per the budget. There are also sinks with hot and cold taps separately placed. There are even sinks with mixer options installed in them. There are also various draining and plugging systems found in such undermount kitchen sinks.



Jesus
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Is there such a thing as a flexible drain pipe for a domestic kitchen sink?

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
outlaw07480 asked:


I want to put an additional sink across the kitchen from the main sink. The drain pipe is up in the joists under the kitchen and I would have to cross the joists to connect to it. I don’t have enough room to tilt a 10ft solid piece of PVC but could snake and pull a flexible pipe if such a product exists. Does such a thing exist?

Michelle
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Faucets, Sinks & Countertops

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
Morgan Kennedy asked:


When picking the faucets, sinks and countertops for your home the choices are endless. So take your time & make the right decision based on your style & lifestyle.

Faucets can add luxury & charm to your kitchen and bathroom. The most important things to consider are buying a product that will stand the test of time. Here are some things to consider.

Faucets

There are many types and styles of shower faucets to pick from. The one most frequently used is the type of shower faucet is the wall mounted faucet that is centered over the shower drain. Other shower faucets include faucets with longer arms coming from the wall, or even ceiling mounted faucets that cause a waterfall effect.

Once you have decided on a style you need to pick your finish. Your choices includes, stainless steel, nickel plating, porcelain, chrome plating, brass, bronze, white enamel, silver gold, colour epoxy & platinum.

The most popular finishes for shower faucets are chrome because they are durable & easy to maintain. When pick other finishes make sure that they can handle the test of time. See if a varnish or sealant is needed to protect the surface.

When you are looking for bathroom & kitchen faucets try and look for quality products. This does not always mean more expensive. Make sure the faucet is not made with plastic, look for faucets with ceramic washer or enclosed valves.

We recommend talking to your plumber about which faucets will work with your pluming. Your plumber can help you find faucets that are compatible with your home.

Sinks

Your sinks see the most traffic out of any place in your home, so pick wisely. It is important to buy a sink that is easy to clean and is durable. You will want to find a sink that fits into your kitchen or bathroom and adds flare. The choices are endless; full of different sizes, shapes and materials. Because of the selection it is an easy part of your home design. Just get into some showrooms, browse through some catalogues. You will find something that is durable and fits perfectly into your home. Another thing you need to consider is what type of mounting surface would you like? Do you want to see the top of the counter or do you want to mount your sink under the counter, this is when the sink is not visible. These days it seems that contemporary looks are everywhere with funky kitchen sinks that look like old fashion washing bowls, made of marble and fine material. These types of sinks look both classy & sleek. This is a great look if you are looking for a conversation piece in your home. For your kitchen sink you may want to stick to a domestic function sink made of stainless steel. They bring out the function & style to the entire kitchen and will be a perfect compliment to many kitchens. This type of sink is durable and never goes out of style. For my personal home designing I have one general rule. Spice up the smaller rooms with fun and exciting accessories and keep all the main rooms classic with function as the main motivation for design. Take some time and find out what you would like to get out of your sink before you purchase it. Other great choices for sinks are porcelain, marble, granite, copper or brass.

For an elegant & sophisticated look try copper sinks. Copper sinks are made from heavy, solid weathered copper or dark brown copper sheets. Some have hand hammered details. Copper sinks are like people they get more interesting as they age. More character is added with time. They are very durable.

When you are ready to pick your kitchen or bathroom sinks take into consideration the overall function & style.

Countertops

When renovating your kitchen or bathroom countertops will be your first thing to pick. Your kitchen & bathrooms see the most traffic so your counters are a very important choice. With so many materials, colors, and styles to choose from, selecting the right counter top can be a challenge due to the selection. But I guess this is a good problem to have.

Kitchen countertops come in a variety of materials. Selecting the right material is important to the functionality & style of your kitchen. You want a counter top to enhance the style of your home but it must still be durable enough to survive its everyday wear & tear. You can select between concrete, granite, wood, ceramic, limestone, slate, stainless steel, laminate, & marble.

Plastic laminates are the most common used material for kitchen countertops. Plastic laminates are inexpensive, resistant to stains and grease, low maintenance, great at hiding scratches. However, sharp objects and hot pans can damage laminate plastic countertops. Once these counter tops are damaged they are hard to repair.

Stainless steel, is very easy to clean and is an excellent choice for anyone who plans to spend time in the kitchen. Stainless steel kitchen counters add a modern or contemporary feel to your kitchen. The only downside to stainless steal counter tops is the expense and that they are hard to install.

If you are on a budget, but would like a designer look then try, glazed ceramic and porcelain tile countertops. They do not stain, but you cannot cut on these surfaces. You will destroy you counter top if you do not use a board. For better durability try porcelain countertops.

The strongest type of counter tops are granite slabs will offer you stain and heat resistance. Granite & Marble are your choice if you would like to add luxury to your home. These counter tops are very durable and have an excellent look. You just need to be careful with the oils in your home. Oil can discolour the surfaces of these types of countertops. Granite & marble counter tops will add value of your home.



Brian
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Can I fix my chipped enamel on my kitchen sink?

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
Mike Thompson asked:


I was changing out a kitchen sink faucet (whole nother DYI nightmare) but happened to chip a little piece of the white enamel off the sink. It is a white enamel over cast iron sink that is tiled in so don’t want to change the sink out. Do they make a repair kit of some type for this?

Roland
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Discount Kitchen Sinks for Tough Economical Times

Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Martin Applebaum asked:


In these tough economic times, people are looking for ways to save money, even if they are remodeling their kitchen. Discount kitchen sinks are more popular than ever now because of this. Finding them is not too difficult either.

Do a quick search on the internet and you will find a great deal of information on discount kitchen sinks. Another great place to find deals on these products is to shop at liquidation centers or bargain building supply stores. Sometimes these stores are known only to contractors but sometimes the general public is aware of them.

A bargain building supply store may have both used and new discount kitchen sinks on hand. If you choose a used sink, make sure you look it over carefully for any noticeable flaws. Mostly likely, it is gently used with no noticeable marks on it.

Some contractors have contacts with local dealers and they might be notified of any pending sales on household building supplies such as discount kitchen sinks. If you know of a contractor or kitchen installer, it may be advantageous to find out what his sources for sinks is, if he tells you. It may be a trade secret though.

Sometimes you can get lucky and find a going out of business sale or an auction of kitchen fixtures. Keep an eye on the local classifieds for ads on auctions and end of business sales.

Choosing the right sink for your kitchen is very important to the overall look and feel of the room. Determine what your needs are before making the purchase. Do you do a lot of entertaining and therefore require a large sink for cleaning? Knowing what you want before buying will hopefully allow you to make a good decision.

Discount kitchen sinks do not have to be cheap because they are discounted. Many quality sinks can be found at a discount. Some of the styles to choose from include stainless steel, porcelain, solid surface or enamel.

Remember that the kitchen sink is often the busiest area of your kitchen, so choose a sink that can withstand the rigors of its usage. Make sure you like your sink as well since it is used so often.

Discount kitchen sinks are not difficult to find, you just have to look around. Take some time and find a sink that will look great and serve you well for years.



Larry
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Kitchen sink clogged, when running disposal water runs fine, when disposal stops, water shoots back into sink?

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009
rolfes5 asked:


Our kitchen sink is holding water because of some sort of clog, it eventually clears with time, but very very slowly.

When we run the disposal the water clears out quickly and it sounds like the disposal is working. However, when we turn the disposal off, the water rush back into the sink (literally shoots back out).

The dishwasher is storing a bit of standing water too.

What is happening and how do I fix it?

Andrew

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Mildew under the kitchen sink. non-toxic way to kill it? or temp way to cover it so i don’t breathe it in?

Friday, March 20th, 2009
quellyn asked:


I have a leak under the kitchen sink and I’ll be lucky if the management fixes that but I’m sure they will not fix the totally destroyed and mildewed area of the cabinet. I don’t want to breathe it in but am very sensitive to chemicals so is there anyway to either seal it off so I don’t breathe it or something that doesn’t smell that will kill it?

Francisco
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Choosing a Designer Kitchen Sink

Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Dominic Bulstrode asked:


When you are planning a new kitchen, you need to remember to budget for a sink and taps. It’s very easy to forget these fittings but the sink and taps are an important part of your kitchen, especially if you don’t have a dishwasher.

When you are considering the location of your sink, you will need to take into account where the water pipes and drainage are and the locations of the hob/oven and the fridge. You want these three items to be in a triangle and within easy reach of each other so that you do not have to travel very far to take things from the cooker to the sink etc. If you have a small kitchen which is L-shaped, you may want to consider a corner sink with the main sink on one wall and the drainer on the other wall, but both next to each other in the corner. This corner position will then give you long runs of worktop for food preparation and serving, and plenty of space for a hob.

Sinks come in many shapes and sizes. You can buy double sinks, with both sinks the same size for washing and rinsing; single sinks with a drainer; one and a half sinks for washing and tipping waste; sink and waste disposal unit; three bowl sinks with a small central bowl for waste etc. Some sinks fit into the work top, others, like Belfast sinks have their own front edging. It all depends on the style of your kitchen. Belfast sinks look great when teamed with handmade wooden kitchens to give a country style.

Let’s consider different types of kitchen sinks:-

Stainless Steel Sinks - These sinks are practical, durable and look great in any style of kitchen. They have been popular for decades and are liked by everyone. Stainless steel is a good choice because it does not stain with dirty washing up water or waste, is easy to keep clean and looks great for years. Look for 1mm/18 gauge stainless steel sinks, as thinner stainless steel can dent more easily.

Enamel/Porcelain sinks - These sinks are enamel or porcelain on top of cast iron or steel. Enamel or porcelain over cast iron is much more durable than over steel. The disadvantage of these sinks is that they can get chipped and show the base metal.

Granite sinks - Also called Fragranite, Silgranite and Rock by manufacturers, granite sinks are simply granite cut into a sink shape. Granite sinks are practical and durable because they are heat resistant up to high temperatures, stain resistant and scratch resistant. They are easy to clean and if they get chipped in any way, which is unusual, the colour of the granite goes all the way through and so damage won’t be obvious.

Ceramic sinks - Ceramic sinks are often in the “Belfast” style and fit onto brackets on the wall. They are white and have a sluice style overflow. Modern inset ceramic sinks are also available. Always be careful to clean up any brightly coloured stains such as tomato sauces otherwise you may discolour the sink.

Corian sinks - With corian, your sink can be integrated into your work surface without joins or seams, it is actually moulded into the work surface. They are hygienic, because there are no joins in which germs can lurk, they are heat and stain resistant and also scratch resistant. They are easy to clean and very low maintenance.

Quartz Composite Sinks - Like granite, these sinks are coloured all the way through and are very durable and resistant to stains and scratches.

Acrylic Sinks - These sinks are stain resistant, non-porous and are easy to keep clean and hygienic. They are available in a variety of sizes and colours to suit any kitchen. Be careful with hot pans and tins because acrylic can melt at high temperatures. Acrylic sinks are not as durable as granite or quartz composite sinks.

After you have chosen your sink, you will need to choose the right kitchen tap. This may be easy because your chosen sink may have a range of matching taps. Otherwise, you can choose from traditional pairs of taps, single mixer taps, wall mounted taps and rustic, country style taps to go with your country kitchen. Taps are also available in different metals and colours. Whatever your style of kitchen, you will easily find taps to match.



Jessie
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