About Sinks

Abigail Franks asked:


Kitchen sinks, what do we know about them? We use and abuse them and they’re probably the most used plumbing fixture in your home. We know a garbage disposer usually hangs off of it into the cabinet. Other than that, it just sits in your kitchen ready to perform the duties assigned no matter how dirty of disgusting. After years of duty however, it becomes time to just retire the sink and get another one. Problem is that there are many materials you can choose from and how do you know what one is right for you? The answer of course is to understand what is important to you and how each of the kitchen sink materials stack up against your needs.

It’s no secret that we’re all short on time and having someone else do anything for you in your home is expensive. The point is that time is expensive no matter if it’s yours or you hire someone. With that in mind, remember that if you need to replace your sink every year or two because you bought cheap, the expense is in the labor.

The cheapest sinks today are stainless steel and pressed steel. The lower cost stainless and the pressed steel are also known as “apartment” grade. They call them this because apartment owners, looking for the cheapest prices tend to use these products. If you’re on a budget and your family are not heavy users of the kitchen sink, these may be an attractive alternative to more expensive materials. Be aware though that the pressed steel sink typically has a painted surface that scratches and chips easily. These sinks will tend to look old and outdated quickly due to the finish used. The stainless also scratches easily but if cared for correctly, it will continue to look acceptable. Cheaper stainless steel sinks tend to be made of thinner material which means that water being ran into them and the garbage disposal will sound a lot louder on these less expensive models. These sinks come in rimless and top mounted models.

A definite upgrade to these products is the cast iron kitchen sink. These sinks are made of casted metal them finished with a porcelain material giving them a deep and beautiful glow. The finish is long wearing and with a little occasional waxing, can look great for years. They come in a variety of colors and can be ordered in undercounter mounting or top mounting styles. These kitchen sinks however are heavy and much more difficult to install so unless you are extremely handy and have experience with these sinks, you will need an expert for installation.

Another sink material that seems to be gaining in popularity is the solid surface type material These are a durable material formed into a kitchen sink and tend to be more of a matte finish. This type of sink material goes especially well with more natural finishes in your kitchen. Although not as popular as cast-iron, these composite kitchen sinks are rapidly gaining a strong following.

Your kitchen sink is a well used piece of plumbing that deserves to be constructed of quality materials. Buying only on price will cause additional expense due to having to replace the unit much more often. So the best solution is to buy quality and have your Uncle Charlie install it for you.



Tanya

John Bury asked:


ration



Isolate the water supply.

If you are replacing an existing sink, drain the hot and cold pipes by turning on both taps. Label the water supply pipes so you know hot from cold.

To replace an old sink into an existing unit ensure the sink is the correct size for the hole in the top of the unit.



Cutting a recess hole in the worktop

If you are fitting a sink into a new worktop you will need to cut a recess hole.



Place the sink face down on the worktop ensuring there is even space at the front and the back of the sink. Mark the position of the sink with a pencil.

Taking the measurement of the lip of the sink, draw another line inside the first.

Using a power drill fitted with an auger bit drill a hole in each corner inside the inner line.

Starting from one of the holes use a jigsaw to cut along the inner line.

Having created the recess hole check that the sink fits into it. If satisfied with the fit treat the cut edges of the worktop with a wood preservative.



Connecting up the supply pipes



Whether you are just replacing an old sink or the whole unit, the first thing to do is turn the sink upside down and look for a slot marked E in the rim.

Fit the green-and-yellow earthing wire into this slot to prevent the risk of electric shocks should the appliance come in contact with any electrical currents. If the sink is stainless steel you will need to attach this wire to the earthing cable, which runs between the metal fittings of your appliances.

Follow the sink manufacturer’s instructions to fit the sink securing clips to the worktop.

To fit the taps, place the taps over the prefabricated holes in the back of the sink (or single hole, if you have a monoblock tap). If the supply pipes are too high to connect to the tails you will need to cut them to size with a pipe cutter, or failing this, a hacksaw. If the tail pipes are plastic, a plastic connector between the tap tails and the supply pipes will be required.

Feed the tap hoses or flexible connectors from the hot and cold supply pipes through the hole from underneath and attach them to the correct tap tails.

Secure the taps in position under the unit with the nuts and washers provided, sealing the join between taps and sink with silicone mastic or a rubber gasket.

The sink can then be secured into the worktop by tightening the clips in sequence, ensuring there is a waterproof adhesive seal where the sink meets the top of the worktop.



Fitting a monobloc tap



If a monobloc tap is to be fitted then you will need reducing joints or couplers, to connect the 10mm (2/5in) pipe of the monobloc to the 15mm (3/5in) supply pipe.

Attach a shut-off valve, sometimes called a service valve, to each supply pipe and turn it to the off position.

Attach a 15mm (3/5in) piece of copper pipe to the top of the service valve. Screw the 10mm (2/5in) end of the reducing joint onto to the tap tails and then slot the 15mm (3/5in) end onto the copper pipe, bending the tap tails gently if they are slightly out of alignment with the supply pipes.

Tighten both ends with a wrench and turn on each service valve.

The sink can then be secured into the worktop by tightening the clips in sequence, ensuring there is a waterproof adhesive seal where the sink meets the top of the worktop.



Connecting the waste pipe

To connect the waste pipe you will need a drain kit containing a tubular trap, often called a P-trap or S-trap because of their shapes, which stops unpleasant smells coming up from the drains



Connect the vertical outlet to the underside of the sink’s waste outlet by simply screwing it in place. At the same time connect the overflow pipe to the overflow outlet on the sink.

Fit the P-trap or S-trap to the vertical outlet from the sink and then connect the horizontal branch pipe to its other end. Check that all the joints fit tightly together.



Turn on the water supply and if there are any leaks, tighten the fittings. When you check for leaks, make sure the water has had time to build up to optimum pressure. Continue to check the connections regularly for a couple of days to ensure no slow leaks have developed.



Suzanne

Andrew Beene asked:


Not many people paid attention to the deteriorating condition of their kitchen sinks before. But today, homeowners go gaga at the sight of a stainless steel kitchen sink in home shops or depots. It has become one of the most in-demand and trendiest home additions. Various kinds of sinks, whether for the kitchen or bathroom, have risen in the market. These come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials to offer uniqueness to every house.

With the latest trends in home additions, sinks are becoming a vital part in the aspect of kitchen and bathroom improvement. In searching for the appropriate sink for you home, you’ll find a wide variety of options to choose from. It’s so amazing that shopping online for bathroom sinks or browsing for online kitchen sinks is so easy and what’s more, you get to choose from different types and classes of sinks right in the confines of your home.

However, even though there are hundreds of options to choose from, you still have to consider many factors before settling for stainless steel bathroom sinks or undermount kitchen sinks for your renovation plans. Reassess your place and be certain about how you want it to look. Don’t just buy anything and have it installed without putting thought into it.

When selecting the sink for your kitchen or bathroom, check the quality of material that was used for its manufacture. Since sinks today are made of different types of materials, choose the kind that will match the other elements that contribute to the aesthetics of your home.

Stainless steel sinks are popularly known in the industry. This type of sink is very easy to install and maintain. Stainless steel sinks also come in affordable prices unlike other sink classifications. When installing a stainless steel sink, choose the thicker one made from a durable material.

Undermount kitchen sinks are also preferred by many today. These sinks can be top-mounted, undermounted or flush-mounted. Having these characteristics sets this sink apart from all others since it allows homeowners to choose the manner of installing it.

Professionals consider top-mounted sinks the easiest to install but the most difficult to clean. Under-mounted sinks, on the other hand, are difficult to install but look more integrated and easier to clean. While flush-mounted sinks also look integrated but require rigorous scrubbing. The mounting style of sinks is an important factor to consider so you can avoid the hassle during the installation process.



Lydia

Josh Neumann asked:


Your kitchen sink is crucial to the overall layout of your kitchen.  The rest of your kitchen can be designed exactly the way you want it, but if your sink doesn’t match the overall theme, it just won’t fly.  Should you decide to purchase a new sink, here are some tips on how to pick out the right one.

First of all, before you even begin redesigning your kitchen, set a budget and stick with it.  There is nothing worse than getting to the middle of your kitchen redesign project and realizing you won’t have the funds to complete the job.

You need to shop around at all your local home improvement stores to find the right sink at an affordable price.  Be careful during this process-even thought you may find the perfect kitchen sink right off the bat, if it is out of your price range, don’t even consider it. 

Also, another great source for finding the perfect kitchen sink is the internet.  Quite simply, you can find a lot of great deals on the internet that you simply won’t find offline.  Be patient as you shop around, compare prices, and wait until you find the right sink within your budget.

Another very important consideration before you begin shopping around is the size of the sink you need.  Attempting to install a sink that is too large for your kitchen can be disastrous.  Again, it is extremely important that you determine this before you begin shopping.

You will also need to determine the style of sink you want.  The two popular options are one and two basin sinks.  The majority of sinks come with two basins, but there are some available with only one.  If you do not have a dishwasher, for instance, it is crucial that you get a two basin sink for doing your dishes by hand. 

However, if you do have a dishwasher, you may find that one basin sinks are more stylish and trendy.  Therefore, this decision is based on largely on your kitchen’s overall design and needs. 

Another very important consideration is the color of your sink.  You absolutely need to make sure that this matches the rest of your kitchens interior, or else you won’t get the affect you are looking for. 

While the kitchen sink may seem like a minor consideration compared to the cabinets, counter tops, or the walls, it still is a big contributor to the overall atmosphere of the kitchen.  Don’t take this decision lightly-it could determine the overall success of your kitchen redesigning process.

These are just a few simple yet very effective tips to help you choose the right kitchen sink at an affordable price.  Remember, there are always going to be more sinks to choose from. Don’t fall in love with the first one you see.  You may find, after just a little time spent searching, that you can find a very similar sink at a much better price. 

Again, determine the type of kitchen interior design you want, find the sink that will match that, and then make sure the price is right.  Follow these guidelines, and watch your kitchen blossom before your eyes.



Wayne

Joe Matcheck asked:


Sink

Sink is the most important area in your kitchen. Yes, I’ll rank it higher than the stove since all the activities you do in the kitchen begin and end in the sink!

Since it is used so often and for such long periods, the first attribute for a kitchen sink should be durability.

There are a wide variety of kitchen sinks available and they are made of such diverse materials as stainless steel, enameled cast iron, soapstone, concrete and quartz composite. Among these the quartz composite sinks are the most durable. The enameled cast iron sinks are also a good choice. They come in many attractive colors and are also easy to clean and maintain.

Don’t even think about sinks made of china or brass. There is no doubt that they are exceedingly beautiful but are not durable at all.

If you have deep pockets you could go for nickel or copper. Of the two, nickel is the toughest but pure copper is more practical as it requires no maintenance at all.

If you only count on durability you may go for enameled cast iron sinks because one may last you even twenty five years! But care has to be taken to preserve the enamel coating because it tends to crack quite easily. You can’t afford to forget using the sink mat!

But the most widely popular kitchen sinks are those made of stainless steel. They are very easy to clean and though slightly noisy when used, can last for years together. The only problem is that they tend to get dented quite easily. So, proper care has to taken while lowering or taking out utensils from the sink.

The smooth clean lines of design and their gleaming finish allow them to match perfectly with any type of kitchen décor. In fact the gleaming bright steel acts as a counterpoint to predominantly wood and laminate décor in the kitchen. A newer variety of stainless steel known as brushed steel or matte finish steel has set the markets on fire. Sinks made from this material have a sober classy subdued look but what is more practical is that they hide the scratches and dents more effectively.

Mirror finish and satin bowls with mirrored edges are also popular varieties of stainless steel kitchen sinks.

While you choose a sink take care that it fits with the kitchen décor. A deep single porcelain enamel kitchen sink will be a jewel in a farmhouse style kitchen; while a tile-in sink will look perfect in a French Country style kitchen.

Faucets

There are hundreds of varieties of kitchen faucets available in the market but till now the stainless steel faucets are the undisputed market leaders. The most popular stainless steel kitchen faucet is the one with three separate outlets for warm water, cold water and a spout with three separate knobs to control each of them.

There are many other finishes you can choose from to suit your kitchen décor perfectly. You can go for high-gloss satin, antique brass, or even opt for gold plating if your pockets are really deep, or choose powder coated decorator colors in various shades to accentuate the overall ambiance in your kitchen.

These days brushed nickel has also become very popular and oil rubbed bronze is fast catching the customers’ fancy.



Valerie

Andreea Ion asked:


Kitchen sinks are plumbing fixtures with one, two or three bowls used for cleaning food, dishes or hands.

Sinks come with a faucet that supplies the cold or hot water used to wash things. They also have a drain with a strainers for draining the water or a garbage disposal for shredding food waste. Some sinks can also have a liquid soap dispenser.

Most kitchen sinks today are made of stainless steel, because of the cost, durability and ease of use. The most common stainless steel used in sinks manufacturing is the 304 series stainless steel, with a 18/10 chrome/nickel content. Most common finishes for sinks are brushed finish, satin finish, matte finish and mirror finish.

The two types of installing a kitchen sink are Undermount(bottom-mount) and Topmount(self-rimming). For the topmount installation, the hole is cut into the countertop and the sink will stay suspended by its rim. For the undermount installation, the sink will be mounted under the material by using a set of mounting hardware(clips) and waterproofing the joint between the sink and the countertop with silicone sealants.

Single bowl sinks(a category which also includes bar sinks) are mostly used for small kitchens and bars. Double bowl sinks are the most popular in most modern homes, because of the ease of use they provide. Triple bowl sinks are usually used in a large kitchen or a restaurant.

While installing a kitchen sink seems like an easy job, whether you are remodeling your kitchen or building a home, it is very important to consult a professional installer/plumber, because a simple mistake can ruin both your countertop and sinks or even the cabinet used to mount the sink in.



Jeanne

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