What You Need To Know When Buying a New Sink

A sink provides a basic component a of a residential plumbing system. But they can do so much more! The right sink can also bring function, design and interest to your home. The two main areas in your home that require a sink are the kitchen and the bathroom. However, it is becoming common place to have a sink in the laundry as well for more and more households. Here is a guide to the different sink options and features for each of these rooms.

Kitchen

Kitchen sinks are constructed of many different materials including enameled steel, stainless steel, cast iron, brass, stone and composites such as quartz or granite combined with resin. Enameled steel may chip easily and is less durable than cast iron or stainless steel.

Stainless steel comes in different gauges–the lower the number, the thicker the steel. Thicker steel is quieter. Also, undercoating can help dampen noise. Satin finish is the easiest to clean. Some accessories for kitchen sinks include sliding cutting boards, clip-on colanders and custom dish drainers. Kitchen sinks come in many types, shapes and sizes, including:

• Undermounted Sinks mount below the countertop.
• Self-Rimming Sinks feature a rolled edge that mounts directly over the countertop. They are the most common and easiest to install.
• Double sinks are the most common in new construction, with one bowl available for washing and one for rinsing dishes.
• Single bowls are necessary in small kitchens with little counter space or can function as a second sink for meal preparation.
• Triple sinks, the middle bowl is designed for the garbage disposal.
• Shapes are rectangular or square; custom sinks can be round, oval or other shapes.
• Standard size is 8″ deep; low-end sinks are only 5-7″ deep and top-quality sinks can go 10″ deep.

Garbage Disposals use a high-speed rotating table powered by a sealed motor. It flings kitchen waste against a stationary shredder, cutter or grinder. This action, coupled with a full flow of cold running water reduces the garbage to fine particles and flushes them down the drain to the sewage system. A garbage disposal fits standard 3-1/2″ to 4″ sink drain openings and is installed under the sink drain. Cold water congeals grease and prevents it from coating the drain line. One type of garbage disposal is a the Continuous-Feed disposal. Garbage can be fed while the machine is in operation. These disposals are controlled by a wall switch and operated with a continuous flow of cold water. A flexible splashguard at the disposal opening stops backsplash and helps to catch non-food items that may accidentally fall into the opening. A Batch Feed disposal grinds food waste one load at a time. The hopper is filled and cold water added. When the cover is put in place, the unit begins operating. Some models have a magnetic switch control in the cover; others require a locking turn of the cover to activate the unit. The safer design of batch-feed disposals makes them more attractive to homeowners with children. A sealed motor requiring an electrical hook-up powers most garbage disposals. The typical disposal has an overload switch that shuts off the motor if something is jammed. Disposals will grind most garbage from the sink and the dishwasher but they are not intended for glass, crockery, leather, metal, newspaper, paper cartons, rubber or plastic.

Bathrooms

Countertop Lavatory offers the advantage of storage space under and next to the sink. The mounting for vanity sinks can be self-rimming, flush-mounted, undermounted or integral. Integral sink basins are typically made of solid surfacing or cultured stone. Any damage to the sink will mean replacing the entire unit.

In addition to cultured stone and solid surfacing, some bath sinks are made of enameled steel, vitreous china, glass, cast iron and stainless steel. Vitreous china is the most common material, since it provides a high-gloss finish and is durable and sanitary. A newer and particularly aesthetic choice for a bathroom countertop is a vessel sink. With the many choices of material and design, this is a great way to add art to the bathroom. For bath vanities, a higher level of 34″-36″ can be a more comfortable height for adults than the typical height of 30″-32″.

Pedestal Lavatory is a sink where the bowl rests on a pedestal and does not have storage space underneath. The most common type of pedestal is made of vitreous china, but manufacturers offer other high-end types as well. Pedestals can be more difficult to install than countertop vanities.

Laundry Room

Often called a utility sink or a laundry sink. These sinks provide an extra deep, multi-purpose single bowl for pre-washing laundry or washing out items like paint brushes not suitable or other more expensive sinks. A utility sink is sturdy, durable and usually made of fiberglass. Because this sink is generally used vigorous spraying, installing a pull-out hand held sprayer can be beneficial.