Kitchen Sink

Kitchen Sink Varieties

Most do-it-yourself homeowners choose sinks made from cast iron that is coated with enamel, enameled steel, or stainless steel, depending on the look of their appliances. However, some premium quality sinks are made from porcelain or other solid surface-material such as marble that can match your backsplash. These are considerably more expensive and are usually installed by a professional.

Another factor in choosing the type of kitchen sink to install is the number of basins you want. Traditionally, there are only one or two basins, but more and more people are choosing a newer option of having a third, usually much smaller, basin. This basin can be used to rinse fresh fruits and vegetables or to store dish soap and cleaning sponges or cloths.

As society’s needs have changed, so have the design of the sinks. Not only have the average number of basins changed, but also the sizes and shapes available. A small apartment or home can easily have a single basin corner sink installed.

Accessories for the Kitchen Sink

The different types of accessories available for the sink can help to make the time spent using it easier and faster. It used to be a big deal to have a sprayer attached to your kitchen sink, but not anymore. Now you can purchase sprayers that also serve as the main faucet.

Accessories for the sink have changed over the years and are available to suit just about every anticipated need or lifestyle. For instance, a budding chef will appreciate a cutting board insert. A must-have for any sink is a basket strainer, which helps prevent food from going down the drain while keeping water in the basin. Some other accessories that are becoming more common are colanders, basin racks, rinse baskets, water filtration systems, and disposals. The latter two options are pricier and have separate installation involved.

Cost

The average homeowner chooses a sink based on cost first, and then design. When you factor in your total cost of the sink installation, you should first decide if this project would be done by a professional or yourself. If you spend less on installation, you will be able to afford a more expensive sink. However, if a professional does the project, you’ll probably need to pick out a less expensive sink. Overall, the costs incurred include:

• The initial cost of the sink itself, and any required hardware.
• Any accessories for the sink that might include separate installation, such as filtration systems or disposals.
• The professional’s fee, if any, which includes labor and time spent. It may also include some parts, or be offered as a total package.
• Any other tools or plumbing supplies needed, such as supply tubes (for faucet and drain installation), plastic piping, etc.

For a do-it-yourself installation, you will still pay for all of these costs, except the professional fee. Instead, you will need to include in your cost any basic hand tools like pliers or screwdrivers, as well as supplies such as:

• Caulk gun
• Plumber’s putty
• Tubing cutter
• Hose clamps

Most manufacturers offer kits that will include many of these items; however, you should always prepare for missing or ill-fitting pipes and tubing.

Maintenance and Kitchen Sink Care

If you are going to choose a sink based on maintenance and care, consider these facts:

• Stainless steel is a top choice among consumers for its durability, functionality, and low maintenance. It is easy to clean and can stand up to high use and has a long life.
• Older enamel, porcelain, and cast-iron sinks may not be acid resistant. Acidic foods should not be left sitting in the sink as it could etch the sink.
• For the most part, kitchen sinks require very little maintenance. Generally after every use or emptying, wiping down the sink with soap and warm water is enough to keep it clean.
• If you like everything about your sink except that it is outdated or old, you may want to consider resurfacing it as a way to lengthen the life of your sink.