Newest Options In Kitchen Sinks

When adding a new kitchen sink to your home, there are many considerations. There are literally thousands of options, ranging from the mounting style, the material, and then a large variety of sizes and shapes. Kitchen sinks can range anywhere from your standard off the shelf version for less then $100 all the way up to several thousand dollars for custom designed masterpieces. The newest options on the market take design, function and durability all into consideration. 

The Galley Sinks

These are for those who spend time in the kitchen. If you are a heat it and eat it kind of family, you may not have a need for this deluxe version of the kitchen sink. These sinks are large rectangle sinks that are more of a workstation then just a sink. They are double tiered and come with many options including cutting boards, colanders and stainless steel bowls that slide across the sink. Basically, home chef’s dream sink! 

Prep Sinks

With more homes having islands in their kitchens, prep sinks or also referred to as entertainment sinks, have become very popular. These smaller sinks are great to have on an island so that you can rinse and chop all in one area. 

Apron Sinks

The old farmhouse sinks were technically apron-front sinks, coming out from the counter and with the exposed front of the sink. However, many different types of sinks now come with apron-front designs, with the front of the sink exposed and coming out about 1 inch beyond the counter.  

A good quality sink should last many years, even decades. Take the time to choose the on that will work best for your home and your family. Before buying, make sure you discuss the sink installation with your plumber, so they can alert you to any plumbing changes that will need to be made as part of the installation. 

Sink Replacement

Is your kitchen or bathroom in need of a sink repair or replacement?  This is one of those jobs that looks easier than it is.  Repairing or replacing a sink involves removing the old fixtures and the drain line, then separating the sink from the counter top.

Installing the new sink involves securing the sink in the opening, installing new faucets and fixtures, hooking up the water supply lines, lining up and installing the drain lines, hooking up the drain valve if it has one, and possibly installing the garbage disposal on a kitchen sink.  Then you have to hope none of the water lines or drains leak.

Let a professional plumber handle your sink replacement project. They are the experts in sink repairs and installation.  They have the experience and know-how to get the job done quickly and efficiently.  Your plumber will also be able to help you decide whether you are better off repairing the old sink or replacing it with a new sink.

If I you have a porcelain or enamel sink that still gets the job done well, but it looks old or outdated, it may just need resurfacing. Your plumber can help you find a resurfacing professional that specializes in enamel or porcelain finishes. Have your plumber install an updated faucet and fixtures to get the look of a new sink at a fraction of the cost.

Sometimes a full sink replacement is your better option. Your plumber can help you choose from a variety of sinks and help you find one that looks great and fits your budget.

Kitchen Sink Choices

If you are in the market to replace that old kitchen sink with a modern new design, the good news is that there is a wide array of styles, colors and materials to choose from.  The downside is that you may be overwhelmed by the vast selection of sinks to choose from. Your plumber can help narrow your choices and handle the installation.

The most popular material for kitchen sinks is stainless steel.  These sinks look great in most modern kitchens and go well with most appliances and motifs.  They are durable, chip-proof, and resistant to scratches and dents.  When buying a stainless steel sink, look for a heavier gauge steel for maximum dent resistance.  Some stainless steel sinks also have some soundproofing to minimize noise.

Cast iron sinks were typically installed in houses built  more than 20 to 30 years ago.  Traditionally, they were made of cast iron with a white enamel finish  but modern cast iron sinks are available in a wide array of colors.  The main disadvantage of a cast iron sink is that the enamel surface can chip.  Otherwise, they are stain resistant and durable sinks with a “retro” look.

Composite sinks are growing in popularity and are manufactured using several different materials, each with its own advantages.  Granite based composite sinks are extremely durable, stain and scratch resistant.  They add an elegant look to any kitchen.  Quartz composite sinks are not quite as durable as granite, but they are available in a wider array of attractive colors.

Polyester or Acrylic composite sinks are less expensive than granite or quartz sinks and are available with a shiny surface and in an endless array of colors.  However, they are softer than granite and quartz so they are less resistant to scratches, nicks, cuts, and stains.

Smelly Kitchen Sink Drains

Many people complain that their kitchen sink ‘smells’.  Usually, these kitchen sinks have garbage disposals and a few simple tricks will help make the smell go completely away.

If you have a smelly kitchen sink, and you have a garbage disposal, it is likely that your garbage disposal needs to be cleaned.  When you turn on the garbage disposal, blades spin around grinding the food particles into small enough pieces to allow them to flow down the drain.

Often, the grinding isn’t complete, and pieces of food get stuck in your kitchen drain and begin to smell.  Basically, the food has begun to rot and that is what is causing the unpleasant odor.

The first step is to fill the kitchen sink where your garbage disposal is at up with warm, soapy water.  Degreasing detergents tend to work best, as grease particles are often the cause of some of the worse smells.  Next, remove the stink stopper, and turn on the garbage disposal.  Allow warm water to flow into the sink at the same time.  This action should help dislodge any ‘stuck’ food particles or grease, and will eliminate the smell.  You should notice immediate improvement.

If this didn’t work, and you still have an unpleasant odor, try the same thing, but this time use ½ cup of baking soda plus ½ cup of vinegar instead of detergent.  Continue to stream warm water and run the garbage disposal.  After approximately five minutes, pour 2-4 cups of clean, boiling water down the drain.

If you are still experiencing problems, you should contact your local plumber for assistance.  They will be able to further trouble shoot the cause of the odor and help remedy the problem.