Types of Sinks and the Purpose they Serve

Kitchen Sink

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.

In 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.

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 has a tendency to chip and is less durable than cast iron or stainless steel.

Stainless steel comes in different gaugesóthe lower the number, the thicker the steel. Thicker steel is less noisy, and undercoating can help dampen noise. Satin finish is the easiest to clean.

Other accessories for kitchen sinks include sliding cutting boards, clip-on colanders and custom dish drainers.

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, and any damage to the sink will mean replacing the entire unit.

In addition to cultured stone and solid surfacing, 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.

For bath vanities, 34"-36" is a more comfortable height for adults than the typical height of 30"-32".

Pedestal Lavatory

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.

More difficult to install than countertop vanities

Utility Sink

Also called a laundry sink.

Provides 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.

Sturdy, durable and often made of fiberglass

Garbage Disposal

Uses a high-speed rotating table powered by a sealed motor, it flings kitchen waste against a stationary shredder, cutter or grinder.

This action, together with a full flow of cold running water that must be used while the disposal is operating, reduces the garbage to fine particles and flushes them down the drain to the sewage system.

Fits standard 3-1/2" to 4" sink drain openings and are installed under the sink drain.

Cold water congeals grease and prevents it from coating the drain line. Hard particles, such as bone and eggshell, actually scour the drain line as they whirl down and help keep it clean.

One type is the Continuous-Feed disposals. 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.

Batch-Feed disposals grind or pulverize 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. No other switch is necessary. 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 garbageófrom the sink and the dishwasheróbut they are not intended for glass, crockery, leather, metal, newspaper, paper cartons, rubber or plastic.

Sinks Safety Tips

When installing pedestal sinks, do not overtighten the bolts that connect the basin to the wall. Over-tightening can crack the ceramic.

If the new sink is to replace an old-fashioned cast iron sink, be aware that these are heavy and will need two people to remove.

If your customer is worried about the danger a garbage disposal could pose to small children, suggest he buy a batch-fed type.