Get help or do it yourself?

It used to be that you had to know a lot about plumbing to do anything yourself. Today, if you are installing a new sink in the same location as your old sink, flexible water supply pipes enable you to install a sink without having to weld pipes or do other major plumbing processes. However, most homeowners hire professionals to install their sinks. New sinks are often installed as part of a kitchen or bathroom remodel, so you may already have a general contractor engaged who is managing the entire process. If your project is limited to a new sink and faucets, you can call your regular plumber, or ask for a referral from your retailer or etailer.

Size

The size of the sink relates to its function as well as its appearance. Kitchen and utility sinks need to be large to be functional. Bathroom and bar sinks can be fairly small. The size of any sink needs to relate to the size and proportion of other elements in a room. Many older homes have a tiny powder room, and a tiny sink that is wall hung seems to fit perfectly. On the other hand, even if you wanted the dish washing functionality of a big three bowl kitchen sink, if you have a small kitchen it would appear odd to have such a large sink, and it would be to dominant a design element. When shopping for a sink, it is important to take careful measurements of all of the dimensions of the space where it will be installed. Don't trust size decisions to memory or approximations.

Singles, Doubles, and Divided Sinks

Most bathroom and kitchen sinks that are sold are single bowl sinks. Some bathrooms have identical single sinks installed side-by-side in a countertop. This side-by-side configuration is popular for shared children's bathrooms and for master suites, as two people can use the sinks simultaneously. Many kitchen sinks are manufactured with permanent partitions that create multiple bowls. A two bowl sink permits the user wash dishes with soapy water in one bowl and rinse water in another. A three bowl sink permits the user to have one bowl for soapy water, one for rinse water, and one still free to perform ongoing kitchen tasks even while dishes are being washed.

Cleaning and Maintenance

You should purchase a sink that is durable enough to maintain its appearance under normal use. Follow the cleaning directions that come with your sink. Some sinks, like tempered glass, polished copper, and black enamel will tend to look dirty more quickly than some other materials. If you are a less rigorous cleaner, you may want to buy a sink that requires less frequent cleaning.

Sink Features

Here are some features that you should consider when you purchase your sink:

Integrated Soap Dispensers: A number of sinks are now available with an extra whole to accommodate an integrated liquid soap dispenser.  Many users find this a convenience, but it is particularly popular in kitchens and children's bathrooms.

Strainer Drain: A strainer drain, particularly in a kitchen sink without garbage disposal, is a very important feature. It prevents pieces of waste going down the drain and clogging your plumbing.

Garbage Disposal: A garbage disposal is not technically a sink feature, it is rather an appliance that is purchased separately and attached to the bottom of a kitchen sink. However, if your ideal kitchen includes a garbage disposal, you should make sure that the kitchen sink you purchase is not too deep, and leaves enough clearance for a garbage disposal.