Sink Installation
Even if you are not an avid home cook, you are sure to use the kitchen sink multiple times every single day. We use the kitchen sink to wash food, wash dishes, to wash our hands in between food preparation tasks and to dispose of food scraps. I’m sure you can imagine that after years of daily use, it may be time to consider upgrading that kitchen sink to something sleeker and more reliable. There are of course warning signs it may be time to replace your kitchen sink as well as multiple different styles you can choose from.
Signs It May Be Time To Replace Your Kitchen Sink
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The kitchen sink is often replaced as part of a complete renovation, but even if you are not in the process of renovating there are still some obvious warning signs that it may be time to replace your sink.
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Normal Wear And Tear: Over time, even the most durable materials succumb to the wear and tear of daily use. The damage could range from a few dents and scratches to large cracks or separation from the surrounding countertop.
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Frequent Repairs: Needing to call your plumber on a regular basis because of a clogged sink or a sink that leaks and won’t retain any water is a sure sign of needing a replacement. That, or your sink is fairly new but it gets clogged easily because of garbage disposal issues or improper plumbing installation.
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Outdated Style: Again, if the style of your sink is outdated then a replacement may come as part of a complete kitchen renovation. But, if you like the style of your kitchen and simply want to update to something like stainless steel a new sink can go a long way towards elevating your space.
Kitchen Sink Style Options
There are three main styles when it comes to kitchen sinks, and dozens if not hundreds of variations to those styles once you get into details like material and color.
Drop-In Sink
A drop-in or top-mount sink is the most common style found in homes because they are easy to install and to replace. A hole is cut into the top of the counter that is smaller than the outer lip of the sink, and then it is then dropped into the hole which results in an almost seamless finished look.
Undermount
This style is installed underneath the countertop and is used with solid surface materials like granite. Many people enjoy this style because there is no lip or edge to the sink in which crumbs can get caught or mold can develop. You can also find inserts that allow you to cover the sink with a sheet of metal or butcher block to increase counter space and give you more surface area on which to prepare food.
Farmhouse
Though farmhouse sinks were one of the first styles to be developed for home use, we are seeing a huge demand for it in the market because it has become increasingly trendy. This style is defined as being a single wide, deep basin in which the front lip or edge protrudes out. If you work with large stock pots or simply enjoy the aesthetic of a farmhouse sink than this may be the style for you.
Contact Us
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If you need to have a new sink installed, please don’t hesitate to give Jolly Plumbing a call. We have over 50 years of experience here in the Colorado Springs area. We love serving our local community, and we are always here to help with any of your plumbing and heating needs. Sink installation is just one of the many services we offer, and we would love the chance to win your business.
Common Sink Installation Questions
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How Much Does It Cost to Install a Kitchen Sink?
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Getting a new kitchen sink may seem like it involves a lot of cost and hassle, but you may be surprised. The installation costs of a new kitchen sink will vary based on the type of sink you have installed and who is installing it for you. On average, you will find that it’s about $150 to $240 for installing the sink itself. Keep in mind that this price is only for the service of having the sink installed in your kitchen. If you’re changing the size or shape of the sink, it’s possible that this can increase the installation costs. There is also the cost of the kitchen sink to consider.
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Sinks can also vary greatly depending on the brand, material, size, and other factors. Sinks can cost less than $100, but for many of the more luxurious sinks that are high-end, you could spend over $1,000. You’ll need to also add on the cost of the faucets, as most sinks don’t come with them included, as well as the installation cost for the fixtures. You’ll also want to consider whether or not you also want to add a garbage disposal as that can add to the installation price along with the cost of the disposal itself.
Do You Need a Plumber to Install a Kitchen Sink?
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The question of whether or not you need a plumber to install a kitchen sink really depends on a variety of factors. The two most important factors are the complexity of the project and your skill level. Suppose you’re only planning on replacing a kitchen sink with a very similar model in a very straightforward way with no other replacements necessary. In that case, it’s possible that you may be able to handle the job on your own if you are familiar with plumbing basics. Keep in mind that this type of job will typically take longer than if you have a professional plumber come in and handle it.
However, most kitchen sink installs go beyond replacing an old sink with the exact same item and not replacing anything else. Additional pipes may need to be replaced or changed to help accommodate the new kitchen sink. Often, it can be a wise decision to get help with these types of installations. A licensed plumber will ensure that your new kitchen sink fits appropriately, is level, has the correct pipe configuration, your fixture works correctly, and everything drains as it should before finishing. Going with a professional from the start can often save you time and money. You can always give us a call to get a quote or if you have any questions.
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What Is the Best Depth for a Kitchen Sink?
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You’ve decided that you want a new kitchen sink. One of the biggest questions that people have is determining the proper depth for the kitchen sink. You want it deep enough to be able to soak dishes, prevent water from splashing out when the faucet is in use, and do any other task you need it to do. However, you don’t want to cause problems with your existing plumbing and counter, so examining your current sink depth can be essential. You’ll want to have a depth of at least 7 inches, but you can go as high as 10 inches, especially if you have a large number of family members that like to pile their dishes in the sink.
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When in doubt, you can always have your local plumber come in and help you measure to determine if you’re able to install a sink with a more significant depth than your current setup. Even if you can’t get the depth that you want, they may be able to give you tips on how to make better use of your sink, such as using a goose-neck or farm-house faucet for more height between the sink and faucet.
Jolly Plumbing is your local plumbing and heating company. We promise to offer you upstanding customer service, experienced workers, and a job done right the first time. We offer affordable plumbing services to both residential and commercial sites, so no matter the size of your job, we can handle it. Contact Jolly Plumbing today at 719-473-8545 for any of your plumbing problems.
