A kitchen sink is an essential part of any kitchen. It consists of different components that work together to allow washing dishes, food, and pouring out water. The main parts include the basin, drain assembly, faucet, and mounting hardware.
What Are The Parts Of A Kitchen Sink Called? This is a common question many homeowners have when installing or replacing their kitchen sink. Knowing the proper names of each individual part can help with maintenance and repairs over the years.
The basin collects all the water and whatever needs to be washed. The drain assembly, which includes the drain stop and drain trap, removes water from the sink. A faucet with a sprayer provides hot and cold water. Other hardware such as mounting clips, brackets and washers hold the sink securely in place under the counter. Understanding each separate part “What Are The Parts Of A Kitchen Sink Called?” is useful for any sink installation or use.
What Materials Are Kitchen Sinks Commonly Made From?
Kitchen sinks are commonly made from different materials. Some popular materials that kitchen sinks are made from include stainless steel, enameled cast iron, composite quartz, and fireclay.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks
Stainless steel is a very durable and scratch resistant material for kitchen sinks. It is easy to clean and maintain compared to other materials. Stainless steel sinks are lightweight and affordable.
Enameled Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks
Enameled cast iron sinks are very durable and capable of withstanding high impacts without damage. The enamel coating makes these sinks stain and scratch resistant. They are heavier than stainless steel sinks.
Composite Quartz Kitchen Sinks
Composite quartz sinks are made of natural quartz combined with resins and polymers. They are very non-porous, heat resistant, and durable. These sinks mimic the look of granite or stone at a lower cost.
Fireclay Kitchen Sinks
Fireclay is a dense clay material that is fired at very high temperatures in kilns. This process makes fireclay sinks extremely durable and heat resistant. However, fireclay is more expensive than other materials.
What Are The Main Parts Of A Kitchen Sink Called?
The main parts of a kitchen sink include the basin, drain assembly, faucet mounting areas, and sometimes an optional Sidesplash. Each of these parts has a specific purpose in the overall sink.
What Is The Basin Of A Kitchen Sink Called?
The basin is the main receptacle area of the sink that holds water. It can be a single large basin or divided into multiple sections.
Single Basin Kitchen Sinks
Single basin sinks feature one large opening to place and wash dishes. They are generally more affordable but provide less workspace than divided basin sinks.
Double Basin Kitchen Sinks
Double basin sinks have two divided openings, Unclog Rv Kitchen Sink often with one basin larger for food/dish washing and one smaller basin for rinsing. They provide better separation of tasks.
Triple Basin Kitchen Sinks
Triple basin sinks have three divided sections, usually with one basin for washing, one for rinsing, and one for sanitizing. They maximize workflow space but take up more counter/cabinet space.
What Is The Drain Assembly Of A Kitchen Sink Called?
The drain assembly is the mechanism that connects the bottom of the basin to the drain pipes below. It includes the drain opening, strainer, and attached tailpiece.
Drain Stop Do In A Kitchen Sink
The drain stop is a lever, plug, or pop-up stopper that blocks the drain opening to allow water to fill the basin. It is lifted or pushed to open the drain.
Drain Trap Do In A Kitchen Sink
The drain trap is an S-shaped curve below the sink that holds water. It prevents sewer gases from entering the home by providing a water barrier between the sink and waste lines.
How Does A Kitchen Sink Faucet Work?
A kitchen sink faucet uses a cartridge that controls the flow of water from the supply lines. Turning the handle opens and closes the cartridge to adjust the water temperature and flow rate. Hot and cold water lines connect to the bottom of the faucet body and meet inside where the cartridge is located.
What Types Of Faucets Are Used In Kitchen Sinks?
There are several common types of kitchen sink faucets including single handle, pull down, pull out and motion sensor faucets. Single handle faucets control hot and cold water with one lever. Pull down faucets have a retractable spout that pulls down. Pull out faucets feature a hose that retracts back into the faucet body. Motion sensor faucets turn on automatically when hands are placed near the spout.
Single Handle Kitchen Faucets
Single handle faucets are common since they are easy to use with one control to adjust temperature. They take up little space on the countertop. Some single handle faucets include additional spray settings or pull down spouts for more versatility.
Pull Down Kitchen Faucets
Pull down faucets have a flexible hose attached to the spout that can be pulled down when more reach is needed over the sink. When not in use, the spout retracts back up neatly. This type is handy for filling pots and cleaning large items.
Pull Out Kitchen Faucets
Pull out faucets work similarly but have a retractable hose that can be pulled straight out from the faucet body. This allows the hose to be positioned anywhere needed under the cabinets without having to pull down the spout. The hose easily pulls back into the faucet when finished.
Motion Sensor Kitchen Faucets
Motion sensor faucets are a convenient option that turn on automatically just by placing hands in the detection zone. They can save time versus manually operating the faucet handle. Motion sensors work through an infrared beam to detect when hands are near so water starts instantly.
What Hardware Holds The Kitchen Sink In Place?
The sink flange and mounting hardware secure the sink to the countertop. The flange attaches directly to the underside of the sink and has predrilled holes to accept mounting bolts or clips.
What Are Mounting Clip Used For In Kitchen Sinks?
Mounting clips connect the sink flange to the countertop. They are fastened through the holes in the flange and grip the countertop edge to firmly hold the sink in position. Different styles accommodate various counter materials.
Common Mounting Clip Styles
Popular clip styles include standard plastic clips for most materials, special clips for granite, small bracket clips for recessed sinks, and bolt-down clips that mount with bolts through the countertop. Clips are chosen based on the counter type and sink design.
How To Install Mounting Clips
Mounting clips are installed by sliding them through the holes in the sink flange. They are positioned on the countertop edge and tightened, drawing the flange snug to securely attach the sink. A level is used to ensure the sink is even before fully tightening. Caulk around the flange seals it in place.
What Other Hardware Is Used To Install A Kitchen Sink?
Other common installation hardware includes mounting brackets, washers and caulking. Brackets provide additional support under the sink. Washers distribute the pressure of mounting hardware. Caulk seals gaps between the sink and counter.
Mounting Brackets
Mounting brackets screw directly to the underside of the countertop for extra reinforcement, especially with heavier sinks. They prevent stress on the clips and flange seal.
Washers
Mounting clips or bolts require washers between the hardware and sink/countertop. Washers prevent cracking or damage from hardware tightening down.
Caulking
Once the sink is fully secured, caulk is applied around the perimeter to seal the joint between the sink and counter. This prevents moisture damage over time.
How To Clean And Maintain A Kitchen Sink Over Time
Cleaning the sink regularly with mild cleaners and rinsing well after use helps keep it looking its best. Rinse out sink after each use to prevent staining. Scrub or wipe stains with cleaner as needed. Dry sink interior completely to prevent mineral deposits.
Clean Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks
For stainless steel sinks, use a non-abrasive cleaner or paste made for stainless. Apply with a soft cloth and rub in direction of polish lines. Rinse thoroughly and dry promptly to maintain shine and prevent water spots. Fingerprints wipe off easily with a damp cloth.
Clean Enameled Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks
Enameled cast iron resists stains but needs occasional cleaning too. Warm soapy water or all-purpose cleaner cleans residue. Use non-abrasive scrubbers as the enamel surface can scratch over time. Rinse and towel dry after cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
Unclog A Kitchen Sink Drain
If the drain becomes clogged, use a plunger to create suction and dislodge clogs. For tough clogs, use a drain snake – insert it into the drain and crank it to pull out hair and debris. Chemical drain cleaners work on grease buildup but are corrosive, so rinse drain well after use.
Protect Your Kitchen Sink Over Time
With proper care, a kitchen sink can last for many years. Avoid leaving standing water that causes corrosion. Use placemats under items that could stain and regularly clean up spills right away. Maintenance like cleaning and re-caulking seals prevents moisture damage down the line.
Frequently Asked Question
What Is The Basin?
The basin is the main receptacle area that holds water.
What Are Single, Double And Triple Basin Sinks?
Single has one basin, double has two divided basins, and triple has three separated basins.
What Is The Drain Assembly?
The drain assembly connects the bottom of the basin to the drain pipes below and includes the drain opening, strainer and tailpiece.
What Does The Drain Stop Do?
The drain stop blocks the drain opening to fill the basin with water and is opened by lifting or pushing.
What Is The Purpose Of The Drain Trap?
The drain trap is an S-shaped curve below the sink that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering the home.
Conclusion
The main parts of a kitchen sink each serve an important purpose. The basin holds water, while the drain assembly empties it. Sinks can have single, double or triple basins depending on the needed workspace. The drain stop and trap work to fill and empty the sink safely.
Properly understanding all the key parts of a kitchen sink is valuable for homeowners and professionals alike. Whether selecting, installing or maintaining a sink, being familiar with the basin, drain assembly and other components can help ensure many years of reliable and hygienic use. A kitchen sink is essential kitchen equipment, so appreciating what makes each part function is worthwhile.