Stainless Steel Sink

You might think that purchasing a stainless steel sink for a kitchen means that you'll never need a new sink, but this just isn't the case. While stainless steel is the most durable material you can use for a sink, over porcelain and other common materials, it can still get scratched and discolored over time.

Caring for your stainless steel sink will mean keeping it looking great for as long as possible. You can do this by avoiding materials that will scratch it either in the sink basin or around it; this would include steel wool pads and sharp utensils. You should also avoid anything that would stain it such as rusty products that will leave marks. Remember that your kitchen sink is not the same as your basement's utility sink!

When to Replace Your Sink

But you may need to eventually replace your stainless steel sink at some point. This may happen when it does get scratches inside that are unsightly. Those scratches, if they get too deep, can harbor bacteria and germs.

Rust stains also don't usually clean up well from a stainless steel sink so these too may mean that a sink should be replaced. While they may not be dangerous since they're just stains and not actually rust, they may be very unsightly.

How to Replace Your Sink

Replacing a stainless steel sink is not terribly difficult but you do want to go over some considerations before you begin. Unhooking and hooking up the plumbing underneath is typically pretty standard; make sure you turn off the water first!

You need to measure the hole in your countertop materials when shopping for a new sink and buy something that is the same measurement, or be prepared to do some cutting. If you do need to cut the countertop materials, you need to take very careful measurements. Adhesive needs to be spread around the edge of the countertop and the underside of the sink edge before you drop it in.

Consider too the faucet you need for your stainless steel sink as some do not include the faucet set itself. If you do need to purchase a separate faucet set, make sure it's compatible. Most kitchen sinks use a single lever faucet whereas some have two handles and the faucet in the middle. You'll need to choose the faucet that is compatible with the holes in the sink itself.

If you're not experienced with plumbing or basic home repair, you may want to have a contractor help you with your stainless steel sink replacement. Sinks are not difficult to install but if it's done wrong, this can mean plumbing leaks under the sink which in turn can lead to rust and damage to cabinets as well. And if you don't measure and choose the right sink to begin with, you may be stuck with materials you cannot use together or with the countertops you already have, meaning even more work than simply putting in a sink!