If you’re looking to buy a sink, you may be wondering how to choose the best one for your needs. In addition to considering how your sink will look, it’s also wise to think about durability.
Not all sinks are made the same, and some of them will save you money in the long run, thanks to their durability and longevity.
On average, sinks last anywhere between 20 to 40 years. Yours can last up to 60 years provided you keep it in excellent working condition.
Read on to find the best sinks that last longest and how to determine when to replace your sink.
What Kind of Sinks Last Longest?
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When renovating your sink or building one from scratch, the material is the essential factor you’ll consider. Material not only affects the feel but also determines how long your sink will last.
Here are the top materials to choose from if you want to build a sink that will last the longest.
Stone Sinks
Various stone sinks are available here on Amazon!
Stone sinks are made of natural materials like marble, soapstone, granite, and onyx and can last indefinitely with proper care. Besides, they are aesthetically appealing, making them a valuable addition for recreating a seamless appearance in interior decor.
One of the most common worries is that the stone will erode over time, but this is not an issue if you properly maintain it. On average, a stone sink should last between 40 and 60 years while remaining highly functional.
Stainless Steel Sinks
You can find stainless steel sinks here on Amazon!
For more than a decade now, stainless steel sinks have been the staple choice among designers and homeowners alike.
Their durability and longevity are in large part due to the sturdy body they come in. Under proper maintenance, a stainless-steel sink should last between 15 to 30 years of uninterrupted use.
To get the best from a stainless-steel sink, remove any food residue from the sink and wash the surface with warm water. Lastly, dry the sink with a towel so that it doesn’t accumulate moisture, resulting in rust.
While a stainless-steel sink may be prone to rust, that’s not the only factor that can compromise its longevity. Also, make sure to check for hard water build-up and effects of watermarks and clean them.
Copper Sinks
Copper Sinks are available here on Amazon!
Copper sinks are a special consideration among designers, and for a good reason. They are stylish, striking, and can fit a range of shapes and colors. A copper sink can complement your interior decor and bring out any of your home’s themes.
A copper sink holds up to between 40 and 50 years under proper care. That said, it’s essential not to drop any cooking fats inside a copper sink to prevent them from clogging and tarnishing.
Also, watch for abrasive substances such as bleach and drain unclogging chemicals since they dull the sink. Even cosmetics like toothpaste or shaving cream and acidic foods like citrus, pepperoni, and ketchup can affect the patina.
Fireclay Sinks
A range of fireclay sinks are available here on Amazon!
Fireclay sinks are a timeless piece that brings to light the nostalgia of living in the 80s. They guarantee the highly-coveted vintage theme, making them a top priority for a farmhouse.
A typical fireclay sink is molded from ceramic at an extremely high temperature. Yet, some designs blend clay and glaze for durability.
For their materiality, fireclay sinks can last between 10 and 20 years. But if you maintain the sink well, it can go beyond 40 years.
A fireclay doesn’t contain metals and is rust-proof. It also doesn’t take stains, so there’s no doubt you’ll find them effortless to maintain. Maybe whatever you need to keep at bay is the abrasive materials and bleach, since the two harm the luster of fireclay and can cause your sink to tarnish.
How Do You Know When You Need a New Sink?
It would help replace your sink anytime you notice a severe defect that causes it not to hold up anymore. Most sinks will stay up to 30 years, after which the body disintegrates gradually and weakens beyond repair.
Here are a few signs you may need to replace your sink.
If It’s Leaking
If your sink is frequently leaking, it’s time to replace it. This can be after repairs or whenever you try to seal any openings. A leaking sink can cause mold to build up around the corners and increase your vulnerability to health problems.
The leakage can be in the form of:
- Drain leak
A drain leak is a common defect that you can remedy by replacing the putty and not the whole sink. Your plumber should help you check if the putty is thin or completely worn out to replace it with a new one.
- Faucet leak
A faucet leak occurs when the gasket or washers wear out and become ineffective. However, an intense leakage may force you to replace the whole faucet.
- Supply connection leak
If you spot leakage underneath the sink, no doubt, the problem is with the water supply connection. Lucky for you, you can repair that by either tightening the connection or replacing it with a new one.
If The Sink Is Worn Out
A worn-out sink can be a significant cause of water damage. If your sink wobbles, then it’s time you replaced it with a new one.
You can also use a simple test with a measuring tape to tell if your sink is in the correct position. To do this, measure from the center of the hole in your drain pipe and make sure it measures 16 inches.
If you have a metallic tray, check for rusty spots and scrub them. Look for holes in the surface that can result in leakage. If you see one, the best you can do is haul the tray into the bin and replace it with a new one.
Stone sinks can also shatter along certain lines. Getting a fixture for the crack can guarantee a short-term solution. But if you want a long-term solution, the best you can do is replace the sink with a new one.
If the Sink No Longer Works
As the sink ages, it degenerates and weakens to a point when it cannot handle the force of trickling water. Some sinks also amass grime, leading to complete blockage of the drainage underneath.
If you’ve tried unblocking the drain to no avail, then it’s time to replace it. Additionally, if the tray has rusts or leak holes, no repair may be good enough to reclaim its looks. That means it’s time you splurged on a new one.
What To Know When Replacing A Sink
You can make so many adjustments when replacing the sink. Talk to your plumber and speak out about what you need. They may help you readjust the shape, design, and color to narrow down chances of future complications taking place.
The Best Sealant Will Save You Some Cash
Both kitchen and bathroom sinks come with sealants to prevent debris and grime from entering the gaps around the countertops. In the end, you’ll be able to avoid water and mud from reaching the space under the sink and damaging it. Unfortunately, if you use an ordinary sealant, it’s more likely to fail due to constant contact with water.
You Need to Replace the Whole Drain Assembly
An old, rugged sink is likely to continue leaking if it has a malfunctioning drainage assembly. So if you want to reclaim the functionality of the sink, you need to haul down the old system and replace it with a new one.
The New Sink Can Be So Deep
Most kitchen sinks are 7 to 7.25 inches deep. However, you may find sinks as deep as 10 inches, especially those made to carry heavy dish loads. During the replacement, you can instruct the plumber to increase the depth of your sink. This process is possible by deepening the basin.
