Receiving Helpdesk

how can i tell what my bathroom sink is made of

by Gordon Ebert Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Identifying Your Sink Model

  • Model Number Location Overview. The model number is located on the underside of the sink, either molded into the sink material or stamped with ink.
  • Stainless Steel. The model number is stamped in ink on the underside of the sink, and consists of four or five digits.
  • Cast Iron. The model number is molded onto the underside of the sink. The model number consists of four or five digits and includes a K- prefix.
  • Vitreous China and Fireclay. The model number is molded onto the underside of the sink. The serial number is printed onto a permanent label on the underside of the sink.
  • Glass. Since glass sinks are transparent, the model number and serial number are not applied to the product.
  • Pedestal and Shroud. The serial number is printed on a label that is adhered to the pedestal or shroud. ...
  • Neoroc. The serial number is printed on a label that is adhered to the bottom of the sink. Record your serial number and contact Kohler Co. ...
  • Sterling Vikrell Sinks. The serial number is printed on a label that is adhered to the backside or underside of the sink. ...

The white sink in your kitchen may be composed of several different materials. If you are unsure what material it is made of, the best way is to check the package or use the model number to do research. Popular choices include materials such as fireclay, solid surface, enamel-coated cast iron, and composites.

What should I look for when buying a bathroom sink?

Bathroom Sink Buying Guide 1 Mounting Options. The main distinction among types of bathroom sinks is how and where they’re mounted. ... 2 Sink Size and Shape. There's no standard size for a bathroom sink. ... 3 Sink Materials. Besides shape, the material a sink is made of can make a big statement. ... 4 Faucet Compatibility. ...

What are bathroom sinks made of?

Many bathroom sinks are composed of porcelain or ceramic, but some may be composed of metal, stone, tempered glass, and the like. Metal sinks are usually easy to decipher, given the bronze, stainless steel, or copper material used.

How do I find the model number of my Kitchen Sink?

Typically the model number starts with a K, such as K-5942. In some cases, the model number is preceded by 97 or 87. For example, 975942 contains the model number 5942. In other cases, the model number may not be preceded by anything, but will be located in front of the sink dimension, such as 21 X 14.

What is the standard size of a bathroom sink?

Most round bathroom sink bowls are 16 to 20 inches in diameter, and most rectangular sinks are 19 to 24 inches wide and 16 to 23 inches front to back. The typical basin depth is 5 to 8 inches.

How do you know what your sink is made of?

Identifying Your Sink ModelThe model number is located on the underside of the sink, either molded into the sink material or stamped with ink.Typically the model number starts with a K, such as K-5942.In some cases, the model number is preceded by 97 or 87.More items...

How do you tell if my bathroom sink is porcelain or ceramic?

To tell the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles, inspect the tile's finish, which will be smooth and even if the tile is porcelain. Then, examine the sides for a white, tan, or red color, which is a common sign of ceramic tiles.

What are old bathroom sinks made of?

Sinks may have been made porcelain-enamel-on-cast iron, porcelain-enamel-on-steel or all china porcelain. Sinks may have sat on a single china pedestal or on legs, have been set in a vanity, or have been wall-hung. Legs were typically chrome, although we have seen other designs.

How do I know if my sink is cast iron or porcelain?

Cast-iron sinks can be beautiful and will stay so for a lifetime. The porcelain keeps its showroom shine for decades and is far more resistant to chipping and cracking than the enamel-on-iron sink. However, if a pan is heavy enough and moving fast enough you can be sure even porcelain will give up a chip or a crack.

How can you tell the difference between porcelain and enamel?

Enamel is quite understandable as Porcelain itself is an enamel coating, so the two have similar appearances. The primary difference is that Enamel covers steel or iron bathtub, meaning that the bathtub is magnetic while porcelain is not.

What are cheap bathroom sinks made of?

If you want an inexpensive option, consider a cast polymer sink which will set you back between $100 to $300 on average. You can still get a bathroom sink that looks luxurious like ceramic or porcelain, but at a lower cost, and without sacrificing durability and resistance to chipping and stains.

Are sinks made from porcelain?

In older homes, porcelain sinks are very common, but are usually a porcelain coating over a base of cast iron or other metal. All porcelain sinks are made from fireclay, a special kind of clay that can stand up to extremely high temperatures, but can be manufactured in many different ways.

Are sinks made of enamel?

Cast Iron. Cast iron sinks have been around since the kitchen sink was invented. Iron is coated with porcelain enamel. This gives the sink a shiny finish making it easy to clean while preventing rusting.

What is a ceramic sink made of?

Ceramic sinks are made using a blend of clays, fillers, and fluxes that are mixed and fused together during the firing process. Due to the firing process and the natural materials used, no two ceramic sinks are ever 100% the same.

What metal are sinks made of?

Stainless steel and Composite are the most commonly used materials for kitchen sinks. Composite sinks have the added advantage of coming in many different colors. Both materials are very durable and should last a long time, with proper care and maintenance.

What is the difference between porcelain coated and porcelain enameled?

To make regular porcelain, the whole mixture is baked at 1300-1400 degrees. Porcelain enamel is made when the porcelain is melted together with a stronger metal. This makes porcelain enamel cookware both light and strong, with low porosity, so it is naturally non-stick.

What is the coating on a cast iron sink?

porcelain enamel coatingCast iron sinks are made of the same durable iron alloy but add a porcelain enamel coating, fired at a very high temperature, which gives the sink that signature smooth, glossy surface.

Main materials of bathroom sink

Actually, though there are many types of bathroom sinks on the market, the main materials are basically porcelain and ceramic. Besides, stainless steel, tempered glass, and limestone or copper are also the materials of bathroom sinks. Here are the lists:

How to tell what my sink is made of

Considering the bronze, stainless steel or copper materials used, metal sinks are usually easy to identify. The natural stone sink can be made of marble, granite, onyx or other forms of natural stone. Tempered glass sinks are usually identifiable, but if the dark tone of the glass being rotated almost makes it look like metal, it may be illegible.

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic sinks

The ceramic sink is made of clay. The clay is hardened and heated at high temperatures. The surface has elasticity to prevent chipping, scratching and impact damage. Porcelain is a kind of ceramic made of clay, which is somewhat durable, but it is easy to stain and chip.

What is a bathroom sink made of?

From clays to woods to glass, understand the benefits of the different types of materials available for your bathroom sinks. Ceramic.

What is porcelain sink made of?

All porcelain sinks are made from fireclay, a special kind of clay that can stand up to extremely high temperatures, but can be manufactured in many different ways.

Why do you have to keep your sink free of water?

Keep sink free of any standing water to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits that can affect the appearance of your sink. Because iron particles often develop rust spots in stainless steel surfaces, do not leave steel cookware or utensils on the surface of the sink for long periods of time.

What is a stone sink?

Stone sinks are individual works of art, carved from a single block of stone. Each block of stone has its own distinctive traits including color variation, veining, minor pits, and flecks of minerals such as copper, silver, or gold. Natural stone sinks range in color and characteristics.

How old are porcelain sinks?

There are many porcelain sinks still in use that are 50 to 100 years old. The porcelain material used to make sinks has glass and metal mixed in with the clay to give it extra strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, porcelain sinks can chip and are susceptible to stains.

Is teak wood good for a bathroom?

Teak wood is naturally resistant to fungi, mold and mildew, making it an ideal choice for the moist, wet environment of a bathroom. Maintenance and care. The cleaning of teak sinks is easy and achieved by using non-scouring products similar to those used on enamel sinks.

Can you use silicone on a natural stone sink?

When installing your sink, carefully use silicone to seal the drain and use extra caution to keep the silicone away from the exposed sink area. Oil-based sealers or plumber's putty should never be used on a natural stone sink. These products will stain the stone if applied near the surface of the polished basin.

What is a kitchen sink made of?

Ceramic is a type of pottery that is made by mixing clay powder and water . This mixture is then sculpted into various shapes, which in this case is a sink, and it is usually shaped by hand. To cause this mixture to harden, it is then treated with extreme heat. The result is a kitchen sink made out of pottery that is extremely resistant to scratching and chipping.

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic sinks?

Another big difference between ceramic and porcelain sinks is how porous they are. Now due to the manufacturing process of ceramic, when it is not graved is very porous and therefore it does absorb some water. If your ceramic sink absorbs too much water, it is going to get very brittle. It’s going to start cracking and it’s going to break. For this reason, ceramic sinks must also be glazed to render them 100% waterproof, or else you are going to have problems.

Is a ceramic sink durable?

Yes, ceramic sinks are very durable, particularly when it comes to being scratch-resistant. They are also resistant to chipping. Now, with that being said, a ceramic sink won’t be able to withstand a heavy impact, and it will shatter. However, this is not something that would make ceramic sinks not durable enough for basic everyday use.

What is the best material for a sink?

Here are the pros and cons of the most common sink materials: Soapstone. Fireclay.

What is stainless steel sink made of?

Stainless steel sinks are made from drawing a line layer of stainless steel over a die to shape the sink. For larger sinks, welding will usually take place to form the sink. By far, this is the most popular sink material as it comes with the widest variety of options and choices to fit your budget.

What is porcelain sink?

Porcelain. Porcelain or ceramic sinks are created by heating clay, glass and metal together to form a mold which is then topped with an enamel coating. By far, this option is for those who want a more classic approach to their bathroom sink as porcelain sinks have been in many homes for the past hundred years.

How are copper sinks made?

Copper sinks are made by hammering multiple sheets of copper together then exposed to air and water to form a patina , which is responsible for that deep hue that many associate with copper’s natural beauty.

How much does stainless steel sink cost?

Inexpensive-prices start at $100 up to around $800. Modern look, paired well with a copper or cast iron bathtub.

What is soapstone made of?

Soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock that is composed of talc, chlorite and magnesium silicate. If you like the look and feel of Granite Sinks, then think of Soapstone as Granite with a little more aesthetic flair.

Can a vessel sink be tethered to a faucet?

Stability is also another issue as vessel sinks are only tethered down by the faucet-this may be problematic with young children who try to use the sink as a handhold. Though of course, this can be easily remedied by having your plumber or contractor install recesses or additional stability holds. Expensive.

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