Trying to find the perfect sink for your bathroom?
Drop-in bathroom sinks are widely popular among homeowners and DIYers because they are fairly easy to install and look great! They feature a drop-in design, which allows you to simply place the sink in the existing hole in your counter.
Like any other household product, drop-in sinks come with their fair share of pros and cons. Homeowners should be aware of these factors before making a final decision on which type of sink to install in their bathroom. To help you make this decision, we broke down some of the top pros and cons of drop in bathroom sinks, along with how to install one in if you choose to get one!
Pros of Drop-in Bathroom Sinks
Drop-in sinks have been around forever, which is no surprise considering their versatility and durability. But are they the best choice for your space? Learning about the pros of a drop-in bathroom sink can be the deciding factor of whether you install one or not. Let’s break down the best features.
Versatile
Like most common sink types, drop in bathroom sinks are made using a variety of materials like stainless steel, ceramic, porcelain, stone, cast iron, engineered stone, and more. To accompany these materials, there are many styles and finishes to perfectly match the aesthetic of your space.
For those who want to do a quick DIY project in their bathroom, drop-in sinks are great for their ability to match current countertops of vanities of your space.
Affordable
As one of the more common types of sinks, drop-ins are often less expensive than other home improvement options. In fact, drop-in sinks can cost up to 50% less than other types of sinks of the same size and material, so they make a great alternative to different kinds of sinks.
Easy Installation
Not only are drop-in sinks versatile and affordable, but they are also among the easiest types to install. Their name says it all: you simply drop them into place! While there are a couple of minor steps involved in the process, overall, it’s a pretty quick installation.
Don’t worry, we go through all of the installation details below.
Cons of Drop-in Bathroom Sinks
Even though drop-in sinks are considered excellent options by many, they do have some drawbacks to them. Below are a few cons to consider.
Difficult to Clean
A drop-in sink creates more than one cleaning problem.
The first issue is that the rim of a drop-in sink often collects dirt. Although your sink will have caulk to fill in the space between the rim and the counter, that caulk can easily get dark and dirty over time. Plus, caulk wears away over time, leaving you with more maintenance down the road.
The second problem with cleaning comes with the everyday task of wiping down your counters. Many people like to sweep water and crumbs directly from the counter into the sink. But since a drop-in sink has a rim, it creates a barrier that prevents you from doing so.
Takes Up Space
If you’re low on counter space, you know that you can’t afford to trim down anymore. The rim on this type of sink does encroach on your countertop, so someone with little space to offer might be hesitant to use this kind of sink.
How to Install a Drop-in Bathroom Sink
While consulting with a professional is always the best way to handle an installation, it is possible to install a drop-in bathroom sink on your own.
Tools and Materials
First, let’s take a look at the materials you will need:
- Open-ended wrench
- Faucet kit
- Screws
- Flex water lines
- Jigsaw
- Plumbers tape
- Silicone/caulk
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
Once you have your tools, you can move on to installing the sink.
Installation Steps
To start, install the faucet. Doing this first will make it easier to align the faucet holes on your sink.
Once you have installed the faucet, it’s time to place your sink in the hole in the counter. Carefully drop it into place. Hook up all the lines and your drain piping. Once your sink, lines, and piping are all in place, you can secure the sink into place.
To secure your sink, use the included brackets that came with your sink and screw them into the underside of the counter. Be sure to have the right length of screw so that you don’t disturb the top of the counter.
Once your sink is firmly in place, run a thin line of silicone or caulk around the outer edge of the sink. The caulk will prevent water from leaking down into your cabinet below. Smooth out the caulk using a paper towel and remove any access.
Getting the Most Out of Your Bathroom
Installing a new bathroom sink is an excellent way to breathe new life in your space. While sink installation might sound easy, it is typically best to call in a professional. Not only will this save you time and countless trips to the hardware store, but it will ensure the job is done right. This way, you can enjoy your bathroom without having to worry about a thing.
If you’re looking for a quality plumber to trust with your bathroom, give us a call at AJ Alberts Plumbing! Our team of experienced professional uphold the American standard for plumbing projects, and we offer ADA-compliant services. Contact us today to learn more!
