Choosing the Right Utility Sink

So, you’re thinking about installing a utility sink. There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right utility sink for your laundry room. Knowing the options and giving thought to your particular needs can help you choose a sink that you’ll be happy with for many years.

Think About Your Needs

The type of sink you choose will most likely be determined by your budget, the size of your utility room and the type of cleaning that you’ll be doing in your utility sink.

Is your utility room very small, or do you have a lot of space to dedicate to your utility sink? How much money can you spend on purchase and installation? Will you be using the sink to wash clothes, clean dirty mechanical items, dump out boiling water or perform other tasks?

Explore Materials

The type of material you choose for your utility sink will affect its functionality, appearance, cost and even the noise it makes when water hits its surface.

• Cast iron: Cast iron is a traditional sink material. Sinks made from cast iron are then coated in enamel for a heavy-duty product that can withstand high water temperatures and many years of abuse. The enamel of cast iron may chip with time, leaving the metal beneath exposed. Without maintenance, exposed metal will rust, requiring the homeowner to re-glaze enamel on a regular basis.
• Acrylic: Acrylic is lightweight but durable and resistant to scratches and stains. Acrylic can be loud when water hits it from above. This type of sink comes in a variety of colors and can be matched to any interior design. Homeowners who find themselves dumping very hot water down their utility room sink should be aware that acrylic may not be as heat resistant as some other options. Acrylic sinks tend to be the least expensive choice. This material is often sought by budget-conscious homeowners.
• Porcelain or china: Porcelain or china sinks have a classy shine and beauty that makes them almost too nice for some utility rooms, but they’re very heat resistant and also easy to clean.
• Stainless steel: Stainless steel sinks are lightweight and easy to clean and, like acrylic sinks, can be loud when hit by water. The look and feel of stainless steel is somewhat industrial, but that may appeal to homeowners seeking a more utilitarian appearance.

Pick an Installation Type

In addition to picking the material for your utility sink, you’ll also need to choose the installation type. Different mounts are good for different purposes.

• Wall-mounted: These sinks typically take up the least amount of room because they involve no countertops or structures to hold the sink in place. Wall-mounted sinks are a good option if you don’t need to lay anything on a counter while you’re cleaning.
• Drop-in: The drop-in is a traditional sink seated within a counter, so that the countertop and the sink are touching. Drop-ins are a good option if you would like to store cleaning products and other items in the structure surrounding the sink, or if you’re planning lay items on the countertop before being cleaned. Drop-ins may be more expensive than wall-mounted options because the countertop and structure surrounding the sink will add an additional cost.

Contact Terry’s Plumbing

Before you can buy a sink and have it installed, you’ll need to make some decisions. At Terry’s Plumbing, we’re here to install your utility sink as soon as you’re ready. Call us today to make an appointment!