The following video guide will answer many commonly asked sink questions, plus a few more you may not have thought of. The page also contains notes for your reference.

Sink Type - Inset/Undermount/Ceramic?

There are three main types of sink; Inset, Under Mount and Ceramic. The style is a completely personal choice

• Inset - these sinks are the conventional type of sink, fixed into place with the rim of the sink overlapping the worktop. They come in the widest variety of styles and types. You can get everything from a 1 bowl to a three bowl sink, including different drainer options.
• Under Mount - these sinks are designed to be fitted to granite and solid wood worktops. They are fixed to the underneath of the worktop so there is a smooth finish. These materials are used because they are or can be made waterproof. They can’t be used with standard formica work surfaces.
• Ceramic - these sinks are the traditional white ceramic sinks, the most recognisable type is the Belfast sink with sluice style overflow. These days’ Ceramic sinks come in inset, undermount and the more traditional Belfast Styles. Ceramic inset sinks fit into the worktop like a traditional stainless steel inset sink, and have a strainer style waste. Ceramic Undermount sinks fit under the worktop and provide an alternative to traditional undermount stainless steel sinks. They look especially stunning set in a black granite worktop. Belfast Sinks are the traditional ceramic sink but now come with strainer style wastes, these require support brackets or a frame to mount them on. They are usually found in traditional Farmhouse style kitchens.

Drainers

Most inset sinks come with a drainer. Drainers are classified/handed according to three types below.

• Universal - this sink comes in one version and can be fitted with the drainer on either side of the bowl(s). Two holes are cut in the sink top, one front and one back for the tap to be fitted through. The unused hole at the front is sealed with an easy to fit tap hole stopper.
• Left Hand Drainer or Right Hand Bowl - so the taphole is at the rear of the sink the drainer will be one the left of the sink and the largest or main bowl will be on the right.
• Right Hand Drainer or Left Hand Bowl - so the taphole is at the rear of the sink the drainer will be one the right of the sink and the largest or main bowl will be on the left.

The classification type depends on the manufacturer e.g. Franke use drainer side, Blanco use main bowl side. When purchasing a sink please check how you would like the sink to be installed and ensure you choose the correct drainer/main bowl position when you order. This saves time and cost later.

Sink Material

The most common material for sinks is Stainless Steel and gives you the greatest choice of designs. The majority of Stainless Steel sinks on Simply Kitchen Sinks are manufactured from 18/10 grade stainless steel and come in a variety of finishes - polished, silk, brushed and linen. Many people choose on the sink design shape rather than the finish. Whichever sink you choose please remember over time a patina with build up of micro scratches from every day use which adds to the character of the sink. Granite sinks are becoming more popular. These are known as Fragranite (Franke), Rok (Astracast) and are composed mainly of granite formed into sink shapes. Granite sinks are heat resistant up to 280ºC, as well as being scratch, stain and chemical resistant. These sinks are hygienic and easy to clean, and the colour goes right through. Ceramic sinks are as their name suggests ceramic. For more information please see the ceramic description in the sink type section above.

Plumbing Kits

When your sink arrives, the outlets need to be connected together in one waste pipe for the water to flow away. Manufacturers provide plumbing kits for this purpose. With most Astracast sinks these are included in the price of the sink. Plumbing kits are extras on Franke sinks except in some Designer Packs (DPs). Below is a quick guide to choose the plumbing kit for for your sink.

• Lira 1 - for sinks with one outlet (single bowl sinks)
• Siphon2 / Lira 2 - for sinks with two outlets (double bowl sinks)
• Lira 3 - for sinks with three outlets (triple bowl sinks)

Accessories

Each manufacturer offers a range of different matching accessories i.e. food preparation boards, colanders, drainer baskets, for their sinks. These accessories are not generic to every sink and can be specific to certain sinks or ranges. Please make sure when choosing an accessory, it is correct for your sink.

Fitting

When purchasing a sink please make sure all the dimensions are correct, the type of sink is suitable for your worktop, kitchen unit etc, to save you time and cost of correcting and errors. Simply Kitchen Sinks recommends sinks should be fitted by a professional plumber and is not able to offer advice on the fitting of sinks as individual installations vary.