Quality Stainless Steel Sink

No kitchen is complete without a kitchen sink. In fact, if your kitchen sink is damaged in some way, you are going to find it very hard to accomplish anything in your kitchen. How can you wash your vegetables, your dishes, or even your hands? It’s important to always keep your sink in good working condition. In case something happens to your sink, you shouldn’t even think twice about having it replaced right away.

There are several factors you need to consider when you are looking for a replacement kitchen sink. For starters, if you are just replacing the sink and are not planning to do a complete kitchen makeover, your new sink should be roughly the same size as your previous one since it will have to fit into the same opening in your counter.

However, if you are willing to go one step further and change your kitchen counter as well, the size of your sink shouldn’t be too much of a problem because you can focus your attention on other issues, such as the style of the sink you want. Basically, you have two choices: a single-basin sink or a double-basin sink. Double-basin sinks are generally more efficient especially if you have no dishwasher, while single-basin ones are generally more stylish.

Of course, practicality should be among your highest priorities so your decision should depend largely on what style of sink you think will work better in your kitchen. However, just because you put more weight on practicality does not mean you should sacrifice style. Your new kitchen sink should definitely be something you can actually use but at the same time, it should also reflect your style and go well with whatever decor you already have going in your kitchen.

Since your kitchen sink is going to be installed alongside the counter tops and the cabinetry, these elements should all complement each other and work harmoniously in terms of color and style. Most kitchen sinks today are actually made from stainless steel so there won’t be much decision to make in regards to color. However, if you do want to have a splash of color in your sink, there are sinks that come in classic colors like almond, granite and white.

Once you know just what kind of kitchen sink you want, you can begin the task of finding that perfect sink. Good places to start are home improvement stores in your area. These stores usually have dozens upon dozens of kitchen sinks available, but if they do not have the one you are looking for, you can always turn to the Internet. When you shop online, you can browse through hundreds of sink catalogs until you find the one you want. You can also do a side-by-side comparison in order to find out which company is offering the lowest price on your preferred sink.

When you have purchased your new kitchen sink, the next step is to have it installed by a professional. You can even do the installation yourself;  just follow the instructions that come with the product. If you have no home remodeling experience, though, it is best to leave the job to a qualified contractor.

Is there a south facing wall above your kitchen sink? This is the ideal place for a garden window. This type of window extends 1-1.5 feet past the exterior wall of your home. It usually features a large, fixed pane on the front and two single-hung side panes that are screened for venting. The overhead pane of glass is sloped downward away from the house to allow rain and condensation to run off.

Grow A Kitchen Garden

The inner sill of a garden window provides a perfect place to grow potted plants or an indoor herb garden. You have water from the sink readily available for the plants. Plus, you don’t have to worry about spills or dirt getting on your carpet. The inside ledge can even be tiled to match your countertops. Just make sure the underside of the window box is well supported with brackets to handle the extra weight.

Material Considerations

A garden window frame can be made of wood, aluminum, or vinyl. Of these three materials, vinyl is the most energy efficient and requires the least maintenance. Using double pane glass in this type of application is fine. However, you should avoid glass that is coated to block UV radiation. Plants need the full spectrum of sunlight to grow.

When you install granite countertops in your kitchen, you have lots of options for detailing. Since this material is generally thicker than standard laminate tops, the edge profile can be quite ornate. At the very least, the sharp corners will be slightly beveled or rounded down creating an eased radius. A steeper bevel is often used to add angular appeal to classic countertops.

For a smoother curved effect that looks good in any kitchen, you can choose from a variety of bullnose edges. The top edge can be curved and the bottom edge left straight for a half bullnose. Or, the top and bottom can be equally curved to create a half circle radius. This style is easy to keep clean since there are no creases where food crumbs or drips can collect.

Ogee Edge

Stair-stepped styles often couple a bevel with a half bullnose or an ogee (a shallow S curve) to create a fancier edge. These generally work best on a fairly thick slab of granite. That’s partly so the detailing won’t be too small; but making sure the edge is sturdy and won’t chip off under pressure is also important.

In the past, adding an elaborate edge profile could substantially affect the price of granite countertops. Today’s stone working technology makes it possible to get this extra detailing for a much more reasonable price. Make sure that your dealer has the right equipment to create the edge you want. Otherwise, you may have to hire a second contractor to handle that step.

When your drain is stopped or really slow, it is seldom the result of collapsed or defective pipes. Blockage in the lines is usually caused from many different things. Mostly from solid waste, small objects, hair, or clumps of soap and grease. What you need to do is isolate the problem. If one of the fixtures seems to drain slow or not at all, check and see if the other fixtures have the same problem. If only one fixture is the problem, fill the sink with water. If the water drains for two seconds or less before clogging, the problem is in the trap. If two or more fixtures are clogged, the clog may be in the branch line, the main line, or the vent stack. When you isolate the affected area, it will help you decide how to clean out the line-and whether you need to hire a professional.

Remember, drain lines are very fragile. They are probably more fragile than you would expect because of all the fixtures attached to them. You will need to be careful when using chemicals and augering. Some chemicals can weaken the walls of the drain lines, and augers can shatter porcelain fixtures. If either one of those don’t work, try to snake the line, but work slowly and carefully. There is a risk when you use chemicals. It is best to avoid them if possible. But if you do decide to use one, be sure that you FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS when using it. Never use a drain cleaner on a clogged drain or in a toilet, and never pour acid in standing water.

Only compression valves have valve seats. When repairing a compression valve, check to see if the valve seats need to be resurfaced. You will need to stick your finger down into the faucet body to feel if the valve seat is rough. If it is rough it will quickly damage a washer. You should either replace it or resurface the valve seat at the same time you are replacing the faucet washer.

Step1: TURN OFF THE WATER SUPPLY AND DISASSEMBLE THE FAUCET VALVE

Lower the sink stopper and cover it with a cloth to prevent loose parts from falling into the drain. Pry off the handle cap with a screwdriver. Remove the valve. Now loosen the compression valve with water-pump pliers and remove it. Make sure you keep any and all washers or O-rings with the valve and set them aside.

Step2: BACK OUT THE SEAT

Use a seat wrench to remove the valve seat. Now select an end that fits snugly into the seat. Insert the end of the wrench into the seat and tap the top to seat if firmly. The valve seat may be stuck, so the first turn should be quick and firm to release it without stripping the threads. When you have it loose, turn the wrench until you can remove the screw and take the seat out. You will need to take the old seat with you when you go to buy a new one. That way you will get the right one.

Step3: REPLACE THE SEAT

Install the new seat into the faucet. Apply pipe dope to the seat threads to seal them; insert the end of the seat wrench into the seat and set the seat in place. Now, screw the valve into place and assemble the compression valve, faucet handle, and handle cap. When you turn the water supply on make sure you go slow and check for leaks.

Shutoff valves let you turn on and off the water near your fixtures so you don’t have to shut off the water to the entire house to make repairs. They attach in different ways: by soldering, threading, or compression fittings. Compression fittings are the easiest to install and don’t require pipe dope, or compound. A metal sleeve makes the fitting watertight, as long as you install it right. Make sure you turn the water off before you start working. You will need to open the faucet you are working on and another one somewhere below it in the house so you can drain all the water out of  it.

Step1: DISCONNECT THE SUPPLY PIPE

Before you start, turn off the main water supply to the house. Unscrew the supply pipe at the wall. You will need to cut it with a mini-pipe tubing cutter or a mini-hacksaw if it is solder ti the wall. Make sure you are careful when cutting the tube. If it is out of round, the compression fitting will leak. Leave enough room between the escutcheon plate and the cut to install the fitting. Deburr the pipe with an emery cloth. Now slide the compression nut over the supply pipe as far back as you can.

Step2: PLACE THE COMPRESSION RING OVER THE END OF THE SUPPLY PIPE

The end should completely cover the end of the supply pipe. Thread the compression valve into the compression nut. The valve should slide snugly over the ring. Hand tighten the nut. If it doesn’t turn easily, add a tiny drop of oil to the threads. Don’t use pipe compound; the fitting doesn’t require it, and it can make the fitting leak.

Step3: TIGHTEN THE COMPRESSION VALVE TO THE NUT BUT DON’T OVER TIGHTEN IT

You will need one wrench to hold the back of the valve and keep it square and another to turn the nut. Follow the same procedure you used to install the valve to attach the supply lines. Only turn the water on for a second and let it flow into a bucket to flush the lines before installing the fixtures.

The most common home plumbing problem is a leaky faucet. The leaks happen when the washers, O-rings, or seals inside the faucet get dirty or worn out. It’s not hard to fix a leak, but the techniques vary depending on the type of faucet you have. Determine the faucet design and the  replacement parts before you begin your work.

There are four basic designs: ball-type, cartridge, disc, and compression. Many can be identified easily just by their outer appearance, but there are some that you have to take apart before it can recognized.

Many double-handled faucets use the compression design. From time to time you have to replace the washers or seals in the compression faucets.  These are very easy to make, and the replacement parts are not expensive.

The ball-type, cartridge, and disc faucets are known as washerless faucets.  Many of the washerless faucets have a single handle, but some do have two handles.  These faucets will make less trouble for you than the compression faucets will, and they are designed for quick repair.

Make sure the replacement parts match the original parts before you install them. The replacement parts for the more popular washerless faucets are identified by their brand name and model number. Bring the worn parts with you when you go to the store to get ones. It will help you identify the parts you need.

If you are just replacing the sink and not the countertops, you need to make sure that the new sink is the same size or larger. Remove all old silicone caulk residue with either acetone or denatured alcohol. If you don’t remove the old stuff the new stuff won’t stick.

You will need:

caulk gun, spud wrench, screwdriver, sink, sink frame, plumber’s putty or silicone caulk, mounting clips, jigsaw, pen or pencil

Ok, let’s get started!!!

Step1. Turn the sink upset down and trace around the edges so you have a reference for making the sink cutout cutting lines, they will be parallel to the outlines, but 1″ inside of them to create a 1″ ledge.

Step2. Drill a starter hole and cut out the opening with a jigsaw. Cut right next to the line. The opening doesn’t have to be perfect because the sink’s flange fits over the cutout.

Step3. Do your best to attach as much of the plumbing as you can before you set the sink. It’s much easier to do it now then after it is installed.

Step4. Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the edges of the sink opening. Since the sink flange won’t be flat, try and apply the caulk in the area that will touch the flange.

Step5. Insert the sink. Do your best to get the sink centered right away so the caulk doesn’t get disturbed because that can break the seal around it.

Now that does it. I hope this has been a helpful tool. Have fun installing!!!

Are you redoing your kitchen countertops or a center island? Now you have a new, high end option that rivals granite and marble in beauty and durability. Recycled glass bound in a cement matrix offers unrivaled versatility. Select a crystal flecked material that catches the light for understated elegance. Or, choose an artistic mix of colored glass made from crushed bottles and porcelain – even old traffic light lenses.

Installation and Care

Recycled glass kitchen countertops are installed in the same way as marble and granite. In other words – a professional needs to be involved. The only exception is if you purchase recycled glass tiles. These tiny tiles are often used as decorative accents in ceramic tile countertops.

Most recycled glass slabs must be sealed regularly. However, they don’t require quite as much maintenance as marble. The sealant may not be heat resistant, so don’t place hot pans directly on the countertop. The glass can be wiped down with a damp cloth or cleaned with a gentle detergent.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

Unlike stone kitchen countertops, this material isn’t quarried from the ground. This means production requires less energy and doesn’t tend to degrade the environment. Recycled glass makes up 75-85% of the finished product. Some manufacturers use renewable, corn-based substances for the resin binding mix. Brands such as IceStone and ECO by Cosentino have achieved varying levels of eco-friendly recognition with “cradle to cradle” certification.

Spring is the time to kick start your cleaning around the house.  Or maybe its time to give your kitchen a makeover.  You may be thinking of what and where to start.  Should it be the kitchen hardwood floor that needs to be replaced? How about replacing that old aluminum kitchen window for an energy effecient bay window that overlooks your beautiful backyard?

Pricing a home project comes into play, so you want to invest in something that will improve the equity and quality of your home on a budget.  So why not do some cabinets refacing in the kitchen?

Installing or replacing new cabinets will breathe new life into your old kitchen.  New cabinets refacing will make your kitchen come alive and provide you with the space you need to prepare  meals without the annoying clutter.

There are many benefits to installing brand new cabinets, here are a few:

• Durability – If your knobs and hinges don’t work, having new cabinets will fix these problems.  New cabinets technology have made them more durable.
• Versatility – New cabinets comes in all sort of design that can store most of your cooking items.
• Customizability – Can order any type of design and colors to match the theme of your home.

Your next step is to get information on this cabinet refacing project. There are many ways to look for information.  Here are some resources to consider:

• Internet – The internet is huge, you can go onto any search engine like Google and type in “cabinets refacing” and you can see the local contractor results.
• Yellow Page – This is the old way but it still works for looking up a local contractor. You will find Cascade Kitchens, Evergreen Cabinetry, West Coast Vinyl to name a few that specializes in all sorts of home improvement projects.

Now is the time to get started on that new kitchen project, you won’t regret it.  The investment will increase the equity in your home within time, and the aesthetic look of your kitchen will bring smiles of envious to your family and friends.