While ceramic sinks are extremely durable, they are not indestructible. Over time, ceramic sinks can crack or chip, and when this happens, it is important to have a professional repair the damage. When ceramic sinks crack or chip, the damage can be unsightly and affect the function of the sink.
Drastic temperature shifts
Like a lot of household objects or fittings, drastic temperature changes cause damage to bathroom sinks. Repeated temperature shock can lead to swelling and cracking of your porcelain and enamel.
Cracks are another common issue with ceramic sinks, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including impact damage, changes in temperature, or general wear and tear over time.
The disadvantages of ceramic sinks are much smaller, but they should also be considered before buying. First, sinks made of this material are quite heavy and difficult to install them yourself. Secondly, the ceramic surface is not resistant to strong shocks. If you drop something very heavy into the sink, it may crack.
Cracks in ceramic sink: Assess the situation and the sink
On the down side, it's a brittle material and easily cracked. One drop of a heavy object can leave you staring at a major chip in your porcelain.
Durable and long-lasting – With proper care, a ceramic sink can last for many years. The ceramic material is resistant to scratches, chips, and stains. Easy to care for – They can be cleaned with mild soap and water and do not require any special cleaners or sealants.
Best for: Affordability, durability, and low maintenance. The most common option for a kitchen sink material is stainless steel. This material is well-known for its water-resistance, durability, and scratch-resistance, and is also often recognized for superior rust-resistance and antimicrobial properties.
Porcelain is considered the hardest clay available today and it starts out as... ceramic. It is heated in a kiln at an extremely high temperature (higher than ceramic), so it is less porous and dense. Porcelain is very strong with a smooth finish.
Durability: The durability of ceramic sinks and their heavy frames, make them sturdy and reliable kitchen centerpieces. Heavy duty glazing and layered clay composition makes this sink chip proof as well as resistant to many household chemicals.
Getting a proper seal around your bathroom sink prevents water penetration. Here's the best way to ensure a complete seal around your sink area to make it easier to clean and less prone to water damage and dis-colouration.
Thermal Stress. One of the most common causes of hairline cracks on porcelain sinks is thermal stress. Considering porcelain is usually layered on metal (which conducts heat), the sink loses heat rapidly and can become very cold—even when the room isn't cold.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
Try to avoid placing extremely hot or cold substances into your ceramic sink, or these can cause it to crack. If you do need to pour boiling water in your sink, make sure the cold tap is turned on first.
Heavy usage can result in cracks appearing or the unintentional dropping of a hefty object on the porcelain can chip off parts of the enamel. All these chips and cracks can be unpleasant to look at and might prompt you to want to replace the sink.
You have to remember that the aesthetic beauty of a ceramic sink is its main selling point so a little care is required in its maintenance. If you want longevity and durability combined with a sleek modern style, look no further than a granite-made composite sink.
Ceramic is extremely heavy and then if you imagine it full of water as well – this kind of weight could be enough to crack your worktop if the clips don't fail beforehand. So, ceramic undermount sinks need special attention when fitting them – to make sure they're properly supported!
Porcelain, Ceramic and Fireclay Kitchen Sinks
Their non-porous and high gloss finish makes the sinks stain-resistant and fairly easy to keep clean using normal everyday household cleaning products.
Sinks made of ceramic are extremely easy to clean. Thanks to the sealed surface, dirt does not penetrate, but merely adheres to the surface. A little washing-up liquid and water - and your sink will shine again. Every now and then, take the time to freshen up the coated surface.
Abrasive tools: Abrasive tools like scouring pads and steel wool could cause unsightly scratches to form on porcelain sinks. Abrasive cleaners: Abrasive cleaners that contain harsh chemicals can stain, scratch, or damage the finish on porcelain sinks.
Porcelain Kitchen Sinks
Strong and durable, porcelain sinks hold up well over time when cared for. Porcelain sinks are available in a wide range of colors. Porcelain can mimic the look of natural stones, like marble. It's a low maintenance material that's easy to clean.
Stainless steel is the most popular kitchen sink material for ease of use/cleaning, installation, and to achieve a modern kitchen design. They provide a contemporary look with a sleek profile, especially when paired with composite stone, granite, or wood countertops.
Acrylic
This easily moldable plastic is one of the most affordable and versatile kitchen sinks you can find. It's easy to clean, strong, sound absorbent, and the nonporous surface is resistant to mildew and dirt buildup.