You can expect a sink to last from 15 to 100 years, depending on the material used, with an average of 30 years.
Your sink's lifespan will depend a lot on its material. Stainless steel sinks last 15 to 30 years. Porcelain sinks last 25 to 30 years before they'll need to be refinished, after which they can last longer. Enamel steel sinks only last about 5 to 10 years if used frequently.
A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. What's more, they are also some of the most versatile sinks coming in a variety of styles and sizes meaning they fit in most kitchens easily no matter the size or style.
Stainless steel sinks typically last 15 to 25 years and are most often replaced because of interior renovations or upgrades rather than degradation of the sink itself. In addition, Stainless steel requires only minimal maintenance, which is both economical and good for the environment and society.
Porcelain sinks have an average lifespan of 20–25 years. While all materials take on wear and tear over time, porcelain sinks can be refinished to keep them looking brand new and gorgeous for decades.
It's helpful to know about how long you can expect your fixtures to last, so you'll know how much more time you're likely to get from repairs that you invest in now. In general, the lifespan for your bathroom plumbing fixtures is: Stainless steel sinks: 15 to 30 years. Porcelain sinks: 20 to 30 years.
Stainless steel is easily workable and has a long service life that will retain its clean finish look, with little to no maintenance costs. Additionally, due to the special high chromium and nickel-alloyed grades, it can resist scaling and retain strength at extreme temperatures better than porcelain.
While stainless steel sinks are durable, they do tend to scratch if abrasive cleansers are used. You might notice tiny scratches on an older stainless steel sink if you look closely. Most stainless steel varieties have a grain or pattern to them.
If you prioritize style, sound absorption, and a luxurious look, a quartz sink might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you value durability, versatility, and a more affordable price point, a stainless steel sink could be the way to go.
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.
Composite sinks hold up well under heavy use. They resist staining and scratching, withstand acids, and don't show water spots. They are also non-porous, which means they never need sealing.
Check the cutout size before installing new kitchen sink
A sink that's too small for the countertop opening will leave ugly gaps along the sides (or even fall right through the hole!). Before removing the existing sink, measure the opening from underneath. Measure all four sides because the cutout may not be square.
While white farmhouse sinks are stunning, there are more durable kitchen sink materials out there. If you're concerned about cracks and stains, a stainless steel kitchen sink may be a better choice for your household. Stainless steel sinks are also one of the easiest sinks to keep clean.
For example, stainless steels have a high level of chromium content which helps them resist corrosion from exposure to water or other liquids. On the other hand, mild steels have very little chromium content and are more prone to corrosion when exposed to water or other liquids.
Grade-304 is regarded as the best grade for stainless steel sinks. This grade means that the steel is an 18/8 stainless steel and made up of at least 50% iron. By understanding these properties of stainless steel, you'll be able to spot high-quality sinks from poorer ones.
Porcelain sinks are both beautiful and easy to clean. 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.
A well maintained ceramic sink can last a lifetime, and thanks to them being easy to clean as well as heat resistant, it can look just as good as the day you bought it.
So, stainless steel kitchen sinks are likely to remain a top consumer choice for years to come. While some designers agree that drop-in stainless steel sinks lack refinement and elegance, an undermount stainless steel sink is a timeless choice. Stainless steel sinks look best in modern or classic kitchen settings.
So, to reiterate, YES, plumbers certainly can install sinks, and they do it meticulously, carefully and properly.
How long does it take to install a sink? An experienced plumbing professional may only take about two hours to replace a kitchen sink. If you'll be doing the job yourself, plan for four to six hours.
Replacing a sink is no easy task, it's a heavy duty item and depending on your home, it could be embedded into the masonry. There are a few easy repairs for sinks such as tightening taps or unclogging the drains but sometimes you'll need a professional to tackle the job, especially when it comes to replacing the item.