| Have you recently purchased a granite counter | | | | a sink that has a very good undercoating and |
| top for your new home or have you updated and | | | | is padded. The undercoating is used for |
| remodeled? If you have you were probably | | | | condensation control as well as noise |
| shocked at the prices when you were sent to a | | | | reduction. The rubber pad is a must to truly |
| plumbing supply center or a kitchen and bath | | | | make your sink noise free |
| dealer to pick out your stainless steel sink | | | | |
| and faucets. The number one rule in selecting | | | | Certification is critical especially with |
| a sink is stay away from the hype, and do not | | | | stainless steel sinks; you need to make sure |
| over pay for a name brand sink that your | | | | that the steel used in the construction of |
| neighbors will not recognize. Focus on | | | | the sink a 304 surgical grade stainless |
| quality and utility, your kitchen is a work | | | | steel. The sink must also be constructed to |
| center and your sink should complement your | | | | meet the criteria required by AMSE |
| families lifestyle. Do you cook a lot, and | | | | A112.19.3-2000 Stainless steel plumbing |
| wash large pans if so you may want to | | | | fixtures. This certification is most |
| consider a large single bowl 30 X 18 this | | | | important because there has been a push by |
| sink is the current trend. Once you select | | | | local and county building inspectors to see a |
| the appropriate style sink for your family | | | | certification by UPC or a certification by an |
| you need to consider the quality of the sink. | | | | approved IAPMO testing facility before they |
| | | | will sign off on a final plumbing inspection. |
| Quality features of an undermount sink are | | | | There are a few companies that produce a |
| that it must be 18 gauge. There is a lot of | | | | great quality sink and that are certified. |
| hype about 16 gauge sinks right now. The | | | | There is no reason to pay 600-900 dollars for |
| industry standard is 18 and it is more than | | | | a stainless steel sink you can find many |
| adequate. The difference between 16 and 18 is | | | | quality sinks on the market today finding a |
| minimal, most companies advertising a 16 | | | | good quality one that has also taken the time |
| gauge sink are using a three piece | | | | to have their product certified is a bit |
| construction (not desirable) and only the | | | | tricky but there are some out there and you |
| deck plate is 16. In these cases you will | | | | should be able to purchase a product for |
| find the manufacturer cut production costs by | | | | under $200.00 and receive a comparable |
| having the bowls made in 20 gauge (stay away | | | | product to any Elkay or Blanco. |
| from a sink like this). You also need to find | | | | |