Countertop sink: features of selection and installation

Washstand, washbasin, sink are plumbing fixtures, the presence of which is mandatory in the kitchen and bathroom.The main component of the device for washing, washing utensils and food is the sink - a container that collects waste and ensures its transportation to the sewer.

When choosing this type of plumbing fixture, you should focus on the ease of use for its intended purpose, as well as the ergonomics and style of the bowl. And if you are tired of monotonous models of appliances, then a countertop sink will be an excellent replacement.

In our article you will find useful recommendations for choosing a device. We will tell you how to install overhead plumbing. Taking into account our advice, you can easily cope with the work yourself.

Types of overhead sinks

In domestic bathrooms and kitchens, a sink placed on a countertop is still largely exotic. Such models are installed on top, rather than built into a set or bedside table.

Often these are more designer and quite expensive variations of washbasins. Conventional utilitarian washbasins, hung on the wall or mounted on a stand, are more familiar, cheaper and traditional.

If you want to get away from stereotypes and generally accepted standards in your design, then an overlay designer sink is an ideal option for adding an original accent to your bathroom interior

Any horizontal surface can be used as a countertop for a countertop washbasin. It’s not for nothing that designers love these types of sinks so much.

The tabletop underneath can be made from various materials to suit high-tech, loft, minimalism, modern, Provence and other design styles. There are practically no restrictions here. It is only important that the material of this pedestal is moisture resistant.

Overhead sinks are placed on the countertop or partially submerged in it. Often these are small-sized bowls, which allows them to be installed without problems even in very small-sized domestic bathrooms.

But you can also choose a large device, from which water during hygiene procedures and washing dishes will splash out only in extraordinary situations. Without the need for a bulky cabinet below, an overhead sink can be installed above a washing machine or dishwasher, as well as in a corner or niche on the wall.

A bowl similar in shape can be found in a plumbing store:

• square and rectangular;
• oval and round;
• in the shape of a flower, a drop of water, a seashell, etc.

Models of overhead plumbing fixtures can be found with both strict geometric lines in appearance and asymmetrical outlines. Any shapes, colors and designs on the bowl are appropriate for this plumbing fixture.

Often, an overhead sink comes complete with the rest of the designer bathroom fixtures, which allows you to create the most exotic-style interiors in your bathroom.

The water tap is installed on the bowl of such a washbasin or next to it on the countertop or wall. Often, faucets are sold in one set with a sink, where everything is done in the same style.

If the overhead washbasin is simply placed on the countertop without being buried in it, then only a small hole for the drain pipe is cut in the table slab. Otherwise, the hole is made to fit the size of the sink.

Choosing a washing bowl by material

The main criterion that should be given special attention when choosing countertop sink, is the material of the bowl. The durability of the washbasin, ease of care and variety of design range depend on it.

Option #1: Tempered glass

Countertop glass sinks come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Due to the high cost, this is not the most popular option.

However, the glass used to make washing bowls is resistant to impacts and household chemicals. It is difficult to break it, scratch it or corrode it with detergents. This product will last for many years.

All glass bowls amaze with their chic and spectacular appearance, they are strong and durable, they come in transparent, patterned and plain colors of any color.

The main problem with glass is drips and stains. Any dirt, toothpaste and soap are immediately visible on the glass surface. This sink requires special and constant care. You will have to wash it more often and more thoroughly than a washbasin made of another material, otherwise the entire chic appearance of the bowl will be hidden under dirty stains.

With a variety of views glass plumbing fixtures An article devoted to the issues of their selection and installation will introduce you.

Option #2: natural and artificial stone

Another one of the expensive, but presentable options:

• marble;
• onyx;
• travertine;
• granite.

Stone bowls of sinks are durable, wear-resistant and have natural elegance. However, if the polishing of their surface was done poorly, then due to the porous structure of the stone, the outside will quickly become dirty. It will be difficult to wash it and return it to its original appearance after this.

A stone countertop sink is always made from a single piece of stone; gluing and inserting are unacceptable here; any cracks or seams in the surface instantly become dirty and spoil the appearance of the washbasin

If there is no money for the elegant and expensive naturalness of natural stone, then it can be replaced with a more affordable artificial analogue.It is not only cheaper due to less labor-intensive manufacturing, but also more practical and easier to maintain. And externally it is almost impossible to distinguish them.

The main disadvantage of the stone is significant limitations in shape. Usually stone shell bowls on the tabletop are produced round. They are easiest to make on machines.

There are variations in the form of ovals and rectangles with strict smooth lines. But stone washbasins with a different geometry are extremely rare. All such products with curved shapes are made to order by hand and are expensive.

Option #3: acrylic (polymers)

Acrylic overhead sinks belong to the economy segment. They are inexpensive and impact resistant. Bathroom countertop for them, you can choose a less durable and massive one than for stone or glass products.

Acrylic bowls weigh little, and the range of models made from this material is the widest in shape. It is from this that washbasins are made in the form of various shells and flowers.

Acrylic allows you to realize the most exotic design fantasies; from this material you can cast a bowl of any shape and with any bends

The main disadvantage of overhead acrylic sinks is the high likelihood of scratches. They must be cared for with extreme caution. Cleaning acrylic with abrasives is prohibited. When cleaning, only liquid or paste detergents are allowed.

Option #4: sanitary ware (ceramics)

The most popular countertop sinks in bathrooms and kitchens are sanitaryware, made of glazed ceramic. This is the most popular and common material for the manufacture of all types of plumbing fixtures.

Bowls made from it have an ideally smooth surface, which is simple and easy to care for. And such ceramics are inexpensive.

There are no pores on the surface of sanitary ware, moisture and dirt cannot penetrate into the ceramics through the glaze by definition - hence the high durability of such sanitary ware

Sanitary sinks are quite fragile; if struck by a heavy or sharp object, they simply crack. When installing and using them in the future, additional precautions must be taken.

But as long as the glaze is not damaged, the ceramics are not in danger. Rusty streaks and dirty, greasy stains from earthenware bowls are washed off easily and quickly with regular household detergents.

Option #5: practical metal

Metal overhead sinks are distinguished by their affordable price and high durability. They are somewhat problematic to use and require special care to maintain the shine and beauty of the metal surface.If you don’t clean them regularly, then such a washing area will look ugly.

A metal sink doesn’t have to look like a cheap washbasin from an old Soviet train - there are many models on sale in minimalist, country and techno styles

When making metal washbasins, the following is used:

1. Copper.
2. Brass.
3. Stainless steel (stainless steel).

The metal can be glazed. However, in most cases it is left without additional coverage. The disadvantages of such countertop-mounted sinks include a limited selection of colors and difficulty in maintaining them. But in terms of durability, they will give all other competitors a head start.

Option #6: natural wood

Yes, sinks are also made of wood. Modern processing technologies, varnishes, stains and polishes make it possible to create a completely moisture-resistant bowl from wood.

Such an element of the interior will definitely attract attention. This overhead washbasin looks aesthetically pleasing, impressive and elegant. Tree rings on its surface are an ideal stylish and effective decoration in any bathroom.

Wooden sinks belong to the category of designer delights, are not cheap, require special constant care and restoration every 3-4 years

A sanitary fixture made of wood looks great in a bathroom in both classic and eco style. It is stronger than a glass or earthenware washstand, but inferior in strength to its metal counterpart. In combination with a glass or stone countertop, a wooden sink looks simply stunning.

Installation of overhead plumbing

The choice of a sink model installed on or partially in the countertop directly depends on the size of the bathroom (kitchen).If there is practically no free space, then it is better to select a washbasin with a small bowl. And if there is enough space, then you can expand in terms of design by choosing a larger and deeper alternative.

Sinks with dimensions of around a meter look too bulky; they are recommended to be installed only in spacious rooms where they will look out of place

Ideally sink dimensions should be such that when washing, the elbows of the spread hands remain within the bowl. Overhead sinks with a depth of 10–12 cm are compact models. 13–20 cm are medium standard, and 20–30 cm are large washbasins. The width and length of most of these sinks range from 30 to 80 cm.

You will familiarize yourself with the rules for choosing the installation height of the sink, and therefore the mounting of the hanging countertop. next article, the contents of which we advise you to familiarize yourself with.

The process of installing an overhead sink is carried out in four stages:

1. Cutting a hole for the drain in the countertop, if the model does not have a rear or side connection.
2. Installation of the drain pipe and mixer on the washbasin (if it is installed on the washbasin body).
3. Placing the sink on the countertop and connecting the siphon.
4. Electrical connection for lighting (if necessary).

If the sink is partially recessed into the countertop, then the hole for it should completely coincide in shape and size with the bowl placed inside. The simplest option is a washbasin installed on top of the table. For it, you need to cut a small and round hole with a diameter of only a few centimeters for the drain pipe.

Often, a built-in sink kit comes with a stencil for cutting out a hole in the countertop with your own hands. This greatly simplifies the process; it will be difficult to make a mistake with the sizes. But in any case, it is better to measure and calculate everything several times, and only then start sawing the slab for the washbasin.

Connecting the overhead model to the water supply and sewerage system should not be difficult. This is a regular sink, all connections are made using flexible hoses.

The main thing here is that the latter are not visible under the countertop if everything below remains open in a structure without a cabinet or doors. And all pipes must be connected using sealants.

Before the final installation of the bowl in place, the edges of the tabletop where the cut was made are coated with silicone. This will ensure the necessary tightness so that water does not fall down under the washbasin if it accidentally splashes out of it.

At the end of the installation, the power supply is connected and everything is checked for leaks. Models of counter-mounted sinks with LED lighting built into the body are still exotic.

However, such new items are becoming more and more common in stores. Their connection does not have any special nuances; all wire connection diagrams are given in the instructions. You just need to follow what is written by the manufacturer.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video #1. Installation process for an overhead sink:

Video #2. Options for overhead sinks in the interior of bathrooms and kitchens:

Video #3. The nuances of installing a sink in a kitchen countertop:

You can easily handle the installation of an overhead sink yourself.The most important point in installing it on the countertop is sawing the hole. Everything must be done exactly and in size.

If there is even the slightest doubt about your own abilities, then it is better to call a master for this work. Changing the lid of a kitchen set or a stand in the bathroom for a washbasin due to improper cutting will later be much more expensive.

Please write comments in the block below. Tell us about how you installed the overhead plumbing bowl with your own hands. Perhaps you have useful tips that you are willing to share with site visitors, or photos of the process of assembling and fixing the sink?