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KITCHEN DRAIN BUYING GUIDE
Choosing the perfect kitchen sink for your home isn’t always easy. You might find a beautiful acrylic basin with complimentary faucet handles, but there’s more to it than that. The last part you need to complete the look is the sink drain.
This component may seem like a throw-away decision because it’s just a hole in the kitchen sink. However, there are multiple terms related to the types of kitchen sink drains you must consider. Words like garbage disposal, basket strainer, and disposal flange come up and can make the process more confusing.
Having a kitchen sink buying guide can sum up everything you need to know, from the stopper to the functionality of various types of kitchen sink drains. Homeowners will feel more confident in their choices by following this useful information.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT KITCHEN SINK DRAIN
Regardless of what type of sink material you choose for your kitchen sink — you can have a beautiful double-bowl stainless steel sink or a composite single-bowl sink — the drain is still a crucial component.
Knowing what features to look for to find a high-quality sink drain is vital during your search. If you choose the wrong drain style, it could affect the overall look. For example, if you select a modern sink, like Fireclay, you’ll want a more modern drain to match it. However, traditional drains are the best choice for a classic stainless steel basin.
Whether you want a drop-in sink, also called a self-rimming sink, or an undermount sink, the essential features remain the same. Consider these items to help narrow down your drain choices.
Sizing
A standard kitchen drain size is about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. You get this number by measuring across the center of the drain. The bowl-shaped piece inside the drain mouth, the drain strainer, is the same size.
The drain strainer is designed to sit inside the drain mount, sealing it shut when flush with the drain bowl. This size is standard in all kitchen sinks, making installing your new kitchen sink easier. Regardless of the types of kitchen sink drains you choose, they connect to a 1 1/2-inch diameter pipe.
Materials
A kitchen sink drain should always match the aesthetic of your sink, but it doesn’t have to blend seamlessly. Instead, it could accentuate it! They come in various colors and finishes to add a pop of color or create a neutral aesthetic.
Brass and stainless steel are two common choices because of their classic look that will complete the overall countertop aesthetic.
Brass
Brass drains may not be the most cost-effective material, but they’re a good choice if you’re looking for an attractive, functional drain. They provide strength and durability and are resistant to rust, corrosion, and tarnish.
Although brass can dent when hit with extreme force, it won’t have the same chance of failure as other types of kitchen sink drains. Brass is an aesthetically pleasing material that enhances the look of any kitchen sink material.
Stainless Steel
Like any stainless steel product, these types of kitchen sink drains are easy to clean. They are low-maintenance and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water or a household cleaning solution. The material has a non-porous surface and won’t harbor bacteria or odors, so your kitchen will remain more hygienic.
Unfortunately, stainless steel scratches easily. Heavy pots and utensils can leave marks on the surface, making your drain unattractive. Stainless steel also shows water spots, so it may be more difficult to keep it completely clean.
Popular Finishes
Once you’ve selected the drain material, you’ll need to make another decision — the finish. Kitchen sink drains come in various finishes to match sink faucets. Some of the most popular choices are:
- Gunmetal
- Bronze
- Matte gold
- Stainless steel
- Matte black
Do none of those sound like your style? Don’t worry; there are additional choices, so you’ll find one that matches practically any sink style.
Brasses
Brass is one of the most popular kitchen sink drain finish choices. It’s known for durability and warm coloring, and its rich history dates back to the Victorian era.
Fixtures with a brass finish, like brushed brass, are easy to install and look great while keeping unwanted debris from clogging your drain. A brass kitchen sink drain will complete the look of your kitchen, whether you’re installing a polished brass drain into farmhouse sinks or bar sinks.
Some brass finish options include:
Because this finish is corrosion-resistant, you’ll enjoy the beauty of your brass kitchen sink drain for many years.
Bronzes
Bronze is another popular choice for kitchen and bathroom sink drains. Like brass, bronze brings warmth into the room and pairs well with numerous designs and sink materials.
Bronze is available in many styles, but due to its patina, it has a softer look than brass. This finish hides watermarks and smudges, making it perfect for a high-use fixture like a kitchen sink drain.
The following are bronze finishes you can find on various types of kitchen sink drains:
- English Bronze: This material creates a deep, rich finish because a special coating is “baked” onto the drain's surface
- Mahogany Bronze: When you allow mahogany wood to oxidize, it creates the coppery bronze finish called mahogany bronze
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze: Oil-rubbed bronze creates a rich-colored finish with dark brown and copper hues
- Weathered Bronze: This finish often has a distressed or metal color that resembles dark charcoal
Any of these types of kitchen sink drains make an excellent choice for your home.
Nickels
Nickel finishes are extremely durable and simple to maintain. Regardless of which finish you choose, they give your sink drain a high-end appearance. They’re also durable against everyday scratches, making them suitable for a kitchen drain.
Homeowners have multiple choices when considering a nickel finish:
- Brushed Nickel: This finish is purposefully brushed to create a soft yet textured finish
- Polished Nickel: Instead of brushing, the material is polished to create a mirror-like finish that shines
- Satin Nickel: This finish has a plated deposit that creates an even, non-reflective texture and a soft luster
Nickel is durable and corrosion-resistant, making it another suitable choice for many types of kitchen sink drains.
Chromes, Coppers, & More
If brass, bronze, or nickel isn’t your style, don't worry. There are plenty of other finishes you can choose from. Chrome, copper, and others often top the homeowner’s list of desired finishes:
- Chrome: At an inexpensive price point, chrome drains have a shiny finish that provides a corrosion, rust, and scratch-resistant surface.
- Polished Copper: Polished copper is a plated finish applied to appliances — it is a long-lasting, antimicrobial material because of its natural composition.
- Titanium: Some drains have a thin layer of titanium on the surface to provide protection, durability, and aesthetics,
- Pewter: Pewter is a gray tin alloy recognized for it’s versatility.
- White: Although it’s still metal, a white finish can complete the neutral aesthetic you’re trying to complete in your kitchen.
- Biscuit/Plastic: Plastic is one of the most cost-effective solutions and may be flexible under water pressure.
When you’re doing any type of kitchen remodel, it’s crucial to consider all your options. You never know which materials and finishes will make your kitchen sink drain the perfect fit for your home.
Assembly
The kitchen sink drain assembly allows water from the faucet to flow out of the basin. It is connected to plumbing within the walls and typically includes multiple parts.
Sink Strainer
A sink strainer is visible when using the sink. It should match the flange or tailpiece and create a tight seal. Some strainers have a protective rim that connects to the sink with a rubber rim to stop water.
What type of strainer you choose depends heavily on the drain opening and how deep the sink is. Most strainers are between 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 inches in diameter. Choosing an appropriate size strainer helps prevent leaks and malfunction.
A standard strainer works well with most stainless steel sinks. However, other materials, like cast iron, are thicker and require a more specific product. Before selecting a strainer, it’s important to know the specifications of your sink.
Strainers also come in various materials. Whether you need something cost-effective like a plastic strainer or something more durable like brass, there’s a reliable product for your sink.
Tailpiece
The tailpiece is a section of pipe. It is a short, straight pipe that connects to the drain fitting and transports water away from the sink. Most tailpieces are located after the sink strainer but before the fixture traps.
Knowing the vertical distance between the fixture outlet and the trap is important when choosing the tailpiece for your assembly. In most cases, this shouldn’t be longer than 24 inches.
You’ll also need to know the drain size before choosing a tailpiece. For it to work correctly, this opening and the tailpiece must match in size. You can refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your sink to determine the drain size.
The final piece of the puzzle is whether you are connecting the drain to a garbage disposal. If so, you’ll also need a strainer flange and basket.
Tee
The tee is a pipe shaped like a letter “T.” It has a side outlet for a waste pipe and a bottom outlet for the drain trap.
P-Trap
A P-trap is a specialized fitting that prevents sewer gasses and odors from entering your home. It gets its name because it is shaped like a P. It is created by joining two 90-degree joints with a horizontal overflow pipe. P-traps also prevent water from siphoning from the trap.
WHAT FEATURES SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A KITCHEN DRAIN ASSEMBLY
When choosing a kitchen drain assembly, many factors must be considered. While the assembly components are necessary to understand, other factors must also be considered.
Size of the Sink
The sink drain must fit your kitchen sink’s drain opening, or it won’t work. Measure that opening to ensure you choose the correct size. This information should also be available in your sink’s manufacturer’s instructions.
Drain Type
Along with the materials and finishes, you have several drain types to choose from.
- Press and Seal: Also known as a pop-up drain, this type is easy to install and operate by pressing down on the drain cover
- Twist and Turn: This easy-to-install drain has a small knob to lift the drain cover manually
- Strainer: These drains are used in bar sinks and do not close, so water flows through the drain at all times when rinsing
- Chain and Plug: A chain and plug drain comes with a small basket that prevents items from falling into the drain after the stopper is removed
- Pop-Up Rod: Components include a stopper and lift rod attached to the drain underneath the sink, which lifts and closes the drain cover
Any of these drain types are suitable for most sinks, including a double-bowl sink, composite sinks, and apron-front sinks.
Style
You’ll want your kitchen stylish, so it should complement the sink, whether you choose a drain that fits with the color or finish of the sink or faucet. However, selecting a drain with a different material or finish will accent the other materials of the fixture.
Overflow
You can purchase a drain with or without an overflow opening, a small hole drilled in the top of the threaded portion of the drain. It allows excess water from the sink to move into the drain pipe.
Sinks with an overflow require a drain with an overflow opening to prevent clogging. However, if your sink does not have an overflow, you can still use a drain with an overflow opening.
ELIMINATE THE STRESS FROM CHOOSING YOUR DRAIN
When updating your kitchen sink, you have a lot to consider. However, you don’t have to let these factors weigh heavy on your mind. Instead, speaking with a sink drain expert can help ease your mind.
The sink drain specialists from Vintage Tub & Bath are ready to help you find the perfect kitchen sink drain to complete your dream kitchen. Whether copper sinks or cast iron sinks are your ideal material, our team can match you with the perfect drain. Contact us today to get started!
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