By Ed Del Grande
Q: Hi Ed, I'm a loyal reader. We're redoing our kitchen, and I know you can help me since you seem to be plugged into the latest information when it comes to new building products. I have always had a single-bowl sink and for my new kitchen I want a two-bowl sink, but I know from being at other houses that large pots and pans have trouble fitting in the smaller bowls. Any suggestions? I'd be honored to tell people that "Ed Del Grande" advised me on my new kitchen sink! Michele (Connecticut)
A: Thanks, Michele, for your trust in me, since my wife will not allow me to make any decorating decisions at my own home! I am lucky to be in the media end of the construction business, and I do get early word on a lot of new products coming on to the market. As luck would have it, earlier this year I did get to see and work with a sink that should do exactly what you're looking to do.
It's a cast-iron double-bowl sink with a specially designed lower dividing wall between the bowls. The wall still allows you to fill and use both bowls, but since the dividing wall is lower you can place a large pan or pot flat at the bottom of the sink. Usually the big pans or pots won't fit because the handles hit the divider, and it goes in on a diagonal. Not with this style sink! It's actually designed around pot and pan handles. This type of sink is called a "smart divide" sink and it's available right now.
Another option that might work has been around for decades. It's called a "large bowl, small bowl" set-up. While it's technically a double bowl sink, the bowls are different sizes. One bowl will be large enough to fit big pans and pots while the other smaller bowl will be used for the garbage disposer only. In my opinion these will be your best options for a double bowl sink if you're looking for a sink that will do double duty for your large and small pots and pans!
Q: Hi, Ed. My husband is in the military and away from home. We have plumbing issues and without him around I don't know what I should do. First we have two faucets leaking all the time, then our drains won't drain properly. Also, I just received a note from our water company saying that our meter is "creeping." What does that mean? Is this a big job, and do I need a contractor for this? Any advice is welcome. Pam (South Dakota)
A: Pam, thank you for your letter and letting everyone know while our service people are overseas doing their duty and helping our country, many times there is no one at their own homes to help their families cope with everyday problems.
The main issue you have here is the constant dripping of the faucets; that is the first thing that needs attention. Dripping faucets can waste thousand of gallons of water a year, and that constant flow is why your water company contacted you. When a water meter is "creeping," the flow never stops to the house. The reason your flow never stops is because of the drippy faucets. If you fix the faucets that should also fix your "creeping meter" problem.
The drain issue can also be related to excessive water use if you're on a septic tank. Septic tanks and leach fields can only take so much water until they back up. If you are on a sewer system, you may have a partial block in the pipe. The constant faucet dripping will amplify that problem as well.
I would call a licensed plumber in your area to address the problems. The good news is that just fixing the leaking faucets may fix all your problems. So don't panic; this may not be anything major even if the drain needs to be snaked. Also, most contractors are very respectable people and should give you a break since your family has given so much for our country!
Ed Del Grande was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing.If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.
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