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Triple master contractor Ed Del Grande
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By Ed Del Grande
Q: Hi, Ed. my husband and I love doing work around our house, and we love your column as well! The love stops there lately, because we are presently in a disagreement over our kitchen sink. We're putting in new stone counters complete with a sink and faucet. While we both agree on an undermount-style sink, my husband insists that we can use a standard topmount stainless steel sink to save money, mount it under the counter and no one will tell the difference. I say he's all wet when it comes to plumbing, and he is making a big mistake! Is it even possible to install a topmount sink under a counter? Who is right on this one? Help! Jill (New Jersey)
A: Jill, I have personal experience with this question. Against my advice, a friend of mine did the exact same thing in his kitchen! I don't know what it is with some people, but for some reason instead of using the proper materials, they think it wise to use the wrong parts and then try to make everything fit just to save a few bucks.
I'm going to tell you the same thing I told my friend and I hope you'll have better luck convincing your husband than I did with my friend, who by the way is also a plumber. Topmounted sinks have a raised rim around the entire sink. On cast iron sinks it's pretty high and round; on stainless steel sinks it's a low flat rim, but nonetheless it's still a raised rim around the sink. Undermount sinks have no rim at all and that's because the counter top needs to sit completely flat and close to the sink bowls. It's not rocket science. The manufacturers even label them "Topmount" or "Undermount" sinks so there will be no confusion as to where they are designed to go.
If you put a top mount stainless steel sink under a counter, the rim will hold the counter top up and above the sink bowls. This will cause two problems. One: The counter will not sit flat and that could stress the stone. Two: There will be a large gap of about a half inch between the counter top and the sink bowls. Like my friend said, you can fill the gap in with caulk, but from what I've seen it will not look professional and a big gap filled with caulking may collect moisture after a while and cause other problems. I'm not saying that it can't be done; all I'm saying is that it's not a good idea and I agree with you on this one.
Bottom line: If you want to install a sink under your counter top, buy an undermount-style sink to keep your job looking above board!
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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