The Complete Guide to Sinks

Complete Guide 1010 words

Created by Ryan PietrzakIllinois Licensed Plumber · In the plumbing industry since 2009

Updated February 23, 2026

What This Guide Covers

Everything you need to know about Sinks — from choosing the right type and buying smart, to installation, ongoing maintenance, and understanding costs.

Types of Sinks

There are 4 main types of Sinks to choose from:

Drop-In Sinks$75 – $400

Also called top-mount or self-rimming sinks. The rim sits on top of the countertop, making installation straightforward and compatible with any counter material.

Farmhouse Sinks$300 – $1500

Feature a large, deep basin with an exposed front apron. Popular in country and transitional kitchen designs, offering both style and function.

Undermount Sinks$150 – $600

Installed beneath the countertop for a seamless, modern look. Makes countertop cleanup easy as debris sweeps directly into the sink.

Vessel Sinks$100 – $800

Sit on top of the countertop like a bowl. Available in glass, ceramic, stone, and metal for a dramatic bathroom design statement.

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Buying Guide

Vanity-Top

Most common. Sits in or under a vanity countertop. Provides cabinet storage. Standard for primary and family bathrooms.

Pedestal & Wall-Mount

Pedestal: basin on a column. No storage but opens floor space. Wall-mount: most space-efficient. Both expose floor for easy cleaning.

Vessel & Console

Vessel: bowl on top of counter. Dramatic statement. Requires vessel-height faucet. Console: open-leg table with sink top. Vintage aesthetic.

Buying Tips

Vanity-top for any bathroom needing storage.
Pedestal/wall-mount for small powder rooms.
Vessel sinks need lower countertop (31-32 inches).
Console sinks require decorative-quality exposed plumbing.

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Installation

Drain Assembly & Garbage Disposal Connection

How to install sink drain assemblies and connect garbage disposals in single and double-bowl configurations.

Easy to Intermediate $15-$50 materials

Drop-In Sink Installation

How to install a drop-in (self-rimming) kitchen or bathroom sink.

Easy $0-$30 DIY / $100-$250 with pro

Farmhouse Sink Cabinet Prep

How to modify a standard base cabinet for a farmhouse (apron-front) sink installation.

Intermediate to Advanced $50-$200 for modifications

Undermount Sink Installation

How to install an undermount sink on granite, quartz, or solid surface countertops.

Advanced $50-$150 DIY / $200-$500 with pro

View all Sinks installation guides →

Maintenance

Caulk & Sealant Inspection

How to inspect and maintain the caulk and sealant around your sinks to prevent water damage.

Cleaning Sinks by Material Type

The right cleaning method for stainless steel, porcelain, granite composite, fireclay, copper, and cast iron sinks.

Drain Maintenance & Odor Prevention

How to keep sink drains clear, prevent odors, and maintain the P-trap and drain assembly.

Scratch & Stain Removal for Sinks

How to remove scratches, stains, and discoloration from kitchen and bathroom sinks.

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Costs

Bathroom Sink Prices by Style

What bathroom sinks cost across pedestal, vessel, undermount, vanity-top, and wall-mount styles.

$40-$800+ depending on style

Kitchen Sink Prices by Material

What kitchen sinks cost in stainless steel, granite composite, fireclay, cast iron, and copper.

$50-$1,500+ depending on material

Sink Accessory & Add-On Costs

What sink accessories cost -- garbage disposals, soap dispensers, hot water dispensers, and filtration taps.

$10-$500 per accessory

Sink Installation Costs

What plumbers charge to install kitchen and bathroom sinks by type and complexity.

$150-$500 labor for standard / $500-$1,500 for complex

View all Sinks cost guides →

Top Sinks Brands

View all Sinks brands →

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of sinks are available?

There are 4 main types: Drop-In Sinks, Farmhouse Sinks, Undermount Sinks, Vessel Sinks.

What are the best sinks brands?

Top brands include American Standard, BLANCO, Bobrick, Bocchi.

Can I install sinks myself?

Some sinks installations are DIY-friendly, while others require a licensed plumber. Check the difficulty rating of each installation guide.