What to do about my kitchen sink

[crustycurmudgeon]

So my research has told me that reglazing a kitchen sink isn't a good idea because it won't stand up to the abuse. The countertop is still in great shape. If I replace the sink I'll have to replace the tile, and while I'm at it...

I can't afford that route. I was thinking--could I cut the old sink out, leaving about 1/2" around the edge that the quarter round tile is attached to, then drop in a top mount stainless steel sink, to cover the quarter round tile? I'd have to find one precisely sized to cover (or have one custom made?). It would be right up against the backsplash.

 

[KBMWRS]

Frank, can't you just chip out the edge round tile which is probably covering the sink overlap, replace the sink and then get new rounded tile edges?

 

[Horseplay]

Frank,

Doesn't look like you have the room to fit a standard size top mount sink (nothing to rest on in back) and cutting out the old sink seems a bit off the path. Mike's idea has merit. You can likely even save the quarter round tiles if you do it right. Also, re-tiling the counter wouldn't cost too much if you could do the work yourself. Simple tile like that is really inexpensive. Putting in a deeper sink would make it worth the effort.

 

[crustycurmudgeon]

Ugh...a deeper sink isn't necessarily a good thing for a tall person :dun

Removing the quarter round pieces seems simple enough, unless I damage the other tile in the process. Replacing all the tile wouldn't be as simple as just the countertop and backsplash, the tile goes all the way up the wall to the upper cabinets and also over the windowsill to the left. And why just do tile, why not upgrade to granite, etc. And why not put new cabinets under that nice new countertop. That's what I was hinting at.

Should I expect the sink to be glued in under the tile? I would think so.

 

[copasspupil]

So I take it that because you are tall you don't like bending over? Check...It should not be glued. Usually laid in place with a seam of plumbers caulk like substance underneath it. I've seen some with clamps underneath it to secure them as well but that has been years ago.

 

[AzPete]

Before you do anything....measure the space you have to deal with and see what the cost options are.
Having a custom size sink made might be more than some new tile.
You may not even find a sink to fit the hole close enough to make the swap.

 

[guruatbol]

Try scrubbing a couple times a day with Bar Keeper's Friend and in a couple days it will be white!

Mel

 

[SAC69]

Have you looked up at the sink from underneath? Mine is mounted from below like yours and the sink lip rests on the plywood and the tile is mounted over the sink lip, the only way out is from above. With some of the new tools on the market with the "vibration" blades (can't remember the trade name) they seem able to cut grout out w/o damaging the tile, at least according to the commercials.

 

[cmayna]

So I take it that because you are tall you don't like bending over?

Since when does a person's height have to do with bending over?

 

[guruatbol]

If you really want to replace it, look under it and you will see it is held in place with some brackets. Carefully cut the caulking between the tile and the sink. Remove all the plumbing and faucet. Remove the garbage disposal. Place a 2x4 across the top of the sink to support it so it doesn't fall on you then remove the brackets.

Buy another sink that is the same size and just reverse the process. Remember to clean all the old caulking off the tile and put new caulking after you are done. you will want to use a silicon caulking.

Mel

 

[crustycurmudgeon]

Ok, it looks like there's some sort of liner set on the plywood, not unlike the water shield in the Mustang's doors, then some sort of grey mortar (I broke a piece off) on top of the water shield, then the sink on top of that. I don't know if there's anything between the water shield and plywood.

 

[opentrackerSteve]

Sell the house and buy one with a good sink.

Besides, that one has crooked cabinet knobs also! :whis