Cast iron sink - a classic always in price

In the past, there was practically no alternative to cast iron in the production of sanitary appliances, now the situation has changed radically, but the fragile metal does not lose ground. Sinks and other products made of cast iron, covered with a layer of enamel have somewhat lost ground, but for many they still remain choice number 1. It makes sense to figure out what the reason for such popularity is.

Comparison of sinks made from different materials

Nowadays, the cast-iron enameled sink is just one of the many options; plastic, steel (stainless steel) and even ceramic-granite counterparts can be found on sale.

Note! Porcelain stoneware sinks stand out from the rest in that they can be produced as one piece with the table top. In some cases, this feature is crucial.

The key features of kitchen cast-iron sanitary appliances include:

• high strength, at the same time, the cast iron is rather fragile, so a strong blow may not survive, a piece can easily break off;
• enamel layer is also fragile, therefore, if handled carelessly, it may also break away from the shell;

• Another source of danger to the state of enamel is the use of abrasive cleaners., microscratches on the coating with the naked eye will be practically invisible, but the surface will appear to be muddy and ugly, it will be almost impossible to return the former gloss;
• it is possible to note the greater weight of cast iron products compared to, for example, plastic or metal;
• but the price of iron sink is not so great, it is within a few thousand rubles;
• the color of such a model does not have to be white, so the interior will not suffer if the white does not fit into it.

If you compare the sinks from other materials, then each of the types is somewhat superior to the cast-iron models, for example:

• acrylic washes are very light, even a child can lift it, besides, plastic is easily processed. So when installing, for example, a siphon for a sink with overflow, problems with drilling an additional hole will not arise;
• porcelain stoneware are cast, so they are often one piece with the table top. There are no cast iron analogues;
• steel is very strong, light, but noisy and not in every kitchen will look appropriate.

Choosing a cast iron sink, its installation and connection to the sewer

Cost - not the main criterion when choosing a sink for the kitchen. It is necessary to take into account its dimensions, features of the material from which it is made, as well as the method of installation. Let us dwell on this.

Choosing a car wash

The choice must be made on the basis of several factors; it is necessary to take into account:

• family composition - if you need to cook for several people with powerful appetite at once, then it is better to purchase a double sink. In this case, even if one branch is occupied, you can always use the next one, and it is more convenient to wash the dishes;

• kitchen sinks are available in different sizes, so it is best to determine in advance the necessary dimensions. For example, an enameled cast iron sink 50x60 cm is suitable for most standard kitchens, if the design of the room is unusual, you can always choose something more original, up to the order of an individual wash;
• You should also pay attention to the height of the installation, if the sink is too deep, then when washing dishes have to bend too low - this will lead to an overstrain of the spinal muscles and pain in the lumbar region. The ideal height position can be considered such that a person does not have to bend down to reach the bottom of the sink;

• the aesthetic component is also not in last place. Instead of the standard white color, you can always choose a coloring more fun;

• the place of installation also plays a role; sometimes, instead of the usual square or rectangular sinks, it makes sense to purchase the corner option;
• You also need to think in advance if the installation of additional equipment is planned.

For example, if you plan to install a tap water filter under the sink, you will have to make a hole in the sink to install a second tap. If the sink was acrylic, then it would be easy to drill it, in the enameled cast iron it is also possible to drill a hole with your own hands, but it is easier to buy a sink with ready-made holes for the second tap.

Note! The same recommendations are valid when installing a drain with overflow, it is better to purchase a model with a second drain hole than to drill it yourself.

About how to install a cast iron sink

The easiest installation option is to manufacture a separate underframe under the sink. Such an element of the kitchen interior can be made of solid wood or of ordinary chipboard, of course, the latter option is not very durable and durable.

In the kitchen, people usually try to maximize the use of free space, so it is advisable to use the space under the sink wisely.

Installation is performed in this order:

• The understalk frame is assembled first. Of the features, it can be noted that there is no back wall, this is necessary for the convenience of connecting the sink to the sewer. If the frame is made of chipboard, then be sure to install several stiffeners;

• usually in the lower part of such a cabinet there are conveniently placed various detergents and other things that need to be stored in the kitchen, but especially nowhere. It is possible to place a water filter in the cabinet in order not to spoil the appearance of the room; all this is covered by a door;
• The instruction assumes the installation of a sink over the sub-base, it will rely on it through special plastic fastenings. The edges of the chipboard are protected by sealant from moisture and swelling;
• Before installation, it is desirable to connect the water seal to the sink so that after installation it remains only to insert the outlet from it into the sewer.

There is a more interesting installation option - mortise.

At the same time the sink can be installed:

• on top of the tabletop, a hole in the tabletop is cut slightly smaller than the dimensions of the sink;
• under the table top. Such a sub-table mounting means mounting the sink to the bottom of the tabletop.

From the point of view of operation, both options are almost equivalent. The only difference is that with the sub-table placement of water splashes often fall into the gap between the sink and the tabletop, so that the sealing of this joint should be given special attention.

The described installation methods are suitable for any kind of washing. For example, both single and enameled with two bowls can be mortise. All the difference lies only in the size of the holes, and the connection is a bit more complicated.

Rules of operation of iron casting

Never for a moment should we forget that the enamel layer is very fragile and therefore follows:

• to exclude any blows when washing dishes for washing;
• do not use abrasive cleaners;
• metal brush, which is so convenient to scrub the dirt, also sent to rest;
• when washing it is allowed to use nylon brushes (but you shouldn’t push them hard), and gel cleaners.

In general, you should not get involved in chemistry, the enamel layer, for example, is very poorly tolerated by the effects of acids. Enamel can darken and return the original color will be almost impossible, a similar effect will be observed when using fine abrasive for cleaning.

In conclusion

Cast iron sinks, though a little lost ground, but still firmly hold their niche in the market. Last but not least, the reason for this lies in the high durability of the material; with proper use, the product can last for a century.

The proposed material is useful at the stage of choosing a sink for the kitchen. The video in this article shows an enamel-free way to remove even the most difficult of dirt.