The 6 Most Important Parts of a Kitchen Sink (and How They Work)

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and the sink is an essential component that makes this space fully functional. Located in over 60 million households in the United States alone, the kitchen sink sees frequent use for washing dishes, preparing food, and disposing of liquid waste. With so much demand placed on sinks every day, it's important to understand the anatomy of this ubiquitous fixture.

A kitchen sink consists of several integral parts that work together to deliver, hold, and drain water. By learning about the components that make up your sink, you'll be better equipped to perform repairs and maintenance when needed. Read on as we break down the six most crucial pieces of a kitchen sink and how they operate.

Faucet

The faucet delivers water into the sink basin and allows you to control temperature and flow. From sleek pull-down models to industrial styles, today's faucets offer more choice and functionality than ever before.

Types of Kitchen Faucets

Some common kitchen faucet varieties include:

• Pull-down faucets with spray head on a retractable hose
• Pull-out faucets where the spout pulls out from the main body
• Commercial style faucets with separate hot and cold handles
• Pot filler faucets mounted on the wall behind the stove
• Bridge faucets with handles mounted separately from the spout
• Wall mount faucets attached to the wall above the sink

Key Faucet Parts

Beneath the visible exterior, faucets contain many small parts that make up the inner workings. Some of the most vital faucet components include:

• Spout - The outlet where water flows into the sink
• Handles/knobs - Controls for turning water on and off and adjusting temperature
• Cartridge - Controls the amount of water flow and mix of hot and cold
• Aerator - Adds air to the water stream and prevents splashing
• Escutcheon - Decorative faucet plate that covers the mounting holes
• Flexible supply lines - Connects faucet to water supply valves under sink
• Spray head - Pull-down/pull-out nozzle for directed water stream

How the Faucet Works

Faucet handles control the release of hot and cold water through the spout into the sink. Rotating the handles turns on the water flow and adjusts temperature. Inside the faucet body, the cartridge manages water output by opening and closing intake ports. As water leaves the spout, the aerator mixes in air to prevent splashing. The escutcheon sits at the base of the faucet, covering any gaps around the mounting holes for a seamless look.

Basin

The basin is the inner sink bowl that holds water. Kitchen sinks come in a range of basin shapes and configurations.

Materials Used for Sink Basins

Some of the most common materials used to construct sink basins include:

• Stainless steel - Durable, affordable, easy to clean
• Cast iron - Resistant to heat, impact, and scratches
• Composite - Acrylic or quartz blended with resins
• Fireclay - Vitreous ceramic that resists staining
• Porcelain enamel - Glass coating fired onto steel or cast iron
• Natural stone - Granite, soapstone, or marble basins

Other Basin Features

Beyond the basic bowl, sink basins often incorporate useful features like:

• Drain opening - Access point for wastewater to exit
• Accessories - Racks, roll-up mats, cutting boards
• Depth - Extra deep single bowl or divided double bowl
• Mounting clips - Brackets for securing basin to countertop

Purpose of the Basin

The sink basin serves several important functions:

• Creates space to hold water for washing dishes, produce, hands, etc.
• Allows convenient access to water for food preparation tasks
• Catches water and drains it away, preventing flooding

Drain Assembly

The drain assembly removes wastewater from the sink basin and transports it into the home's plumbing and sewer system.

Components of the Drain

Several parts make up a kitchen sink drain assembly:

• Tailpiece - Connects to the sink opening and drain pipe
• P-trap - Curved section that holds water to prevent sewer gases from escaping
• Drain pipe - Carries wastewater into main plumbing lines
• Strainer basket - Catches food scraps and debris
• Stopper - Seals the drain opening when closed
• Drain flange - Holds the strainer basket in place inside the sink

How the Drain Works

As water goes down the drain, it enters the tailpiece attached to the sink opening. From there it flows down the p-trap, which has a bit of standing water to trap sewer gases. The water continues down the drain pipe, joining up with main waste lines. The strainer basket catches any loose debris, preventing clogs. Turning the stopper controls a seal that opens and closes the drain.

Mounting Brackets

Mounting brackets play an important structural role by securing the sink basin to the countertop. They come in a range of styles and materials.

Exposed mounting brackets are visible under the sink rim once installed. Concealed brackets are hidden from view. Common materials include stainless steel, plastic, and rubber composites. Brackets fasten to the underside of the countertop, while clips or rings attach the sink basin. This provides sturdy support and prevents movement.

Overflow Hole

The overflow hole is a critical if easily overlooked sink component. This small opening near the top rim of the sink allows water to drain out if the basin overfills.

If the sink faucet is accidentally left running, the overflow hole prevents water from spilling over the sides. Instead, excess water flows down the overflow and enters the drain pipe. This protects against sink overflow and potential water damage.

Jamb Strip

You won't see it once your sink is installed, but the jamb strip is an essential sealing component. This thin piece of rubber, plastic, or other material covers the small gap between the edge of the sink basin and the cabinet.

When tightly wedged into place, the jamb strip seals this intersection. This prevents water from getting in behind the sink and causing deterioration. It also blocks debris accumulation in this hard-to-reach crevice.

From the prominent faucet to the hidden overflow hole, every part of a kitchen sink serves an important purpose. Understanding sink anatomy helps homeowners perform routine maintenance and repairs.

If you notice a leak, clog, or other issue, you can now better pinpoint which component needs attention. For optimal longevity, be sure to give your kitchen sink parts proper care. With regular cleaning and replacement of worn parts when needed, your sink will function reliably for years to come.