Getting a new sink for your kitchen can be quite fun and exciting. But sometimes, because of the bustle and excitement, you might easily overlook some small yet vital details. One detail that is small yet vital is the drain’s placement.
The drain’s position is so important and it influences a lot of things like faucet noise, storage space underneath the sink, and how easily you stack dishes. It can even affect how often you get to experience the most common kitchen sink problem clogging. Feel free to read this post to find out other kitchen sink issues and how to fix them.
Because of how important this placement is, you need to be sure that you select the ideal one for your home. Now, the drain may either be offset or centered. We can’t specifically say that one is better than the other. However, we will discuss each individually including their advantages and disadvantages to help you decide which is better for you.
Offset Drains
Offset drains just as the name implies are usually placed off-set or off-centered the faucet. This means the drain of this type of sink instead of being in the center of the sink (directly under the faucet) is placed on one side. People typically prefer this placement because of how it enhances usability, however, it also has other pros. But nothing is usually perfect and no matter how advantageous it is, it’ll still have its disadvantages. The same also goes for offset drains.
Pros
The following are some of the major advantages of this drain placement:
1. You Can Place PlatesAt the Sink’s Bottom and Not Block the Drain
With offset sinks, you can put place plates in the sink and not cover the drain. This way, you can do the dishes and rinse them with clean water while dirty water is being drained.
This typically won’t be possible if the drain’s position wasn’t like this. You most likely will also find it difficult to wash bigger dishes and utensils. You probably used to angle the dishes when doing the dishes in a centered drain but this issue is eliminated with offset sinks.
2. Can be Used like a Double Basin
A double basinsink is designed so that dirty dishes can be separated from washed ones. Luckily, an offset drain sinkcan be used just like this too. With this placement, you could put your dirty dishes on the right side while the washed ones are placed on the left side, and you can do this without even blocking the drainage.
3. Bigger Storage Space
With an offset sink, you get to have more space underneath the sink because the drainage pipe wouldn’t be in the middle but would rather be by the side.
Cons
This drainage position has the following disadvantages:
1. Hard to Fix
If you need to repair the drainage at any point, it might be a bit of a challenge. Even installation is relatively more difficult. The reason for this is that the repairs or installation has to be done in tight corners because the plumbing has been shifted aside.
2. Slower Draining
When compared to standard centered drainages, offset drainages are relatively slower. The reason for this is that the faucet is farfrom the drain.
Centered Drains
Centered drains are the traditional drainage placement for sinks, here, the drains are placed in the middle of the sink.
Pros
Below are some of the most important pros of centered drains:
1. Installation and Repairs is Easier
These are easier to install and repair since the pipes aren’t pushed aside. Also, they can easily be installed with already existing plumbing.
2. Quieter
Centered drain sinks are less splashy and even more quiet than their counterpart. This is especially true if your faucet is high-powered.
3. Classy
As a classic design, sinks with this drainage position generally add the perfect touch to your traditionally styled kitchen. If you have a farmhouse or classic home, you can complement your home’s look in your kitchen by sticking to only classic accessories. Visit https://www.pinterest.com/ to check out some beautiful farmhouse designs.
Cons
The following are the major disadvantages of centered drains:
1. Makes Washing Dishes Inconvenient
When compared to washing dishes in offset sinks, washing dishes in centered drain sinks can be quite inconvenient. Putting the dishes in the sink while you wash can block the drainage and this can cause food debris and water buildup. You may try to remedy this by angling the utensils as you wash and this can result in your clothes getting wet.
2. Takes Up Space Underneath the Sink
If your kitchen is small, then this may not be the ideal choice for you because the valuable storage area underneath the sink will be wasted because of how the plumbing is positioned.
Conclusion
In the end, both drain’s position has their advantages as well as disadvantages. Therefore, the one you opt for should be based on your preference and needs. If you ask us though, we will advise that people with busy and smaller kitchens should opt for offset drains.
