The capacity of a sink is an integral consideration that many homeowners overlook when remodeling or building a home. Learning how to determine the capacity of a sink will help you prepare for purchasing the correct one to meet your needs.
With this information, you will learn how to determine a sink’s capacity, why it is important, and even some tips to help you choose the right sink for your home.
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What Does Capacity Mean?
Capacity is the amount of volume a vessel can hold. In the case of sinks, the capacity means the amount of water they can hold.
Unfortunately, manufacturers do not list the capacity of a kitchen sink when packaging one. Although sinks do not come with a capacity measurement, this does not mean you cannot figure it out.
Why Is Kitchen Sink Capacity So Important?
Many homeowners do not consider the capacity of a sink. They simply think about the dimensions. Capacity is important because it will tell you how much water the sink can hold for washing dishes and various other tasks.
Naturally, a high-capacity sink is going to be deeper, which will allow you to fit large pots and pitchers inside. You will find a higher capacity sink allows you a better level of usability in the long run.
How to Measure a Sink’s Capacity
When you purchase a kitchen sink, you are going to notice three measurements. The manufacturer will list the length and width of the sink, along with the bowl depth. It is important to note that the width and length of the entire sink do not determine the capacity. These measurements include the outside lip of the sink.
You will need to determine the sink’s capacity by multiplying the bowl’s depth by width. You will then need to take that number and multiply it by the sink’s length. The number you get is the sink’s volume.
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Hint: remember that this amount goes all the way to the lip. You are likely never going to intentionally fill your sink to the brim. Remember to subtract a couple of inches from this number to get a more accurate measurement of the volume.
How to Figure a Sink’s Capacity in Gallons
Those interested in learning a sink’s capacity primarily want to know the number in gallons. It’s fairly easy to determine the number of gallons a kitchen sink holds. You will need to figure the volume first, and then you can convert this number to gallons.
You will need to take your volume number and divide it by 231. Working out this math problem will convert the volume units from cubic volume inches to gallons. With this simple division problem, you can easily find out how many gallons a sink will hold.
For double sinks, you cannot assume both bowls are the same dimensions. While many are the same, some sinks have one larger bowl accompanied by a smaller one.
To put this figuring process into action, imagine you have a sink that measures 22 inches wide by 33 inches long by 6 inches deep. To figure this sink’s capacity in gallons, you will need to solve the following.
22 X 33 X 6 = 4,356 then 4,356 divided by 231
The answer is 18.
A 22-inch by 33-inch by 6-inch sink is going to hold approximately 18 gallons of water.
What Are the Average Sink Dimensions?
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The most common measurements for kitchen sinks are 30 inches or 33 inches long. Standard kitchen sink sizes can range from 24 inches to 36 inches.
Single bowl sinks are typically going to be 30 inches long or less. You will be hard-pressed to find a double bowl sink that is less than 30 inches because of the doubled space.
Kitchen sinks over 36 inches in length are considered oversized kitchen sinks. These sinks are often found in larger residential kitchens or in commercial settings.
How to Measure For a New Sink
If you are installing a new kitchen sink, you need to know the measurement of the sink opening unless you plan on replacing the entire countertop. You will need to remove the old sink to measure the opening. Measure the length and the width.
You should also measure the depth of the bowls when replacing a kitchen sink. A drastic change in bowl depth can prevent you from installing a sink with your under-sink cabinetry. You will also need to consider the sink depth because of the plumbing components.
Large Capacity Vs. Small Capacity
There are advantages and disadvantages for both large capacity and small capacity sinks. If you handwash dishes and do a lot of cooking, a larger capacity sink will be ideal. Smaller capacity sinks make it difficult to fit large pots and other vessels.
If you are single, have a dishwasher, and do not do a lot of cooking at home, a small capacity sink should work fine. Just make sure to measure your space and the sink to ensure a proper fit.
Choose the Right Kitchen Sink Capacity
The correct sink capacity is essential for ensuring it is useful and offers the flexibility you need. A larger sink will give you more room for washing dishes and vegetables and fruits.
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Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens