Kitchen Zip - Kitchen Faucet Tutorial

The Ins and Outs of a Kitchen Faucet

Knowing how it all comes together to deliver your water is insightful and can help in a pinch when maybe something goes wrong.

Most of the information below can also pertain to a bathroom faucet with a few minor exceptions.

The basic design of a kitchen faucet consists of 4 elements:

1. The Base
2. The Spout
3. The Hoses
4. The Handle

Most current faucets utilize a ceramic disc cartridge to ensure a lifetime's worth of use. The cartridge regulates the flow of hot and cold water by volume. In the past ceramic wasn't the preferred material to use and often these inferior parts wore out over time. Now brands like Blanco, Lottare and Vigo all use the ceramic disc valve and as a result you can expect your faucet to outlast your house.

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Kitchen Zip - Happy 4th of July

America's Birthday

As our great country of ours celebrates its independence, we here at Kitchen Zip would like everyone to remember the braves souls that lost lives fighting bravely to support our freedom. This is a day to enjoy our nation's unique place in the world and reflect upon what we can do to make this country a better place to live in.

 

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Kitchen Zip - When To Replace Your Old Kitchen Sink?

SHOULD I REPLACE MY KITCHEN SINK?

Are you thinking about replacing your kitchen sink? 
If so, there are a few things that you should know before heading out to your local hardware retail outlet.  Below is a list of items that you need to be aware of, before you put out the money.

1) What is the story behind your tailpiece? This is important. Unless you plan on replacing all of your existing plumbing, you’ll need to ensure that your new sink will match up to your existing tailpiece and other plumbing fixtures.  If you aren’t sure, contact a professional in order to ensure that you understand what sink will work for your particular needs. 

2) Is you new sink going to cover everything? Measuring your sink opening is necessary to ensure that you are buying the right sink for your needs.  The last thing you’re going to want to do is buy a new counter top to accommodate your new sink.  And having ugly gaps in your existing counter top is simply unappealing.  Measure twice and buy once in order to save time, money and a lot of frustration.  Once again, if you are concerned about your ability to measure and choose the right sink for your existing space, call in a professional who can help. 

3) Have you had water leaks in your old plumbing?  If so, your counter top and cabinetry may have become damaged due to water exposure and your new sink may not fit properly.  Look for water stains along the rim of the counter top and under the sink in the cabinet to see whether if there is evidence of previous water leaks.  If so, you should consider replacing your counter top and cabinet as well.  If not, you should be good to go. 

4) Buy new sealant for your new sink.  Many first timers and inexperienced DIYers will try to reuse old caulk and sealant to set the new sink.  But, this inevitably leads to leaking and faulty fitment in the new sink.  Buy new caulk and sealant and completely remove all of the old sealant before installing the new sink before installation. 

5) If you do install a new sink, take the time to inspect and flush out the existing plumbing.  It is a rare opportunity that you will get the option of cleaning your plumbing, so take it when you can.  Completely flush out your existing plumbing before hooking up new supply lines or other new plumbing.  This will ensure that you don’t wind up with clogs or leaks later. 

6) Do you have enough holes? Last but not least, when you are selecting your sink, you will need to ensure that the new sink has the same number of access holes as the old one.  Otherwise, you might not be able to reuse your existing hardware such as your faucet or sprayer.  Make sure that you have the same number of holes or plan to purchase the additional hardware you need to make it work.  

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Kitchen Zip - How To Choose the Perfect Kitchen Sink

Kitchen sinks are one of the main focal points in any kitchen's décor. For homeowners with country style kitchens an apron sink or farmhouse sink will help to maintain a country kitchen look and feel. For contemporary style kitchens a stainless steel sink can add a sleek and modern look to the space. And Blanco sinks are available in an array of sizes, configurations and styles that can complement any home décor theme.

Sink Configurations

Regardless of the style of the sink you choose, when it comes to the configuration of a sink there are some factors to think about in order to ensure that you are using the right sink for your kitchen.   There are the highly popular single bowl or super single bowl sinks. These sinks are best suited for homes where there is a dish washer present. Then there is the 1-3/4 bowl sink. Depending on whether the homeowner is a lefty or a righty will determine which side of the sink has the larger opening. Next there is the equal double bowl sink. And then finally there is the option to have an entertainment bowl or bar sink. These sinks are usually added as a second sink in the kitchen and are used for preparation. Whatever kitchen sink configuration a homeowner wants, just remember it should fit into your lifestyle.

Kitchen Sink Installation
There are essentially two different ways to have a kitchen sink installed. The first way is by having an under-mount sink. This kind of installation looks clean and offers its users the ability to clean up faster with ease. When doing an under-mount installation, homeowners have the choice in deciding the amount of reveal they want. It's really personal preferences if there should be 1/8 positive reveal, greater than 1/8 or none at all. The second way to install a kitchen sink is by having an over-mount sink. When homeowners choose this method they don't have to cut into the countertop to have it installed. Blanco sinks, on the other hand, offer either a traditional or modern look using an over-mount approach. Some are so flush that it blends in with the countertop making for an easy cleanup.

Kitchen Sink Depth  Regardless of the style of sink you choose, the depth of the basin is important. The average sink is 7-8 inches deep, while some can go as deep as 10 inches. It is a good idea to know the cabinet dimensions to ensure the sink will fit. Sometimes when dealing with a shallow sink the faucets can be raised so that it accommodates larger pots.

Regardless of your application, know that there is a kitchen sink for every kitchen design. Blanco sinks are also very durable and can easily fit into any kitchen's design. With a new sink that can withstand the daily wear and tear, the kitchen has more functions. Also don't forget to look for kitchen sink accessories like cutting boards and custom fit protective grids. Now the kitchen can serve the home and the family better!

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Kitchen Zip - Tips On Buying A New Kitchen Sink

FOR BEST RESULTS, ALWAYS GO STAINLESS STEEL

Are you thinking about getting a new kitchen sink?  If so, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you being your new sink home.  By following these few tips, you can save a lot of time, money and effort.  

TIPS ON BUYING A NEW KITCHEN SINK   

1) Choose quality: In the end, choosing a quality sink will always cost you less over the long haul than choosing a cheaper version.  While the initial cost of acquisition is usually higher, you won’t have to worry about replacing it for many years.  Stainless steel is a favorite for its clean look and durability. 

2) Pay attention to the gauge: When it comes to stainless steel, the gauge of the steel will be directly related to the quality of the sink.  Those that are too thin will dent and scratch easily; resulting in a need to replace the sink much more quickly than if you choose a heavier gauge.  Most experts recommend that you choose a sink that is 16-18 gauge steel in order to avoid this particular pitfall.  Be equipped to handle heavier items. Your best bet, stay within the 16-18 gauge range.

3) Choose a sink that has a lot of depth.  The reason for this is that you will need the extra space to prepare meals, place dishes for washing and many other things.  The more shallow the sink, the less working space you have, forcing you to rely on counter space.  If this isn’t a luxury you can afford, make sure that you get a deep enough basin. Most experts recommend having a sink that has a 9 inch basin.  

4) What is the purity of the steel? The more steel your sink has in it, the more durable it is.  This is why it is important to know what has gone into the making of your sink before you buy it.  So, how do you know how much steel is in your sink?  Simply take a magnet with you to the store and check to see if the sink is magnetic.  If not, stay away from it as it will not include enough steel to be durable enough for your needs.  Don’t shortchange yourself by choosing a sink that includes too many contaminants in the manufacturing process and stick with those that are a higher quality.

5) Have you heard of the thump test? This is a test that you can perform to get the highest quality from your new sink. High quality stainless steel sinks will have a rubbery under-coating and pads. Why? This will cause the sound of running water to go silent. It also has an effect on the silverware too. 

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Kitchen Zip - Modern Bathroom Design

From the Kitchen to the Bathroom

The common concept of contemporary mixing traditional and new styles has evolved into an almost purely commercial and industrial influenced style.

The focus on modern and industrial style isn't just limited to the kitchen. We have seen a dramatic increase in people wanting to bring that clean, sleek, minimal aesthetic to their bathroom spaces, as well. Their has been a trend toward rectangular and square bathroom vanity sinks as well as using granite as the counter top surface. Also vessel sinks or above counter sinks are making a big comeback, naturally what was old is new and has been reinvented in a modernist manner. Where grouted tile used to be the common material used in bathrooms, we're now seeing more of  a push towards the surfaces, materials and finishes that are prevalent in the rest of the home.

Have a look at

 www.KitchenZip.com 

for a wide range of traditional, contemporary, and modern bathroom sinks and faucets.

 Modern lines and angles are the the latest trend in kitchen and bathroom design. Soft edges or rounded corners are out and sharp 90 degree corners with straight lines and clean finishes are in.

 Over counter sinks, vessel sinks and pedestal faucets have been trending up and look to take up a prominent amount of market share in the next few seasons.

The move away from chrome finish has been cycling heavily and now, even in the bathroom, we have seen an increase in the demand for stainless steel and brushed nickel finishes.

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Kitchen Zip - Electronic Faucets

 New Innovations = New Possibilities

The digital world has taken over our lives in so many ways in the kitchen won't be forgotten. Up until now the most technology in any kitchen faucet what they need the surface and not visible to the common consumer now companies such as KWC offer electronic faucets quick touch on and off as well as remote control. 

The concept of not having to touch the faucet has also been pioneered were you simply wave your hand near it and a faucet turns on and off. Luxuries such as these are becoming more and more common and the concept behind it is not just novelty but one of functionality. If one's hands have raw chicken on them touching the faucet can transfer the bacteria to the faucet and potentially cause an unhealthy cross contamination. Touch on and no touch on faucets help eliminate this possibility.

KWC is one of the major brands that has pioneered some of these new electronic features we are now seeing in many different faucet brands. KWC is a Swiss design division that specializes in kitchen and bathroom products. Their ONO Touch series of faucets offer remote control and one touch operation.

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The blue, orange and red lights on the remote faucet control indicates whether the water temperature is cold, warm or hot.

New innovations in other fields means that new technology will occupy spaces its never seen before. It starts with a TV screen in a refrigerator door and before you know it there are remote controlled faucets and faucets with built in lights.

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Kitchen Zip - New Products 2014

We have new products this year for Blanco, Vigo, Lottare, Revere and many others. New kitchen sinks and new kitchen faucets as well as, some new bathroom items. We even have new accessories for your sink, colanders, strainers, grids and much more.



From Blanco we have an entire new line of sinks and accessories named the ONE series. All of theses sinks are single basin hence the name ONE and are designed to be used with an exclusive set of accessories that can be purchased individually or as a set. Blanco also has a few new additions to their best selling compsite sink Diamond series.

The ONE series is centered around the accessories available for it. Naturally there is a bottom grid, but Blanco also offers a true to fit cutting board, a utensil holder and a unique magnetic caddy.

Vigo has a few updates on their ever popular line of commercial style faucets and is now offering for the first time combo or package deals where buying the sink and the faucet together save some money.Their All-in-One options let you mix and match some of their most popular faucets with their award winning line of sinks.