House Design

Plumber: Stuck between a sink and a hard place

Q: I have an old cast-iron kitchen sink that needs to be replaced. It is octagonal and the manufacturer has discontinued this model. I looked into spray-coating and was advised that I would not be happy with the results for kitchen sinks. Due to the placement of the sink and the surrounding cabinets, I cannot drop in a large rectangular sink to cover the hole. I don’t want to remodel my kitchen at this time. Any other ideas — or am I stuck?

— Jack, Ohio

A: I get a lot of questions like this, and the main lesson is: Always try to use “standard”-size products that can be easily replaced. Unfortunately, we can’t take you back in time, so I’ll give you some ideas that may help.

If you’re thinking of remodeling the kitchen in a year or two, I’d stick it out with your old sink until then. Remodeling will give you the best outcome, and the money you’ll spend at that time will not be wasted, since the present sink will be removed.

Now, if you really need to do something right away, here are two ideas:

Bottom line: Don’t throw your money down the drain when trying to save an old kitchen sink.

Ed Del Grande, master contractor/plumber and LEED green associate, is the author of “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and hosts TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. Visit eddelgrande.comor write . Always consult local contractors and codes.

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