Are you planning to replace the existing sink? Do you want something to fit perfectly well in the toilet?
You have to go to the market to look for something that may fit your needs and requirements.
As you step out of your home and try finding out the most appropriate choice, you will come across various bathroom sinks.
They differ in types, colors, materials, and sizes, but it is all the same regarding the installation.
There is no need to grab and fix any sink that you like. You have to coordinate between the different elements of the bathroom and the sink.
It is not just integrating the design and the style but also the dimensions of the sink that must go well with the existing available size of the sink area.
It is of utmost importance to be precise in determining what is required in terms of size so that in the end, you will not regret getting the wrong sink for the right place. This will not only be a waste of money but will increase the hassle.
If you are buying a new sink, you are required to start work from scratch. This also requires measuring the space and the sink accurately.
Thus, measuring the sink for replacement is no doubt a significant part of the entire process.
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What Can Make A Difference?
Measuring the sink is not an easy job. It can’t be taken for granted at times, but once you do the due diligence, it is pretty helpful.
If you have decided to replace your sink, in that case, it is vital to consider certain key features that are essential. Usually, there is a standard size for sinks that can go well with all kinds of cutouts.
If you have a countertop installed and you want a vessel sink for it, then make sure to measure the faucet’s height and reach.
Before setting out to fit the sink, here are the factors that you need to keep in mind for accurate measurements.
Available Space
Usually, there is a standard size of sinks available on the market. They can go perfectly well with the standards cutouts.
To know how much space you own and how big or small the sink has to be, take into account the following considerations:
- Will you keep the same footprint even after replacing the sink already existing?
- Will it be a vanity or a pedestal sink?
- Will you keep the same faucet?
- Do you have a plumbed space for single or multiple sinks?
- What kind of sink shape will the vanity support?
Together all these factors will let you know how much space you have and what kind of sink you need to buy.
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Getting Ready For Measurement
If it is a simple replacement, then you need not worry much. All you need to check is the length, width, and height of your current sink and then see which available sink will fit there properly.
Start with taking the width from one side to the other. The length needs to be measured from the front to the back. The sinks available in the market come with the specification sheet that will let you know about the right dimensions of the sink.
By no means can you ignore the height and the depth of the sink. Height means the top to bottom measurement of the exterior. The depth, on the other hand, is the interior measurements of the sink.
If you are investing in the overflow sinks, then take the measurements from the deepest point to the point of overflow.
Functionality
Where are you installing the sink? What purpose is the sink going to serve for you? If it is only for handwashing, then a shallow sink will do.
A sink that has to be used for extensive tasks like hair washing, you want something deeper than the standard sinks.
Aesthetic Appeal
Where are you going to place the bathroom sink? The sink for the powder room has to be different than the sink for a personal use bathroom.
The powder room is meant for guests; therefore, the sink has to be very aesthetically pleasing. It must be bought with great care to make sure that it becomes a focal point in the bathroom.
You can choose a sink in different materials like glass or vitreous china. Depending on the individual traits, check for the measurement of the vanity and the sink so that you don’t have to spend extra on the replacements.
Faucet Match
If the faucet is placed on the sink that you are replacing, check for the faucet’s height and reach. The shape and the size of the faucet must be in line with the sink.
The sinks are pre-drilled to accommodate one or two or even three faucets. Some even have a single hole that will let you fix the hot or cold water dispensing.
A single-handle faucet can be fitted in the single-hole sink. If the single faucet has escutcheon plates, then you can safely use them three-hole sinks.
Some Rules For The Sink Measurement
Measuring The Existing Sink
Has your existing sink starting chipping off, or has your sink gone out of fashion? If you want to replace the old sink with a new one that has an exact footprint.
It would be easy to get a new one and replace the existing one if the previous measurements align with the replacement sink. For a standard bathroom sink, there is little to worry about.
The standard round sinks measure between 16 to 20 inches, while the rectangular sinks have a width of 19 to 24 inches. The standard depth is 5 to 8 inches.
Therefore, if you intend to purchase a universal sink, measuring shouldn’t be your major concern.
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Measuring The Replacement Sink
For the replacement sink, you can get the length, width, and depth that matches the cutout already existing before removing the sink to measure the side-to-side width and the front-to-back length of the sink that you want to replace.
Now take the height and the depth. The height has to be the vertical measurement of the exterior. To do this, remove the sink and place it securely on the workbench.
For measuring the depth, start from the deepest point to the overflow.
Measuring A Newer One
If you are getting a completely new bathroom fixture set, the measurements must be taken differently.
The first consideration is to decide which type of sink will work. For a pedestal or a wall-mounted sink, you need to check the floor plan to help you with the plumbing. This will let you decide where to put the sink and how much space this would need.
For a drop-in sink, check the details of the vanity’s countertop space. Thus, you can decide how large your sink is going to be.
Start with measuring from the front to the back of the wall. For taking the length, measure the distance across the top.
There must be a 4-to-6-inch space on each side of the sink for a safe storage space to keep the essentials.
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Taking The Measurements
The best fit is the one that comes with perfectly matched dimensions. Once you have taken the critical measurements, the length, height, and depth, you will save time.
This will prevent you from going to the market again and again in search of the best fit.
Depth
- The depth has to be measured from the front to the back of the countertop.
- The standard depth is 22 inches.
- If you have bought a standard vanity sink, then it can fit into any typical countertop that has a 2-inch space in the front.
Width
- The width of the sink means the space available on each side of the sink.
- For a countertop measuring more than 24 inches, it is better to look for a wide sink that is oval.
- Make sure that a 4 to 6-inch space is there on both sides of the sink.
Hole
- There is a wide lip around the perimeter in case of drop-in or self-rimmed sinks. The lip is 3/8″ to 1/2″ wide.
- Check that the lip on the new sink has the same perimeter as that of the existing lip.
It Is Time To Start Measuring
Measuring A Sink With A Faucet
If you replace a standard faucet fitted with the sink, you can easily sort out between the possible choices.
Here is how you can measure such sinks:
- Make sure to thoroughly clean the sink to get a smooth surface for a perfect measure.
- Take the length of the sink edges.
- Mark the full length of the sink with a marker.
- Take the height of the sink without including the height of the faucet.
- Measure the full height of the sink.
- The final measurement has to be of the depth and the space between the sink and the wall. This will let you know the dimensions of the existing sink.
Measuring A Double Sink With A Faucet
- For a smooth surface, clean the sink properly.
- Take the lengthwise measurement of the sink.
- Mark the full length.
- Take the sink height.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the bathroom and kitchen sinks?
The main difference between kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks is the size of the sink bowls and faucets.
The kitchen sinks have to be bigger and wider for they have to accommodate large dishes and cups. Contrary to this, bathroom sinks are meant for jobs like hand washing and face cleaning.
The depth may vary in the latter if you use the sink occasionally for the hair wash.
What is the standard size for a bathroom sink?
If you are getting a standard oval or round sink. In that case, it will have a diameter between 16 to 20 inches and an average water depth of 5 to 8 inches.
If you check the rectangular sinks, the dimensions are 19 to 24 inches wide and 16 to 23 inches in length.
The depth of a standard sink is 5 to 8 inches. For user satisfaction, if you are looking for an ADA-compliant bathroom, you may like a sink that is 30 inches wide and 11 to 25 inches deep.
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Final Word
So, you see why it is so important to measure your bathroom sink for a replacement. It will save not only your money but also your valuable time.
If you’re purchasing a new sink from Amazon, having the right measurements at hand will help you get the best bathroom sink in no time.
Once you receive your order, it will be plug and play, and you will be good to go, only with the help of the right measurements.
Let’s take out our measuring devices and get to work for a perfectly new bathroom look!
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