Weight Capacity of a Sink

Typical Weight

• Ceramic, stainless steel and granite sinks are generally very strong. While a sink needs to be able to hold the weight of only itself and its water capacity, most sinks can hold much more than this. Weight capacity is a more important issue when it comes to the cabinet housing or pedestal base that supports the sink basin. This portion of the sink needs to be able to hold the weight of the basin, which is typically around 50 lbs., depending on the size and type of sink.

Installation

• Sinks that come with pedestal or cabinet surrounds with precut openings are the easiest to install since the manufacturer has already determined that the base can support the weight of the sink basin. In other cases you may need to inspect your countertop or test the sink on a metal stand to ensure that the base you select isn't damaged and can support the basin without sagging or wobbling. Wall-mounted sinks present one of the most challenging installations; they must be attached to studs to prevent them from pulling free and falling to the floor.

Plumbing

• The drain pipe that leads away from a sink is typically a large metal pipe that exits through the wall or directly through the floor. While these pipes are strong, they are not designed to support the weight of sinks. Instead, the sink should be fully supported by its own pedestal base or the countertop that it sets into. Installing the plumbing only after the sink is seated in place will ensure that the sink is secure without placing strain on the pipes.

Floors

• Through their bases, sinks transfer their weight to the floor below them. Sinks that mount in countertops spread this weight out across a large expanse of floor. However, pedestal sinks put all their weight on a single point. For example, if you install a sink basin in a wrought iron frame, the basin's weight will rest on the frame's feet wherever they contact the floor. This has the potential to damage vinyl or wood flooring. But kitchen and bathroom floors are already strong enough to accommodate other fixtures, appliances and residents, which means they can easily support the weight of a sink unless they become damaged.