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Just how durable is a
blown glass sink anyway?
Glass vessel sinks are extremely durable. We have
conducted our own in-house tests and have found them to be very
forgiving, and have yet to have anyone call and tell us otherwise.
The rims are strong, and the bottom (the thickest part) is
approximately 1" to 1-1/8" thick. Heavy items such as a
drinking glass, hair dryer, etc., or other heavy items falling from a
medicine could do irreparable damage, however, we have conducted our
own tests on prototypes here in the studio, and have found that they
are not easily chipped or cracked.
To date (2007) we have yet to have a sink break during
shipping, installation or normal use. It is wise, however, not to
install a medicine cabinet, vanity, etc., directly above your glass
vessel sink. Most common causes of breakage are actually due to
improper installation. Normal everyday items used in a bathroom such
as toothbrushes, small jewelry, plastic cups etc.,should not scratch
or break a glass sink.
What is the difference between a "Vessel",
a "Drop In", an "Over Mount" and an "Under Mount"?
"Vessel Sinks" - Sinks
that sit on top of a surface. They can also be pedestal mounted,
half mounted or they can function as a "Drop In".
"Drop In/Partial Mount Sinks" - are
usually set into a pre-cut counter top either partially or completely.
"Over Mount Sinks", also
referred to as "Rimmed Sinks", are designed to be "set
in" to the counter top.
"Under Mounted Sinks" - are
for mounting beneath your counter top surface.
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Flared Edge Style
Vessel / Over Mount/Rimmed / Under Mount / Drop In
Blown Glass Sink
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Classical Style
Vessel / Partial Drop In
Glass Bathroom Sink |
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Contemporary Style
Vessel / Over Mount/Rimmed / Drop In
Glass Vessel Sink |
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Are blown glass sinks easy to install?
Most anyone with some basic plumbing skills can
install a glass sink, however, it is always easier to hire a plumber,
they may save you
some wear and tear on your nerves. Also, blown glass
sinks should be hand tightened only.
Drain Assemblies
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Drain assemblies must be of a type
that do not hold water and must be hand-tightened only. (Strainer
Drain Assembly)
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Tighten just until the silicone
sealer begins to ooze out. Do not over tighten. Use silicone instead
of plumbers putty to seal.
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We recommend crystal-clear
silicone or polyurethane sealers.
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A silicone seal should be used
between the sink and counter.
Strainer Drain Assembly (aka
Continuous Outlet Grid Strainer) - Allows for
continuous water flow.
Lift and Turn Assembly
- For those that want the ability to fill up their glass sinks with
water, Alchemy offers a Lift and Turn drain assembly as
an alternative to the Strainer
Drain. Please note that White Elk's Visions sinks do not have
overflows and most municipal codes require unstoppable
drains for this type of installation.
We highly recommend
hardware/faucets and Strainer-type drains from:
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R - N - R Supply
Over 200 years of combined
construction experience.
Will ship UPS anywhere in the U.S.
970-493-1225
ask for Jeff or Kate or
Email |
Brasstech Part #3211
No Overflow Flat Strainer Plate Drain
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Flat Strainer Plate
- Fits standard 1 1/2" opening (hole is 1 5/8")
- No overflow holes
- Comes in a wide variety of finishes
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Helpful Installation Links
Although not specific to glass
sink installation, this is an informative link containing general
plumbing and sink installation information. There are some obvious
modifications that would need to be made with your blown glass sink,
ie: planning for wall mounted faucet pipes, etc., but I thought thiis
link might prove helpful. (Again, we highly recommend hiring a
plumber, but for those determined "do it yourselfers",
here's a little more info:
General
info from "Home Tips" on installing a variety of sink types
What about illuminating my blown glass sink?
There is just nothing more beautiful than a
handcrafted piece of art glass which has been illuminated by light.
Lighting will allow your glass sink to be a beautiful centerpiece for
your powder room or bath. Experiment with a moveable light to decide
which is best, illuminating from the top, or underneath, or both.
Either way you are sure to receive a most stunning result!
How should I care for/clean my blown glass sink?
To avoid scratching, scouring or dulling the glossy
surface of the glass:
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Use a soft cloth with soap and/or water, glass
cleaner, or any other non-abrasive cleaner.
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A mixutre of vinegar and water will help to remove
hard water spots.
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Do not use 'Brillo' pads, scouring powders, or
anything at all abrasive.
What are the Do's and Don'ts for glass vessel sinks?
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Glass sinks are a lot more durable
than you might think, but certain precautions must be taken. If a
glass sink is chipped, cracked or broken, it cannot be repaired or
"fixed like new." It must be replaced.
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To minimize the risk of damage,
avoid placing a shelf or medicine cabinet above a glass sink.
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Do not install or store a glass
sink where indoor temperatures are unregulated (such as during new
construction). Wide variances in temperatures may cause breakage as a
result of thermal shock.
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Do not allow temperature changes
of greater than 70 degrees F between temperature of glass sink and
water. All glass sinks are susceptible to thermal shock. To prevent
cracking, set your water heater to a temperature between 120 and 130
degrees F.
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Do not allow the glass vessel sink
to come in contact with steel or other glass objects which could
scratch or chip the surface.
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Do not pour boiling water directly
into the glass vessel sink. Doing so may cause the sink to crack or shatter.
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Do not allow extremely hot water
to flow into the glass vessel sink. If it is too hot to the touch it
could crack the glass.
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Do wipe the glass bathroom sink
dry, inside and out, after every use to prevent water spots. If you
get water spots, use a mixture of vinegar and water to remove them.
Never use anything abrasive on your glass sink. |
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