Drain Dreams – Which Drain Is Right For You

When shopping for the right sink for your kitchen, the basin rightfully takes center stage. The reality is that although the actual sink itself might be the biggest focal point, accessories like drains are critical to creating the look and style that you love. Like every rainbow needs rain, every sink needs a drain, and there are some critical factors to consider when selecting the right drain for your sink.

 

Which Type of Drain is Right for Me?

Stopper Drain This type of drain is perfect for multi-purpose double basin sinks. On the one hand, the stopper itself creates a perfect seal so you can fill the basin without the risk of leaking when soaking and handwashing your biggest pots and pans. When the stopper is not in use, the drain is left open to easily access a garbage disposal. 

Strainer Drain: This type of kitchen sink is ideal for sinks without a disposal, whether in one side of a double bowl or in single bowl sinks. Strainer drains helps to prevent debris from going down the drain and into your plumbing with the help of a removable basket. But don’t let its strainability worry you about leaks. It holds water just as well as the stopper drain.

Basic Drain Designs

Sinkology carries two unique styles of drains in four finishes. Our classic basic-style drain is the OG in kitchen drains. It was our original design, comes at the most affordable price, and has done the job exceptionally well over the years.

Our original drains come in two finishes, Antique Copper and Stainless Steel.

• Antique Copper Strainer Drain: TB35-01

• Antique Copper Disposal Stopper: TD35-01

• Stainless Steel Strainer Drain with Sinkology Logo: TB35-03

• Stainless Steel Disposal Stopper with Sinkology Logo: TD35-03

 

Upgraded Strainer Drain and Disposal Stoppers

Sinkology’s upgraded versions of drains feature a heavier gauge for increased durability as well as a longer body threading to better fit thick sinks like fireclay and granite. This line of design also features an upgrade disposal stopper that allows for straining when the disposal is not in use or to easily prevent all water flow completely to fill the sink with water. This is a great added safety feature to help keep hands and other objects from getting into the disposal. This dual function replaces standard stoppers, which often go unused and simply take up space.

Our upgraded drains come in two finishes, Matte Black and Stainless Steel:

 

• Matte Black Strainer Drain: TB35-06

• Matte Black Disposal Stopper and Drain Guard: TD35-06

• Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Strainer Drain with Sinkology Logo: TB35-04

• Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Disposal Stopper with Sinkology Logo: TD35-04

No matter which style you choose, all of our drains are designed for easy installation and lasting durability. You’ll love how they pair perfectly with our stainless steel, fireclay and copper sinks.  

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

 

The post Drain Dreams – Which Drain Is Right For You appeared first on Sinkology.

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Butternut Squash Pasta Bake

Sinkology is proud to present Emily Schuermann, our food-loving guest blogger who runs Food for a Year. Emily is here to share some recipes she has created exclusively for the Sinkology blog that reflect her view of a copper sink: simple, timeless, affordable, and beautifully rustic. 

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Butternut squash is such a beautiful ingredient – both the texture and the flavor add such delight to any recipe. That’s what makes me especially excited to share a twist on the classic spaghetti bake! By adding and exchanging several ingredients it’s as if butternut squash should’ve always been part of a pasta bake recipe!

There are a few things you can do to make this recipe very easy to prepare.

Butternut Squash Pasta Bake : Let’s do this the easy way!

Start by purchasing pre-diced butternut squash in the produce section of your grocery store. If you can’t find pre-diced, then I have a hack for you! Just scroll down to the notes section of the recipe to read my tip.

Pre-grated cheese is a handy product if you are short on time. But, if you can spare a few extra minutes, cheese that’s been freshly grated melts so wonderfully that I think it’s definitely worth the effort.

Last hack, save some pasta water to loosen up the mixture before baking. This will help the pasta bake from drying out while baking.

Butternut Squash Pasta Bake :: Maximum flavors!

Between the butternut squash and the fresh sage, the pasta bake is the-perfect-meal! Cheesy, creamy squash and pasta with a crunchy, fried onion topping – my dream comfort food meal for sure! And the all-in one bowl preparation and all-in one pan baking makes this recipe a great weeknight meal solution too!

For a smaller family, divide this into two portions. Bake one pan and freeze another for later use!

 

Butternut Squash Pasta Bake

• 3/4 lb spaghetti, cooked 2 minutes less than as instructed on the package
• 1 c reserved pasta water or heavy whipping cream
• 3 c diced butternut squash (1/2″ in size), steamed*
• 1-2 c arugula
• 1 garlic clove minced (optional)
• 1 T fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 t dried sage powder)
• 1/2 t pepper
• 1 t salt
• 1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 c cottage cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 c shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided*
• 1 c gruyere cheese, divided*
• 1 1/2 c fried onions, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients (except* 2 c Colby Jack cheese + 1/2 c gruyere cheese + fried onions). Stir well so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Place the half of the butternut squash and spaghetti mixture into a prepared, buttered, baker (I used a 10″ x  3″ round cast iron baker). Sprinkle with 1 c Colby Jack cheese and then add remaining pasta mixture.

Top with remaining cheeses and fried onions.

Bake 40-45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. If top begins to get too dark, place a piece of foil loosely atop the casserole and continue baking until the center is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Serves 8

Note

If using a fresh whole butternut squash, use a fork to pierce the skin of the squash about every 3″ all over. Place the squash on it’s side in the microwave and microwave for 2-3 minutes. This will help make peeling easier. Once microwaved, chop the neck portion away from the bulb portion. Peel the neck portion then slice in 1/2″ slices. Cut in 1/2″ slices and the rotate 90° to make the final cut, forming a cube. Place 3 c diced squash in a microwaveable bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high until tender throughout. 

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram for more helpful tips and design ideas.

The post Butternut Squash Pasta Bake appeared first on Sinkology.

source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/butternut-squash-pasta-bake/

How To Replace A Drop-In Kitchen Sink

Installing a new sink in your kitchen could seem like an intimidating task, but it can be quite simple. If you have the right tools and the right instructions, anyone can install a new drop-in sink.

We recently had one of our Sinkology professional plumbers replace an old stainless steel sink with a copper drop-in sink. We documented the installation through video along the way to help demonstrate the proper steps and provide tips that make installation a snap.

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In this video, we installed:

• A Sinkology Raphael double-bowl drop-in kitchen copper sink (Home Depot model #KDF-3322AH)
• A Sinkology basket strainer (Home Depot model #TB25-01)
• A Sinkology disposal flange (designed specifically for InSinkErator disposals), (Home Depot model #TD35-01)
• A pull-down tumbled bronze faucet
• An InSinkErator Evolution Compact garbage disposal (Home Depot model #COMPACT)
• An InSinkErator Hot Water Tank and Filtration System (Faucet Home Depot model #F-HC1100ORB, Filtration System Home Depot model #HWT-F1000S)

The tools you will need include:

• Painter’s tape
• Plumber’s putty
• Plumber’s tape
• A drill
• An InSinkErator hex tool (comes with the hot water dispenser)
• A marker
• Needle-nose pliers
• Plumber’s wrench
• Screwdrivers (flat, Phillips)
• Adjustable wrench
• Clear silicone
• Caulk gun

Before getting started, turn off the power, shut off the water, and unplug any nearby appliances (especially any old disposals or items you will be removing).

Pro tip: Because your new copper sink is metal, it can have fine edges. If you plan on placing the sink on the floor during the transition, make sure to protect your flooring with an old blanket or towel.

Step 1: Detach and remove the old sink.

First, unhook the water lines from the faucet and detach the garbage disposal. Next, remove the drainpipes from the drains and loosen any clips from beneath the sink with a screwdriver. Lift the old sink from the countertop and set it aside. Ensure that you clean any excess silicone from the countertop.

Pro tip: Make sure you have a bucket handy to catch any water that may run out of the drain pipes.

Step 2: Attach drains and faucets to the new sink.

Before you drop your new copper sink into the countertop, try attaching as much as you can to the sink while it’s in an open, accessible, and well-lit space. It’s difficult to attach everything when you are cramped in the cabinet under the sink.

For the drains, ensure you use liberal amounts plumber’s putty around the two drains. Attach drains by hand and then tighten with a plumber’s wrench. Use needle-nose pliers to hold the basket strainer in place as you tighten with the plumber’s wrench. The disposal will come with the support bracket and a metal ring that attaches to the disposal flange. Remove excess plumber’s putty. Attach the faucet per the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you are installing a water filtration system, attach that faucet per the manufacturer’s instructions as well.

For more information on the InSinkErator Hot Water Tank and Filtration System, visit their website and search for Installation Guides.

Pro tip: Ensure you install the disposal flange on the side where you are going to place the garbage disposal. Nothing is worse than dropping your sink in to discover you need to reinstall the drains.

Step 3: Measure the pipes and attach the water filtration system to the cabinet. Don’t attach any hoses yet.

Determine the proper placement of your water filtration system by marking it on the interior wall of the cabinet with a market. Attach the water filtration system to the cabinet with a drill.

Pro tip: To ensure that you have the proper lengths of hoses and drains, drop the sink into the countertop. Make sure everything measures up, but don’t attach the hoses or drains yet.

Step 4: Attach clips to the brackets on the copper sink.

Sinkology drop-in copper sinks come with clips that easily slide into brackets on the sides of the sink. These clips tightly draw the sink to the countertop and hold the sink in place.

Step 5: Apply silicone to the countertop.

Using a caulk gun, apply silicone liberally around the edge of the countertop hole.

Pro tip: Before applying silicone to the countertop, drop the sink into the counter and mark where the edge of the sink sits with painter’s tape. This will help you more easily determine where to put the silicone line.

Step 6: Drop in the copper sink and wipe away any excess silicone.

Step 7: Align clips and attach them with a screwdriver.

Ensure that the clips are securely placed within the brackets and attached to the countertop as you tighten them.

Pro tip: Some cabinets have a removable piece in front of the sink that will allow easier access and better visibility to the clips during installation.

Step 8: Attach hoses and pipes to the water filtration system and drains.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on installation of the specific water filtration system you have chosen. Attach and tighten all water lines and firmly tighten the drainpipes to the basket strainer drain. Do not attach the drain pipe to the disposal drain yet.

Pro tip: Try placing a pad on the edge of the lower cabinet to protect your back and neck from the sharp edge. A knee-pad from a garden store works great.

Step 9: Attach the garbage disposal to the disposal flange.

Reference the manufacturer’s installation instructions for proper installation of your garbage disposal. For the InSinkErator Evolution Compact on the InSinkErator website.

Pro tip: Many disposals will require you to attach the plug to the disposal. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully or ask someone experienced with electric work to assist.

Step 10: Attach pipes to disposal, plug in to the wall, and turn on the water.

Ensure that there are no leaks after running the water for a few seconds. If you are leak-free, turn on the electric and test your disposal.

Finally, enjoy your new copper sink!

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If you have any additional questions, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram for helpful tips and design ideas.

The post How To Replace A Drop-In Kitchen Sink appeared first on Sinkology.

source https://www.sinkology.com/blog/how-to-replace-a-drop-in-kitchen-sink/