Cast Irons Sinks in Older Homes – On the House
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Cast Irons Sinks in Older Homes

By on April 17, 2014
cast iron sink

Question

Many houses built when mine was (about 50 years ago) had cast iron sinks in the kitchen. I’m sure that many of them, like mine, are showing pitting where the fired enamel has worn down to the iron. Do you know if it is possible to obtain such sinks today? Mine measures 20 inches by 30 inches rim to rim, is 5 1/2 inches deep and has a 4-inch [drain] hole 6 inches from the end. It is manufactured by American Standard. I’ve already tried local plumbing houses.

Arthur

Answer

We have good news and bad news. The bad news is your sink style is no longer manufactured. The good news is swapping it for a new model probably will improve kitchen working conditions. There are companies that now create newer looking cast-iron sinks that may work as well. Be flexible, and your story will have a happy ending. Look for a sink which is at least large enough to cover the existing hole in your kitchen counter. This will save the cost of counter replacement. A larger sink will require enlargement of the hole left by the old sink, but that cost is minimal. Even ceramic tile can be trimmed back without too much effort.As you shop, remember that length and width are not the only washbowl dimensions that vary. An inch or two or three in added depth can convert a typical kitchen basin to one almost as versatile as a janitorial-type deep sink.

Apparently you are concerned about drain size and placement, but we can advise that your new sink will look terrible with the old drain outlet reinstalled. The very best and most expensive ones run in the $30 price range and will last another 50 years. Drain location can be altered with a new P-trap configuration for under $20.

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