A double-duty kitchen sink

Q: This is another one of those can-you-help-my-relationship plumbing questions. My husband and I are in a serious debate about our new kitchen sink. We're remodeling the kitchen and I would like a "single-bowl, under-mount" sink. He wants the more traditional "double-bowl, top-mount" sink. I know there is no right or wrong here, but can you help us reach a decision? We both agree to follow your advice.

Holly, Washington state

A: There is a kitchen sink that's a cross between the single- and double-bowl styles. It's called a low-threshold or "smart-divide" kitchen sink. If you wash a lot of pots and pans and need extra room, the divider between the bowls is much lower than in a normal kitchen sink. This allows large pots and pans to fit easily into the sink, yet you still get the functionality of a double-bowl sink.

As far as the "under- vs. top-mount" style sink, that is usually decided by the type of countertop you choose. If you're planning a laminate or tile counter, the top-mount is usually the industry standard. If you plan on a counter like granite, then under-mount sinks are the popular trend.

So, hopefully you both agree on your countertop choice, or else all my kitchen-sink advice could go down the drain!

Master plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.comor write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

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A double-duty kitchen sink