When it comes to kitchen renovation, the sink often gets overlooked. Let’s face it — it’s much less of a hassle to paint your cabinets a new trendy color, install open shelving, or swap out hardware than it is to go through the trouble of installing a new kitchen sink… even if the one you currently have is looking worse for wear.

However, replacing your kitchen sink is a step in a kitchen renovation that although not always necessary, should always be considered, especially if you’ve noticed certain signs it could be time to replace it. Pay attention to the following signs when deciding whether or not you should replace your kitchen sink.

Sign #1: Leaking

The occasional leak is no big deal, but frequent leaking gets in the way of your everyday kitchen tasks, making the act of just getting a glass of water or washing your hands a chore. Leaks caused by holes or cracks can be easily sealed with kitchen-safe silicone sealant, but some issues are more complicated.

There are a whole host of possible causes for leaks. The washer might be worn out, there may be a loose water supply connection or a corroded valve seat. If the leak occurs under the sink, it could also spread and cause mold growth and water damage. Act fast and address the problem immediately if this is the case.

Sign #2: Staining

Exposure to strong hair or food dye, mold growth, and hard water can all lead to stains developing in and around your sink, especially around the drain area. Rust stains can also form over time due to iron in your water. Not only are brown rust stains in a sink ugly, they can cause further damage over time and get worse. Frequent cleaning can help avoid the problem from becoming overwhelming, but if the sink is badly stained or rusting, it’s time to replace it.

Sign #3: Excessive Damage

If your sink or the plumbing is broken or damaged in any way, it needs to be replaced. Accidents happen — maybe you dropped a heavy pot or pan into the sink and it shattered the porcelain or ceramic, or you hit it with a heavy tool while doing repairs.

Cracks are a common issue, and if they’re near the drain, they can weaken the structure of the sink entirely. Physical damage can also appear on your sink as a result of other unresolved issues, such as constant leaking, mold growth, staining, and rusting. Repairs are possible with a broken sink, but if it’s so damaged it’s beyond repair, you’ll need a sink replacement.

Sign #4: Old and Worn Sink

If you live in an older home, you may have more issues come up with your sink, depending on how old it is. The life expectancy for acrylic sinks is about 50 years, but porcelain,copper, glass, or stone sinks may only last about a decade before they give in to wear and tear. Soapstone sinks, on the other hand, can last up to a century.

Depending on what your sink is made of, it probably has accumulated a lot of abuse over the years. Small chips or hairline cracks are normal, but over a long period, they could impact your sink's durability. It may be time for a change if your sink is looking especially weathered.

Sign #5: Needs Repairs Constantly

All of the signs we’ve mentioned so far are tolerable in small doses. You can sometimes fix sink plumbing issues yourself, or hire someone to come do it for you. However, if you’re having to make repairs all the time, you’re spending far too much money and time on an appliance that will probably need to be fixed again later for the umpteenth time anyway. Save yourself a headache and install a new sink.

Sign #6: Not Fitting Your Needs

The right sink almost goes unnoticed in a home. It should be a breeze to stack dishes in the sink and clean them or do prep work. But if your sink basin is so small you can’t even fit a pot under the faucet, or the dishes pile up too quickly and overflow to the countertop, you may want a deeper basin.

Aside from practical issues, your sink also just might not be your style anymore. If you’re already renovating an outdated kitchen, don’t skip the sink. Your sink should fit your needs, including your aesthetic preferences.

Sign #7: You Want an Upgrade

Are you looking to sell your home? If so, replacing the sink could be a great way to increase your home’s resale value and make it more appealing to prospective buyers. You can replace an old, out-of-date sink with something more modern and chic.

Use Silicone Depot for New Sink Installation

Whether you’re putting your house up on the market or facing irreparable damage, there are many signs that indicate it’s time to replace your sink. With the help of the right products, new sink installation can be efficient and painless.

Our Kitchen and Bath Mildew Resistant RTV Silicone Sealant is the best sealant for kitchen use, and sealing your new sink is an important step in making sure it’s protected from future moisture and mildew exposure, as well as securing it into place. Shop our catalog of silicone sealants today!