Keep Your Kitchen Flow With a Temporary Sink During Remodeling
It's every homeowner's nightmare - your beautiful new kitchen remodel is underway, but suddenly you have no sink! No rinsing produce, no filling pots, no cleanup, and no way to wash dusty hands. Losing your sink during a kitchen remodel can bring cooking and cleanup to a standstill.
But it doesn't have to spell total chaos. With some planning, you can install a temporary sink and maintain a functional workflow during construction. Read on to learn why a temp sink is essential, weigh your sink options, and set one up the right way.
Why You Need a Temporary Sink
When your kitchen is torn apart for remodeling, you'll likely lose access to your permanent sink. Without a temporary replacement, you'll struggle to cook meals or clean up.
A temporary sink preserves your kitchen's workflow and abilities. With a sink available, you can:
- Keep cooking and washing dishes as normal
- Clean dusty hands during construction
- Rinse fruits, vegetables, and other produce
- Fill pots, pans, and pitchers with water
- Allow appliance delivery teams access to water
- Save money over ordering takeout for every meal
Losing your regular sink is inconvenient, but the right temporary setup keeps kitchen tasks flowing smoothly.
Choosing the Best Temporary Sink Option
When it comes to a temporary kitchen sink, you have several options to consider:
Portable Sink
A portable sink is purpose-built for temporary use. Compact and lightweight, portable sinks have their own dedicated faucet and drain hookups. Many homeowners rent temporary sinks.
Benefits include:
- Small size fits in tight work areas
- Mobility lets you position near prep and cleanup zones
- Self-contained for quick installation
- Affordable rental rates for temporary projects
Utility or Laundry Sink
If you have a utility sink in your basement, garage, or laundry room, use that as your temporary kitchen sink. This common sink type has a large basin and industrial faucet great for washing up.
Pros of using an existing utility sink:
- Already functional - just extend plumbing
- Lower cost than purchasing a new sink
- Flexible drainage routing outside
The downside is frequent trips downstairs or across the house.
Temporary Bar or Prep Sink
Install an inexpensive bar sink or small prep sink on a counter or freestanding base. Hook it up like a normal fixture. These mini sinks are handy for food prep and cleanup.
Benefits include:
- More convenient than portable or utility sinks
- Cheaper than permanent sink options
- Simpler hookup than jury-rigging plumbing
On the downside, a temporary bar sink represents an added cost over options you may already own.
Setting Up Your Temporary Sink
Once you've selected your temporary sink type, proper setup is crucial for functionality. Follow these guidelines:
Placement
Locate your temp sink close to:
- Main prep and cleanup zones
- Accessible power outlets
- Areas with enough floor space
Convenient placement maintains your normal kitchen workflow. Don't hide your temp sink out of sight!
Water Supply Hookup
Connect your temp sink to the nearest water supply line. Use an adapter and flexible garden hose for hassle-free installation. Apply plumbing tape and sealant at all connections to prevent leaks.
Drainage Options
Drainage poses the biggest challenge for temporary sinks. If possible, drain into an existing:
- Floor drain
- Utility sink
- Standpipe with air gap
Other Considerations
Also factor in:
- Electrical access for any sink appliances
- Anchoring and securing against tip-over
- Padding underneath to protect floors from leaks
Dealing With Remodeling Mess and Dust
Demo work and construction make major messes. Containing the dust and debris helps maintain a sanitary workspace.
Strategies include:
- Sealing off work areas from the rest of the house
- Laying down drop cloths and temporary flooring
- Designating organized storage for tools and materials
- Frequently cleaning up sawdust and debris
- Replacing HVAC air filters often
Your temporary sink helps keep the space hygienic amid the chaos.
Losing your permanent sink during a kitchen remodel is a huge hassle. But installing a temporary replacement sink lets you cook, clean, and stay functional. Choose an option that fits your space and budget. With smart placement and plumbing, a temporary sink preserves your kitchen workflow.