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Hairline cracks—tiny cracks in the surface—in porcelain sinks can happen due to age, chemical damage from cleaning products, dropping heavy objects on the sink, thermal shock from drastic temperature changes, stress during repairs, and manufacturing errors. Hairline cracks often start very small and grow longer and wider over time. While they may appear problematic, hairline cracks don’t indicate structural problems and may not impact the performance of sinks. However, they can eventually cause water leaks and mold growth if left to grow.

Yes, you can install a farmhouse sink on an existing countertop—but there are some caveats. You’ll need to precisely measure. It’s best to choose a sink that’s the same dimensions as your existing sink, since your contractor won’t have to cut the countertop. Otherwise, pay close attention to the depth of your counter (the front to back measurement). You don’t want to install something that’s so big it sticks out beyond your countertop and cabinetry.

Try to tighten the clevis crew and adjust the lift rod if your sink stopper won’t stay up. Sometimes your screws became too loose over time, and as a result, there wasn’t enough resistance to keep the sink stopper up. If a damaged lift rod is the cause of the problem, you will need to replace it with a new rod.

If you have the patience and help to install a kitchen sink, you can do it yourself. This DIY project works best when replacing a sink that fits the existing hole, and the fittings and plumbing are in good condition. If you're worried about the plumbing's condition or aren't sure how to shut the water and power off to the garbage disposal and dishwasher, it's best left to a sink installation pro.