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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.

The best option is to alter the plumbing. Moving and centering the drain pipe behind the sink usually does the trick and creates the sleek, minimalist look that pedestal sinks offer. If you don’t want to do any plumbing work, there are a few decorating hacks:

• Painting the pipes

• Placing shelves, plants, or baskets in front of the pipes

• Adding a sink skirt 

Yes, a dripping faucet can increase your water bill. Leaking faucets use up more water than you’d think. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. If you have more than one dripping faucet, your water bill can increase even further. 

Because it’s an engineered stone, quartz composite is much denser than other natural stone alternatives. For instance, if you drop a heavy object in a natural stone sink, there’s a chance the sink could crack, chip, or dent. Quartz’s density means quartz sinks are more resistant to scratches or staining. However, darker quartz sinks are more likely to show scratches or scuffs, and quartz sinks can stain over time.