Get matched with top sink installation pros in Spokane, WA

While stainless steel is quite durable, it is susceptible to scratching. If you use rough, abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool or brushes, you may wind up with scuffs in your stainless steel sink. Additionally, harsh household chemicals including chloride bleach can damage your sink’s finish and decrease its life span.

The time it takes to install a sink depends on whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, as well as the complexity of the job. A professional plumber can typically install a sink in 1 to 4 hours, with most routine jobs taking around 1 to 2 hours. However, more complicated installations will take longer. Projects that involve rerouting plumbing, installing an under-mount sink, or making countertop modifications can take a full day. Installing a sink with a prefab vanity could also stretch the project to 6 to 8 hours. If you plan to install the sink yourself, you should set aside 4 to 6 hours, though it could take longer. It's also recommended to have a friend help, especially if you are working with a heavy sink made of a material like porcelain.

The average cost to hire a plumber is typically between $45 and $200 per hour, with a common average rate around $125 per hour. This cost can vary based on your location, the plumber's experience, and the complexity of the job. Rates are often broken down by experience level: an apprentice may charge $45 to $90 an hour, a journeyman $60 to $110 an hour, and a master plumber $80 to $200 an hour. While hourly rates are standard, some plumbers may charge a flat fee for routine projects or offer project-based pricing. It's also common for plumbers to charge a minimum service or trip fee. For reference, some typical flat-rate costs for common jobs include: drain unclogging ($220), leaky faucet repair ($270), burst pipe repair ($400), toilet repair ($300), and water heater repair ($600). Note that these rates are for standard service hours; emergency, holiday, and after-hours calls will cost significantly more.

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.