Bathroom Sink Parts Name

Bathroom Sink Parts Name: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the various components of a bathroom sink empowers homeowners to perform basic maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and make informed decisions during renovations. This guide provides a detailed overview of standard bathroom sink parts and their functions.

Basin

The basin is the most visible part of the sink, holding water for handwashing and other tasks. Basins come in various materials, shapes, and sizes. Common materials include porcelain, ceramic, stainless steel, glass, and composite materials. Shape options range from oval and round to rectangular and square.

Faucet

The faucet delivers water to the basin. Faucets are available in a wide variety of styles, from traditional two-handle designs to modern single-lever models. Key components of a faucet include:

Handles: Control water flow and temperature.
Spout: Directs the water flow into the basin.
Cartridge or Valve: Internal mechanism that mixes hot and cold water and controls flow rate.
Aerator: A small screen at the spout tip that mixes air with the water stream, creating a smoother flow and conserving water.

Drain Assembly

The drain assembly manages the flow of water out of the basin. It consists of several interconnected parts:

Stopper: Blocks the drain opening to fill the basin. Common types include pop-up stoppers, lift-and-turn stoppers, and grid strainers.
Drain Tailpiece: Connects the stopper to the P-trap.
P-trap: A curved pipe that holds a small amount of water, creating a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering the bathroom.
Drainpipe: Carries wastewater from the P-trap to the main drainage system.

Water Supply Lines

These flexible lines deliver hot and cold water to the faucet. Typically made of braided stainless steel, they connect to shut-off valves located under the sink.

Shut-Off Valves

These valves control the water supply to the faucet. They allow you to turn off the water flow for repairs or maintenance without shutting off the water supply to the entire house. There are typically separate shut-off valves for hot and cold water.

Mounting Hardware

The mounting hardware secures the sink to the countertop or vanity. This hardware can vary depending on the sink type. Common mounting methods include:

Drop-in sinks: Secured with clips or sealant from below.
Undermount sinks: Attached to the underside of the countertop with epoxy or clips.
Vessel sinks: Rest on top of the countertop and are often secured with silicone sealant.
Wall-mounted sinks: Attached directly to the wall with brackets.

Overflow Drain

Many sinks have an overflow drain, a small hole located near the top of the basin. This drain prevents water from overflowing if the faucet is left running with the stopper closed. It channels excess water down the drain.

Escutcheon

The escutcheon is a decorative plate that covers the hole where the faucet and handles are mounted to the sink. It can enhance the appearance of the faucet and provide a more finished look. It also helps to prevent water from seeping around the faucet base.

Caulk

While not strictly a part of the sink itself, caulk plays a crucial role in preventing water damage. It seals the gaps between the sink and the countertop, preventing water from seeping underneath.

Supply Tubes

Supply tubes, sometimes referred to as risers or angle stops, are short pipes that extend from the shut-off valves to the faucet inlets. They bridge the gap between the water supply lines and the faucet connections.

Washer

Washers are small, flat rings typically made of rubber or plastic. They are used in various parts of the faucet and drain assembly to create watertight seals and prevent leaks. They are found within the faucet handles, under the stopper, and within the P-trap connections.

Nuts and Bolts

Various nuts and bolts are used throughout the sink assembly to secure different components. They hold the faucet to the sink, connect the P-trap parts, and secure water supply lines.

By understanding the function of each part, individuals can better maintain their bathroom sink and address common plumbing problems effectively.