How to Select the Correct Drain for your Sink
While most bathroom sinks do come with their own drain - many of the more upscale sinks will allow you to select a drain for your sink, especially vessel sinks. If you are in the predicament of having to select your own drain then here are some guidelines that you can use to help you select the one that works best for you.
- DRAIN TYPE - The first thing you will want to consider is the type of drain. The two most common types of sink drains are popup drains and grid drains. Pop-up sink drains have a lever up top and are ideal if you need to be able to open and close the drain - for instance to fill the sink with water for some purpose. Grid sink drains (similar to what you see in a shower drain) do not allow you to open and close the drain, however they often do a better of preventing items to fall down the drain and get stuck. Grid drains are also ideal in a situation where you do not have an overflow hole (common in vessel sinks) in order to prevent overflow or flooding.
- DRAIN SIZE - Make sure that you are taking a good measurement of your sink opening before purchasing a drain of any particular size. It is always a good suggestion to go to the manufacturer's manual or instructions to find the drain size they recommend. The size of the drain will need to be slightly larger than the sink opening in order to completely cover it once the drain has been installed.
- DRAIN INSTALLATION HARDWARE - You will possibly need pieces such as a mounting ring to stabilize your drain. Determine what is needed based on your sink specifications and be sure that is included or purchased with the sink.
- DRAIN MATERIALS - Drains are usually available in many materials and finishes and you will want to consider this when making your purchase. You will want to determine the other materials and finishes of the fictures in your bathroom and match up. Your options could range from copper to chrome in satin or matte finishes. Be sure to match the pre-existing bathroom fixtures to create continuity and a finished look in your bathroom.