Kitchen sinks and taps in Singapore: materials, mounting styles and WELS ratings

Home & Decor notes that undermount sinks cost more to install because they are glued to the underside of the countertop and some need extra support inside the carcass, and that a poor installation can let water seep into the cabinet.

Ask for a thicker gauge (a lower number means thicker steel; Home & Decor suggests 16 or 18 gauge) and sound-deadening pads under the bowl. A brushed or satin finish hides scratches better than polished steel.

Make sure the cabinet below is waterproof: see kitchen cabinets.

Home & Decor describes the top-mount sink as dropped into the countertop with a rim holding it in place, easy and inexpensive to install, with the drawback that dirt can collect around the rim.

Top-mount sinks are the safer choice for laminate countertops, because the rim covers the cut-out edge where the wood-based core would otherwise be exposed to water. Ask your contractor to use a mould-resistant sanitary sealant and plan to reseal every few years.

A drainboard version is useful in small HDB kitchens without space for a dish rack.

Integrated sinks are moulded or welded into the countertop. Solid surface countertops can be formed with an integrated sink of the same material, and stainless steel worktops can have the sink welded in. Flush-mount sinks sit in a rebated cut-out so the rim is level with the top.

The benefit is hygiene and looks. The trade-off is that a damaged sink usually means repairing or replacing part of the countertop. Ask what happens if the sink is damaged and whether it can be repaired in place.

These suit minimalist and futuristic designs.

Granite composite is made from stone particles bound in acrylic resin and is described as durable, stain-resistant and heat-resistant. It is a softer, warmer look than stainless steel and much quieter when washing up.

In a curry-and-turmeric kitchen, darker colours hide staining better. Clean with a soft brush and mild detergent, and rinse after using strong-coloured spices. Avoid leaving bleach or harsh chemicals in the bowl.

Because these sinks are heavy, check that the cabinet and countertop cut-out can support the full weight when the sink is full of water.

Ceramic is one of the popular sink materials in Singapore alongside stainless steel and granite composite, according to Home & Decor. Fireclay is fired at high temperature for a denser, tougher body.

A farmhouse sink suits British colonial, classic and rustic kitchens. Its exposed front means the cabinet below must be specially designed and the sink measured before carpentry is built.

Use a sink grid at the bottom to protect the glaze from heavy woks and pots.

Workstation sinks are mostly undermount, so they need a stone or solid countertop and a base cabinet at least as wide as the sink plus its brackets. Check the cabinet width before choosing the sink.

They work well where counter space is tight: the chopping board slides over the bowl, peelings go straight down, and the drying rack doubles as a dish drainer.

Choose accessories in stainless steel or food-safe materials, and make sure they are dishwasher-safe if you use one.

Under PUB's Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme, sink and bib taps and mixers rated 2 ticks have a flow rate of more than 4 and up to 6 litres per minute, and 3 ticks have 4 litres per minute or less. Since 1 April 2019 only 2-tick and above fittings are allowed for supply and installation. Look for the WELS label on the box.

If you do not have a hot water point in the kitchen, a mixer still works as a cold tap, but plan the hot water supply before the cabinets are built if you want it. HDB says water service works must be done by a PUB licensed plumber, though handymen can do simple plumbing works.

Pull-out taps are covered by WELS like any other sink mixer, so check the tick rating on the label.

The hose runs down into the sink cabinet with a counterweight. Make sure nothing in the cabinet blocks it, especially if you are fitting a water filter, a bin pull-out or a dishwasher connection in the same cabinet.

Clean the spray nozzles regularly by rubbing them with your thumb or soaking the head in diluted vinegar, which removes mineral deposits.

If the tap is mains-powered, you need a power point in the sink cabinet, positioned well away from water and installed by a licensed electrical worker. Battery models avoid this but need periodic battery changes.

Check that the tap has a manual override so you can still use it if the electronics fail, and that it carries a WELS label like any other kitchen mixer sold in Singapore.

These suit smart homes and families with young children.

PUB's tap water meets drinking water standards, so a filter is a preference, not a requirement. If you want one, a three-way tap avoids a second hole and a second tap on the counter.

Plan the under-sink space for the filter housing before the sink cabinet is built, and make sure cartridges can be changed without removing anything else. Note the cartridge replacement interval and cost before buying, as this is the ongoing cost.

Ask your plumber to fit an isolation valve so the filter can be serviced without shutting off water to the whole kitchen.