Drop-in sinks work by being lowered into a pre-cut opening in the countertop, with their wide rim resting directly on the counter surface.
Understanding Drop-In Sinks
A drop-in sink, also frequently called a self-rimming sink, is a popular type of sink installation used in both kitchens and bathrooms. The fundamental principle of how it works is quite simple: the sink is designed with a finished rim that is wider than the main basin part.
The Installation Process
The process involves cutting a hole in the countertop that is slightly smaller than the overall dimensions of the sink's rim but large enough to fit the sink's basin. Once the cutout is ready, the sink is positioned over the hole and gently lowered.
- The sink basin passes through the hole.
- The rim of the sink makes contact with the top surface of the countertop around the edge of the cutout.
As the reference states, the drop-in sink rests on the kitchen countertop after you lower it into the cutout. This resting rim is what supports the weight of the sink and its contents.
The "Self-Rimming" Design
The term "self-rimming" highlights this key feature – the rim itself forms the finished edge where the sink meets the countertop, eliminating the need for complex edge finishing on the cutout itself. This rim is typically sealed to the countertop to prevent water from seeping underneath.
How They Differ from Undermount Sinks
Unlike an undermount sink option, which is installed from underneath the countertop and has the counter material forming the finished edge around the basin, drop-in sinks are installed from above. This top-down installation is characteristic of how drop-in sinks function and are fitted into place.
In essence, a drop-in sink works by using its built-in rim to sit securely on top of the countertop surface surrounding the cutout, supported entirely by that resting edge.
