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You may not think it so, but an artisan created glass sink is in fact quite sturdy. Practically any professionally made glass sink is resistant to small accident breakage, such as dropping a brush or a plastic bottle into the basin, but of course a very heavy object can break a glass sink. However, the general rule of thumb is that if something is heavy enough to break a glass sink, it will be just as damaging to the common porcelain or enameled steel sink.
Contrary to popular belief, the most common problem with a glass sink is not that it may break after installation, but that it actually breaks before and during installation. And the two things that cause this are the over-tightening of the drain assembly and thermal shock.
Properly installing a drain will mean that only hand tightening will be used, and over-tightening with a wrench is not necessary or recommended. Also, the plumber or homeowner should use a bead of silicone during the installation or he should at least make sure that no metal contacts the glass. Anyway most drains will have gaskets that will prevent the contact between metal and your glass sink.
The other problem that arises with glass sink installation is the one of thermal shock. Usually any glass sink can withstand temperature changes of up to seventy degrees without breaking, but users should avoid pouring scalding hot water into a glass sink. The immediate temperature changes can induce thermal shock and may cause the glass sink to crack or shatter, and once cracked the whole glass sink will require replacing. When a glass sink breaks because of thermal shock, it usually happens prior to installation or right after installation when indoor temperatures are unregulated. This will usually happen on a new construction site before the heating is in operation so be sure that your contractor is aware of this. |
