Do Vessel Sinks Drain Well? Everything You Need To Know

Vessel sinks are a popular choice in modern bathrooms due to their stylish and unique appearance. However, a common concern among homeowners is whether vessel sinks drain well.

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In this article, we’ll discuss the factors affecting drainage in vessel sinks, common issues, and tips for ensuring efficient water flow.

How Vessel Sinks Drain

Vessel sinks drain similarly to traditional sinks, but their design can influence how efficiently they manage water flow. Here’s how they work:

1. Gravity Drainage: Water flows out through the drain, aided by gravity.
2. Pop-Up or Grid Drains: Most vessel sinks use either a pop-up drain or a grid drain, which may affect water flow differently.
3. No Overflow: Unlike undermount sinks, vessel sinks often lack overflow holes, which can impact draining speed if the drain becomes clogged or if water accumulates.

Do Vessel Sinks Drain Well?

A vessel sink is a sink that is placed on top of the vanity countertop. Vessel sinks are a popular choice for many modern and contemporary-looking bathrooms.

One issue we occasionally hear is that a vessel sink drains slowly. A blocked drain will prevent water from draining properly. But why does the vessel sink drain slowly even when the drain is clear?

Most vessel sinks don’t have an overflow drain, which prevents more air from entering the drain and assists in faster drainage.

The main culprit for vessel sinks that take a long time to drain seems to be the grid drain, also known as the strainer drain. This happens because the water “sticks” to the grid. The small holes in the grid cause a problem with the water’s surface tension, which prevents it from escaping fast enough.

You will observe that despite the grid’s small holes, water does not escape fast enough through them. A push pop-up drain appears to function more effectively due to the water and air mixing before entering the drain.

The ideal solution is to choose a push pop-up style drain rather than a grid strainer drain. Even while air may still become stuck in the drain, the issue will be much less, and you’ll probably avoid having a lot of water in the sink that is slowly draining.

The difference between a grid drain and a pop-up drain is how the drain functions. Pop-up drains can be closed so that the sink can fill with water. Grid drains are by design always open and cant be closed to fill the sink.

Factors That Affect Vessel Sink Drainage

1. Drain Type
   • Pop-Up Drains: These are adjustable and can allow or restrict water flow. When set incorrectly, they might cause slower drainage.
   • Grid Drains: These provide consistent drainage but can get clogged more easily due to debris.
2. Sink Design
   • The slope of the sink bowl and its overall depth play a significant role in how quickly water flows into the drain. Shallow or flat-bottomed vessel sinks may drain slower than those with steeper slopes.
3. Plumbing Setup
   • Proper installation of the sink and drain pipe is crucial. Any misalignment or incorrect installation can result in poor drainage.
4. Water Pressure and Usage
   • High water pressure combined with a small or partially blocked drain can lead to slower drainage.

Common Issues with Vessel Sink Drainage

• Clogged Drains: Without an overflow, debris can accumulate faster, leading to blockages.
• Water Pooling: Flat-bottomed sinks may cause water to pool at the base, reducing drainage efficiency.
• Backflow: Improper venting in the plumbing system can lead to backflow issues.

Why It’s Best To Choose A Vessel Sink With An Overflow?

If the drain gets clogged or if the vessel sink drains slowly and the water is left running the sink will overflow. Sinks with overflows give another level of protection. It also offers additional venting and airflow, which contributes to the creation of suction and accelerates the flow of water down the drain.

For instance, if you turn a water bottle upside down, the water will only drain from it so quickly. If you turned the same bottle upside down and pierced it, the water would drain far more quickly. It’s interesting to note that the design of most vessel sinks prevents them from having an overflow feature.

Even while an overflow is not required for a sink to work properly, having one still might be a valuable safety precaution. By choosing a vessel sink with an overflow, you also have the greatest choices for drainage, since either a grid or pop-up drain can be used.

5 Best Vessel Sinks Reviews: Everything You Need To Know

Tips to Improve Vessel Sink Drainage

1. Choose the Right Drain
   • Opt for a high-quality pop-up or grid drain designed for vessel sinks to ensure smooth water flow.
2. Proper Installation
   • Ensure the plumbing and sink are installed correctly to avoid alignment issues that can disrupt drainage.
3. Regular Maintenance
   • Clean the drain and sink bowl regularly to prevent debris buildup.
4. Consider a Sink with a Slope
   • When purchasing a vessel sink, choose one with a slightly sloped base to facilitate better drainage.
5. Install a Flow Restrictor
   • If water flow is too high, a flow restrictor can help prevent overwhelming the drain.

How To Fix A Vessel Sink That Does Not Drain Well?

Option 1

• If you are purchasing a new vessel sink make sure that it comes with an overflow, or purchase one with a pop-up style drain instead of a grid strainer drain.

• If you have already purchased the vessel sink without an overflow and it came with a grid drain then you can easily change the drain to the recommended push pop-up drain.

Option 2

• If you have a vessel sink without an overflow and a grid drain then you can carefully drill out the grid holes as large as you can without damaging the grid strainer. The wider holes will allow more water to flow through them and may allow some air to escape faster before being obstructed by the water on top, improving the vessel sink drainage.

Option 3

• Install a Dishwasher branch tailpiece and a “old work gang box”. The poor draining issue arises because the drain cover “pushes” back on the water that is collecting in the bowl due to positive air pressure that is caught in the pipe between the p-trap and the drain. Allowing that air to escape will make the water drain quickly.

Option 4

• It is a good idea to modify the faucet so that the water flow to your faucet is considerably reduced. This will reduce splashing in your vessel sink and enable a bit faster emptying. This can be done by installing an inexpensive faucet flow restrictor. Faucet flow restrictors are tiny disk-shaped units that limit the amount of water that flows from the faucet.

How to Choose the Best Drain for Your Vessel Sink

Selecting the right drain for your vessel sink is essential for ensuring proper functionality and complementing the sink’s aesthetic.

With various types and designs available, understanding the features of each option will help you make an informed decision.

Here’s a complete guide to choosing the best drain for your vessel sink.

1. Understand the Role of the Drain

The primary function of a sink drain is to facilitate the flow of water from the sink basin to the plumbing system. For vessel sinks, the drain also needs to account for specific features such as:

• Lack of a built-in overflow hole in most vessel sinks.
• Compatibility with the sink’s design and material.

2. Consider the Types of Vessel Sink Drains

a. Pop-Up Drains

• What They Are: A spring-loaded drain that opens and closes with a press.
• Best For: Vessel sinks without an overflow.
• Benefits:
  • Easy to use.
  • Sleek design matches modern sink styles.
• Considerations: May require periodic cleaning to maintain smooth operation.

b. Grid Drains

• What They Are: A fixed drain with a grid or perforated design that prevents debris from clogging the pipe.
• Best For: Vessel sinks in bathrooms or powder rooms with light water usage.
• Benefits:
  • Simple and low maintenance.
  • Prevents hair and debris from entering the plumbing.
• Considerations: Can be slower to drain large volumes of water.

c. Lift-and-Turn Drains

• What They Are: Drains with a twist mechanism to open or close the flow.
• Best For: Vessel sinks in guest bathrooms or occasional-use areas.
• Benefits:
  • Classic design.
  • Durable and easy to operate.
• Considerations: May not blend well with modern vessel sink designs.

3. Match the Drain to Your Sink’s Features

a. Overflow vs. Non-Overflow Sinks

• Overflow Sinks: Use drains with an overflow hole to allow excess water to flow into the plumbing.
• Non-Overflow Sinks: Require drains designed without an overflow opening to ensure a proper seal.

b. Sink Material Compatibility

• Metal Drains: Best for glass and ceramic vessel sinks due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Plastic Drains: Lightweight and affordable, suitable for less formal applications.

4. Choose a Drain Finish That Complements Your Faucet

Ensure the drain’s finish matches or complements your faucet and other bathroom fixtures for a cohesive look. Common finishes include:

• Chrome
• Brushed nickel
• Oil-rubbed bronze
• Matte black

5. Check for Easy Maintenance Features

Look for drains with:

• Removable stoppers for quick cleaning.
• Durable materials like stainless steel to resist corrosion.
• Anti-clog mechanisms to reduce maintenance.

6. Measure Your Sink’s Drain Hole Size

Most vessel sink drains fit standard 1.5-inch or 1.25-inch openings. Confirm the size of your sink’s drain hole before purchasing to ensure compatibility.

Choosing the best drain for your vessel sink involves understanding your sink’s design, material, and intended use. Whether you opt for a pop-up, grid, or lift-and-turn drain, ensure it meets your aesthetic and functional needs. With the right drain, you can enhance both the look and performance of your vessel sink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

You may love or hate vessel sinks and they are not for everyone. By arming yourself with the correct information and tools, you may prevent making a design choice you’ll later regret. Nevertheless, whether you like them or not, vessel sinks are a style that will likely continue for a very long time.

If you are considering purchasing a vessel sink but are worried that it won’t drain well then no need to worry just follow the tips in the post and get one with an overflow or a push pop-up drain. If you already have a vessel sink that is not draining well then you can follow the steps mentioned above to easily improve the drainage.