Do Glass Vessel Sinks Break Easily?
| 05, Aug, 21
What is a Vessel Sink?
Vessel sinks are basins that are mostly made from glass or ceramic and fixed on bathroom vanities, instead of standard undermount sinks. Glass vessel sinks have not always been the first choice, but during the past decade years, they’ve become more popular as people preferred the spa-inspired look that was possible with its modern look and minimal use of counter space.
After moving on from pedestal sinks, many people preferred undermount and drop-in sinks. That’s when glass vessel sinks started to make an immediate impact as stunning centerpieces. Although the most common shapes were circular or rectangular vessel sinks, today there are a wide variety of shapes and finishes to choose from.
It is important to mention that glass vessel sinks are not that practical for usage in kitchens, as the basin doesn’t allow for enough space to stack and wash everyday dishes and is naturally prone to more wear and tear.
Do Glass Vessel Sinks Break Easily?
Many people are still not convinced about whether or not to buy a vessel sink because of the misconception that they are fragile, prone to breaking and cracking, difficult to maintain and will easily become outdated. However, glass vessel sinks are surprisingly easy to clean and maintain. They are made by professional artisans who craft them to be resistant to accidental breakage; however, a direct blunt impact could cause the glass to shatter or crack. It’s best to choose a high-quality vessel sink manufactured from tempered glass, as non-tempered glass could easily get damaged and will shatter.
Causes of Breakage
The most frequent cause of concern is quick temperature changes and breakage before and during installation. Without proper installation by someone knowledgeable, you can end up with a damaged glass vessel sink. However, thankfully, that becomes a minor concern post-install.
Two definite reasons for concern and/or breakage are the over-tightening of the drain assembly and thermal shock.
- Improper installation: Installation of a drain can only be done by hand tightening. It should not be over tightened with a wrench and the installer should use a bead of silicone during the installation to ensure that there is no contact between the metal and glass.
- Thermal shock: Usually, most glass vessels can withstand changes in temperatures up to 70 degrees without breaking. It is essential to note that you should never pour scalding hot water into a glass sink as the immediate temperature change (referred to as thermal shock) can cause the glass to crack or shatter and the whole glass sink would need to be replaced. As mentioned, the most common breakage actually occurs prior to or directly after installation when the indoor temperatures are still unregulated on a new construction site before the heating is in operation.
Taking Care of your Glass Vessel Sink
Glass vessel sinks can withstand everyday wear and tear and remain a beautiful addition to your bathroom, should you strictly adhere to the correct treatment. Water spots can be cleaned with a solution of water and vinegar, as standard bathroom cleaners have harsh chemicals and can stain glass vessel sinks. It’s also worth mentioning that glass vessel sinks are not ideally suited for usage by young children because the child may not be able to reach due to the extra height since it’s fixed above the countertop or vanity.
Glass Vessel Sink Installation
It is essential to keep the installation method in mind before choosing the type of material, shape and size. The glass vessel sink is luckily very easy to install, especially when used as an above-the-counter basin on top of the vanity; however, inset vessel sinks are inherently more complicated. In either case, we recommend working with a professional. It’s also worth noting that there are two common installation methods for vessel sink faucets, wall or deck mounted. You can find more details about beautiful tall bathroom faucets made for vessel sinks here.
Focal Point of your Bathroom Spa
Vessel sinks come in all shapes, sizes, colours and materials. Glass is one of the most popular vessel sink materials and can be bought at hardware stores or online. You can research different color combinations as well as printed images between the layers of glass, if you are looking to add a more unique touch. This is why a glass vessel sink that is properly installed and maintained, can be the most gorgeous centerpiece in your bathroom as it evokes your own personal style yet remains timeless.
