What to do if cracks appear on a sink and how to repair it yourself

You are washing your hands and suddenly notice a crack in the sink. At first, you might even think it's a hair but then realize the surface is really damaged. It's not a pleasant situation even if you've made sure the sink isn't leaking. The cracks can darken and cause rust over time.

Lifehacker experts reassure you that if the sink is not leaking, you can repair it yourself. If done correctly and efficiently, the repair can be almost invisible.

Why cracks appear on sinks

Porcelain and other materials commonly used in sinks react to sudden temperature fluctuations, and if this happens too often, cracks appear. This process is conventionally called "thermal shock".

In addition, mechanical damage or a tightened drain connection can also cause cracks.

Although the basic process of crack repair is more or less the same, you need to choose the repair material. The most common options, in addition to durable metal such as stainless steel or copper, are:

• porcelain enamel or fireclay;
• natural stone;
• fiberglass;
• hard surface materials.

The best way to repair a sink

The best way to repair a cracked sink is to fill the crack with a waterproof binder, sand and paint the surface. If done properly, this will not only hide the imperfections but also prevent moisture from accumulating and damaging the sink.

• a waterproof epoxy resin is a good choice.
• for natural stone, a joint filler designed specifically for stone is suitable.
• for a fiberglass sink, any fiberglass repair kit is suitable.
• for a sink with a porcelain surface, a porcelain filler is suitable.

Although you must follow specific instructions for each material, they all include the same basic steps.

Clean the sink thoroughly. Focus on the cracks and use a degreaser to make sure you remove all the dirt and debris from there.

Sand the area with very fine (400 grit) sandpaper, then sand again with coarser (240, then 120 grit) paper. Focus only on the area adjacent to the crack. If you have a crack in a seam that is difficult to reach, try sticking sandpaper to the edge of a paint stirrer.

Clean again, using a vacuum cleaner to suck up the fine dust from sanding.

Mix and apply the repair product according to the instructions. Use just enough to fill the crack. Depending on the material, you can use a small paint brush or even a toothpick.

Let the material dry according to the instructions and then sand lightly.

Apply a second coat if the crack is still visible, then let dry and sand lightly again.

Another way to get rid of cracks

If the crack is quite thin and small, you can get rid of it with silicone sealant. It's much easier, much faster, and much cheaper, but it won't give you the best aesthetic results. The sealant will hide tiny cracks in the seams of the sink (i.e. where the vertical and horizontal planes meet).

First, isolate the crack with masking tape. Using the narrowest roller, apply the sealant, gently smooth it into the crack, then remove the tape and let it dry. This will at least hide the crack and prevent moisture from penetrating.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA shared how to clean yellow stains and rust on plumbing.

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