If you were to look in the kitchens of most homes, you would find the kitchen sink under an exterior window. Even though there is no general rule that the kitchen sink must be installed under a window, here are six reasons why people have the sink installed in this location. Show
If you think about the plumbing in the kitchen, you need hot and cold water lines for the sink and dishwasher. If you have a refrigerator with an automatic ice maker and water feature, you need easy access to a cold water line. The most efficient way to ensure plumbing is accessible is to run it along the exterior wall. This is why you will typically find the dishwasher next to the sink with the refrigerator close-by. If the plumbing lines ever need to be repaired or replaced, you have easier access to those pipes from under the sink, as well as under the kitchen in your basement or crawl space.
A window will mean you cannot have cabinets on the wall. Instead of having a countertop under the window, it makes more sense to place the sink here. This allows you to maximize your countertop and storage spaces. Plus, washing larger items is much easier when there are no overhead cabinets in the way.
Washing and rinsing dishes is not a very exciting chore. To take your mind off what you are doing, it is more pleasing to look outdoors and see your flowers and garden or watch birds and wildlife.
If you let the dishes pile up before you tackle washing them, they can start to smell. Having the sink under the window allows you to let in fresh air while airing out your kitchen and getting rid of the unwanted smells. This is also a good option for those kitchen disasters when you burn something and need somewhere to place a hot pan or baking dish while venting the smoke out of the kitchen.
Another reason people install their kitchen sink under the window is to take advantage of natural sunlight. Any tasks you need to use the sink for, like washing fruits and vegetables or doing dishes, can be done without having to flip on the light switch.
Prior to indoor plumbing, the placement of the kitchen sink under a window meant it was easier to fill and drain water outdoors from an exterior wall. Even after indoor plumbing became common, home builders still chose to have sinks installed in this area of the kitchen. Regardless of where your sink is located in your kitchen, please feel free to contact the plumbers at MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-603-9949 today for plumbing maintenance and repairs or assistance moving the sink if you are planning a renovation. When it comes to designing a home, you can go as bold or traditional as you want but some things often seem to be the same. A British homeowner has been pondering this about kitchen windows while trying to come up with plans for their kitchen renovation. "Realised we can easily move the kitchen sink away from the window to give us more usable counter space. Then I realised, I've never seen a kitchen sink that isn't in front of a window," they posted on Reddit. READ MORE: How to give your kitchen sink a deep clean "Is there a reason for that? Is staring out of the window while washing up just a British thing? Or am I crazy in even suggesting a sink with no window?" Now that you've read that you're probably thinking about about your where your own kitchen sink is in relation to the window. This is a common sight in a lot of kitchens. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)When you think about it many kitchens do have sinks below windows, and there is a practical reason for it. "The simple reason why kitchen sinks have traditionally been placed under the window is that the window is, obviously, on an outside wall. In terms of plumbing, using as short a waste pipe as possible from the sink to the drains is not only the most effective but also the cheapest solution," an article on KDCUK explained. READ MORE: The pros and cons of a traditional pantry versus pantry drawers There are other reasons for having a window above a kitchen sink according to a person who commented on the Reddit post. "It's also because it's where the most natural light comes through. Plus if you wash by hand, plates dry quicker. This is a hang over before the dishwasher," they wrote.  The original poster appreciated the explanation but is considering bucking convention and placing the sink elsewhere. "Makes perfect sense. Thankfully, the opposite end of the kitchen also has drains and plumbing, just no windows," they said. While kitchen windows above sinks seems like a fairly common occurrence, it's not the case in every home. READ MORE: The most memorable Block kitchens of all time A few people who commented on the topic revealed their kitchen sink isn't under the window. Though most seem fine with it that way, good lighting seems to be a common problem. "Used to have a sink in front of the window. Now, after an extension, no, as we moved it to create a more open plan kitchen/diner... Did take some use of additional lighting to help the ambience though," one person said. Kirsty and Jesse's kitchen sink is in the island bench in their Block house. (Nine)"I'm currently renting a house where the kitchen was redesigned and there is no window above the sink. I don't miss it, but it does mean that I'm stood in the way of the light whilst washing," another said. READ MORE: How to unclog a drain using natural ingredients Other kitchen sink layouts discussed in the Reddit thread included drying racks above the sink, which can be common in small kitchens, and sinks in island benches like in many homes designed on The Block. Wherever your sink is placed, the important thing is that there's plumbing underneath and drying space available. In Pictures Inspiration and ideas for a kitchen island that delivers big wow factor From standout design to incredible details View Gallery Why are windows above the sink?There are other reasons for having a window above a kitchen sink according to a person who commented on the Reddit post. "It's also because it's where the most natural light comes through. Plus if you wash by hand, plates dry quicker. This is a hang over before the dishwasher," they wrote.
Should there be a window above a kitchen sink?No, you do not need a window above a kitchen sink, however, it is a popular design choice as it can help with ventilation, creates a view for when standing at the sink, and can create an inviting space filled with natural light.
What is the window above the sink called?Double Hung Windows
These are some of the most traditional windows on the market. They are often taller window installations, which work very well above the sink. These windows also provide some of the best natural ventilation because homeowners can open the upper and lower sash simultaneously.
Does sink always go under window?There are no real guidelines for whether the sink should be fitted under a window or not, but there is one practical argument for it. Fitting a sink under a window means you can look out of the window when you do the dishes! And it will let natural light on your work, so that they get nice and clean too.
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Why is there always a window above the sink?
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