Discover the indicators that suggest your RV sink is past its prime.
Just like any stationary home, your RV is going to need upgrades over time. Even if you purchase a brand spanking new McMansion on wheels, there may still be a few items you don’t love or want to switch out.
For many RVers, there is a lot of pride and a solid sense of accomplishment in doing these “home reno” projects yourself. Not to mention the valuable cash you save to use on fun items like marshmallows and National Park passes.
When it comes to the list of simple upgrades, your RV sink -- whether it be your bathroom or kitchen – might be somewhere in the middle, depending on how much of a project you want to do. What seems like a relatively straightforward job can take a sharp turn down a dark path that ends in cursing, bruises, and if you’re not careful, couples counseling. (Okay, well maybe not that bad, but you get the idea.)
If you’re planning on tackling the job of RV sink repair or replacement, the following tips and advice will help bring clarity and confidence to your decision-making process.
One key factor to keep in mind is that RV plumbing sizes are NOT usually the same as household plumbing sizes. You may have trouble finding the proper-sized fittings for your RV sink at your regular local hardware store, so leave time to order and receive parts online.
To Repair Or Replace: That Is The Question
Before you slide down the rabbit hole of brand-new RV sink options, consider whether the problem is something you can repair. RV sinks, just like regular household sinks can be constructed from a variety of materials and they each have unique properties.
Plastic, acrylic, and stainless steel are the most common, but RV owners and companies are getting more creative with their choices, some even going so far as to use enamel, copper, and composite materials to add to the overall decor of your RV.
Plastic and acrylic RV sinks are the most common and also the least expensive. However, they are also the least durable of all the options and they’re prone to staining. If you have a cracked or seriously damaged and weathered plastic or acrylic sink, you can try to repair it, but considering the overall cost, it’s probably easiest to just swap it out for a nice new one.
Stainless steel sinks are another popular option – and one that’s gaining momentum – thanks to their durability and corrosion-resistance. They’re also lightweight, making them ideal for RVs where weight is a concern. Upfront costs will be higher than plastic or acrylic, but the investment will pay off in the long run.
One drawback to stainless steel sinks is that they are more prone to accumulating unsightly scratches, so if you decide to make this upgrade, stick to non-abrasive cleansers and soft cleaning tools.
Here are a few signs you may want to consider replacing your RV sink versus just repairing it:
- Odors and stains that just don’t come clean
- Cracks, scratches, and chips anywhere in the basin or along the counter edge
- Your sink or its mounting hardware is loose
- Low water pressure at the faucet, but fine in other areas of your RV
- Leaking around faucet, taps, or under-sink plumbing
- Slow drainage or stubborn clogs
- Rust anywhere along the drain, faucet, or sink edge
Types of RV Sinks
If you’ve decided that yes, it’s definitely time to replace your RV sink, now you have the fun of selecting and installing your new one. Discover the most popular styles to choose from below.
Drop-In. The simplest and most straightforward style to install, this RV sink type features a lip that rests on the counter and drops into the hole. You just have to make sure that the sink you’re buying is compatible with the opening of your counter.
Undermount. These sinks sit flush with your countertop, adding a touch of sleekness and elegance to the look of your kitchen or bathroom. As you can probably imagine, this style requires precise placement during installation. Take accurate measurements (multiple times!) to be sure you have your specs spot-on before ordering or purchasing.
Farmhouse Style. These sinks don't just sit in your counter—they stand out (literally). The design protrudes from the counter, integrating the sink’s front profile into the overall look and adding a certain rustic charm to your décor.
RV Sink Sizing
RV sinks are a strange bunch, with many varying shapes and sizes. Interestingly, the only thing “standardized” is the drain hole, at 2 ⅛" – and even that isn’t always a given.
In general, the most common size for an RV kitchen sink is around 15 inches. Smaller RVs or campers will naturally have smaller amenities, so expect something closer to 12 inches in the kitchen. If you’re rocking a big road behemoth, you might find something closer to residential kitchen sizing, at 20+ inches. Overall depth varies between 4 to 8 inches, but the average is around 5.5.
Bathroom sinks are usually smaller, with lengths ranging from 10 to 20 inches, widths ranging from 8 to 15 inches, and depths typically between 4 to 6 inches.
Remember to double-check your plumbing, fixture measurements, and sink holes to make sure everything is going to fit together properly and be compatible with your new sink setup. This is less of a challenge if you’re just swapping out your old sink for its newer and younger twin. If, however, you’re swapping out your RV sink for a household sink, or going up in sizing, be very careful when choosing plumbing and fixtures.
RV Sink Brands
When it comes to RV-specific sinks, there are several trusted brands that have been manufacturing high-quality and durable options for years and have a proven track record of being a good value for your investment. They also happen to be available right here on Parts Via.
Lippert Components
For more than 50 years, Lippert has offered a large selection of stainless steel and durable, scratch-resistant acrylic and plastic sinks that are specifically-designed with the RV lifestyle in mind. Many of the sinks feature clever adaptations, such as channel grooves in the basin that prevent water from sitting in the bottom of the sink.
LaSalle Bristol
LaSalle Bristol provides lightweight, classically-designed sinks that are ideal for your RV bathroom or kitchen. The company specifically focuses on products and fixtures designed for factory-built housing and RVs, so you can rest assured that installation will be relatively easy and straightforward.
JR Products
JR products provides molded sinks for your RV at an affordable price. Most options are a straightforward design that might not be a showstopper, but they do come backed by a limited lifetime warranty as an added bonus.
RV Sink Accessories
When it comes to revitalizing your RV sink, sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest impact. Beyond considering sink replacements, don't overlook the transformative power of accessories.
Faucets are a great way to upgrade your RV sink, and they are much easier to install than a whole new sink. Dura Faucet makes a wide variety of options that include flexible and extendable features to make tasks like cleaning dishes in tight spaces easier to manage.
Other options to freshen up your sink include sink covers to help extend your preparation space in those tight galley kitchens. Don’t forget about accessories like draining trays and cutting boards that fit in or over the sink to maximize space and minimize cleanup.
Whether you decide to repair or replace your RV sink, the project will definitely give your camper a bit of a facelift. Be careful though; once you do one upgrade, you might start to notice all the other “little touches” you can do to refresh and renew your beloved RV.