The Hidden Costs of Installing a Single Bowl Kitchen Sink

Apr 28, 2025by lefton sanitary

Ah, the single bowl kitchen sink—sleek, modern, and oh-so-minimalist. It’s the darling of home renovation shows and Pinterest boards alike. But before you jump on the bandwagon, hold your horses! What those glossy magazines don’t tell you are the sneaky, wallet-thinning expenses lurking beneath the surface.

Sure, a single bowl sink might seem like a budget-friendly choice at first glance, but the hidden costs of installing a single bowl kitchen sink can add up faster than you can say, "Wait, why is my plumber charging me extra?" From unexpected plumbing adjustments to the need for additional accessories, this "simple" upgrade might not be so simple after all.

So, grab a coffee (you might need it), and let’s dive into the real price tag of that stylish single bowl sink.

1. Plumbing Adjustments: The Silent Budget Killer

You’d think swapping out an old sink for a new one is a plug-and-play situation—wrong! Here’s where the hidden costs of installing a single bowl kitchen sink start creeping in.

Unexpected Pipe Rerouting

If your old sink was a double bowl, the plumbing setup won’t match.

Pipes may need repositioning, which means more labor = more $$$.

Older homes? Even worse—outdated pipes might need replacing altogether.

Drainage Dilemmas

Single bowls often have a centered drain, unlike double bowls.

If your garbage disposal isn’t compatible, guess what? Another expense!

"But my sink came with a warranty!" Yeah, but warranties don’t cover plumber call-outs at $150 an hour. Ouch.

2. The Countertop Conundrum

Here’s another curveball—your countertop might not be ready for its new sink soulmate.

Cutting & Resizing Costs

Single bowl sinks usually require a larger cutout than double bowls.

Granite or quartz? Precision cutting isn’t cheap, and mistakes are costly.

Sealing & Reinforcement

A bigger basin means less countertop support.

You might need extra brackets or reinforcement, adding to the bill.

Pro tip: Always measure twice (or hire someone who will).

3. The Accessory Trap

Think a sink is just… a sink? Think again!

Must-Have Add-Ons

Strainers & Grids – Single bowls often need custom-fit accessories.

Specialty Faucets – That fancy pull-down sprayer? Not always included.

Cutting Boards & Inserts – Without a second bowl, you’ll want these for prep space.

The Sink Grid Scam

Those protective sink grids? They prevent scratches but cost extra.

Skip them, and you risk damaging your shiny new sink. Lose-lose!

4. Water Usage & Efficiency Surprises

Single bowl sinks seem efficient, but are they really?

Higher Water Waste?

Washing dishes in one basin means more refills = more water used.

No separate soaking area? You’ll likely leave the tap running longer.

Hot Water Heater Strain

More refills = more hot water used.

If your heater’s old, it might struggle, leading to—yep—higher bills.

5. Resale Value: Will Buyers Love It?

Here’s the kicker—will your sink hurt your home’s value?

The Buyer’s Perspective

Families often prefer double bowls for multitasking.

A single bowl might be seen as "less functional," lowering its appeal.

Future Renovation Costs

If you sell, the next owner might rip it out.

That means your "upgrade" could be a temporary expense.

Related Article: How to Install a Kitchen Sink Like a Pro!

FAQs

Q: Is a single bowl sink cheaper than a double bowl?

A: Initially, yes. But with plumbing, countertop work, and add-ons, the hidden costs of installing a single bowl kitchen sink can make it pricier.

Q: Can I install it myself to save money?

A: If you’re handy, maybe. But one wrong cut in your countertop, and you’re in DIY disaster territory.

Q: Are single bowl sinks harder to maintain?

A: Not necessarily, but without dividers, clutter can pile up faster.

Conclusion

So, should you install a single bowl kitchen sink? Well, it depends. If you’re after that sleek, minimalist look and don’t mind the extra costs, go for it! But if you’re budget-conscious, those hidden costs of installing a single bowl kitchen sink might make you think twice.