Your sink pipes may seem like an afterthought, but they play an important role in your kitchen or bathroom’s plumbing system. Choosing durable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing sink pipes can enhance the look and function of your sink. There are many noteworthy options to consider when selecting new sink piping. In this article, we will explore some of the sink pipes worth seeing for your next plumbing project.
Modern Metal Sink Pipes
Metal pipes with a brushed finish or bold color bring an exciting, contemporary vibe to kitchen and bath sinks. Here are some sink pipe styles worth considering if you want a modern metallic look:
Brushed Stainless Steel
Brushed stainless steel brings a subtle gleam with scratch-resistant durability. The brushed treatment helps conceal fingerprints and water spots compared to a highly polished finish. Stainless steel pipes nicely complement stainless, chrome, or nickel sink fixtures.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
This rich, dark bronze finish lends a handsome, antique-inspired look. Oil-rubbed bronze works well in traditional, Tuscan, or farmhouse decors. The living finish develops its own patina over time.
Matte Black
For seriously modern style, matte black sink pipes make a dramatic statement. The deep, dark hue pairs perfectly with black sink basins and matte black fixtures. Fingerprints blend right in instead of standing out.
Copper
Copper pipes deliver a soft, warm glow to bathrooms and kitchens. Natural copper develops a unique patina as it ages. Brushed copper offers a more subdued look than shiny pipes. Or choose pre-patinated copper finished in verdigris for an aged appearance.
Classic Chrome Sink Pipes
You can never go wrong with crisp, clean chrome pipes. This versatile metal works with sinks of all styles. Here are some things that make chrome sink pipes worth considering:
Timeless Shine
Chrome’s glossy mirrored finish provides a classic look that catches the light beautifully. The shiny surface resists corrosion and is easy to keep looking polished.
Affordable Option
Chrome is an economical choice for sink pipes. Less expensive than many designer finishes, chrome offers a quality look on a budget.
Pairs With Any Faucet
Thanks to its versatile shine, chrome piping matches any chrome, stainless, or nickel faucet finish. Chrome complements both traditional and contemporary styles.
Easy to Clean
Chrome’s smooth non-porous surface does not allow mineral deposits and grime to build up easily. A quick wipe down keeps pipes looking pristine. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the reflective surface.
Unique Glass Sink Pipes
For a touch of artsy sophistication, decorative glass sink pipes make a stunning design statement. Here are some eye-catching options:
Colored Glass
Add a burst of color with hand-blown glass pipes in vibrant jewel tones and pastel shades like emerald, sapphire, and pink. Each piece displays distinctive artistic variations.
Bubble Glass
The bubbled texture of this art glass gets its distinctive look from air blown into the molten glass. The bubbly pipes refract light beautifully. Subtle earth tones work well in traditional kitchens.
Recycled Glass
Pipes made from recycled glass, such as old wine bottles, give an eco-friendly aesthetic. No two pipes look exactly alike due to the variations in recycled materials. Cool greens and blues are common.
Murano Glass
Intricate multicolored patterns characteristic of Italy’s Murano glassmaking create sink pipes that are tiny works of art. Each piece exhibits a unique handmade look.
Durable Plastic Sink Pipes
Don’t overlook plastic pipes for kitchen and bath sinks. Today’s plastic composites offer advantages like:
Lightweight Design
Plastic pipes weigh far less than metal options, putting less strain on your plumbing connections. This makes DIY installation easier.
Noise Reduction
Plastic muffles noisy water flow, creating a quieter sink environment than metal pipes. Your early morning bathroom routine won’t disturb the whole house.
Configurable Styles
Plastic composites can be fabricated to match almost any finish, whether you want shiny chrome, brushed steel or antique bronze. Textured finishes help hide scratches.
Corrosion Resistance
Plastic holds up well to moisture. You won’t have issues with rust or mineral deposits that build up inside metal pipes over time.
Unique Decor Add-ons
Personalize your sink station with special decor accents on the pipes like these:
Pipe Covers
For a quick cosmetic upgrade, slip fabric covers over existing pipes. Choose cotton prints, faux fur, or chic metallic fabrics. Simply slide on and off for easy cleaning.
Wood Cradles
Natural wood cradles in finishes like oak or maple give pipes a handsome built-in look. Multi-piece cradles secure around pipes with removable fasteners. Stain or paint to match your cabinets.
Pipe Brackets
Ornate wrought iron brackets affix to the wall to hold pipes in place with an artistic twist. Vintage styles work well in traditional decor, or try sleek modern brackets for contemporary spaces.
Hidden Storage
Hollow pipe covers with removable tops allow you to stash small items inside like cleaning wipes, soap bottles, or scrub brushes. Keep necessities at your fingertips but out of sight.
Get Your Pipes in Order
To keep your sink pipes in top shape:
Upgrade Old Pipes
If your existing pipes are leaky or corroded, replace them with new copper, PEX or PVC. Make sure all connections are watertight.
Maintain Protective Finishes
Re-apply protective finishes on metal pipes as needed to prevent scratches and corrosion. Regular cleaning also helps pipes retain their finish.
Insulate Pipes
Wrap foam insulators around exposed hot and cold water supply lines to prevent energy loss and reduce sweating that causes drips.
Anchor Securely
Ensure pipes have proper anchors, clamps and wall supports for a sound installation. This prevents leaks and damage from pipes slipping.
Add Shut-Off Valves
Installing dedicated shut-off valves for hot and cold supply lines enables you to easily turn off water to the sink for repairs when needed.
FAQs About Noteworthy Sink Pipes
What are some benefits of stainless steel sink pipes?
Stainless steel pipes offer great durability with a scratch-resistant brushed finish that resists fingerprints. Stainless complements most sink finishes and is easy to coordinate fixtures.
Do copper pipes wear well over time?
Yes, copper develops a living patina but remains structurally sound. The natural weathering blends right in for a vintage look. Keep the surface protected from corrosion.
What plastic materials work well for sink pipes?
PVC, CPVC, ABS and PEX plastic composites are common sink pipe options that resist corrosion and insulate against noise. Many can be molded with a chrome or bronze finish.
Should I insulate my sink pipes?
Insulating exposed pipes helps muffle noise, boosts energy efficiency and prevents sweating drips. Foam tubing sleeves easily slip onto supply lines. Use heat tape to protect drain pipes.
How do I quiet a noisy sink?
Noisy pipes are annoying! Switching to quieter plastic piping helps reduce noise. Also check for loose pipe connections and anchor points that could be vibrating. Insulation also muffles sound.
How do I clean decorative glass sink pipes?
Use a soft cloth with warm water and a very mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads that could scratch or etch the delicate decorative glass surface.
What causes pipes to corrode?
Corrosion occurs when pipes interact with moisture and contaminants. Hard water minerals, salt, chemicals and sediments in tap water contribute to corrosion over time.
How do I stop pipes from sweating and dripping?
Insulating cold water pipes prevents condensation. Correcting oversized pipes helps too. Dripping drain pipes need better ventilation or realignment away from walls and ceilings they drip on.
What are sink pipe covers made of?
Common materials for decorative removable covers include fabrics like cotton, flexible metals, absorbent terry cloth, water-resistant synthetics and fur. Ensure covers fit snugly but are removable for cleaning.
Can I DIY my sink pipe installation?
If you have plumbing experience, DIY sink pipe replacement is totally feasible. Ensure you get proper fittings and connections for your sink type. Getting the hang height exact does take finesse.
Enhance Your Sink Station with Stunning Pipes
Don’t take your sink pipes for granted! The right piping finishes and styles can elevate your whole sink station. Take time to explore the many choices available today. With quality sink pipes that complement your design tastes, you can enjoy a functional sink space that looks fantastic. Those noteworthy pipes truly worth seeing add unique visual appeal to kitchens and bathrooms. With information on benefits, features and design tips, you are now ready to upgrade your sink with pipes that make a spectacular style statement.
