What Is a Sink Divider?

Description

• Most kitchen sinks available at home supply stores are designed with two basins and already have a sink divider with separate drains on each side. Sometimes one drain is installed with a garbage disposal. The drawback of many sink dividers is they reduce vertical space for washing large items. To address this problem, some newer sink divider models are set lower, making it easier to accomplish chores such as cleaning cookie sheets and pans. You can also purchase dividers from home supply stores and install them yourself. They are often composed of aluminum and held with suction cups to form a watertight seal, effectively forming two basins.

Installation

• If you are installing your own sink divider, it's important to set the divider lower than the countertop to avoid water flowing out of the basin. Set the divider in place, keeping in mind that it will completely seal one side from the other. If there is only one drain in the center of the sink, set the divider off to the side and avoid placing it where the drain is. Otherwise, water might flow through from one side to the other.

Function

• Large basins can benefit from a sink divider, as the device allows you to perform two different functions in a single sink. For example, one sink can be filled with water for washing dishes, while the other allowed to drain for rinsing purposes. In addition to adding versatility, a sink divider can prevent flooding if it is installed correctly. When one basin overflows, the overflow pours into the opposite sink, as long as the rim is placed lower. But if both sinks are overflowing, the divider will not do much good.

Divider Mats

• Divider mats are products that add additional function to your sink divider. These mats are usually composed of rubber and lay on top of the divider. They allow storage of sink tools such as brushes, sponges and rags. Some are composed of antimicrobial material that prevents the buildup of bacteria, stains and odors.