How does the gauge of the sink effect its durability?

Gauge represents the thickness of materials used in sink construction. Typically, the gauge on a stainless steel kitchen sink will range from 16 to 22 gauge.  Although it sounds backwards, the lower the gauge, the higher the stainless content.  16 gauge are a more expensive choice, and therefore classed as luxury sinks.  While going as low as a 22 gauge sink may not be an ideal and they are more opt to dent or bow, making installation sometimes more challenging, and the sink can then easily drop from the counter installation.  Note also that dings are easily visible in this gauge of steel].  This type of sink is often only recommended for recreational vehicles, or somewhere less frequently used.  Tidal is proud to offer sinks in either 16 gauge or 18 gauge models.  We have chosen the thickness that will be most durable, and will likely hold up to the everyday needs your kitchen sink.

What does stainless steel grade 304, 18/8 or 18/10 mean?

The grade of stainless steel refers to the quality, durability and temperature resistance, where the numbers (i.e. 18/8) refer to the percentage of chromium and nickel respectively contained in the sink (in this case 18% chromium and 8% nickel).  It is important to add chrome for it’s exceptional lustre, durability and protection from corrosion, as well as nickel for ultimate hardness and strength.  The composites 18/8 and 18/10 are the most commonly used steel for safe food preparation.  A grade of 304 allows us to provide customers with a high quality, clean, satin finished sink, as well as demonstrating a low ongoing cost to clean and maintain the sink.  Increasing the grade to 316 (the second most popular grade) would include molybdenum in the mix, adding increased resistance against corrosion, however is significantly higher in price, and considered more of a commercial use product.  All Tidal stainless steel sinks are currently offered in 304 – 18/8.

Does Stainless Steel Rust or corrode?

Stainless steel does not easily stain, corrode, or rust. Having said that, stainless steel is not considered to be stain or rust proof either.  External factors, such as other metal surfaces, hard water, high iron content, sea water, extreme water temperatures, chemicals, abrasive cleaners, saline levels, poor air and/or oxygen quality can have adverse affects on the longevity of your stainless steel sink.  For example, if you choose to leave a cast iron pan directly on your stainless steel sink, you will notice, what looks like rust forming on your sink.  If that product remains in the sink for an extended period of time, it could cause serious damage your sink.  Even things like a simple SOS pad (which is not recommended) can leave behind particles that may cause the appearance of spotting or staining on your sink.  Please ensure you rinse your sink well after any external products have come in contact with it.

How do I protect my sink?

There are a few preventative items that can be done to ensure it remains in like new condition.  First, promptly remove leftover food, dishes, cleaning products and/or items (i.e. a sponge or cloth) that may contain agents that may damage the sink.    Always rinse your sink well after use and towel dry, which removes any residual chemicals from building up on your sink.  Scour your sink along the finish lines weekly to prevent the buildup of scaling.  Note that a soft scour pad (not steel wool) should be used.  The use of bottom grids will prevent the appearance of spotting and scratching at the base of your sink.  Grid guards should be cleaning on a frequent basis, as leftover food, soiled sink water and/or cleaning products can easily stick to the surface of those guards.

Why are sinks coated for sound insulation?

Most sink manufacturers use a protective spray coating on the underside of the sink to help prevent soundwaves from vibrating through the stainless steel, therefore decreasing the volume of water splashing, hands, dishes or other items touching the sides / base of your sink.  Many higher end sinks will also utilize sound pads in key areas of your sink to further promote sound reduction.  Aside from the obvious sound reduction benefits, a likely more important benefit to using the spray coating and sound pads is the reduction of moisture buildup in the underside of your sink.  The base cabinet that holds your sink is typically a cooler environment, and when introducing hot water in the sink bowls, it can cause moisture buildup on the underside of your sink.  As there is typically low airflow and no direct light source to evaporate water, this moisture buildup on the underside of your sink could lead to mold forming on your sink underside and/or base cabinet, or rust forming on the drain and/or pipes.  When left unattended, this type of moisture may also attract unwanted insects in that area.  All Tidal products offer both protective spray coating and sound pads to ensure a moisture free, quiet environment.

How do I repair scratches or brown spots on my stainless steel sink?

Regardless of the methods found on the internet, it is NOT recommended that you use any form of abrasive cleaning products or scouring pads on a stainless steel sink.  Different types of sinks (pressed, or hand made) require different methods based on the grain flow and tooling used when manufacturing the actual sink, so it is very difficult to suggest one type of method that spans across all sink types.  Ideally, you start with a cleaned sink, and use the protective grids, however it is inevitable that minor scratches will happen.  Deep scratches are almost impossible to remove, regardless of the sink type.  Having said that, there are three products that we have had success in removing spots, and sometimes minor scratches.  The cream version of bar keepers friend (http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/), magic eraser (http://www.mrclean.com/en-us), and Nevr-dull (http://www.nevrdull.com/).  Please note that any use of these products is done at your own risk, and you should always follow the instructions found on the label, or on the manufactures website.  Although we have had success with these products in the past, applying any product with excess pressure may remove the protective sink coating and require continuous cleaning afterward.

How do I install the drain gaskets?

Tidal drains will come packed the way they are intended to be installed.  For standard drains, use the instructions shown in figure 1) and for deluxe drains, use the instructions shown in figure 2) below.  Before unpacking the drain for installation, note the colour and size of the seal gaskets as they are to be installed as they are configured in the original packaging.  Typically, the one to be installed above (or inside) of the sink basin will be slightly thinner, and may or may not be white in colour.  For your convenience, we have also included an extension pipe piece with each drain, in case your plumbing sits lower than the selected sink base.  It is highly recommended that a licenced / registered plumber install your drains.  Installation by anyone other than a licenced individual will make your warranty null and void.  See our warranty page for more details.

The simple answer…  No, we do not sell direct to the public.  We have several dealers and distributors that would be more than happy to help you select the sink that is right for you.  For a complete list of our dealers, please refer to the contact us page, or contact us by email at info@tidalsinks.com. Since you’ve already found our web page, feel free to explore the product page, which allows you to search our sink database by model, description, your desired cabinet size or sink type.  This page will display a sink photo, and give you options to view and/or print the catalog page, sink specifications, installation, care & maintenance and/or warranty information.  For pricing and availability, please contact your local dealer directly.

Where can I find more information about your sinks?

In the quick links section at the bottom of our website, you can choose the catalog and flip through colour sink photos.  Or, feel free to explore the product page, which allows you to search our sink database by model, description, your desired cabinet size or sink type.  This page will display a sink photo, and give you options to view and/or print the catalog page, sink specifications, installation, care & maintenance and/or warranty information.  For more information about Tidal or any of our products and services, please contact us at info@tidalsinks.com.  For pricing and availability, please contact your local dealer directly.