Does A Kitchen Sink Need To Be On An Outside Wall?

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So, does a kitchen sink need to be on an outside wall?

Let’s find out…

We at izzysmarthomeguide.com have been receiving quite often this query mostly from first-time buyers so we decided to answer it on our blog so that a wide range of audiences can reap the benefit.

So, without any further ado, let’s begin…

The straightforward answer to the question does a kitchen sink need to be on an outside wall is NO it’s NOT AT ALL COMPULSORY to install your kitchen sink on an outside wall.

However, by doing so, you can reap some benefits that you can’t by installing on some other locations in your kitchen.

In simple words, a kitchen sink can pretty well be installed anywhere in your kitchen, it’s as simple as that.

In fact, any location in your kitchen that has access to incoming hot & cold water, outgoing dirty water, and has a vent close enough to vent the drainage pipe can do the trick for you.

Moreover, if you’re a resident cold region, then putting pipes in an outside wall wouldn’t be a good idea for sure as the probability is very high that these pipes might interfere with your insulation envelope, and might be in danger of freezing.

In layman’s terms, since windows are on the outside walls in general, a sink that is placed under a window doesn’t require extra piping by any means under the floor for drainage.

And, as a result, there is a drastic reduction in the installation cost and also the convenience enhances multifold.

Why do most kitchens have the sink facing a window?

Frankly speaking, even after doing loads and loads of research I couldn’t find a logical answer to the query, why do most kitchens have the sink facing a window?

However, from our experience and knowledge, I’m sharing some logical points that might suffice your quest for the query.

Quicker, Easier, and Cheaper Plumbing

It’s a known fact that a sink waste pipe needs to be connected to the drains.

Moreover, the farther you’ll move your sink from the outside wall the longer pipe you’ll need for its drainage.

On the costing front also, moving sink farther from the outside wall isn’t a good idea at all.

Well, if you’re planning to install your kitchen sink at locations other than the outside wall, then you need to read this.

Drain pipes for all the sinks away from the exterior walls run mostly under the kitchen floor.

So, in the case of a major blockage, you don’t have an option but to dig up the floor for accessing the pipes which will involve more time and money.

Aesthetics

A sink under the kitchen window is definitely pleasing to the eyes.

It wouldn’t be wrong to claim that sinks are the visual focal points in a kitchen.

A window can not only beautify this space but also turn it into a delightful corner that will have some meaningful importance.

Well, while you are in the process of cleaning utensils which doesn’t require any mind, the sink facing a window allows you to look outside and thus prevents you from getting bored.

Fresh Air & Sunlight

A window above your kitchen sink will not only enhance the aesthetic look and feel of your kitchen but will also act as a passage for both fresh air and sunlight entrance.

Dirty dishes tend to get smelly and so if you’re having a window right above your sink then definitely, it will provide you much relief.

And, the best part is, a window will allow the sunlight to enter your kitchen early morning.

Functionality

If there are overhead cabinets on the wall over the sink, they may interfere with the ability to wash large items in the sink.

Space Utilization

Since overhead cabinets in the sink space may interfere with the sink so the location becomes the logical place for a window.

Tradition

In the olden days, prior to the era of air conditioners, the window over the sink used to give a pleasant view and used to act as a passage for a cold and fresh breeze.

Also, a window allows the inward movement of sunlight which is definitely good for the health.

Before the era of exhaust fans, the window allows steam from the hot water to escape through it instead of steaming up the kitchen.

Does a kitchen sink need to be under window?

Not necessarily, but it’s good to have a kitchen sink under the window.

Let’s understand with an example.

It’s a known fact that most of the windows are part of an outside wall, right?

Moreover, kitchen sinks as well as other kitchen appliances including washing machines, dishwashers, etc need to be drained out on a regular basis through a waste pipe to an outside drain.

So, it makes more sense to have them on the outside wall or to a location very close to the wall.

To be honest, it’s not necessary to put the sink under the window.

But, tell me, who will prefer to look at the wall while cleaning the dishes.

Not only a window will give you a good view but will also allow fresh air and sunlight to enter your kitchen.

How far should a kitchen sink be from the wall?

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, a kitchen sink needs to be at least 20 inches from the wall.

Moreover, the sink edge should be at least 4 inches from the wall as well as large objects including cabinets.

Wrapping Up | Does A Kitchen Sink Need To Be On An Outside Wall

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.

Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort into coming up with this idiosyncratic superlative piece of information.

And, in case, you liked our effort and want to appreciate us then please do share this post with like-minded people and the ones who are in need of it.

After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?

Cutting long-story-short, it’s not a compulsion to have a kitchen sink on an outside wall or below a window.

However, having a sink below the window allows you to have a clear view of the outside as well as act as a passage for both fresh air and sunlight.

That’s all, as of now :):)

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