back pain, did I buy the wrong sink? 19.5' need to lean to faucet

14 years ago

Hi,

Did I buy the wrong sink?

I have back pain and I ordered a sink that is 19.5" dimension towards the faucet, which means I would have to lean slightly to get to the faucet handle. I am 5'6" tall.

Featured Answer

friedajune

14 years ago

First, regarding the sink - the best sink to lessen the chance of back pain is an apron front sink. With an apron front sink, you do not have 4-5" of countertop in the front of the sink to lean over, the way you would for an undermount sink. Instead, your body is right up against the apron front of the sink. You didn't say what stage in your kitchen redo you're at while you're determining whether you bought the wrong sink--has your countertop been cut and scribed already for an undermount sink? If not, then perhaps look at switching to an apront front sink. But also make sure your contractor has the expertise to install one, as they're harder than an undermount. Do a search on this forum for apron front sink and you'll see a lot of threads.

Second, as to the faucet, I don't think that the handle on top vs. handle at the base will have a significant impact on your back; it's just a few inches difference, and you only reach for the handle for a second or two. The bigger impact will be the reach of your faucet, i.e. where the spout is. You didn't say what faucet you've chosen. A pull-down faucet will have a shorter reach, and be close to the back of the sink, which will be harder on your back cause you'll have to reach more while you are using it. A better choice would be a pull-out faucet, and one that has a length that brings the spout closer to you. When someone is using a kitchen faucet, as I mentioned they just touch the handle for a second or two, but are likely standing for much longer with hands under the faucet spout while rinsing, filling a pot, washing the sink, etc. So the reach of the faucet is important. A good idea is, before installing (or even purchasing) the faucet, to make a cardboard cut-out of its dimensions, and hold it over your sink to see if you like the reach.

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Comments (9)

riverspots
14 years ago
A faucet with the control handle on top will be easier to reach taan one with controls at the base.
night_jasmine
Original Author
14 years ago
I did buy a faucet that controls at the base. And I am in love with the faucet.
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annie.zz
14 years ago
I have a D shaped sink and I put the faucet off to one side so that it's easier to reach. Could you do that?
night_jasmine
Original Author
14 years ago
No, that is not an option. I can only get a sink that has a smaller dimension toward the faucet. Very creative idea, though.
night_jasmine
Original Author
14 years ago
akchicago,

Unfortunately DH can't hates apron sinks and can't be talked into one (and I tried).

The cabinets have arrived and the sink is on order.

The faucet's spout sticks out 9" into the sink. The handle is on the side and the top of the handle is 5" from the countertop, so I think I have to lean to manipulate it. The faucet is Danze Opulence. Does this sound like it will hurt my back or be OK?

Also, is there a way to shorten the distance such as no granite overhang or faucet right up against the sink?

Here is a link that might be useful: faucet
night_jasmine
Original Author
14 years ago
Can anyone with a back problem chime in about their sink dimension toward the faucet and if it hurts their back or not?
friedajune
14 years ago
Unfortunately DH can't hates apron sinks and can't be talked into one (and I tried).

I say go back to your DH about the apron front sink - really, he'd rather you endure daily back pain than have a sink that's easier on your back but whose looks aren't to his taste? Perhaps word it to him that your back pain doesn't make his life any easier/better, so it might be better for him too to have the apron front sink. Also, if he doesn't like the fireclay apron front sinks, he may like the looks of the stainless apron front sinks. I'm linking a thread below of a beautiful kitchen with a stainless apron front sink bought on ebay. Maybe it'll change his mind about the looks.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread showing Hobokenkitchen's Apron Front Sink
night_jasmine
Original Author
14 years ago
OK I asked again and talked about the back and the answer was no.

The last sink was not an apron front and I had no problems. It was 16" dimension towards the faucet.

Should I opt for a different sink than the one I bought?