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Tue, Sep 18, 07 at 11:19
| I am installing granite in my kitchen with a 1 3/4 undermount SS sink. I have a faucet, lever, sprayer, and an airswitch. I have heard horror stories of where the granite installers cut out the holes, I want that control. But have never done this before so, I would love to know or see where you have yours. I did see a sink on a granite web site that had the faucet, lever, sprayer on the right side of the sink (all in back of the 3/4 sink) and they had a soap or hot water dispenser on the left corner of the larger sink. Would that be a good place for the airswitch or would it be too far for the wiring underneath? The garb disp is going on the right in the 3/4 sink. Thanks, |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by natesgramma (My Page) on Tue, Sep 18, 07 at 11:35
I just set these in yesterday, not installed yet. I wanted the soap dispenser to be on the side where I'll wash the dishes. It looks deceiving in the picture but it really does reach (barely). I went back and forth as to where to put the hot water but finally decided I liked the look this way. My undermount had 4 holes already drilled on the right side and we had to cut a bit into the area between the back of the cabinets to put the soap dispenser.  This is the before pic. I would have preferred to put the soap a little more behing the sink but we had major studs in the way. Hope this helps.  |
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| sanborn5, would you mind sharing your sink and faucet choices? I think we are choosing similar appliances/stuff and you may be one step ahead of me. The sink I like is a SS elkay http://elkayusa.com/catalog/sinks/product.asp?product_id=1473 . The faucet is grohe ladyluxe plus http://www.grohecatalog.com/product/33759/ . I'm looking forward to your replies. Last night I spent a couple of hours trying to find pics of sinks in the finished kitchen gallery. |
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| Our layout is similar to the one you described. I like having the airswitch and soap on the right as I'm right handed and it's more convenient. Since you engage the airswitch when you have the water runninng, it made sense to me to have them close to each other. Being as the instahot isn't used in tandem with anything and not as ofter as the airswitch or soap, we put it on the left side to balance everything out. The electrical cord and tube for airswitch was about 18 inches so I think you'll have room to put it where it's most convenient for you. (Sorry, I haven't learned how to resize my pics)
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| Fothia: Love the layout of your sink area. We want a lot of space behind our sink, like you, for plants, etc. and wondered how many inches you have between sink and window. Thanks so much. |
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| My sink is a Blanco Super Supreme 1 3/4 bowl undermount. My faucets are the Kohler Fairfax. It has the faucet, the lever handle, and the sprayer. I didn't get the combination sprayer/faucet for several reasons. My daughter has one and the darn thing leeks and she says sometimes it seems loose. Also, I think they look a little modern. I am building a cape shingle style cottage and I just thought the fairfax with everything separate was more my style I don't have the soap dispenser, or the hot water dispenser, but as Fothia stated, I thought about putting the airswitch on the left (just to balance everything out) However, natesgramma has 4 on the right and it looks great. My sinks are quite large interior of left sink 18 1/2 x 18 1/2 and the right sink is 13-19/32 x 15 3/4 but I guess my thoughts are again, would the wires on the airswitch reach, if I put it on the left the garbage disp that will be on the right. Or should I just put everything on the right? My worry is balance also. I could always open the package & check???? Ha. Keep posting, these pictures are great and when I get everything in I WILL learn to post pictures. |
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 Hope this helps. Sometimes the stone guys have good ideas having done it before. |
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| jmfromil, I liked the elkay also, and there was a Kohler I liked. I choice the Blanco, because I liked the color of the SS. It just seemed to have more of a slight nickle color to it. I got a really good deal on the internet. And of course the size. I have the even size double sink, and I wanted one of the 1 3/4 larger then one of my sinks, and the 3/4 is just a tiny bit smaller then my sinks. |
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- Posted by cloud_swift (My Page) on Wed, Sep 19, 07 at 11:39
| Here is ours. It really helped to do a mock up before-hand to play act using things. That way we knew everything would be reachable and not interfer with each other. Mock up:    We used the spot where the subtop was cutout for the range top so the faucet stuff could hang down below the top. We found it important to use the real faucet so we could check for handle swing. A washer and bolt with nuts are standing in for the air switch and air gap and the soap dispenser from out other sink is standing in for the insta-hot. The "sinks" were cut out from our sink templates. This may feel silly but it really helped us know exactly what we wanted when they came to drill the holes. The result: We put the air switches next to the faucet handles for the same reason as fothia - they are used together. |
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| Sorry to be dense, but can someone tell me what an airswitch is? I've also heard references to an "airgap." Can someone also tell me what that is? Are these things that are optional or mandatory? |
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- Posted by lynninnewmexico (My Page) on Wed, Sep 19, 07 at 14:08
| The air gap is the vent that works with your dishwasher. I've been told here that it can now be mounted in the cab below the sink in many cases. I was just wondering about the air switch myself. I'm wondering if it's the switch for the garbage disposal. |
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| Correct. Air gap is the ugly countertop "vent" which prevents a backflow into the dishwasher and which is redundant with many new dishwashers. Air switch is for the disposal. I believe the point of it is that it is non-electrical on the countertop. If you spill something and the liquid contacts the air gap there is no electrical problem. The usual alternative is a wall switch which might be confused with a light switch. |
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Just the faucet and the airswitch. Simplicity — just the way I like it.  Plants will go in that bay when the backsplash is done and the windows have their mechanics restored. |
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| The mock up is a fantastic idea!!! And now I think that since my small sink is approx. 14" across, they will not look crowded at all. Thanks everyone for the help! But just to be sure, I think I will do a mock up. |
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| Also, the airgap may be redundant, but unfortunately many cities have antiquated codes that require you to put in an airgap even if it's not needed. |
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| IMRainey: I also love your sink arrangement with lots of space behind your sink with the bay window in the back. Very similiar to what we will do. Can you tell me how many inches between your sink and window? Also, is that a Siligranit sink? Looks great! Thanks very much. |
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| It's 26" of counter from the back of the sink to the window. And the sink and counters are both soapstone. |
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| I should have added that I don't think the material or manufacturer of the sink should make any difference. Go for it with your Silgranite sink! ;> There are two tiny seams from the back corners of the sink to the edge of the window opening. They're very short. You can hardly see them. |
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- Posted by lynninnewmexico (My Page) on Thu, Sep 20, 07 at 18:34
| Thanks for the suggestion of first doing a mock-up. Just finished doing one and it really has helped us to make this decision. Another great GW idea! |
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| cloud swift, what double bowl undermount sink did you choose? Your idea of a mock up helped when I went to the store today. I had envisioned the elkay http://elkayusa.com/catalog/sinks/product.asp?product_id=1473 with the grohe ladylux plus, but I didn't like how the faucet 'extended' into the larger bowl and faucet handle clearance is an issue too. sanborn5, how is your decision process going? |
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| We are heading to the granite yard today to actually see my granite choices. I plan on doing a mock up. But I do know that all three if not all four will be located on the right with my smaller sink. Just still not sure if they will look to crowded. I think the mock up will help me with that decision. As someone else quoted "another garden web great idea" I honestly don't know how we built 7 other house without this site?????? |
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- Posted by cloud_swift (My Page) on Fri, Sep 21, 07 at 11:38
| Our sink is the C-Tech-I Massilia. The cost is good, the sink is 16 guage (though I think 18 would have been fine too) and the sink grids are included. They also include a colander (not one that hangs in the sink - just a nice big regular one with feet) and the drain thing with a strainer for the non-GD side of the sink. |
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| IMRainey: Thanks for your info - much appreciated! |
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| So are airgaps only required in certain cities? I have one now, but would love to eliminate it in the new kitchen. I am in SoCal. |
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| Thanks, cloud swift! (good food for thought) I've got to make a decision soon. Sanborn5, how did it go at the granite yard? |
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| Garbage disposal is on the right.
Air gaps are required here in NorCal. |
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- Posted by labradoodlelady (My Page) on Sat, Sep 22, 07 at 6:21
| I needed to fit in more "stuff" on my counter than you are, but it all seems to be working out well. The air gap (required in Hawaii) is on the opposite side of the sink from the dishwasher, and the air switch for the disposal is also on the opposite side. The distance doesn't seem to make a difference, and that's with a full RO system hogging space. I put the air switch on the left side -- I'm right handed, but I figured I'd probably be holding the sponge or pull down faucet at the same time, so it seemed to make sense to make the operation of the switch left-handed. |
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| FYI--no air switches necessary in NY (at least not in Southern NY State). |
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| vicnsb - I'm in SoCal, too. Yes, air gaps are required by an out-dated law here. Do check the specs for your d/w, as (so my plumber sez) most new models don't need an air gap. To be in compliance for inspection, we're installing an air gap and my plumber will swap it out for the air switch, post-inspection. |
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| Don't know if you still want to see another photo, but here is mine, complete with airswitch.
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| oofasis...thanks , switching later sounds like a great idea. I will be doing dishwasher drawers, not sure exactly which ones yet. |
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- Posted by cloud_swift (My Page) on Sun, Sep 23, 07 at 15:18
| Vicnsb, if you switch the airgap out, you won't be in code. A lot of people here don't seem to care about that, but you might need to get back into code when time comes to sell. Our GC got a stainless steel air gap for us instead of the fakey flaky chromed plastic one our old kitchen had and I think it looks fine. At least it matches. |
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- Posted by toomuchstuph (My Page) on Sun, Sep 23, 07 at 15:32
| Vicnsb, if your sink is on an outside wall, perhaps venting the airgap outside could work. I've heard this called a Johnson Tee. If you search on the appliance forum you'll see a thread or two about it. I've attached a photo though from a member who did this. The photo only shows what the airgap looks like from the outside of her house. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Outside airgap
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| Dumb n00b question (and thanks cloud_swift for pointing me to this thread): What's an air switch/airgap? Oh. My. Goodness. I have SO much to learn before November.... |
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| air switch is a button you add by your faucet for your garbage disposal. air gap is the vent thingy for your dishwasher, which most people don't need. It just depends on where you live. I live in NC and don't need one. I just have the faucet and soap dispenser but I'm thinking about adding a hole (for either an instahot or an air switch) when the granite guys come back to cut the hole for my Mockett outlet in my island (it wasn't here yet when they came for installation). |
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- Posted by cloud_swift (My Page) on Wed, Sep 26, 07 at 10:33
| California code requires an air gap for a dishwasher. It is a device that keeps water from going back into the dishwasher drain. Many modern dishwashers have that protection built in so their manufacturers say they don't need it, but California still requires the external one. In the photo of my main sink above, it is the cylinder thing next to the insta hot faucet. The air switch is the little button thing to the right of each of my faucets. It has an air tube that activates the switch for the garbage disposal. Some people like it because they aren't touching an electrical switch with wet hands to turn on the disposal. I like it because it is convenient right next to the faucets - our sinks are on an island and in front of a window so neither has a convenient spot for a wall switch. |
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- Posted by sheilaaus122 (My Page) on Wed, Sep 26, 07 at 10:58
| Very helpful. Labradoodlelady- What faucet is that ? It is very attractive! |
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| We just bought our home in July. I am hating our faucet because I really want a goose neck faucet. I only have two holes, one for faucet and one for soap dispenser. I really do not use the soap dispenser. I am looking for a goose neck faucet in oil rubbed bronze (I think) with sprayer. here is picture
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| Lauraa I have a oil bronzed fauce goose neck faucet for sale. I purchased one at a retailer locally and then found one that I liked better online. If you are interested in some information about it please let me know. Email addy is in profile. |
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- Posted by shezzy_in_sj (My Page) on Fri, Oct 26, 07 at 12:41
| This is a crummy picture. For some reason it is blurry. Couldn't be the photographer??? Haven't taken the time to retake the pic, but it illustrates the point to some degree. The Silgranit sink has seven knock outs, IIRC. So, from left to right we put in: water filter faucet, disposal air switch, blank/empty, single hole faucet, blank/empty, soap dispenser, dishwasher air gap (CA code). The dishwasher is on the right, and so we put the air gap to the right. I hold my sponge with my left hand, so I wanted the soap dispenser on my right, as well. The other two went to the other side for symmetry.
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| NY888 and others with gooseneck faucets: Do you have any problems with water splashing? I've been reading of this and wondering. Is it the faucet height? Sink depth? Any thoughts? |
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| Thanks everyone! I did the same set up as natesgramma except for the soap dispenser on the left. I didn't get that so I kept my 4 holes on the right. And my faucets would be in by now if they hadn't used dull tools. They split my counter when they drilled and they butchered my backsplashes. They put us behind over two weeks. PLEASE make sure when they drill the holes they use all NEW drill bits and polishing tools. |
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| Here's mine. I set out to get a gooseneck, but they seemed sooooo large and overwhelming, that I decided against it. So far I don't regret it. I LOVE MY faucet!!!
Christy |
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| Shezzy in SJ: (my old birthplace!) Kitchen sink area is beautiful - what faucet do you have there? It is so shiny and sparkly. Like your granite, too - name? Thanks! |
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- Posted by lynninnewmexico (My Page) on Wed, Oct 31, 07 at 17:43
| Cloud Swift's is my inspiration for faucet layout. This is a great thread, as the pics of the different layouts are invaluable for figuring out which will work best for you. |
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| I will post mine when we are done. AND< I learn how to post a picture. This GW forum has been so helpful. I plan on posting a ton of pictures when we move in. Thanks again for all the help. |
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| Hi. Susan here. I have a 70/30 sink. I originally set out for a high arch faucet, but it splashed too much so I ended up with a standard size faucet and love it! Also I got a matching soap dispenser and filtered water spout.
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| Hi, new to posting, but I have been lurking and learning, thanks to all of you. Cburch, what kind of sink did you get? |
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- Posted by franki1962 (My Page) on Tue, Nov 6, 07 at 12:35
| I wanted to have the soap dispenser on the left but it was to tight to the sidewall. It ended up: Faucet, soap, airswicth, insta-hot (sort of useful)
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| Franke: I love your granite! What is the name of it, please? And your faucet and color of it - looks like brass but not sure on my screen. Nice look. Thanks! |
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- Posted by saskatchewan_girl (My Page) on Wed, Nov 7, 07 at 14:53
| Susan4664, what size are your sinks (w & d)? I really like your cabinet stain, it looks gorgeous : ) Franki1962 I like how your tap & extras line up........any problem cleaning around them, bumping your knuckles or accidentally pushing on the garbage disposal? TIA **Great thread Sandborn5** |
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| Do faucet manufacturers make the matching soap dispensers? I like the one in fothia's pic at teh top of this thread... anyone know what model that is? |
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| Saskatchewan girl, Thanks! My cabinets were custom made so I'm not sure of the color. They are maple with some kind of cherry stain. Here is a full picture. And yes,jscozz, many manufacturers make matching soap dispensers and water spouts. Good luck!
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- Posted by saskatchewan_girl (My Page) on Thu, Nov 8, 07 at 10:42
| OMG susan, they are so beautiful, just the type I'm looking at. Would you mind if I copied your pic for our cabinet maker? We are planning to do our cabinets in maple with a dark stain but I was looking at a shaker style door with a rounded moulding in the inset, just for better cleaning purposes, but your raised panel looks so beautiful. I think there is quite a bit difference in price here for shaker vs raised panel. Does your countertop have a 3" piece behind your range? And your sink? Sorry to hijack your thread sandborn : ( saskatchewan girl |
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| Thanks saskatchewan. Of course you can use the picture. we are soooo happy with the job. By the way, my sink is a Houzer, 9" deep, 70/30 split. Good Luck! |
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- Posted by sienna2007 (My Page) on Thu, Nov 15, 07 at 9:38
| Fothia and cburch: mind sharing your faucet brand? They both look soooo cute! |
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- Posted by determined_sammie (My Page) on Thu, Nov 15, 07 at 19:39
| I ditto sienna's request, fothia and cburch - would you be willing to share the brand of your faucets? Love the look! |
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| bump Great pictures of sinks in bay windows and Cloud_Swift mocking up her sink & faucet, etc. |
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| If anyone is still looking, here is my sink:
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| Re air switch, was wondering: to make it go on, does one just push it once, then push it again to make it turn off? Or do you have to keep holding it down? I am pretty ignorant and don't understand how it's NOT electrical, but guess I don't need to fully understand it to know it's a good thing, eh? Thanks! |
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 By dflood75, shot with Canon PowerShot S3 IS at 2007-12-19 Hansgrohe Stratos E in steel optik faucet and Ticor sink. |
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- Posted by patches_02 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 6, 08 at 8:38
| This way the soap can be put into either side of sink.
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| Patches: Yes, very handy that the soap dispenser can put soap in either sink with this set up. However, it looks like you'd HAVE TO use the pulldown on the faucet to fill the big sink or fill a pot sitting in the big sink. The "reach" of the faucet spigot only comes to the top of the sink bridge. Is that a good thing? Doesn't look so handy from my photo view of this set up. |
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- Posted by patches_02 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 6, 08 at 12:46
No,actually the faucet swings over more and don't have to use pull down. same as the soap dispenser being able to go into each sink.  |
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- Posted by akshars_mom (My Page) on Sun, Jan 6, 08 at 13:12
| patches, can you please tell me what your faucet is? |
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- Posted by patches_02 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 6, 08 at 13:37
| Yes, it's made by Delta model # 978sssd called Brilliance. Not a real expensive one but i really like it. Got it at Home depot if you have one in your area. |
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- Posted by cloud_swift (My Page) on Sun, Jan 6, 08 at 19:00
| beware, you push the air switch once for on and again for off. A tube goes from the switch to the box controlling electricity for the garbage disposal. Pushing the switch sends a puff of air to switch an electrical switch in the box. |
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