Big Pots, Pans Easily Fit into 'Smart Divide' Sink

Q: We're redoing our kitchen and I know you can help me since you seem to be plugged into the latest information when it comes to new building products. I have always had a single-bowl sink and for my new kitchen I want a double-bowl sink. I know from being at other houses, however, that large pots and pans have trouble fitting in the smaller double bowls. Any suggestions?- Michele, Connecticut

A: I am lucky to be in the media end of the construction business, and I do get early word on a lot of new products coming onto the market. As luck would have it, last year I did get to work with a sink that should do exactly what you're looking to do.

It's a cast-iron double-bowl sink with a specially designed lower dividing wall between the bowls. The wall still allows you to fill and use both bowls, but because the dividing wall is lower, you can place a large pan or pot flat at the bottom of the sink. Usually, the big pans or pots won't fit because the handles hit the divider and it goes in on a diagonal.

Not anymore with this style sink. It's actually designed around pot and pan handles. This type of sink is called a "smart divide" sink, and it's available right now.

Another option that might work has been around for decades. It's called a "large bowl, small bowl" setup and, though it's technically a double-bowl sink, the bowls are different sizes. One bowl will be large enough to fit many pans and pots, while the other, smaller bowl will be used mostly for the garbage disposer.

These will be your best options if you're looking for a sink that will do double duty for your large and small pots and pans.

Q: My husband is in the military and away from home. We have plumbing issues, and without him around I don't know what I should do. First, we have two faucets leaking all the time, and our drains won't drain properly. I just received a note from our water company saying that our meter is "creeping." What does that mean? Is this a big job, and do I need a contractor for this? - Pam, South Dakota.

A: Thank you for your letter and letting everyone know that while our service people are overseas doing their duty and helping our country, many times there is no one at their own home to help their families cope with everyday problems.

The main issue you have here is the constant dripping of the faucets, and that is the first thing that needs attention. Dripping faucets can waste thousand of gallons of water a year and that constant flow is why your water company contacted you.

When a water meter is "creeping," that simply means that the flow never stops. The reason your flow never stops is because of the drippy faucets. If you fix the faucets, that should also fix your creeping`-meter problem.

The drain issue can also be related to excessive water use if you're on a septic tank. Septic tanks and leech fields can take only so much water until they back up.

If you are on a sewer system, you might have a partial block in the pipe. The constant faucet dripping will amplify that problem. I would call a licensed plumber and he will be able to address the problems.

The good news is that just fixing the leaking faucets might fix all your problems. Don't panic; this might not be anything major even if the drain needs to be snaked.

MASTER PLUMBER AND CONTRACTOR ED DEL GRANDE IS THE HOST OF TV SHOWS AND LIVE EVENTS FOR HGTVPRO. SEND QUESTIONS TO EDDELGRANDE@HGTVPRO.COM. VISIT HIM AT ONLINE AT HGTVPRO.COM OR EDDELGRANDE.COM.

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