A hand sink is one of the first things a health inspector looks for, and one of the easiest to get wrong. It has to be in the right place, have hot and cold water, have soap and towels at hand and be used only for hand washing. This guide covers how commercial hand sinks are typically installed, what to plan for before the plumber arrives and how to pick a style that fits your space.
A current example is our hand sink replacement faucet.
Related product: wall mount hand sink.
Where Hand Sinks Go
Most health departments require hand sinks within easy reach of food prep areas, dish areas and bars, and in or next to restrooms. Staff should not have to walk across the kitchen or through a door to wash. Many jurisdictions also have rules about splash guards when a hand sink sits next to a prep surface. Confirm the number and location of hand sinks with your local health department during plan review.
Choosing a Style
Wall mount sinks are the most common. They hang on a bracket and take no floor space. Examples include the WHS-1209 wall mount hand sink and the HS-17SS wall-mount hand sink with side splash.
Corner sinks fit into a tight corner where a wall sink would block a walkway. See the CHS-12 12″ corner hand sink with faucet.
Hands-free sinks use a foot pedal or knee valve so staff do not touch the faucet with dirty hands. See the HS-42PB hands-free pedestal hand sink with foot pedal faucet.
Underbar sinks fit into a bar run at the same height as ice bins and drainboards. See the underbar hand sink with cabinet base.
What the Plumber Needs
- Hot and cold water supply lines stubbed out of the wall at the sink location.
- A drain line at the right height for the sink tailpiece and trap.
- Solid wall backing, such as blocking between studs, for the mounting bracket.
- The spec sheet showing mounting height, bracket location and faucet connection size.
Water supply, drain, trap and venting should be installed by a licensed plumber and checked against local code. Many jurisdictions require a tempered water supply or a mixing valve so the water reaches a comfortable temperature quickly.
Typical Installation Steps
- Mark the sink height. Many kitchens set the rim around standard counter height, but follow the manual and any local accessibility rule.
- Anchor the wall bracket into blocking or masonry, not just drywall.
- Hang the sink on the bracket and secure it.
- Mount the faucet if it is not preinstalled and connect supply lines.
- Connect the drain basket, tailpiece and P-trap.
- Run water, check for leaks and confirm hot water arrives quickly.
- Seal the joint between the sink and wall with food-safe sealant so water and debris cannot collect.
Soap, Towels and Signage
A hand sink is not complete without soap, a way to dry hands and a waste bin next to it. Most health departments also require a handwashing sign. Some sinks include soap and towel dispensers built in, like the underbar hand sink with soap and towel dispenser. If yours does not, mount dispensers within reach before the inspection.
Keep It a Hand Sink
Inspectors often write up hand sinks that are blocked by equipment, stacked with dishes, or used to dump ice or rinse food. Keep the path to the sink clear. Do not store anything in the basin.
Choosing a Faucet
Many hand sinks include a faucet. If you need a replacement or a different reach, look at our commercial sink faucets and match the center spacing to the holes on the sink.
Next Steps
Count how many hand sinks your layout needs, then browse our hand sinks to pick the style for each spot. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.