A mop sink sits on the floor so a mop bucket can be tipped into it without lifting. A utility sink is a deep one compartment sink on legs, at working height, used for general washing and filling. A restaurant usually needs the first by code and often wants the second for convenience.
For prep and utility work, see this 2 compartment utility prep sink with a left drainboard.
For floor cleaning and bucket filling, see this one compartment mop and utility sink.
The two sinks side by side
- Height. A floor mop sink has a low rim. Ours start at 12 inches high. A utility sink stands on legs at counter height.
- Job. A mop sink takes dirty mop water and is where mops and floor tools get rinsed. A utility sink is for filling buckets, soaking, rinsing bins and other clean-up that is not food and not dishes.
- Drain. Our floor mop sinks come with a 3-1/2 inch drain basket that catches mop strings and grit. A utility sink has a standard basket drain.
- Mounting. A mop sink sits on the floor against the wall and ours include a wall clip. A utility sink is freestanding on adjustable feet.
- Faucet. A mop sink is usually fed by a wall faucet above it, often with a hose. A utility sink takes a deck or wall faucet with a swing spout.
What the Food Code calls for
The FDA Food Code uses the term service sink. It says at least one service sink, or one curbed cleaning facility with a floor drain, has to be provided and conveniently located for cleaning mops and similar wet floor cleaning tools and for getting rid of mop water. It also says toilets and urinals may not be used for that. We read this wording today in Virginia’s food regulations, which reproduce the Food Code text.
Two more rules explain why the service sink has to be its own fixture. Employees may not wash their hands in a service sink used for mop water, and a handwashing sink may not be used for anything except handwashing. So the mop water needs a home that is not the hand sink.
Can a utility sink count as the service sink?
The Food Code wording does not say the service sink has to be on the floor. Some health departments accept a raised utility sink that is used only for mop water and cleaning tools. Others want a floor mop sink or a curbed floor basin, because lifting a full bucket to waist height leads to spills and to people dumping it somewhere else. This is a question for your plan reviewer. The local health department has the final say.
What does not work is one sink doing two jobs. A utility sink that takes mop water should not also be used to wash produce or thaw food.
When a mop sink is the better choice
- You use a rolling mop bucket. Tipping it into a floor sink is quicker and safer than lifting it.
- The janitor closet is small. Our smallest floor mop sink is 19 by 22 inches and 12 inches high.
- You want the fixture that inspectors see most often and recognise at once. This is common practice, not a rule.
Our floor mop sinks are 18 gauge 304 stainless steel. The larger one is 25 by 33 inches and 16 inches high, which gives room for a wide bucket and long-handled tools.
When a utility sink earns its space
- You fill buckets and sanitizer pails all day and do not want to bend to the floor.
- You wash trash can lids, floor mats or bins that are too awkward for a floor basin.
- You need a general sink in a back room, laundry area or receiving area.
The one compartment prep and utility sinks on our site are 18 gauge stainless steel on galvanized legs with adjustable feet, and they come with or without a drainboard. The freestanding one compartment stainless sinks start at 18 by 18.5 inches.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using the three compartment sink or the prep sink for mop water because the mop sink is blocked by stored boxes. Keep the service sink clear.
- Storing wet mops in the sink. Hang them to dry.
- Skipping the wall protection. Mop sinks splash, so many kitchens put stainless or washable panels on the wall behind them. This is common practice.
- Ordering before you know where the floor drain line and water lines are. Have a licensed plumber confirm both.
What to buy
For the service sink, see our floor mop sinks. For a raised utility sink, look at the one compartment sinks, and the full range is under commercial sinks. Faucets are in commercial sink faucets, and you will still need separate hand sinks. Express KitchQuip stainless steel sinks are NSF certified, and freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price.