Title: Cracked Sink Dilemma: DIY Kit or Professional Fix?
Even a tiny crack can let water through, especially under sinks where it’s always damp.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had pretty decent luck with those epoxy kits—at least for smaller cracks. Maybe it depends on the type of sink? I used one on a porcelain bathroom sink that had a hairline crack, and it’s held up for almost two years now. Granted, that’s not as much abuse as a kitchen sink gets, but still.
I do wonder if sometimes people skip the prep work, which is honestly half the battle. If you don’t clean and dry the area properly, yeah, the epoxy won’t stick and you’ll be back to square one. But if you follow the instructions to the letter (and maybe go a little overboard with sanding), it can buy you some time—especially if you’re not ready to shell out for a new sink or a pro repair right away.
That said, I totally agree about movement being an issue. If the sink flexes at all, or if the crack is in a spot that gets banged around, then yeah, it’s probably not going to last. But for something like a small chip or a crack that isn’t right by the drain, is it really always worth calling in a pro? Sometimes it feels like overkill.
Curious if anyone else has had long-term success with DIY fixes? Or maybe I just got lucky...
I’m with you on the prep work—it’s wild how many folks just slap on the epoxy and hope for the best. I’ve patched a couple of sinks over the years, and the ones I really took my time with are still holding up. But yeah, kitchen sinks are a different beast. The constant water, pots banging around... it’s a lot. For a bathroom or laundry sink, though, I’d say DIY is totally fair game unless the crack is spreading or leaking badly. Sometimes it’s just not worth going pro unless you’re dealing with a total mess.
Couldn’t agree more about the prep—people really underestimate how much it matters. I’ve seen quick fixes fail just because someone skipped sanding or didn’t let things dry. For laundry or bathroom sinks, yeah, DIY usually works if you’re careful. Kitchen sinks... that’s a whole different ballgame with the abuse they take. If it’s not leaking, though, you’re probably fine to patch it up yourself.
Totally get where you’re coming from—prep is everything. I once rushed a bathroom sink repair and regretted it when the patch peeled off a week later. If your kitchen sink isn’t leaking, I’d say go for the DIY kit, just take your time with each step. It’s not always perfect, but it can save a chunk of change.
I get the appeal of saving money, but I’ve seen too many “quick fixes” turn into bigger headaches down the road. Even if it’s not leaking now, what happens if the crack spreads? Are those DIY kits really holding up a year later, or are you just kicking the can down the road? I’ve had tenants call me months after a patch job failed, and it always ends up costing more. Sometimes paying a pro upfront is just less hassle in the long run.
