I get the logic, but I’ve had decent luck with those epoxy repair kits—at least for hairline cracks. Maybe it’s a stopgap, but sometimes you just need to buy a few months before a full replacement. Is it perfect? Nah, but not every cracked sink is a goner, in my experience. Curious if anyone else has managed to stretch the life of theirs without the whole haunted-floor scenario...
Nah, but not every cracked sink is a goner, in my experience. Curious if anyone else has managed to stretch the life of theirs without the whole haunted-floor scenario...
Never tried the epoxy kits myself, but I get the appeal. My bathroom sink developed a hairline crack last winter, and I was convinced it’d turn into a full-on disaster. I ended up just living with it for a while—kept an eye out for leaks or weird smells, but nothing happened. Maybe I got lucky? I do wonder if those kits hold up long-term or if it just looks okay from a distance. “Not every cracked sink is a goner”—I want to believe that, but part of me still expects the worst...
I do wonder if those kits hold up long-term or if it just looks okay from a distance. “Not every cracked sink is a goner”—I want to believe that, but part of me still expects the worst...
I get where you’re coming from. I was in the same boat last year—tiny crack in the corner of my kitchen sink, and I kept expecting it to turn into a waterfall situation overnight. I ended up trying one of those epoxy repair kits because, honestly, replacing the whole sink wasn’t in the budget. The kit was like $15 at the hardware store, and I figured, worst case, I’m out a pizza and a half.
It’s been about 10 months now. The crack’s still sealed, no leaks, and unless you’re really looking for it, you wouldn’t notice. Up close, yeah, you can see where I patched it—my “artistry” leaves something to be desired—but functionally, it’s held up. I think the trick is making sure the area’s bone dry before you start and following the instructions to the letter. Some folks try to rush it and end up with a mess.
That said, I wouldn’t trust a big crack or anything near the drain to a DIY fix. Hairline stuff seems fine, but if water’s getting through or there’s movement when you press on it, that’s probably a sign it’s time to bite the bullet and call someone.
Honestly, I’m all for stretching the life of things if you can do it safely. Sinks aren’t cheap, and sometimes a little patch job buys you another year or two before you have to deal with the hassle (and cost) of replacement. Just keep an eye out for soft spots underneath or any weird smells—those are usually red flags.
Anyway, not every cracked sink is doomed. Sometimes you just need a steady hand and low expectations for aesthetics.
I’ve seen a lot of these DIY kits in action over the years, and I’ll admit, sometimes they surprise me. For a small, out-of-the-way crack, they can buy you some time—no argument there. But I’ve also been called in more times than I can count when those “temporary” fixes start to fail, usually at the worst possible moment (think: holiday dinner, full sink, water everywhere).
The thing is, even if the patch looks solid and holds up for a while, you’re still dealing with a compromised surface. Sinks take a beating—hot pans, dropped utensils, cleaning chemicals. Over time, that patch can start to lift or let moisture creep in underneath. Once that happens, you’re not just looking at a leaky sink; you might be dealing with mold or damage to the cabinet below. I’ve pulled out more than one sink where the “fix” actually hid a bigger problem for months.
I get wanting to stretch things out—nobody wants to shell out for a new sink if they don’t have to. But I’d be careful about relying on a kit for anything more than a stopgap. If it’s a hairline crack away from the drain and you’re not seeing any flex or water getting through, sure, maybe you get lucky and it lasts a year or two. But if you start noticing discoloration, swelling wood underneath, or that musty smell... that’s usually your cue that the patch isn’t cutting it anymore.
One thing I always tell folks: if you do go the DIY route, check under the sink every couple weeks. Run your hand along the bottom and see if it feels damp or soft. Sometimes the first sign of trouble is hidden out of sight.
Not saying every cracked sink is doomed, but in my experience, those kits are more of a band-aid than a cure. Sometimes it’s worth biting the bullet before things get messy—or expensive—in the long run.
One thing I always tell folks: if you do go the DIY route, check under the sink every couple weeks.
- Couldn’t agree more with “those kits are more of a band-aid than a cure.”
- I’ve seen folks patch a crack, only to have water seep into the cabinet and warp everything underneath.
- If you’re set on DIY, at least use a moisture alarm under the sink—cheap insurance.
- One thing I’d add: even small leaks can attract pests or cause electrical issues if you’ve got outlets nearby.
- Sometimes that “quick fix” ends up costing way more in the long run... trust me, I’ve seen it.
