Recently purchased an Elkay single bowl 20 gauge SS kitchen sink 8†deep from a big box store for $88. Upon setting it in I found each side to be bowed up approx 3/8 “ and hence, touching the countertop only at each corner. Is this normal which will be corrected by the clips or should I return it and purchase another one from a plumbing supply store?
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Rick,
Yes, go to a plumbing supply. I had the same experince a while ago. Went to install a cutomer provided Elkay stainless sink ( maybe the same one you're dealing with) it was bowed. Took it back to HD to exchange. Opened every box of the same size, they were all bowed. Went to a plumbing supply, spent about $210 ( I think ) for a heavier gauge Elkay, no bowing, no problems with install.
Remember; "there's no free lunch out there."
For whats it worth, I called customer service at Elkay and they told me that the bow or "champer" as they called it, is intentially manufactured into all their SS sinks so that when you tighten down the center, the corners of the sink will be flat to the surface. They told me that a "champer" of less than 1/2" is acceptable.
One side of my sink opening is "doubled up" thickness so that the included sink cleats would not fit. Apparently Elkay also has longer screws (2" long) that will enable the cleats to work on the thicker countertop. They are sending me the longer screws free of charge. They also said #8 , 32 round head machine screws would also work for thick countertops. Get them 1/2" longer than the thickness of the countertop.