Thank you for your business over the years. We are no longer accepting orders for MR Direct products. Please visit Elkay Where to Buy for your sink and faucet needs. For any warranty related questions related to Mr. Direct, Polaris, Sir Faucet and Solera brands please reach out to consumer@elkay.com or 1-800-223-5529.

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Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

About MR Direct

Our philosophy is simple. We believe everyone should be able to purchase high-quality, stylish products at reasonable prices. That's why we offer over 400 products, ranging in styles from our high-end vessel sinks to our traditional farmhouse apron line. We provide you with numerous, money-saving options so you can do more than just afford the home of your dreams.

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Fireclay farmhouse sink with butcher block countertops and crisp while cabinetry.
Why Choosing the Right Kitchen Sink Drain Matters
June 3, 2021

We all know how much fun it is to buy a new kitchen sink, but in the hustle and bustle, the little details can pass you by. One of those details is the position of your drain.

Your drain’s position will affect a number of things, including under-sink storage, faucet noise, and how easy it is to stack dishes.

Here’s what you need to know about a centered drain vs offset drain to help you pick the right style.

Fireclay farmhouse kitchen sink inside of a modern kitchen design with an antique bronze spring-spout faucet.
Fireclay farmhouse kitchen sink inside of a modern kitchen design with an antique bronze spring-spout faucet.

Centered Drain

Centered Drain

Pros:

  • Classic look
  • Quieter
  • Fits with most existing plumbing

Cons:

  • Can be inconvenient when washing dishes
  • Wastes space under the sink

Sinks with centered drains are easy to install with existing plumbing. Plus, they look great in most traditional kitchen styles such as classic and farmhouse.

They also have the benefit of being quieter and less splashy, especially if you have a high-powered faucet.

However, centered drains can cause issues when washing dishes. Dishes can easily block a centered drain, causing water and food debris to build up.

Centered drains are also not ideal in small kitchens. The central placement of the plumbing below the sink wastes valuable storage space.

Quartz Granite undermount kitchen sink with modern marble countertops, greenery, and a large window for natural light.
Quartz Granite undermount kitchen sink with modern marble countertops, greenery, and a large window for natural light.

Offset Drain

Offset Drain

Pros:

  • Modern look
  • Creates more space for under-sink storage
  • Makes washing dishes easier
  • Ideal for wheelchair and disabled access

Cons:

  • May increase splashing in shallow sinks
  • May require plumbing adjustments

Offset drains make your sink more accessible from top to bottom. You’ll have more space to store your dirty dishes, so water and food debris won’t build up.

Below, you’ll have a lot more storage space for a wastebasket, kitchen supplies, and more.

Offset drains are found in ADA-approved sinks for disabled users because centered plumbing doesn’t allow space for wheelchair access.

The only major downside of an offset drain is that you may need to adjust your current plumbing to accommodate a different drain position.

Stainless steel double bowl undermount kitchen sink with a classic butcher block countertop and charcoal gray cabinetry.
Stainless steel double bowl undermount kitchen sink with a classic butcher block countertop and charcoal gray cabinetry.

Choosing Your Drain Placement

Choosing Your Drain Placement

There are pros and cons to centered and offset drains. But to sum up, we recommend offset drains for small and busy kitchens, and centered drains for larger sinks and quick renovation projects.

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