Just called in for hairline cracks in our Kohler bathroom sink. No problem. Authorization for new one came by email. This is our second replacement for hairline cracks.

I’m bumping this old post - I have a newly installed Kohler cast iron / porcelain sink, in my brand new reno. Three months in and I’m seeing a hairline crack coming from the drain.

Even if I get my money back - how do you replace an undermount farm sink?

We ran into the same issue and our issue was compounded with the fact we had to have a granite specialist install the sink bc we didn’t want to replace the granite. that extra cost was $1k in Cali. i love this sink, but do yourself a favor and get the xox target rubber mat for the bottom or you’ll be using Clorox powder constantly to clean the scrapes.

"Even if I get my money back - how do you replace an undermount farm sink?"

You do not remove the countertop. Pull the cabinet front and replace the sink.

My Kohler sink has developed these cracks on each back curved corner area. Now I have to dig for the receipt, ugh!

My Koehler bathroom sink crack follows the drain. I first thought it was a scratch but it got larger and now covers the whole sink

We called in for hairline cracks in our Kohler bathroom sink. No problem. Authorization for new one came by email. This was our second replacement for hairline cracks.

The same thing happened to us. It was installed by the builder in our brand new house. I was hoping there was a way to fix it but it seems it has to be replaced. I will contact Kohler and see if they will honor this problem.

Kohler is a big fat disappointment, they said the sink only has a one year warranty and good luck finding a replacement. I used to respect Kohler, not anymore

"If you do have a cast iron sink, you can get them reglazed... they do it all the time for those old claw foot tubs."

No you can't. I replace sinks that have been "reglazed" regularly. Nice way to set $400.00 on fire.

Kohler Rivervy installed June 24th and already showing crack. Kohler will replace but I will have to repurchase countertop that’s already installed hire contractors AGAIN to do the job. Is it dangerous If I leave it as is and live with the cracks? Will they get worse or grow over time?

Can this be fixed? Thanks.

The paper that came to send for a replacement said we did not have to return the sink. The plumber did take it with him though. Possibly you could get the new sink and replace it in the future.

"Kohler will replace but I will have to repurchase countertop that’s already installed hire contractors AGAIN to do the job."

The sink can be changed without removing or damaging the countertop. Half a day tops; I do this all the time.

I think there must be something wrong with the porcalin they are using, we have the exact same problem. We first thought it was the people who installed the sink and counter tops. I now realize it is a defective sink after reading all the comments. We had a porcalin kohler sink in its place for 30 years and never had an issue. We have had our new sink two months now with fracture cracks on the corners just like everyone else. We will call them tomorrow and see what they say. Reluctant to replace the same thing. What if it happens again. More than likely. Ugh!! So disappointed 😞

I’m totally done with Kohler products. Won’t buy another ever again. They agreed to replace the cracked one - problem is that all 3 replacements that I’ve recieved have arrived cracked! AND I have to have my countertops pulled to replace the sink. (Theres’ someone on herer that does it all the time without taking the top off. Unfortuately not applicable to my situation., thanks) If you have an option to get another sink, I’d do it. These are junk!

@ none none--

What model Kohler do you have? I too have always had Kohler cast iron sinks and was contemplating another for a second home. But, now I am concerned. I also have a question. Was there any evidence at all of this cracking when the sink was installed?

I know @Jean has the double Riverby.

For both of you, I know it won't make things any better, but I have an anecdote for you. Seven years ago we replaced our counters and decided to replace our sink also. We had a really unusual configuration (large bowl with small bowl and a drainboard) Kohler sink that we had installed perhaps 15 to 20 years earlier. It was starting to show its age, so we decided to replace it with the identical model. We really liked the sink configuration, and we needed to do an identical replacement because of the way our custom cabinet had been built. The problem was that the sink had been discontinued, and we couldn't find one anywhere.

I searched and searched. Finally I somehow stumbled across one on Craigslist that was advertised as new in the box. We paid to have it shipped cross country, and when we opened the box we discovered the types of cracks you are talking about. Since I hadn't purchased from an authorized Kohler dealer, Kohler wouldn't do a thing about it.

We decided to go ahead and install it anyway. It's been in seven years and has perhaps gotten a teeny bit worse. But, it hasn't chipped or rusted through. I'm not saying this is anything you should have to put up with after having purchased a brand new sink from an authorized Kohler dealer (and I would be furious too in your shoes), but I just thought I'd let you know ho in reality these play out long term.

Thank you for your input. We have a single white Cape Dori and a smaller prep sink. The prep sink is fine but the Dori just keeps getting worse by the minute. I can't believe so many people are having the same problem and Kohler isn't addressing the problem. We too were always Kohler fans but now will probably switch to something different. Even if they do give us another sink, how can I be sure it won't just happen again. I guess they just don't make things like they use to. I now feel bad that we were giving the installers such a hard time and demanding they replace our sink. I guess an apology is now in order. I think I opened the can of worms once again.

"(Theres’ someone on herer that does it all the time without taking the top off. Unfortuately not applicable to my situation., thanks)"

Your top did not have to be pulled, I promise.

Used my brand new kohler sink for only a week and noticed hairline crack at the top corner of the sink which looks very much like the pics people have posted. The sink is undermount which means my new porcelain countertop could be damaged. Has anyone had success in having kohler pay for the sink and cost of replacing damaged countertop and plumbing?

Margie:

Your top does not have to be removed to replace your undermounted sink and is in little danger of damage when the sink is replaced. The cabinet front is removed to get the sink out and the replacement in. I've done this a thousand times literally.

Kohler will probably ship a replacement sink, but expect the switch out to cost $1,000.00-$3,000.00, plumbing included. It's a half day job.

It seems Kohler has problems with their cast iron sinks. Is it better to get a refund and purchase a stainless sink (even though I don't like the look). just reading the comments, it can happen to the replacement sink as well.

It's on Kohler which is very disappointing to me and others. Our hairline cracks are at the top two back corners. Unsure how to proceed due to the huge pia in removing replacing. Sorry for your cracks,

Margie, unfortunately i would have to recommend not buying a Kohler cast iron sink. That hurts to say because I have always been impressed with their products.

Like many things these days Kohler has probably been forced to use more eco friendly raw materials and/or Kohler has tried to reduce costs by taking shortcuts, both of which lead to less durable products.

I never used a cast iron sink until this past year, when we rented a house while building. I grew to hate that white Kohler enamel! It got black marks from anything you placed in the sink and then required very hard scrubbing to get it looking somewhat clean. I was happy to get into our new house with stainless sinks.

The problem with getting a replacement that's not the identical footprint is the cutout. You can change the cutout, but that's another thousand dollars.

Were the sinks flawed before install? We purchased from a brick and mortar and inspected it before heading home. Just wondering how the sinks with cracks were aquired and if those sinks could have been damaged with shipping or at install? I've had my cast iron for over a year, with no black marks, cracks or crazing. I am familiar with black marks, because I've had cast iron before when sink grates were not available. All of my former cast iron sinks were top-mounted, so I'm wondering if the current trend of undermounting cast iron could be the culprit. My current sink is undermount and was installed by my husband and me. We used Pete's Sink Mount as recommended by @Joseph Corlett, LLC, which allows the sink to be gently raised to meet the countertop after the countertop is installed. I only clean with Kohler's cost iron cleaner and a little bleach. I clean the sink with these products only once in a long while. Everyday cleaning occurs with the use of dishsoap for tasks. I think if you want white cast iron to look pristine for the long haul, you have to take care of it. And by taking care of it, I don't mean baby it, I just mean its best to use grates--to save your glassware if notheing else. And don't scrub it with anything that will damage its surface. I love cast iron for its looks and durability, but again you have to take care of it.

"I'm wondering if the current trend of undermounting cast iron could be the culprit."

Highly doubtful.

Undermounting cast iron sinks is not a new trend. I had a Kohler Executive 2 bowl sink undermounted in 2006 with granite counters and had absolutely no problems. The sink looked like new in 2022. I changed counters recently and had the Kohler Riverby (one bowl) sink installed (undermount) once again with granite counters and have had no issues. The sink was shipped directly from Kohler and was left on the palet until installed. No one can say that there are issues with Kohler cast iron sinks because of the small sample of issues mentioned in this thread and the fact no can determine if it was a product issue or an issue as a result of install. Any product by any company can get damaged in shipment and handling. Regardless the sink should have been inspected before it was installed. Kohler is vey good about backing up their products so call them.

I have had a Kohler cast iron top mount bathroom sink replaced twice so far for hairline cracks.

I just want to say that new trend is relative. It depends on how old you are. Lol.

We are getting our brand new Kohler cast iron apron-style kitchen sink replaced today. It was installed just 2 weeks ago. One week ago we found this 4” hairline crack in the back left corner on the flat base of the sink. We have protective racks over this spot so the crack either happened on it’s own one week post install (I just don’t know how) or it was there before and no one saw it until coffee, stains built up. We are working with a decorator who called Kohler and a new sink was shipped no questions asked. I stumbled on this chat when doing a quick search to find out how common this problem is. Our decorator has had the same sink for 5 years and has had no issues but her installers say it’s a common occurrence in their experience. I poured coffee in the new sink and let it set a couple days in the hope of catching any cracks in the replacement prior to today’s install. I do see a couple “imperfections” where it appears the porcelain didn’t entirely cover the cast iron. They’re just specks (like 2 tiny grounds of pepper).

I saw these holes in my Kohler kitchen sink after moving into my new home several weeks ago. It was only after having issues with staining that I took closer look with my I-Phone. And that these holes are hiding much bigger holes beneath them. How Kohler Quality Control allowed these to pass inspection really dumbfounds me. There also appears to have hairline crack in it as well right next to these holes.

Frank: The good news is your sink can be replaced without pulling your countertops.

It sort of appears they can pull the sink out horizontaly, but there are 4 (stubs/knobs), legs attached to bottom of tank, that present some what of a obstacle removing the tank. Hopefully they can get it out without tearing everything up.

Frank:

The cabinet front is tapped off which provides plenty of access to whatever is holding the sink in place. In a real pinch, you can cut the cabinet sides off too. It'll all go back together inconspicuously. The sink is coming out the front.

Still ridiculous Kohler has zero quality control as evidenced by so many posts. How many more must there be who aren’t even posting here??

There is no ’good news’ in being able to pull the sink without removing the countertop. The sink weighs a ton and taking the cabinet apart to remove it is no walk in the park - not to mention that whole job is an unnecessary pain in the butt that shouldn’t have to be done to begin with. Kohler should be ashamed of itself. I wouldn’t have another Kohler product in my house if you gave it to me.

Jean:

It is really good news that removing a cabinet front and reinstalling it is much easier than pulling a top, believe me.

@joseph corlett how does the sink fit through the cabinet when taking it out? Please side message me, thanks!

When the cabinet front is removed, nothing blocks the sink.

@joseph - and then it’s possible to put the cabinet front back on? Or you just order a whole new cabinet base?

Yes, the cabinet front taps right back on:

Joseph, where would I find those brackets to support the sink?

Pete's Sink Mount Kit.

Joseph one more question.. we are Concrete counters this week.. do we need Pete's mount kit right away.. (the mount kit will take at least a week or 2 to get to us) or can we do the counters without it so long as we have the sink and do accurate measurements?

Kindest Regards Kirsty

You can retrofit your undermounted sink with the Pesimoki, no problem. May have to pop the cabinet front off to do it if it won't dunk, but that's not a big deal.

We just remodeled our house last year. The initial Kohler apron front sink develop cracks around the drain. Our contractor replaced it without pulling the countertop. Similar to what Joseph showed in his pictures. Within two months of having a replacement, our second sink is now cracking in three different spots.

Here are photos of the cracks. Also noticed that there is an X marked on the underside of the sink etched into the casting. I wonder what that means.

I noticed a crack in the front corner of our (less than) 6 month Kohler Whitehaven sink. Immediately a pit in my stomach! This sink was installed on 11/14/22. We spent a pretty penny remodeling our very dated kitchen and are thrilled with how it looks. We contacted Kohler whowhichwhowhowhichwho said they will replace sink. We are waiting to talk to someone about cost associated with reinstalling a new sink to replace a defective sink. Ours is undermount and don't feel as though we should be on the hook for this expense. Anxious to hear back from Kohler. If their product wasn't defective we wouldn't be needing to discuss cost associated with this repair.

Diane:

Kohler isn't going to pay for the labor to replace your sink which will probably be $1,500.00 - $3,000.00.

No top removal is involved. The cabiinet front is tapped off and the sink comes out the front of the cabinet. Insist the new sink be installed with a Pete's Sink Mount Kit please, no matter what Kohler's instructions say. That's another $300.00.