It sounds like your plumber may have overtightened the drain. Did you buy the Shaw's drain assembly? It is highly recommended to use theirs or an extra deep one like used for garbage disposals. The fire clay is so thick at the drain area, most drains won't tighten at all or enough to prevent leaks. So, it's possible the plumber used a regular drain and had to make it extra tight to work. Or, overtightened the drain assembly in general. The installation instructions we received with our Shaw sink said to be extremely careful to not overtighten. If the plumber did it, he should replace your sink at his cost. Good Luck!

I picked the Shaw but I think the Franke looks just as nice. Our marble installer cracked the sink during the install. This whole sad saga is described in other threads. But the point here is that Rohl replaced it, even though I told them exactly what happened. They still called it a "thermal crack" and replaced it. I was totally surprised at this decision on Rohl's part. Another little factotum about the Shaw's sink (the 30 --this might not apply to you if you get the 36) -- the sink's drain has a left hand offset. At least most of them do. About one or two in ten have a right hand offset and these are sent out "randomly." Don't ask me how I know. The sink now installed in our kitchen is not the second, but the third sink that has been sent to us. Now, the downside is that the Shaw sinks do vary a bit and so the new sink did not exactly match the first sink, the one upon which the marble was templated. I'm thrilled that we -- I should say DH, who has pulled many a miracle in this kitchen -- was able to get the old one out and the new one in without perturbing cabinets or marble that were now firmly in place. The margins around the sink are not exactly even. I've decided it will just be a reminder about the hubris of desiring perfection and have moved on. Just a couple of things to know about Rohl and Shaw's sinks, the good and the, well, idiosyncratic.

I too am very disappointed, having the same issues with my Shaw; chips, hairline type cracks under(crazing) and doesnt drain properly. One section of the sink creates a little pool that keeps the water from draining, although the sink is level. We have a metal grid, but chips were developing even with that. I rarely use it now because it is too difficult to get the water and debris from under it. Bar keepers Friend is helpful. I occasionally make a little paste and let it sit a few minutes before wiping-I find the powder and liquid to be great. Also Mr. Clean Magic eraser is very helpful especially on the grey surface cracks and around drain. Love the look, but this has been frustrating. I've had it since around 2009 I got no help from the manufacturer.

As far as I can tell, the nig bummer is that its meant to be a partial overmount with a flatish lip that goes over the counter. Unless you caulk well while installing, its moldville under that lip. I like that it's easy to clean and it always looks white. We got a third party grid that helps to keep pot marks away. The LACK of depth is a relief, I like the sink around 8 inches deep. If she uses 1/2 sheet pans frequently, she needs a different sink as this one will not fit those size things. I have a two burner pancake griddle - the cheap non-stick, for home use kind - and it won't fit that. It can sit on the top, and the front and back handles will rest on the sides - so I can still clean the pan. It will fit a regular roasting pan. The other two things that I don't like about the sink is the faucet is very far back (23" or so) in comparison to 19-21" for most undermounts. It acts funny if its filled with ice - just like a glass of iced tea, it will form condensate on the underside of the sink. I imagine that varies with where you live. I will get you a trash pullout picture soon.