skip to main content

Plumbing Design Dilemma Kitchens

Has anyone replaced a Kohler Whitehaven with completely different sink

2 years ago

Hi - we are near the end of a total kitchen remodel. We used our Kohler Whitehaven sink for 2 days for Thanksgiving and after doing the dishes Thanksgiving evening, the enamel divider between the 2 sink basins "exploded", shattering all over one of the basins and on our new countertops. I don't feel confident replacing the Whitehaven double basin with another Whitehaven double basin as I saw a review on Build.com that was posted in the past couple of days with almost the same, exact complaint/issue as ours (although they've had their Whitehaven for 4 months). Our plumber said that the single basin Whitehaven will not work because of the location of the drain hole (our dishwasher is to the left of the sink, drain hole/plumbing/wires won't work). We do have the option of the Kohler stainless steel 2- basin Vault, but the estimate we've been given is approx. $6000 to re-template our brand-new countertops, new plumbing and new cabinetry (just to fit the sink). Has anyone had to replace a Kohler Whitehaven and found a similar sink (possibly Fireclay) that worked? Right now I'm looking at the Franke 36" inch double basin fireclay undermount sink but need to make sure all the specs work. Any/all ideas welcome.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

ci_lantro
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Our plumber said that the single basin Whitehaven will not work because of the location of the drain hole

I'm calling BS on this. Hire a different plumber.

I recently replaced an old Kohler 60/40 double basin sink with a single basin right side corner drain stainless steel sink. Love the single basin and corner drain. IMO, at some point in the future, you will look back on the exploding sink as a happy accident. Double basins are a relic from the before dishwashers past.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
2 years ago
Your plumber is incompetent or a liar.

Your countertops do not need to be replaced, I promise. I make a nice living retrofitting sinks into countertops without removing the tops.

What is the dimension from your cabinet front to the rear of your cutout please? That is what determines what sink you can use as a replacement. You've got a 36" cabinet? Standard or deep apron?
Related Discussions
Kohler whitehaven farmhouse sinks--
Q
Comments (43)
I have a white haven. Installed almost four years ago. I do love it but it is challenging to clean. Regular dish soap isn’t strong enough to brighten it up. I have to use sometching stronger, like Oxiclean, to get it really white. It’s sort of a pain to have to do that a couple of times a week. The grids are essential, at least in my view, but the foot pads leave stains that are almost impossible to get off.
...See More
Need advice: scratches in Kohler Whitehaven cast iron sink
Q
Comments (15)
Maybe just consider my kitchen officially broken in. I wouldn't give up yet! I understand cleaning paint brushes with a wire brush - I do that, but not in your kitchen sink! Utility sink perhaps, or outside at a water hose is far the preferred method, especially since it was not you doing it. I do think you should call a professional resurfacer, get a price, have them explain the details of the procedure, and tell the contractor who you want to have it fixed unless he has a pro do it. You scratching it versus someone who doesn't own it are two different things. Also, we're getting a couple Whitehaven's, as well as the sink grids, and I intend to buy some of those suction mats for the sides for when we clean our cast iron items (I use cast iron frequently).
...See More
Can anyone please help me find this White 36" Kohler Whitehaven Sink??
Q
Comments (27)
Looks great. For those that are asking, Kohler is still having trouble getting orders filled. Just about every product line has backorders right now.
...See More
Kohler Whitehaven sink backordered - please help!
Q
Comments (16)
I don’t think you are doing the blame game - just asking. Unfortunately this is one I could see where it’s really no ones fault. Are you doing an undercount whitehaven tall sink ? I think the sink has to be mounted before you have counter put in. If i recall - when I called Kohler they did tell me 6 months by that was for the smaller sink . The 36” is in high demand so they were trying to get as many of those out ? I would just call Kohler . Moore Supply in California had 9 in stock when I wanted to buy one but they would not transfer one to Moore supply in Texas bc they also needed them for their contractors since it’s in high demand. Maybe call them direct and see if they have one.
...See More
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
2 years ago
Yes, I've retrofitted Whitehavens:
julieste
2 years ago
@Joseph Corlett, LLC

I think the OP needs to do exactly the opposite of what you did. Remove a Whitehaven and install a different sink in the same space of a farmhouse sink.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
2 years ago
That's not a problem either. I'm betting an Elkay Ferguson model has a bigger footprint than the Whitehaven and it's a spectacular sink:

Related Stories

DIY PROJECTS How to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet

Swap out an old faucet to give your kitchen a new look — it's a DIY project even a beginner can do

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Choose the Right Bathroom Sink

By Anne Ellard Design

Learn the differences among eight styles of bathroom sinks, and find the perfect one for your space

KITCHEN DESIGN 8 Kitchen Sink Materials to Consider

By Jennifer Ott Design

Learn the pros and cons of these common choices for kitchen sinks

MOST POPULAR Kitchen Evolution: Work Zones Replace the Triangle

By Jennifer Ott Design

Want maximum efficiency in your kitchen? Consider forgoing the old-fashioned triangle in favor of task-specific zones

MOST POPULAR How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink

By Mary Jo Bowling

Learn about basin configurations, sink shapes, materials and even accessories and specialty sinks

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS What’s the Difference Between Quartzite and Quartz Countertops?

By Marie Flanigan Interiors

Weigh the pros and cons of these popular kitchen countertop materials

LAUNDRY ROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Laundry Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make fluffing and folding more enjoyable by borrowing these ideas from beautifully designed laundry rooms

MATERIALS Trends: Not Your Everyday Kitchen Sink

By Becky Harris

Soapstone, copper, concrete. Give your kitchen a distinctive look and feel with a less-common sink material

GREEN BUILDING Consider a Salvaged Sink

By Becky Harris

Add character, save money and help the environment with one on-trend design move

KITCHEN SINKS Which Faucet Goes With a Farmhouse Sink?

By Toronto Interior Design Group

A variety of faucet styles work with the classic farmhouse sink. Here’s how to find the right one for your kitchen

Sponsored

Fresh Pointe Studio

4 Reviews

Industry Leading Interior Designers & Decorators | Delaware County, OH

More Discussions

Does a countertop immediately behind hot range vents crack over time?

8

Plumbing question

1

Upgrading tub from a shallow surround to a soaking tub. Recs please

12

Best skirted toilet for reduced clogs?

10

Why don't more people have Farmhouse sinks in the Bathrooms?

20