Sinks
All Franke sinks are available as right-hand or left-hand drainer - where a sink is only available in one format this is always specified on the Specification Sheet and in our brochure. Reversible sinks automatically offer that choice.
Generally you will need to purchase a Siphon I, II or III part plumbing kit (depending on the number of sink bowls) when ordering your sink with your retailer.
Yes. Any sink that has a 31/2 inch waste (90mm) is capable of having a waste disposal unit connected. For ceramic sinks you are advised to contact the WDU manufacturer regarding special fittings.
If your sink has an overflow you may need to purchase a WDU Overflow Converter, available from our service agents. Please click here for more information about overflows.
Most Franke sinks have rigid overflow pipes and can be cleaned by pouring boiling water into them. Alternatively use a proprietary cleaner.
Despite any regulatory enforcement in common with many sink manufacturers, Franke have taken it upon themselves to make provision for a mechanical bond to be made to inset sink models. This is often done by utilising one of the cut-out points for the clips along the length of the clip rail. In the case of sliding clips (e.g. Swiss Edge Profile Sinks), Franke make a hole at the end of the clip rail length where the bond can be accommodated.
This depends on the worktop but we would recommend that you seek professional advice.
A template and fixing clips are provided in the box.
Some circumstances may allow for fitting a bowl directly to the worktop. Alternatively a plywood template can be made to the size of the sink, which will effectively 'sandwich' the sink flange, when addressed to the underside of the material.
We would recommend the use of a sealant between the flange of the sink and the worktop to avoid any water ingress.
In all cases you are advised to consult your supplier.
Franke sinks come with a 50 year against manufacturing defect.
Normally at your local retailer, however if you have difficulty, swatches exist for colour matching. For this service contact customer services at Franke UK.
Generally, Basket Strainer Wastes are put with a sink by a distributor when an order is received from a retailer. You should contact your retailer and they will be able to contact their distributor accordingly.
No. Stainless Steel will always scratch (whether it be of Franke's manufacture or competitor) and because of the directional polishing marks on many Franke models the scratching will show up quite dramatically initially. However, with use and cleaning (using a proprietary cleaner like Shiny Sinks) the stainless steel will eventually build up a patina over the years and the scratching marks will not be as evident.
As the world's largest stainless steel manufacturers, Franke are extremely stringent in the quality and standards required from the steel suppliers. The material used is a high quality chrome nickel steel which is metallurgically incapable of rusting or corroding in normal household conditions.
It can, however, harbour ferrous particles from the water supply and these often occur with new installations when the pipework is disturbed. These filings get deposited and cling to the sink surface and unless removed will rust.
In this instance we would request that the sink is cleaned thoroughly with Bar Keepers Friend, which should be sprinkled onto the sink and scrubbed into a paste with a stiff nylon nail brush (ie not a cloth or washing up brush) before thoroughly rinsing off and drying the sink.
We would point out that unless the particles are completely removed they will return. It is therefore very important that after cleaning the sink, it is dried thoroughly. This process needs to continue until the problem disappears.
We would also recommend the use of a product such as 'Shiny Sinks' after each application of Bar Keepers Friend.
The problem is sometimes particularly obstinate to remove and it may take several attempts to restore the sink to its pristine condition.
Discoloration and most marks on stainless steel are caused by water-borne deposits clinging to its surface. One of the best ways to keep your stainless steel sink in pristine condition is to clean it with a proprietary product such as Shiny Sinks which can be used daily. Shiny Sinks is available from large supermarkets and hardware stores, and is also available to buy online from the manufacturer at www.homecareproducts.co.uk.
Cut inside the overall frame dimension (by inverting the sink on the worktop) by 8mm all round and always use a 20mm (important!) radius at the corners. Cut out sizes are shown on the specification sheet for each sink. If a template is provided, please use that.
Franke synthetic sinks are all made from materials which resist staining, providing they are cleaned in the correct manner with an appropriate cleaning agent. Research indicates that staining on synthetic sinks is much more common in hard water areas because limescale tends to cling to the sink surface and unless it is cleaned off properly it becomes stained with tea and coffee etc. It is therefore the limescale which is staining the sink, not the sink material itself. Bleach is not recommended and is not effective, as all it does is bleach the stain rather than remove it.
In such cases of limescale build up we would suggest using a proprietary limescale removing product such as Viakal or Limelite. Alternatively, soak in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. This will loosen the scale making it possible to scrub it away with an abrasive pad and kitchen sink cleaner.
One of the best ways to maintain the good looks of a synthetic sink is to clean it with Astonish Paste or Cif. This should be applied to the sink, adding some water and then scrubbing with a nylon brush or a Scotchbrite pad, (do not be afraid to scrub hard). This paste should be left on the sink for a few minutes before rinsing off thoroughly. If the sink is cleaned regularly like this it will help to keep it in good order, this will also help to ensure that no water deposits, such as limescale, are left clinging to the surface of the sink. Drying the sink after use is very good practice and should be encouraged.
Astonish Paste is available from John Lewis, Lakeland and some large supermarkets. Alternatively it can be purchased directly from the manufacturer, telephone number 0113 236 0036.
1.Take clip from bag
2.Knock-in first lug
3.Knock-in second lug
4.Clip is fitted!
1. Ensure colour sticker is in centre of pre-formed taphole
2. Follow the description line drawings shown on the template, or:
3.1 Take sink out of box and rest the sink vertically against your legs with the face of the sink facing outwards and ensuring the taphole is for the correct hand drainer (take care not to damage the edge of the sink in the process);
3.2 Take a centre punch and place on the centre of the colour sticker;
3.3 Strike the punch hard with a hammer - this will result in the core of the tap hole being knocked out;
3.4 Finish off using the ball of the hammer and using a round file.
For day-to-day care, all you need is water and a damp cloth. A fast and easy way to remove water marks, grease or soap scum deposits, is with a proprietary bathroom cleaner such as Ajax or Flash liquid spray, or similar products found in your supermarket.
Marks caused by iron or aluminium saucepans on the ceramic surface that normal cleaning will not remove can be removed by a product called 'Astonish' which can be purchased in most supermarkets, John Lewis, Lakeland etc, or by mail order from the manufacturer on Tel: 0113 236 0036 or online at www.astonishcleaners.co.uk (approx £2.50 plus postage).
Only drill Tap hole FROM TOP FACE
1. Decide on the pre- punched tap holes you require.
2. Measure to find the centre of the pre- punched tap hole required and cover the area with masking tape.
3. Using a centre punch, crack the glaze in the centre of the required hole.
4. Using a No. 8 masonry drill, carefully drill a small pilot hole from the top. NB. Only drill one small hole
5. You can then proceed to enlarge the hole to the required size by carefully using your hammer with the centrepunch.
Due to its unique coating, Tectonite sinks are resistant to all common liquids etc that are used in the kitchen (tomato sauce, vinegar, red wine etc.). The sink can be cleaned using any brand of cream cleaner eg Cif, and a sponge or cloth.
Tectonite is a combination of three elements:
- SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) a glass fibre, polyester based, carrier material;
- Chemically fused 3rd Generation PiMC (Powder In Mould Coating) which gives the sink its colour, heat-, scratch- and wear and tear resistance;
- Unique texture which gives the sink its granite look.
The sink is made by hot compression moulding with hydraulic presses.
Tectonite can withstand temperatures of up to 300°C. Despite the fact that Tectonite is very heat resistant we always advise to use a coaster when putting a hot pan on the sink.
Please note the following points:
Place the foodstuff to process in the middle of the chopping board, not on the side. The chopping board might tip if pressure is applied to one side only.
Do not use knives made of ceramic material as this may cause damage to the surface.
The chopping board consists of tempered safety glass and is more shock and heat resistant than ordinary glass products.
Do not expose the chopping board to temperatures below 0°C or over 80°C. Do not use the product on hot plates or in ovens, microwaves, freezers or dishwashers.
Cleaning and care:
Normal staining can be removed with soap and water. Tenacious staining of the worktop should be removed with a glass rubber and then treated with a mild detergent.
Do not use cleaning products for glass ceramic hobs as these products should not come into direct contact with foodstuff.
Do not use abrasives (liquids or sponges) or aggressive detergents such as cleaning spray for ovens, bleach or other chemicals.
Franke is not liable for damage caused by improper or unsuitable use and non-compliance to the above cleaning instructions.
The Hygenia Chopping Board is made of Polyethylene, is extremely durable, and is capable of being washed in the dishwasher.
It is heat resistant up to a maximum of 100°C, however under certain circumstances very hot utensils may brown the surface.
As an oil based product it is not scratch resistant, and the surface will abrade over time.
The life of the basket very much depends on the type of use it receives, and we have noticed that some customers choose to use the basket in the sink for washing-up purposes (for which it was not designed). If the basket is used in this way its life is considerably shortened due to the constant immersion in hot water. This softens the plastic coating which then becomes susceptible to piercing by sharp objects such as knives, forks etc. When water penetrates onto the metal frame it rusts and subsequently the plastic coating cracks and breaks away and if used in this manner it does mean that the life of the basket is considerably shortened.
Wood is a natural product it is therefore subject to absorbing moisture, and if the quantities of moisture are not equal on both sides it can bow especially so when the product is first used.
However, this can be corrected by wetting the board on both sides and leaving it to dry overnight on a flat surface with the convex side uppermost. This is most conveniently done with the board placed over the bowl.This enables the warp to drop out and as the board gets more use it will eventually stop warping.
We also recommend occasional oiling of the board with a good quality vegetable oil, to make the surface more water-resistant.
Do not put the board near a heat source and do not put it in direct sunlight to dry.