Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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. For more information on Franke Siphon Plumbing Kits click here. 

Yes. Any sink that has a 3 1/2“ waste (90mm) is capable of having a waste disposal unit connected. For Franke ceramic sinks an Extended Flange is available for Continuous Feed models. If your sink has an overflow you may need to purchase a WDU Overflow Converter, available from our service agents.

You can view videos on Franke Waste Disposal Units on our YouTube/UKFranke channel.

Many Franke sinks come with a Hygienic Overflow, which offers versatility for cleaning. Simple removal of the logo plate reveals the overflow aperture for easy, hygienic cleaning. 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 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 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.

You should take into consideration the position of the overflow in the sink, as your worktop fabricator may need to router out the worktop material to accommodate it. Call our Consumer Care team and we can advise you.

Franke sinks come with a 50 year guarantee against manufacturing defect. 
For more information on Franke Guarantees click here. 

To enable us to process a guarantee claim, please ensure you provide us with the following information to avoid any unnecessary delay:

• Full Contact Name, Address and Telephone Number
• Proof of Purchase (please attach to email)
• Photographs showing full product and detail shots showing problem

Please complete the relevant form with this information here. 

We would always recommend that you avoid the use of a plastic washing up bowl as this will over time cause the development of regular abrasion marks over the sink's surface.   

Normally at your local retailer, however if you have difficulty, swatches exist for colour matching. For this service contact our Consumer Care team at Franke UK, click here.

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 such as Franke Stainless Steel Cleaner which you can purchase here) the stainless steel will eventually build up a patina over the years and the scratching marks will not be as evident. For more information on cleaning Stainless Steel sinks please click here. 

Franke Stainless Steel Cleaner is recommended for regular maintenance of stainless steel sinks. This cleaner is easy to apply; just spread a small amount on a damp cloth, and distribute it throughout the sink with minor circular motions. Leave to work for a few moments and rinse with clean water. Afterwards, polish with a dry cloth - the Franke Microfiber Cloth is ideal. You can purchase both these products here.

You can view a video of how to clean your Franke stainless steel sink on our YouTube/UKFranke channel.

Your sink is made from high quality 18/10 chrome nickel steel. That means it’s metallurgically incapable of rusting or corroding in normal household conditions. If rust and corrosion problems do occur, tiny iron particles deposited on the surface will be the culprit. These either come from the water supply or are left behind by wire scouring pads or utensils. It’s essential to clean off these filings and dry the sink thoroughly afterwards. If you let them stick around, they’ll cause rust.  

If you want to remove any rust stains from your products, we recommend using a cleaning agent containing oxalic acid (e.g. Bar Keepers Friend®). Always use mild, non-abrasive cleaning agents such as Franke Stainless Steel Sink Cleaner to remove stubborn stains from your stainless steel and make sure you thoroughly rinse away any cleaning liquids once finished. Oh, one more thing, when cleaning your stainless steel, NEVER USE STEEL WOOL PADS. We, and our stainless steel, thank you in advance.

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 - a Franke Microfiber Cloth is ideal. This process needs to continue until the problem disappears. The problem is sometimes particularly obstinate to remove and it may take several attempts to restore the sink to its pristine condition.

You can purchase Franke Stainless Steel Sink Cleaner and the Franke Microfiber Cloth here.

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 product such as Franke Stainless Steel Cleaner, which can be purchased here. For more information on cleaning Stainless Steel sinks click here. 

You can view a video of how to clean your Franke stainless steel sink on our YouTube/UKFranke channel.

As a general guide, 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.

Due to the nature of the backing to the glass of Glass Inset Sinks, it is important that an acid free sealant is used when installing the sink in the worktop. This prevents any reaction between the sealant and the backing to the glass. The acid free sealant we recommend – which we believe is available from Screwfix – is made by Dow Corning® and is called DOW Corning® 799 Glazing. Please refer to the installation instructions enclosed with the sink for more information.

The 3 basic measurements for comparing sink sizes are:

• Depth – distance from the top of the rim to the bottom of the sink next to the waste
• Taper – inward slope of each side of the sink from rim to bottom
• Radius – measure of the bowl’s corners & bottoms where the sides and bottom meet

The deeper the bowl, the straighter the slope and the tighter (smaller) the radius, the more capacity there is in the sink.

Advanced materials technology makes Fragranite a very tough and resilient self colour silica resin.

By following our simple care and maintenance guidelines, your sink will bring lasting colour to your kitchen throughout a lifetime of normal usage.

You can view a video of how to clean your Franke Fragranite sink on our YouTube/UKFranke channel.

OPTION 1
If you have a coloured dot on the front face of the sink, knock out the taphole as follows: 

• Ensure colour sticker is in centre of pre-formed taphole.
• 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).
• Take a centre punch and place on the centre of the colour sticker.
• Strike the punch hard with a hammer - this will result in the core of the tap hole being knocked out.
• Finish off using the ball of the hammer and using a round file.

OPTION 2
If there is NO coloured dot on the front face of the sink, use the hole drill bit provided (FUN 112.0473.656) which is stuck to the back of the drainer next to the sink bowl. Drill out the taphole FROM THE BACK OF THE SINK.

For further information please see the instruction sheet enclosed with the sink, which can be viewed here.

You can also view a video on our YouTube channel at YouTube/UKFranke.

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 Franke Coloured Sink Cleaner which can be purchased here, and a sponge or cloth. For more information click here.

• 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.

Contact our service agents - click here for more information.

Occasionally a heavy tap can 'flex' on some large stainless steel sinks. This can be rectified by your tap being braced, and it is not unusual for people to have this kind of problem with a stainless steel sink, and is not a problem emanating from the sink or tap being defective in any way.

To brace the tap, you either need a piece of wood or chipboard which can be screwed across the underside of the worktop cutout and the existing tap can be fixed through a hole in this, or you can utilise a tap brace. In this way the tap is effectively secured to the underside of the strut and not to the underside of the sink, and this reduces any tendency for the sink to flex when the tap is turned on or off.

Franke also produce a patented Tap Brace which will provide a solution to the problem of 'flexing' of heavy taps on some stainless steel sink models. Fitting directly to the worktop, the tap brace has a variable collar which fits all models of taps. You can purchase the Franke Tap Brace here. 

Refer to the installation instructions enclosed with your tap. You can download a PDF of the instructions here. Use only a soft cloth and mild detergent. For more information on cleaning your tap click here. 

Clean using hot soapy water.

Avoid using scourers or abrasive materials.

We recommend using our Franke Tap Cleaner together with Franke Microfiber Cloth to clean Franke taps. You can purchase these products here. 

Simply spray Franke Tap Cleaner onto your tap, leave to work for a few moments, then wipe with a Franke Microfiber Cloth. 

Never apply abrasive detergents, disinfectants or products containing alcohol, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid. 

You can view a video of how to clean your Franke tap on our YouTube/UKFranke channel.

Tap spouts are most commonly removed by:

1.Undo the grub screw at the back of the tap
2.Unscrew the collar at the joint with the body
3.Located lug in bayonet

Flow rate can be affected particularly on the hot side of traditional vented plumbing systems. We do not recommend ceramic disc taps where there is less than 4 metre head of water. For combi boiler installations check with the manufacturer. For more information on flow rates click here.

Check the specification sheet for your particular tap. Generally they are 15mm.

Normally this is 5 years on the valve mechanisms and 1 year on the finish of the tap. Click here for detailed information on tap guarantees. Guarantees valid only on products placed and used in normal domestic situations.

To enable us to process a guarantee claim, please ensure you provide us with the following information to avoid any unnecessary delay:

• Full Contact Name, Address and Telephone Number
• Proof of Purchase (please attach to email)
• Photographs showing full product and detail shots showing problem

Please complete the relevant form with this information here. 

Simply click the WHERE TO BUY link shown on each page of our website. Before visiting however, please contact the retailer to check availability of the product.

Contact our service agents. 

PVD means Physical Vapour Deposition. This is an industrial process that provides a very resilient and robust finish to the tap, giving it a coating-like appearance.

NB Prior to April 2022 'Decor Steel PVD' finish was known as 'SilkSteel PVD' finish.

Franke taps are designed to complement Franke sinks, and not necessarily match exactly. Decor Steel taps will complement brushed finish appliances such as an oven and hob in your kitchen. Franke stainless steel taps such as the Eos, Panto and Valais will be a very close match to a stainless steel sink.

NB Prior to April 2022 'Decor Steel' finish was known as 'SilkSteel' finish.

The makeup of water (including the levels of chlorine) varies from area to area and this will mean that the water may taste or smell slightly different from the water that you were used too. Another reason may be due to our having to alter the treatment process slightly depending on the weather, demand and time of year. These factors all affect the levels of chlorine that we must add to the water which in turn will slightly affect the taste and smell.

Incorrectly installed water softeners, fitted to washing machines for example, can cause salty tastes and contaminate the drinking water supply. Do not drink water from water softeners because it contains high levels of salt – you should always use a tap with unsoftened water for cooking and drinking.

There are several possible causes of unusual tastes or odours in water:

TCP tastes can occur when the internal stop tap has been operated to carry out any work, or if the tap is operated after many years of not being used. Washers can start can start to degrade over time and cause TCP taste and odour problems. However this applies more to properties where the internal stop tap is more than a few years old and is seldom or never used.

Since TCP like compounds are formed when the chlorine reacts with plastic or rubber, this sometimes means that the TCP taste is more noticeable when the Chlorine level is highest. Although Chlorine is added to water continually a demand for water can mean that it may sometimes have a higher level of chlorine in it, for example, in the morning or when you get home from work.

For more information please download the PDF.

Most Franke taps require the industry standard taphole cut out size of 35mm diameter. There are several exceptions to this as follows:

• Bridge & Bridge Lever - tap requires 2 x 25mm diameter tapholes
• Olympus Side Spray - tap requires 1 x 35mm taphole, side spray requires 1 x 30mm taphole
• Franke FilterFlow Mini - requires 1 x 20mm diameter taphole
• Soap Dispenser - requires 1 x 25mm diameter hole

You can easily obtain additional or replacement accessories for your Franke sink, simply click here. 

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.

You may wish to add water to thicker concentrated liquid soaps, in a 1/3 water to 2/3 ratio to reduce the possibility of clogging. Regular cleaning of the soap dispenser is also recommended.

You should avoid anti-bacterial soaps, as these can cause corrosion of your dispenser over time. 

Your Franke FilterFlow system will remove and reduce a wide range of possible contaminants from tap water. These include –

• Chlorine
• Harmful bacteria and cysts eg Cryptosporidium, Giardia
• Heavy metals eg lead
• Other chemicals eg pesticides, herbicides
• Dirt, sediment, rust and other debris 

Absolutely! Everyone’s water is different, but most people can taste the difference between tap and water filtered using a Franke FilterFlow system immediately. Odours and unpleasant tastes will be gone, sediment, rust or other kinds of dirt will have been trapped by the ceramic in the filter system’s cartridge and you will have protection against harmful bacteria and cysts. It is likely that you will find tea, coffee and other hot drinks much more pleasant. But most importantly, you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from drinking water that is refreshing and just as nature intended it.

Whatever style of tap you choose, your Franke FilterFlow system will have a stainless steel or durable ABS cartridge housing, which is fitted in the cupboard underneath your kitchen sink. Inside the housing is the unique Franke FilterFlow 03* filter cartridge, which is made from ceramic and carbon. When you use your tap, cold water is diverted through the filter cartridge, removing a wide range of possible contaminants. The filtered water is then ready to be dispensed via your tap.

The cartridge’s ceramic outer shell works to trap dirt, sediment and some types of harmful bacteria – some so microscopic that they are invisible to the human eye. Meanwhile, the cartridge’s inner core of carbon tackles unpleasant odours and tastes – for instance, chlorine.

Ceramic and carbon are proven filtration media and have been used safely for many, many years to effectively filter and cleanse water. By combining high quality micro porous ceramic and solid carbon together into one filter cartridge, the Franke FilterFlow system delivers an enhanced, comprehensive filtration performance that is far superior to many of the domestic filter taps and systems available today.

* Please note, the standard Franke FilterFlow filter cartridge is the Franke 03, which is comprised from both ceramic and carbon. However, due to localised water type, Franke FilterFlow systems supplied to Northern Ireland are likely to use the Franke 04 cartridge, which is made purely from carbon. Depending upon water quality, further alternative Franke FilterFlow cartridges are also available – please contact Franke FilterFlow for details. 

For more information on the Franke FilterFlow system please click here. 

The Franke FilterFlow system is simple to install – it’s an easy, straightforward job for any plumber. Following installation, all you need to do is maintain the performance of your system is to replace the filter cartridge every 6 months. This is a simple procedure that – thanks to the Franke FilterFlow’s ‘easy-open’ housing and quick-fit cartridge are well within the scope of the average householder. 

The Franke FilterFlow system is remarkably compact. The stainless steel housing measures 29cm high x 7cm wide x 9cm deep, and is usually fitted in the cupboard underneath the kitchen sink. The system’s hoses are similarly neat and unobtrusive – leaving plenty of storage space for all the usual undersink necessities! 

We recommend that filter cartridges should be replaced every 6 months. When you purchase your Franke FilterFlow system, please ensure you register it immediately. Registration can be completed online or by filling in and returning the registration card that is included with every Franke FilterFlow system. Registration will enrol you on the Franke FilterFlow replacement cartridge reminder scheme and extended parts guarantee.

Genuine replacement cartridges for your Franke FilterFlow system can be purchased online at www.frankefilterflow.co.uk, by emailing info@frankefilterflow.com or by calling 01603 875 468. Using official Franke FilterFlow cartridges will ensure both your peace of mind and that your flow of filtered water remains uncompromised. Authentic Franke FilterFlow cartridges are instantly recognisable by their use of patented red caps that are exclusive to Franke. 

It is not possible to use the new Franke FilterFlow cartridges in Franke Triflow systems. However, it is possible to purchase an upgrade kit to replace the plastic or stainless steel housing of an existing Triflow tap with the latest Franke FilterFlow stainless steel housing. This is a complete kit that comprises of the latest stainless steel Franke FilterFlow undersink cartridge housing, stainless steel braided hoses and all connectors. Upgrading your Franke Triflow housing (whether stainless steel or plastic) is simple and straightforward – and will allow you to use quick-change Franke FilterFlow cartridges. 

The Franke FilterFlow 03 filter cartridge supplied as standard with your Franke FilterFlow system will not resolve what are essentially cosmetic concerns relating to water hardness – namely limescale and surface residues on hot drinks. In fact, the standard Franke 03 filter cartridge was designed primarily with health and security in mind and as such, actually retains calcium and magnesium. Both elements are regarded as beneficial for health, not to mention vital contributory factors to pleasant tasting water.

However, we do recognise that for some at least, hard water and limescale can be unpleasant. If you wish to address this, we would suggest changing your Franke FilterFlow system’s cartridge to an Franke 06 ‘Carbon De Alk’ cartridge at your first cartridge change. In addition, please note that the material used to make teabags can contribute to surface ‘scum’ on hot drinks. We recommend using traditional tea leaves and/or teabags that have been especially formulated for hard water areas, such as ‘Tetley’s’. 

Your Franke FilterFlow system relies upon water pressure to push water through the filter cartridge. However, there is no requirement for higher-than-average pressure. A minimum pressure of 1.5 bar / 23 psi is required. On no account should water pressure exceed 6 bar / 90psi.

If you are unsure of your water pressure, a qualified plumber will be able to measure it for you. If it is too low, your plumber will be able to advise you about fitting a small booster pump – or conversely, a suitable pressure reducing pump if the pressure is too high. 

Based on pressure of 3 bar/45 psi, your Franke FilterFlow system should deliver 1 litre of water / per 25 seconds. For optimum performance, we recommend adjusting the stop valve on your system to allow a delivery of 1 litre of water/per 30 seconds. 

Yes – the housing system and components of your Franke FilterFlow are guaranteed for 5 years from the date of purchase. 
Guarantees valid only on products placed and used in normal domestic situations.
For full guarantee details, please contact –

Customer Services
Franke FilterFlow
3 Old Winery Business Park
Chapel Street
Cawston
Norfolk NR10 4FE

Telephone: 01603 875 468
Email: info@frankefilterflow.com
Website: http://www.frankefilterflow.co.uk/ 

One of the advantages that the Franke Turbo Elite Permanent Magnet Motor disposers have over standard Induction Motor WDUs is the starting torque - Franke Turbo Elite WDUs are up to full speed within the first revolution.

Most jams occur at start-up because food waste will be stuffed into the disposer until it is full (this is not the correct way to use the disposer but is more reality).

The Franke Turbo's initial high starting torque gives it the advantage to break through the waste already put into the disposer. Under similar conditions an induction motor disposer can jam as it tries to push the waste around while it builds up speed. When the induction type motor cannot push any more and becomes jammed the "Auto Reverse" feature gives the ability for the unit to run in the opposite direction to break away from the jam condition.

You can view videos of Franke Waste Disposal Units our YouTube/UKFranke channel.

As the overflow would normally connect to the Basket Strainer Waste, you need to purchase either a WDU Connector for a single bowl sink, or a WDU Converter for a bowl and a half sink. These can be purchased from our service agents here.

A Franke Turbo Elite Waste Disposal unit consumes roughly the same power in one month to lighting a 100 watt light bulb for one hour, therefore operating costs are relatively low. The high torque fast grinding Franke Turbo units use very little water.

A Batch Feed model is activated by loading the chamber and rotating the WDU plug. Continous Feed models are operated by an Air Switch (or alternative) and waste is fed through the open neck of the unit. In both cases, a continuous supply of water is necessary whilst the WDU is in use. 

Franke Turbo Elite Waste Disposal Units featured on this website carry a 10 year guarantee. This excludes the TE-45 model which carries a 3 year guarantee. For further information see our Guarantee page. 

To enable us to process a guarantee claim, please ensure you provide us with the following information to avoid any unnecessary delay:

• Full Contact Name, Address and Telephone Number
• Proof of Purchase (please attach to email)
• Photographs showing full product and detail shots showing problem

Please complete the relevant form with this information here. 

The procedure is as follows:

1. With the disposer mounted on the sink and line cord connected to a wall outlet receptacle, turn "ON" the wall mounted switch.
   
2. If the disposer is "OFF", depress air switch actuator to turn the disposer "ON".
   
3. With the disposer " ON " pull air switch hose from disposer connectionn and discard air switch actuator and hose.
   
4. Turn the disposer "OFF" by turning off the switch, usually controlled by a wall mounted switch.
   
5. Operation of disposer is now controlled in a typical manner by the wall mounted switch. 

The Franke air activated control switch button operates continuous feed waste disposal units from a point determined by the consumer, eg on the worktop or possibly even within the sink perimeter.

Air switches are safer than electric switches because they keep the electricity away from the users' hands. The air switch control mechanism usually mounts under the sink (or is incorporated into the Waste Disposal Unit itself), where it remains dry. From the activated control switch button, an air tube connects with the switch controller, which in turn operates the unit.

The benefit is that the operational switch avoids the necessity to have a wall mounted toggle switch (which itself is electrical), and is therefore neater and safer to operate .

Disconnect the tube from the air switch button, then blow down the tube which should engage the waste disposal unit. Reconnect the air switch button.

Please contact our office by email ks-info.gb@franke.com or by telephone on 0161 436 6280. 

Go to the Brochure page on this site. Franke Retailers should contact their Distributor to obtain brochures. 

If you would like a brochure pack to be posted to you please complete the Contact Form with your address details.

Contact our service agents more information.

Please contact us directly using our Contact Form.