Last Updated On: November 14, 2021.
A 3 bay sink usually is portable and therefore can be used for kitchen purposes in almost any location. Whether you are on a camping trip with your friends or family or selling food at a market, a three-compartment concession sink will allow you to prepare food quickly, wash dishes, or set up a station to wash hands.
Although it’s mostly used in restaurant kitchens, this post serves for those who want to build one themselves. Using only a few components, you can create your own portable 3 compartment sink to suit most of your needs.
Below is a simple guide on how to do so. Alternatively, you can watch the YouTube video.
1. Selecting a Basin
Choose a stainless sink basin that you will use for your concession sink. You can buy one online or locally. Preferably get one with 3 compartments. Make sure that you also buy a faucet that will fit properly into the mounting holes of your sink and then install the faucet.
2. Preparing a Cart
Buy a heavy-duty utility cart that has at least two shelves on the sides. When buying a cart, try to select one that has a longer and wider surface than the largest surface of your sink.
Place the basin on the cart’s top shelf and make a rectangular shape around the base using a permanent marker. Make sure that this rectangular shape is not wider than the sink’s lip.
Cut out the rectangle and then place the basin inside. Using bolts, connect the corners of the sink to the cart and secure them using nuts on the underside of the top shelf.
3. Installing Water Containers
Purchase a large and firm water container that will be used to hold your water supply. The tank should be able to fit correctly on the lower shelf of your 3 bay sink. Purchase a second container which will be used to hold the used water from the basin and then set it on the bottom shelf as well.
Connect a drainpipe to the sink’s drain and then place the other end of the pipe inside your grey water container. You can also connect extra water tubing to the end of the drainpipe if you feel this is necessary.
The tubing should at least be able to reach the bottom of the used water container. This extra length will ensure that the water’s force will not force the tube out of the container.
4. Installing a Pump and Heater
Buy propane or compact electric on-demand water heater and then place it on one of the cart’s side. If you choose to go with the propane model, then you will need to buy a fuel tank and connect it to the heater.
Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when connecting the heater and the water line. Next, attach a 12-Volt pump to the power supply, water supply, and faucet assembly.
This process may vary depending on the model of your pump, and you may need to refer to your manual for the appropriate procedure.
5. Connecting the System
Finally, begin filling your clean water tank and then slide the supply pipe back into the pouring spout. If the tube happens to be smaller than the spout, place a rubber seal over it before putting the end over the tank.
Push the seal down to close off the spout and prevent any debris from getting into the clean water. Make sure that the pump is correctly connected to your power supply and then switch it on. If you chose to use an electric water heater for heating, plug it in using a commercial grade extension cord.
If you chose to use propane/gas for heating, turn the gas tank valve to the ‘On’ position. Optimize the pumps where necessary and set the faucets to test how water runs in the system.
There you have it, you’ve just created your portable sink.