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Why Did My Granite Countertop Crack by the Kitchen Sink?
Granite cracks by the kitchen sink because that is the weakest spot on the countertop. The sink hole leaves only a thin strip of stone in front and behind it. Water, weight on the edge, a hard hit, or cabinets that shift can put stress on that strip until it breaks. Many of these cracks can be repaired.
A homeowner in St. Charles wrote to GH Stone Fabrications with this exact problem: a large crack in the granite around the kitchen sink, and the question of whether it could be fixed or had to be replaced. It is a common call for us. Here is what causes it, how to tell what you are looking at, and what your choices are. If you already have a crack, our countertop repair team can take a look.
Why is the stone around a sink the weak spot?
The stone around a sink is weak because so much of it has been cut away. A kitchen sink hole can take out most of the width of the counter, so the strip left in front of the sink is narrow. A narrow strip of stone bends and breaks more easily than a full-width piece.
Water adds to it. Granite Gold, a stone care company, says the areas nearest sinks and backsplashes are "the weakest points in the stone." It also says that if water gets behind or under the stone, it can swell the wood under the top and push on the stone. (Granite Gold)
What makes granite crack near a sink?
Most cracks near a sink come from stress on that thin strip of stone. These are the common causes:
- Weight on the edge. Leaning, kneeling or standing on the counter in front of the sink puts a lot of weight on the thinnest part.
- A hard hit. Dropping a heavy pot or a cast iron pan on the edge can start a crack.
- Water under the stone. A failed seal or caulk line lets water reach the wood below. The wood can swell and push up on the stone.
- Cabinets that move. If the cabinets or floor settle, the countertop may lose even support under it.
- Heat. Granite Gold warns against setting a hot pot or baking sheet straight from the oven onto stone.
- A natural weak line. Some slabs have natural lines in them. Under stress, a crack can follow one.
Is it a crack or a natural fissure?
A crack is a break in the stone. A fissure is a natural line that formed in the stone long before it was cut. The Natural Stone Institute says "Fissures in stone are a perfectly normal occurrence." (Use Natural Stone)
Here is a quick way to compare them:
| Natural fissure | Crack | |
|---|---|---|
| When it formed | In the stone, before it was cut | After the stone was made into a countertop |
| What it looks like | Often follows the grain and color of the stone | Often cuts straight across the pattern |
| Is it new? | It has always been there | You just noticed it, or it got longer |
| Is it a problem? | Usually not | It should be checked, especially by the sink |
If you are not sure, have a stone pro look at it in person. Photos help, but they do not always show the full story.
Can a cracked granite countertop be repaired?
Yes, many cracks in granite can be repaired without tearing out the countertop. A stone repair pro cleans the crack, fills it, and blends it in with the stone around it. A repaired crack is much harder to see, but you may still spot it if you look up close.
At GH Stone Fabrications, our countertop repair work covers cracks, chips and seams in granite, quartz and marble. Most repairs are done in place, without pulling the countertop out.
When should a cracked countertop be replaced instead?
Replacement makes more sense when the crack is part of a bigger problem. These are signs it may be time for a new piece:
- The stone has moved, so one side sits higher than the other.
- The crack goes all the way through and the piece is loose.
- More than one crack has opened up in the same area.
- The cabinets under the sink are damaged and need to be fixed first.
- You were already thinking about new countertops.
The fastest way to know is to have someone see it. We can tell you if it is a repair or a replacement job.
What should I do right now about a crack by my sink?
Take the weight off it and keep water out of it until it can be checked. These steps help keep a small crack from getting bigger:
- Don't lean or set heavy things on the stone in front of the sink.
- Keep the area dry. Wipe up water near the crack after you use the sink.
- Look under the sink. Check for a leak or wet wood in the cabinet.
- Take a few photos in good light, one close up and one from farther back.
- Call a stone pro before the crack gets longer.
If you are choosing new counters and want a lower-care stone, our quartz vs granite guide can help.
Granite crack by the sink FAQ
Will a small crack in granite keep growing?
It can. A crack in the thin strip by a sink is under stress every time someone leans on it or water gets under it. That is why it is worth getting it checked early.
Is it safe to keep using my sink with a cracked countertop?
For a small crack, usually yes, if you keep weight off the edge and keep the area dry. If the stone is loose, has shifted, or water is getting into the cabinet, stop using that area and call a pro.
Can I fix a crack in granite myself?
Store kits are made for small chips, not cracks. A crack by the sink needs the stone and its support checked too, so it is a job for a stone repair pro.
Do natural fissures need to be fixed?
Most of the time, no. The Natural Stone Institute calls fissures a normal part of natural stone. If a line catches your fingernail, is getting longer, or one side sits higher, have it checked.
Need help with a cracked countertop?
Send us a few photos through our countertop repair page, or call GH Stone Fabrications at (636) 393-0000. We help homeowners across the St. Louis area, from our showroom in O'Fallon to Chesterfield and Kirkwood.
