The Importance of Side Splashes for Commercial Sinks
- Aug 5, 2025
When choosing or installing a commercial sink, most people naturally focus on important factors like size, depth, faucet style, and mounting type to ensure the sink fits the space and meets their functional needs. However, there’s one feature that’s often overlooked but can make a significant difference - not only in meeting health code requirements but also in maintaining a cleaner, safer kitchen environment. That feature is side splashes, which act as protective barriers to contain water, prevent cross-contamination, and keep surrounding areas dry and sanitary.
What Are Side Splashes?
Side splashes are vertical panels that are typically installed on one or both sides of a sink, serving a crucial function in maintaining cleanliness and organization in various environments, such as kitchens, laboratories, and commercial spaces. These panels act as a barrier, effectively preventing water and other liquids from splashing onto adjacent surfaces, equipment, or walkways during activities such as washing dishes, preparing food, or conducting experiments.
The primary purpose of side splashes is to contain splashes and spills, which can otherwise lead to messy work areas and potential safety hazards. By directing water back into the sink, they help minimize the risk of slips and falls that can occur when floors become wet. This is particularly important in busy environments where foot traffic is high, as it contributes to a safer workspace for both employees and customers.
In addition to their functional benefits, side splashes also play a significant role in protecting the integrity of nearby surfaces. When paired with a backsplash - a panel that runs along the wall behind the sink - side splashes create a comprehensive barrier against moisture. This combination helps safeguard walls from water damage, mold growth, and deterioration over time, which can be costly to repair. By preventing moisture from seeping into the wall materials, side splashes and backsplashes contribute to the longevity of the structure and maintain a hygienic environment.
Moreover, side splashes enhance the overall aesthetic of the workspace. They provide a clean, finished look that can elevate the design of the area, making it appear more organized and professional. Available in various materials, colors, and finishes, side splashes can be customized to match the sink and surrounding decor, allowing for a cohesive design that reflects the style of the space.
Why They Matter
Health Code Compliance
Many local health departments require side splashes when a sink is installed next to food prep areas, cooking equipment, or other sinks. They help prevent water from contaminating nearby food, utensils, or sanitized surfaces.
Infection Control
In sensitive environments like healthcare, schools, or assisted living facilities, side splashes reduce the risk of bacteria spreading beyond the sink area.
Safety & Cleanliness
Keeping water contained means drier floors, less cleanup, and fewer slip hazards for staff, helping maintain a safer and more efficient workspace.
Wall & Equipment Protection
Side splashes and backsplashes work together to shield walls and adjacent surfaces from stains, water damage, and rust.
When to Use Side Splashes
A good rule of thumb is this: if a sink is placed within 18 inches of another fixture, food contact surface, or walkway, it’s wise to include side splashes. This setup helps prevent water from splashing onto nearby areas where food is prepared, where people walk, or where other sinks are located - reducing the risk of contamination and slip hazards. In many cases, this isn’t just a best practice; it’s a specific health code requirement.
By adding side splashes during the initial design or purchase stage, you can avoid the added expense and inconvenience of having to retrofit them later. Planning ahead also ensures you’ll pass inspections without delays, keeping your project on schedule and your workspace compliant from day one.
Commercial Sinks with Built-In Side Splashes
Rapids Wholesale offers a variety of hand sinks with built-in side splashes to help you stay compliant and maintain a cleaner, safer work environment:
- BK Resources Wall Mount Hand Sink – Compact 14" x 10" x 5" stainless steel bowl with a lead-free 4" splash mount faucet, 8-1/8" backsplash, and two side splash guards for superior protection. Includes marine edge, basket drain, and wall-mount hardware. NSF certified.
- Advance Tabco Hand Sink – Heavy-gauge 304 stainless steel construction with a 9" x 9" x 5" bowl and 7-3/4" welded side splashes. Comes with a lead-free splash mount faucet, basket drain, and galvanized wall mounting bracket. NSF certified.
- Eagle Commercial Hand Sink – 13-1/2" x 9-3/4" x 6-3/4" stainless steel bowl with left and right end splashes, splash mount gooseneck faucet, and basket drain. Features a seamless deep-drawn design and inverted "V" edge. NSF certified.
Side splashes may be a small detail, but they’re a smart investment for any commercial kitchen or facility. They keep your operation in line with health and safety regulations, make cleanup easier, and help maintain a more sanitary workspace.
