Before installing a new bathroom basin, think about the space you have, the style of basin and how it will connect to your existing pipes. Taps, waste fittings and wall support all matter too. Checking these points early can help you avoid a basin that does not fit or needs extra work.
Size, Space and Basin Style
Start by measuring the space. Think about how far the basin will stick out from the wall and whether doors, the toilet or the bath will still be easy to use. In a small bathroom, a smaller basin can make the room feel easier to move around.
There are several common styles. A pedestal basin sits on a floor-standing pedestal that hides the pipes. A semi-pedestal basin has a shorter pedestal fixed to the wall, leaving the floor below clear. A wall-hung basin is fixed only to the wall. A vanity basin sits on or in a cabinet, which gives storage and hides the pipes inside.
Tap Holes and Tap Choice
Basins come with no tap holes, one tap hole or two tap holes. A one-hole basin suits a monobloc mixer tap, while a two-hole basin suits separate hot and cold taps. Some basins have no holes because the tap is meant to go on the wall or worktop.
Make sure the tap you want matches the basin. If you are keeping your old taps, check they suit the new basin before buying. You may also need a different waste, as some taps use a pop-up waste while others use a plug and chain.
Waste, Trap and Supply Pipes
The basin waste and trap carry water away and stop smells coming back from the drain. If the new basin has its outlet in a different spot, the trap and waste pipe may need changing to line up.
The hot and cold supply pipes need to reach the new taps. If the basin is a different height or position, the pipes may need moving. It is a good idea to fit isolation valves under the basin, so the water to the taps can be turned off without shutting off the whole house. Our page on bathroom basin installation explains how this work is usually done.
Wall Strength and Access
Wall-hung and semi-pedestal basins need to be fixed firmly. The wall must be strong enough, or a suitable frame or support must be fitted behind it. A basin fixed into weak plasterboard alone may loosen over time and can crack or leak.
Think about access too. Pipes hidden behind a pedestal or inside a cabinet should still be reachable for future repairs. If the wall needs boxing in or support adding, this may need planning before the basin goes in. For wider jobs in the room, our bathroom plumbing page may also help.
If you are planning a new basin for your bathroom in Swindon, Emergency Plumber Swindon can talk you through the options. Call us on 01793 569521 for friendly advice.