Bathroom Help
A Guide to Bathroom Sinks
Production of Bathroom Pottery
Bathroom Basins are made by blending clay, fillers and fluxes with water in a large mixing vessel. The raw clay mix is then modelled into the basin shape and dried. A white or coloured glaze is then sprayed onto the bathroom basin; this glaze is fused chemically and physically to the clay body by applying very high temperatures in a kiln. The finished bathroom basin (vitreous china) has a very hard surface and is resistant to fading, staining, burning, scratching and acid attack. Due to the firing process and natural clays used, it is normal for the product to vary in size and shape. All bathroom pottery supplied by reputable manufacturers should be guaranteed for a minimum of 10 years, against manufacturing defect.
Bathroom Basins: How to clean them?
Bathroom basins should be cleaned with warm soapy water. A form of liquid soap may be used mixed with water to create a cleaning solution that will not damage the pottery.
Tap-holes and Taps
There are now many different types and styles of bathroom basins, when choosing the right basin for you, the first decision you need to make is what type of tap you would like? These can be a monobloc design a pair of taps, or even a tap suitable for three tap holes (a handle each for hot and cold and a separate spout for the water).If you choose a bathroom monobloc mixer tap then you will need a one tap-hole sink. Two tap-hole basins use a pair of separate taps, one for hot and one for cold. Three tap-hole sinks use a mixer tap with separate handles to control the water and a spout in the centre.
Types of Basins
Bathroom sinks sometimes called bathroom basins come in all styles and sizes. The main types are: Bathroom sinks with full pedestals where the pedestal supports the basin and helps to hide the pipework; Bathroom sinks with semi-pedestals where the pedestal and basin wall hung; Bathroom Cloakroom sinks, that as the name suggests are designed for use in cloakrooms and en-suites; Bathroom sinks for furniture, Wall mounted bathrooms sinks and Bathroom corner sinks.
Semi-Pedestal Basin
An alternative to the full pedestal option, a semi pedestal of similar design can be chosen. These take up less space in a bathroom, or cloakroom, and can give a more contemporary feel to the bathroom design. Choosing a Semi-pedestal will mean that the pipework must be concealed in the wall, which may mean a slightly more difficult installation.
Why Choose this Basin: It gives a very clean and neat look to any bathroom, cloakroom or en-suite. Small bathrooms can appear larger as no floor space is required for the pedestal and related pipework.
Handy hints: Semi-pedestals are usually supplied with wall fixings. A wall-hung basin compliments this pedestal.
Floor Pedestal (Full Pedestal Basin)
This type of bathroom basin is the most popular style; they are available in many contemporary and traditional designs. The pedestal attaches into the floor at its base and the basin sits on top of the pedestal and is then usually screwed into the wall.
Why Choose this Basin: This is a standard type of bathroom basin and is available in a large range of sizes. It will suit most bathroom designs. It is also one of the least expensive and easiest to install options.
Handy hints: Usually there are no fixings supplied with a full pedestal and it should be carefully screwed to the floor with brass screws or siliconed in place.
Semi-Inset Basin
This type of bathroom basin is designed to fit into a vanity cabinet or a run of bathroom furniture with a worktop. The worktop or vanity unit top is cut out to take the back of the basin and the front of the basin overhangs the cabinet fascia creating a neat and tidy appearance.
Why Choose this Basin: It creates a modern, fitted look. You have the added benefit of storage in the vanity cabinet, or bathroom furniture.
Handy hints: When fitting a semi-recessed basin, please take care by cutting the worktop and furniture fascia, by following the shape of the template supplied with the basin.
Optional Extras: Bathroom Furniture
Cloakroom Basin
This type of sink in the most popular option for a cloakroom or en-suite bathroom. It is usually smaller than a standard basin and is used when space is limited. Some are available either with a floor pedestal, or a semi-pedestal but most are installed without pedestal, using a decorative chrome bottle trap.
Why Choose this Basin: It creates a modern, fitted look. You have the added benefit of storage in the vanity cabinet, or bathroom furniture.
Handy hints: When fitting a semi-recessed basin, please take care by cutting the worktop and furniture fascia, by following the shape of the template supplied with the basin.
Optional Extras: Bathroom Furniture
Corner Basin
This type of sink is generally available as a cloakroom basin, however there are some larger versions, which can be a more useful alternative for a standard basin for use in a bathroom or en-suite that may have limited space. In most cases there will be a choice of whether the basin can be wall hung or pedestal mounted (floor mounted or semi-pedestal). There are even some very attractive versions that fit into corner furniture pieces.
Why Choose this Basin: Attractive and space saving without necessarily compromising on basin size.
Handy hints: If it is to be wall hung check that both walls are suitable for fixing to, as stud walls may require extra support.
Optional Extras: Floor mounted pedestal or Semi-pedestal, Decorative chrome bottle trap.
Cameo Basin
These basins sit onto a flat surface - a cabinet, tiles or vanity unit - they do not need a pedestal. They come in various styles, sizes and designs including: oval, square or round and are usually made from either ceramic or glass.
Why Choose this Basin: Designed to give a stylish designer finish to any bathroom.
Handy hints: Furniture that is not made specially for a cameo style basin will need to be adapted to suit both the basin and pipework, it will need to be treated with a good quality-water resistant lacquer or varnish.
Optional Extras: Wall mounted basin mixer, Extended basin mixer.
Vanity Unit Basin
This type of basin is either completely inset into a vanity unit, or is made from a large piece of ceramic that covers the whole vanity unit top. This style of basin and vanity unit means there is extra storage space available below the basin; a space which in most bathrooms is wasted. They also bring an aura of sophistication to the bathroom by adding a feature that is both practical and striking.
Why Choose this Basin: The furniture design helps to hide clutter and keep the whole bathroom looking attractive; it can also prove as a space saver as not as much space is required compared to having a standard pedestal and standard cupboard.
Handy hints: Non-specially made furniture needs to be adapted to suit both the basin and pipe work, and will need to be treated with a good-quality-water-resistant lacquer or varnish.
Optional Extras: Basin monobloc tap.
