Countertop, semi-recessed, corner… who knew there could be so many different types of bathroom basins?
If you‘re on the hunt for a new basin and not quite sure where to start, our bathroom basin buyer’s guide will help you choose the perfect one.
Before you rush off to get that shiny new basin, take a moment to reflect and keep these few things in mind.
Buying a good quality basin that meets your requirements is an important part of your new bathroom, and we understand that it can be difficult trying to choose the right one when you’re confronted with a load of jargon that doesn’t make much sense.
So, to make things clearer, here’s some words and phrases you may come across when shopping for a new basin.
A waste is an essential item for any basin. Made from brass and usually chrome plated -though other finishes are available – a waste is what the water drains through when flowing out of the basin.
There are different types of wastes including push button, flip top and of course the standard plug and chain waste.
You will need a slotted waste if your basin has an overflow.
You will need an unslotted waste if your basin doesn’t have an overflow.
The overflow hole is a small hole that’s drilled into the basin, and sits just underneath where the tap goes. The overflow drains the water away if too much flows into the basin, preventing it from overflowing onto the floor.
A bottle trap is a small section of brass tubing that connects the bottom of the basin to the drainage system. Bottle traps are normally used with wall mounted basins, where the pipework would be on display.
Cloakroom basins feature compact dimensions, making them a great option for small spaces. They are available in modern and traditional styles, as well as corner designs too.
An inset basin is fitted into a countertop. It provides a space saving solution and keeps the basin compact within the unit, usually with drawers or a cupboard underneath, this also conceals the pipework ensuring a neat and tidy finish.
Available in various shapes and sizes, countertop basins are designed to be fitted onto a worktop. They are usually fitted with a wall mounted basin tap or a high rise basin tap.
A semi-recessed basin is built into a worktop but not completely enclosed. This style is where the front of the basin is on show. The pipework is hidden away in the unit for a neat finish.
A full pedestal extends down to the floor and is what the basin is fitted to. The pipework is concealed behind the pedestal ensuring a tidy finish.
A semi pedestal is a shorter version of the full length one. A basin with a semi pedestal is a great option for a small bathroom.
Bathroom sinks or basins are available in an array of sizes and styles ranging from the modern to the traditional to suit any home.
They also come in one, two and even three tap hole variations, so you’ll need to decide if you would like a basin mono tap or 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 have a spout in the centre.
Some basins, such as a countertop style don’t have any tap holes, this type will require a wall mounted tap or a high rise basin mixer tap.
Let’s take a look at the different types of basins available and the good and bad points of each.
The most popular type, pedestal basins are easy to install and come in an array of styles and sizes.
There are two options available – full pedestal and semi pedestal.
A full pedestal sits on the floor, which the basin rests upon and is securely fixed to the wall behind. This type provides a great way to hide unsightly pipework and plumbing. A full pedestal also allows for a bigger and heavier basin, and is therefore an ideal option for a family bathroom. Basins with a full pedestal are also the easiest type to fit.
A semi pedestal basin is wall mounted, but rather than featuring a full pedestal, it uses a small pedestal that still conceals pipework. As the pedestal does not reach the floor, it provides the illusion of more space, which makes your small bathroom look bigger and easier to clean too. If choosing this type of basin, you will need to ensure the wall is strong enough to support the weight of the sink.
A wall hung basin is a great option for small bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms, and it can be fitted at the desired height.
The wall mounted design maximises floor space and creates a cleaner look.
As the plumbing is exposed with a wall mounted basin, you may wish to fit a bottle trap, rather than a plastic one, for a neater finish.
Wall hung sinks come in both modern and traditional styles, as well as a range of sizes.
If you have a small bathroom or cloakroom, then you may want to opt for a corner basin.
This style of basin helps to make the best use of what could otherwise be wasted space.
As with a wall mounted basin, you may want to fit a bottle trap to your corner bathroom sink to ensure a neat and tidy finish to the pipework.
Countertop basins are the perfect choice for adding chic, contemporary style to any bathroom or en-suite.
They are available in an array of styles ranging from simple round shapes to more elaborate forms that make a real statement.
Designed to be fitted to a countertop, this type of basin can have one, two or no tap holes.
Semi-recessed basins are a great choice for adding classic style to your bathroom.
This type of sink has been designed to sit partially in a countertop with the front on show.
The sink is fixed into position using silicone sealant, and leaves no visible pipework.
If you want to incorporate storage into your bathroom, a vanity sink unit is the best option.
A vanity unit cleverly combines a sink and storage into one handy unit so you can keep toiletries and beauty products neatly hidden away.
Vanity units come in many sizes and styles, as well as wall hung and floor standing designs to suit any bathroom.
Washstand basins, often reminiscent of Victorian elegance, are seeing a resurgence in modern bathroom designs.
These are basins mounted on a stand, often made of chrome or another metal, and are available in a variety of finishes.
Beyond their classic aesthetics, they combine functionality with a design statement.
Once you have decided on a style and size of your new basin, you can then decide how many basin taps you want and/or need.
The amount of tap holes that are pre-drilled into the basin will determine the type of taps you can choose.
Most bathroom sinks have just one tap hole; this is because the majority of taps are mixer taps.
A mixer tap combines the hot and cold water before it comes out of the spout, making it easier to handle.
Mixer taps come in both modern and traditional styles to enhance the design of any bathroom.
For a more authentic traditional look, opt for a basin with two tap holes, so you can fit separate hot and cold taps.
Some basins such as a countertop design, don’t feature any tap holes, so you will you need to fit either a wall mounted tap or a high rise tap.
Once you have a new basin in mind, it is important to consider the accessories you might want to complete the look.
Basin taps are available in so many styles to suit any bathroom.
When choosing new taps make sure they enhance the design of your sink.
If your sink has a curved shape, then opt for a tap with rounded lines. If it has an angular shape, choose a tap with clean, geometric lines.
You can check on the variety of basin taps in our bathroom tap buying guide.
A waste is an essential item for any sink.
There are two main basin waste types – slotted and unslotted.
If your basin has an overflow, then you will need a slotted waste. An unslotted waste is required for basins without an overflow. When it comes to style, you can choose from a classic plug and chain waste, pop-up, push button or a flip-top design.
Most modern basins don’t have a hole for the chain to be fitted to, so make sure to check your basin before choosing a plug and chain waste.
A pop-up waste features a lever behind the tap – simply pull upwards to lower the waste plug, and push down to raise again.
With a push button waste, you simply push the waste plug down to prevent the water from draining away, and push down again to release.
A flip-top waste features a metal disc that you flip by hand to stop the water from draining.
It’s important to remember that every basin, regardless of type, requires regular maintenance.
Regular cleaning will ensure that your basin retains its shine and remains hygienic.
Every few months, check for any loose fittings or potential leaks.
Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent bigger problems down the line.
Choosing a bathroom basin involves much more than picking out a design that you like.
It requires careful consideration of space, functionality, and accompanying fixtures.
With the right choices, your basin can not only be a functional element of your bathroom but also a centrepiece that adds to the overall aesthetics of the space.
Remember to consult professionals when unsure, especially regarding installations, to ensure longevity and safety.
And if you have any questions then please just give us a call or drop us an email with the details below.
Phone – 0330 027 1032
email – info@bigbathroomshop.co.uk
John trained in journalism before joining the Big Bathroom Shop team. His exceptional journalism skills (and modesty) allow him to meticulously research bathroom topics and bring you the very latest news and views on all things bath and shower related. He’s a dab hand at Scrabble and is currently undertaking a domestic plumbing course to be sure he actually does know what he’s talking about!
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