Installing different types of basins
Modern bathroom designs offer a huge variety of different styles of basin, each one of which will give the bathroom you are working on a totally different feel. When you first meet your client and spend some time planning the work you’re going to do for them, you’ll undoubtedly talk through all of the different basin options that are available to them.
Not everyone realises what a great impact the basin they choose can have on their bathroom until they’re presented with a wide range of choices. Use your experience to guide them through the options. For instance, if your client is pursuing modern bathroom ideas, you’ll probably point them towards a wall-hung basin, while a basin that’s fitted into bathroom furniture will often look great with luxury bathroom designs. Meanwhile, clients who favour traditional bathroom suites will often opt for a pedestal basin.
Whatever style your client chooses, it’s your attention to detail during the installation process that will ensure it looks fantastic in the finished bathroom.
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1. First things first
Before you get started, run through our checklist of the installation basics, just to remind yourself of the various stages.
Check what equipment you’ll need
Different basins might require different tools, but as a general rule you will definitely need a set of plumbers’ wrenches, a basin wrench, a set of plumbing sockets and some silicone sealant.
If you are putting a basin into a counter, you may also need specialist cutting and drilling tools, especially if the counter is made of a very hard material such as granite.
Turn off the water supply
You do this without fail for all plumbing work, and basin installation is no different.
Check your measurements
Carefully measure the space the basin will go in before you order a basin. Once the basin arrives, double check that it definitely fits for your peace of mind during the rest of the process.
Make sure it all fits together
A simple but important reminder: if you are ordering individual parts, check that they are all compatible with one another and with the space available. Another obvious thing to add to your checklist: see how many holes your basin has before ordering taps. Browse our wide selection of bathroom taps to get an idea of your options.
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2. How to install a pedestal basin
Most simple bathroom ideas involve pedestal basins. Fortunately, as well as being very popular, this style of basin is also reasonably simple to install.
Step 1: Assemble the basin
Attach the taps and the tap hoses to the washbasin. Check the taps carefully to make sure they are straight. Then fix the waste into position.
Step 2: Mark the wall and floor
Set up the pedestal where it will eventually stand and put the washbasin on top. Make pencil marks on the wall and floor where the fixing holes will need to go. Then move the pedestal and basin out of the way.
Step 3: Screw in the basin
Use a power drill to make holes for the fixing screws. Check if any changes need to be made to the positions of the water and waste pipes, as this is the best time to make them. Then place the pedestal and basin back in its position and loosely screw in the pedestal. When you’ve checked the angle of the basin with a spirit level, screw it loosely into the wall.
Step 4: Seal the joins
Use masking tape to protect the ceramic, the floor and the walls. Now seal all the edges where parts of the basin meet the wall or floor. Use silicone sealant in a sealant gun and smooth the silicone down afterwards.
For more tips on using sealants, see our sealing section.
Step 5: Tighten the screws
With everything in place, you’re now ready to tighten the screws so both parts of the basin are firmly held in position.
Step 6: Final plumbing and checking
Join the waste pipe and trap together. The waste pipe should also be attached to the flexible connectors at this stage. With this done, turn the water supply back on and make sure there are no leaks.
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3. Other types of basin installation
Most of the steps covered above, with the exception of those that relate to the pedestal, will be broadly similar whatever type of basin you are working with. However, there are some differences that will only crop up if you are installing particular styles of basin.
Installing a basin in furniture
Most small bathroom designs don’t have space for a counter as they can dominate the room, but if you have a fair amount of floor area to play with, putting your basin within a counter is practical and can also look very elegant.
If you are installing a basin in a counter or another piece of fitted bathroom furniture, there are a few additional, self-explanatory steps. Use the template that comes with the basin to measure out and cut a space for it. You’re aiming, as ever, for a perfect fit in the furniture.
Note that if you are putting a basin into a counter made from stone or granite, you should use a diamond carbide tip for drilling.
Once you’ve prepared the space for your basin, a mix of sealing caulk and connective clips will help to fix the basin in place.
Installing a wall-hung basin
Wall-hung basins are perfect for modern, understated bathrooms. Choosing a basin in this style is also a good option for clients who have invested in special bathroom tiles that they would like to show off, as the basin will take up the minimum amount of wall space, leaving the tiles on full display.
Naturally, this means doing most of the work before you lay the bathroom tiles. Water and faucet supply lines will need to be trimmed and the faucet and basin tailpiece will need to be installed before you mount the basin.
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FAQs
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How do you install a wall-hung basin?
The exact process will vary depending on the basin used, but the most important thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to get most of the work done before you start laying any bathroom tiles.
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How do you install a basin in furniture?
Installing a basin in a piece of bathroom furniture is all about getting the fit just right. Use the template that comes with your basin to cut a hole of the perfect size in the counter or cabinet you’re working with. If you need to cut through granite or another very solid material, you’ll have use a diamond carbide tip for drilling.
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How do I remove the basin?
Ensure the water and electric is off. Have your colleague support the basin, as you unscrew the fittings. Use a suitable knife to cut silicone sealant or grouting away. Dispose of the basin.
To remove the pedestal, remove the sealant under the basin and near the bottom stand at the floor. Lift up the basin and slide the pedestal out. Put the sink back onto the wall bracket.