Fitting a new basin or vanity unit is straightforward when it goes where the old one was and the wall can support it. The work grows when the style changes: a wall hung basin needs a strong fixing behind it, a vanity unit needs the pipes to sit inside the cabinet, and a different width can leave gaps in the tiles. Before you buy, check the wall construction, where the supply and waste come through, how many tap holes the basin has, and the space in front for knees and doors. This guide covers each so the one you choose fits first time.
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The main types
- Pedestal basin: the basin sits on a ceramic column that hides the pipes. Simple and traditional, with no storage.
- Semi pedestal: a short shroud hides the trap but leaves the floor clear, which helps in tight rooms and makes cleaning easier.
- Wall hung basin: fixed only to the wall, with the pipes on show or chased in. Clean looking but needs a strong wall.
- Vanity unit: the basin sits on or in a cabinet, floor standing or wall hung. Adds storage and hides the plumbing.
- Countertop basin: a bowl on a worktop or unit, often with a tall mixer or a wall mounted tap.
Check the wall first
A basin full of water, with someone leaning on it, puts real load on its fixings. Brick and block walls hold well with the right plugs. Stud and plasterboard walls need timber noggins or a steel support frame fixed between the studs. Adding that is easy when the wall is stripped during a refit and much harder once it is tiled, which is one reason wall hung units are usually chosen as part of a bigger job.
Supply and waste positions
The hot and cold pipes and the waste need to arrive where the new basin wants them. A pedestal hides pipes coming up from the floor. A wall hung basin looks best with pipes coming through the wall behind it. A vanity unit needs everything inside the cabinet, clear of drawers. Moving pipes a short way is normal fitting work, but it is better planned than discovered on the day. Our plumbing basics guide explains how supply and waste runs work.
Taps and tap holes
Basins come with no tap holes, one or two. A one hole basin takes a mono block mixer; two holes take a pair of pillar taps; no holes means a wall mounted tap or one fixed to the worktop. Make sure the tap spout reaches comfortably over the bowl and does not hit the back edge. Our taps guide goes into more detail.
Sizes and space
Measure the width available, then allow room either side for elbows and cleaning. Depth matters as much as width: a deep basin in a narrow room can block the door or the path to the toilet. In cloakrooms, compact and corner basins save a lot of space; see our cloakroom design ideas.
Tiling and finishing
If the new basin is narrower or sits at a different height, the edges of the old tiling may show. Tiles hidden by an old pedestal or unit might also be missing or a different shade. Planning the basin and any splashback tiling together avoids an awkward patch.
On the day
The water is isolated, the old basin disconnected and removed, the wall checked and any support added. The new basin or unit is fixed level, taps and waste fitted, connections made and tested, then the joint to the wall is sealed. Isolation valves on the supplies are worth adding if they are not already there, so a tap can be serviced later without turning off the house.
Getting a basin fitted
Basin and vanity unit fitting is part of our bathroom fitting service, with plumbing and tiling by our own team. Send us a photo of the space or call 01782 901390 for a fixed quote.
Common questions
Can a wall hung basin go on any wall?
Only if the wall can carry it. Solid masonry is fine with the right fixings. A stud or plasterboard wall needs timber noggins or a support frame built in, which is easiest when the wall is open during a refit.
Will a vanity unit fit where my pedestal basin is?
Usually, if you allow for the width and depth. The supply and waste may need moving slightly so they sit inside the unit rather than hitting a shelf or drawer.
Do I need new taps with a new basin?
Check the number of tap holes first. A basin with one hole needs a mono block mixer; a basin with two needs separate pillar taps. Reusing old taps only works if they match the new basin.
Are drawers or doors better in a vanity unit?
Drawers are easier to use but need cut outs around the waste trap. Doors give access to the plumbing more easily. Many units combine both.