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Basin Installation needed?

Basin installation is easier than you think. Installing a basin might seem like a plumber’s job, but if the basics are understood properly, then it can be a little DIY (Do It Yourself). Basins are used for daily activities and are a necessity for every toilet or bathroom.

basin installation

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Table of contents

What is the Basin?

A basin in plumbing, otherwise known as a Wash Basin, is a bowl attached to the wall or mounted on a pedestal and is used for washing utensils, hands, and face. It is a popular plumbing fixture found in most homes and buildings. Hospitals, restaurants, offices, and more carry basins in bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, and more. Today we will be talking about how to install all kinds of basins. A plumbing basin set includes all the materials that will be needed to complete a basin installation such as a plumbing basin spanner, plumbing basin wrench, plumbing basin waste, and more.

Basin Plumbing Diagram

Here are important things and steps you need to know when installing a basin.

Basin Bottle Trap Installation

A bottle trap is used as a waste trap, which helps to stop harmful smells and gases from flowing back through the drainage and into the basin.

The bottle trap helps to maintain hygiene in the environment by avoiding contamination, which may be caused by harmful from the accumulation of used water and nasty liquids in the sewer. It is a very important fixture needed when completing a basin installation.

The pipe from the basin is inserted into the bottle trap, which is installed below the basin. The basin bottle trap fills itself with new water, and this blocks the gases that return due to the space being already filled with water.

It is often wider than the basin pipe, and it is a very necessary plumbing fixture for maintaining hygiene.

Basin Cabinet Installation

A basin cabinet, often usually installed under the basin itself, is a nice addition to a bathroom, as it serves so many purposes which include:

Extra Storage Space
Beautification
Hiding the plumbing fixtures underneath such as the bottle trap, drainage, and more.

Furthermore, changing the cabinet knobs, repainting, or completely changing the cabinet style in general, is a good way to renovate and change the look of a bathroom. Basin cabinet installation should not be difficult, all that is needed is to follow the instructions accordingly and to make sure that the right tools needed are available.

Basin Drain Fitting

Making sure that a functioning drain is available is one of the most important parts of a basin installation. The drain helps to maintain the outflow and overflow of water from the basin into the pipe. It collects and disposes of liquid, water, etc. through the right outlet.

Basin Drain Installation

Installing a drain might require changing the whole system completely if an old one is already connected, or just changing some parts. To install a drain, it is important that the right tools needed to be available. Some of these tools include:

Appropriate size drain kit
Channel lock pliers
Plumber’s putty, and many more.

Basin Faucet Installation

A basin tap installation can be quite easy if you follow the right steps and have the right materials. To attach the faucet to the basin, you must get the right measurement and the specific installation points.

All that is required is for the plumber’s tape or putty to be applied to the point where the faucet will be attached. After this, tighten the area lock (nut) where the basin and the faucet is joined together.

Depending on the type of basin and faucet, tightening of the lock may be done above or beneath the basin. Materials needed include:

Plumber’s tape and putty
Pliers
Wrench (adjustable)

A simple basin faucet installation YouTube video to show the different steps to installing a basin faucet.

Basin Fitting Kit

To install a basin, you must have the primary tools required to complete the process. These tools include:

Two wall bolts and nuts that are 140 x 10mm
2 PVC washers
Two wall plugs
Two metal washers

These materials are standard tools needed for fixing a basin. It is also used for moving and replacing a basin successfully. A simple basin fitting video that demonstrates, step by step, how to install or replace a basin.

Basin Installation Height

Before a basin can be installed, the height measurement must be taken into consideration. The basin must not be too high that it is uncomfortable to use or too low that you have to bend to use. Ease of access is very important for basin installation. The standard measurement for the height of a basin is between 800 mm – 850 mm or 80 cm – 85 cm or 29 inches – 36 inches.

Truthfully, the height of the basin is greatly dependent on the height of the person using it. If the client is a little bit taller than average, then the height of the basin should be higher than average, as it is all based on personal preference.

Basin Installation Guide

As said in the beginning, a basic basin victorian plumbing session can be quite easy as long as the required steps are followed accordingly. Obviously, proper research must be done, and basic basin installation instructions must be adhered to.

Below is a basic basin installation DIY with step-by-step instructions on how to fit a basin. For more information or clarity, you can follow a video tutorial on how to do it.

First, you need to do some measurements and make sure that the type and size of the basin you need will fit the area, and will function properly.

After that, you must make all the tools required for the installation or a basin plumbing kit is available. Some of the tools needed include:

Plumber’s putty
Channel lock pliers
Screwdrivers
Adjustable spanner
Plumber’s tape and tape measure
A pencil (for marking out lines and holes)
Drill (if you’re installing a new basin and not replacing an old one)
Plumbing sockets
Spirit level
A rag (for cleaning surfaces)
Bucket (in case of leakage and other uses)

It is important to note that if you are replacing an old basin with a completely different one, or changing the position of a basin. You might have to reroute, and this kind of work must be done by a professional, as most pipes are placed behind the bathroom wall.

Before you begin any basin set installation, you must:

Make sure all water supply lines and taps are disconnected. This can be done using a plumber’s wrench or pliers. You can put a bucket under the area to catch any water leakage until the water completely stops.
All water at the main lines must be turned off.
The drains connected to the basin area, if it’s about to be replaced must be disconnected. You will find a nut lock attached to the plumbing fixture. Use your hands to loosen it completely and take it out. If it seems difficult to loosen the nut lock with just your hands, you can use a pair of channel lock pliers to loosen it.
After disconnecting the nut lock, a silicone will be connecting the basin to the wall. To disconnect this, all you need to do is to use a knife and cut off the silicone carefully. After doing this, it should be easy to carefully lift the basin from the position it was attached to.
After disconnecting the basin, remove it from the area and clean it out for a new basin to be installed.

After completing these instructions, it is time to install the new basin. You must make sure that the basin area and basin itself is properly measured before you start any installation.

Easy Way to Measure a Bathroom Basin Area

The process of measuring up for a new basin is relatively easy. Although easy, it is very important for the measurements to be done correctly as this will make the fitting process go on smoothly and easily. This is also similar to a kitchen basin installation and toilet basin installation.

The process is easy. All you need to do is get the tape measure and take down the measurements for the height, width, and depth of the basin area (the location where you want the basin placed). If you’re just replacing an old basin with a new basin with similar measurements, then you can just use the old one, instead of measuring it all over again.

After your measurements are taken appropriately and all the tools are available, it is time to fit the basin. At this point, you can hire a professional or have someone assist you, so you make sure all the steps are followed accordingly. Following the basin installation DIY below will help you install your basin easily.

Make sure all the valves supplying water to the basin and basin area is shut off. This is usually underneath the basin area and depending on your plumbing type, might offer cold and hot pipes. All have compression fittings which you can turn off to prevent water from flowing. Put the bucket underneath to catch any leakage, so as not to mess up your work area. If the plumbing type doesn’t offer a compression fitting, all you need to do is turn off the tap at the main supply.
Carry the basin you’re about to install and mark the position you want it to be placed in with a pencil. This will allow you to know exactly how you want it to be. Also, make sure it is lined with the spirit level to enable you to find the center. Also make a straight line that will run vertically to the floor, to help mark the depth and height of the basin. After doing this, take the basin away and put it carefully on the floor or on a protective sheet. Most basins are made up of ceramic materials making it easily breakable. Mishandling the basin might damage it.
Use a wall hung basin frame if the wall is weak but if not, you can just attach the basic to the wall. Using a professional for the frame is best advised as the work might be extensive, but if you’re skilled in such area, then you can do it yourself. You might probably need to drill holes into the walls if there’s none available. It is advised that you make sure there are no wires, cables, or pipes, behind the wall before hanging it.
It is time to install your taps. This step is pretty easy and straightforward, as all you need to do is follow the instructions on the packet the new faucets or taps came with. If you’re going to continue with an old tap or you have one without instructions, then all you need to do is follow these steps. Insert the tap into the hole provided in the basin using a threaded post fitted to the tap. This will help the tap or faucet rest on the basin easily, and the threaded post will be underneath. Position the tap how you want with the washer and make sure it sits okay. After doing that, screw the nut lock tightly and make sure the connection is very tight. Once the nut is tightened completely, connect the flexi-pipes to the tap.
After installing the tap, it is time to install the trap and the waste. Just put the waste into the plughole within the basin. If the basin has an overflow area, the direction of the cutout overflow on the waste is important. It is also important to take note of the hole and the basin plug hole as they must line up at the end. After doing this, you can use the silicone to make sure that the waste thread is sealed improperly. The washer can then be applied and must be fit in tightly.
Screw in the thread with a new nut that must be fit tightly. Check that the holes for overflow are lined up appropriately from the waste to the basin. You can put a screwdriver down the plughole to ensure that it is not moving out of the required sync. After doing this, you can install the basin trap by connecting it to the waste and tightening it properly.
Make sure that the basin is secured using the plumbing fixings needed. If you are using a pedestal, make sure that the pedestal is lined up to the wall accordingly. It must fit the marks you put in the beginning. You can look underneath the basin and make sure it is sitting comfortably on the pedestal. Adjust appropriately if it is not sitting correctly. After doing this, remove the pedestal and start fixing the bolts needed.
Mark the location where you want the holes to go. This helps you know exactly what position to drill the holes into. It might be smart to start with drilling small holes first before doing bigger ones. Depending on the wall fixture, you might need masking tape to help with the grip and prevent slipping. After drilling the holes, you can insert wall plugs into the holes and fit the appropriate bolts. This can be done with a spanner.
It is time to fix the pedestal and basin. You can pick up the pedestal and position it again, making sure like the last time, that it fits the right underneath the basin. Make sure the holes you made in the wall lines up with that on the basin. Secure the bolts to that in the wall and make sure it is as tight as possible. Move away from the area and check to see if all bolts are fitted correctly and the basin is sitting nicely.
When the basin is fitted to your taste, connect the water pipes back. All you need to do now is connect the taps to the pipes available. If a compression fitting is available, you can tighten this as well, as this helps to maintain the pressure and keep the pipes regulated.
You can now turn on the water supply. If the water supply is central, then you can turn it on at the mains, else if there is a compression fitting, then just screw it quarter way to allow the inflow of water. Check and make sure there are no leakages, as this can occur.
Now that the basin is installed, all that is left is to seal the basin to the wall with the silicone. This is important as it will make sure that the basin maintains its position and stays intact. Clean off any excess dirt, waste, or equipment, and the basin installation is done.

Basin Mounting Kit

There are a few tools required for mounting a basin on the wall that may not have been included. Some of these are:

Basin mounting brackets: these are stainless steel tools used for mounting a basin to a wall. Also known as basin wall mounting brackets, it holds the basin to the wall and keeps it secure. They are support frames that are secured with bolts.

Basin mounting bolts: these are inserted into a support brace on the wall. It helps to keep the support brace steady and fitted.

Basin Mixer Installation Guide

A basin mixer is simply a faucet or tap that helps to combine cold and hot water together (water feeds) to come out through the same outlet. These fitting basin mixer taps can be controlled by moving it from side to side with a lever (mixer taps) or with two different handles (pillar taps). Just like the Grohe basin mixer installation is very important to help regulate the temperature of water you desire.

Below are a few steps for an easy basin mixer tap installation.

Depending on where the tap was purchased, online or in a store, you need to unpack the tap. Make sure that there are no damages, as this might affect the installation process. Also make sure all water outlets are turned off, in other to avoid leakage or water overflow.

This whole process might take you 30 minutes to an hour to complete. When purchasing the tap, make sure that it is of good quality, as most low-quality ones allow drips over time.

You will need a few tools for this installation. They include:

A spanner set (with all equipment intact)
Nuts
Washers
Fixing studs
Flexible tap tails (most of these comes with a purchase of the tap).

Step by step guide on fitting a basin mixer tap:

Ensure that you’re holding the tap upright and then at the bottom, fix the washer provided.
After fixing the washer, take the flexible tap tails and screw them to the tap body and use your hand to tighten it properly.
Once the flexible tap tails are screw tightly, put the fixing studs into the tap bottom and screw the, tightly as well.
Once that is done, make sure that the basin hole aligns with the tap and insert the fixing studs and flexible tap tails into it.
Now, attach the washer to the fixing studs, as well as the retaining plate, all beneath the tap. Use your hands to screw the fixing studs tightly.
After screwing the nut locks with your hand and have made sure that the tap is sitting in the right position, you can now tighten the nut locks with a spanner carefully.
Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If there are leaks, you might have to unscrew everything and screw it again. If there are no leaks, then your tap is secured and good to go!

Basin Overflow Fitting

The purpose of installing basin overflow is to avoid a mess or leakage when water is left on. It is normally located at the wall area of the basin, at the top of it. This is also part of a basin outlet fitting.

If water is left running and starts to fill up the basin because the drain is closed, the overflow opening will help to channel the water to the drain, instead of letting it fall on the floor and leaving a mess.

Also, because of the opening, the drain works faster because of the air introduced into the system.

Basin Waste Fitting Kit

There are different kinds of basin waste fitting sizes and types. Some come with a spring mechanism, and some others come with a plug to hold the water.

Basin waste fitting instructions are basically the same for most plumbing systems. The kit comprises of a washer, basin waste, and a nut. A few instructions on installing basin waste pipe and a basic basin waste trap installation include:

The washer available will be slid onto the waste fitting inside the basin waste hole.
The sides of the waste will have cutouts where the overflow water will be taken out using the waste pipe. During installation, the holes must not be tampered with or blocked
All you need to do is seal around the pop-up waste using the silicone and then fitting it into its position. After that, it will be sealed with the washer and tightened with the nut lock.
Or you can follow a basic basin mate fitting instruction and use a basin mate, washer, and poly washer to fit the waste system.
Take some of the basin mate sealers with some liquid dish soap, as this will help with making sure it is in the right position.
When that is done, take the basin sealer and push it up the waste pipe. This washer will help you seal the basin hole and avoid leakage.
After doing that, take the poly washer and slide it up the waste system, until it meets the sealing washer.
Now, use the nut to screw in the basin waste fitting tightly, but not too tight to the extent that it damages the pipe. If you feel like the nut is not tight enough when you used your hands, you can incorporate a wrench or channel lock pliers. This will help make sure that the nut lock is tight and intact.

Basin Installation Cost

A washbasin installation cost or bathroom basin installation cost varies greatly depending on the type of basin, tools needed, location, plumber man-hour cost, and more.

Basin Cost: The price of the basin about to be installed is one of the biggest factors that influences the price of the overall installation. Depending on the type, basic or luxury, basin price can range from €150 to €950. Designer gloss and matte basins can cost up to €1.600, and above the counter, basins can cause anywhere from €400 to €600. The type of basin a client decides to buy is hugely dependent on the budget they have.

Faucet or Tapware Cost: Another factor that influences the cost of a basin installation is the faucet or tapware. Depending on the kind of tapware a client requires, the cost can range from below €100 to over €1.200. Depending on the budget, a customer can find the perfect faucet for their basin.

Workmanship: Normally, depending on your location, plumbers charge hourly. The hourly rate often varies from €100 to €150. A regular job may cost from €150 to €250, but this is dependent on the length, time, and more needed to complete the job. Sometimes, the plumber might incorporate other fixtures into the installation that must be paid for. This also influences the overall cost.

A plumber might collect an average price from €170 to €250 if a basin is being replaced in the same place. Some plumbers add a call-out fee, which will be added to the overall rate of the plumber, as the cost of the hours spent will also be added.

If the plumber is installing the basin in a new place or location, then the plumber might charge more. Installing a new basin in a new location requires new pipes installation, drilling holes, and many more. This makes the work more expensive than just replacing an old basin with a new one. The time taken will be longer, and of course, the plumber’s rate will also increase as well. Overall, the total basin installation price depends on the taste of the client and the quality of the plumbing fixture they require.

The Right Plumber: In addition to the installation costs needed, the plumber must be taken into account as well. Depending on your city or country, most plumbers have licenses.

If you live in a city where plumbers don’t have licenses, then you can check reviews and popularity. A good way to fit a plumber into your budget is to ask for a quote from different plumbers.

You can check out the prices and find out what price works best for you. It is also good to note that, choosing the cheapest plumber might not be the best option. The best way is to find a good plumber that is affordable or one that can work with your budget.

Vessel Basin Installation

A vessel basin is known for giving the environment a unique look. Its design is very polished and elegant, giving the bathroom or area, a classy touch. A vessel basin installation is quite similar to a normal basin installation with only a few tweaks here and there. The vessel basin installation also works the same as a lavatory basin installation.

This is also classified under a vanity basin installation, as the vessel must be installed onto a dresser top or a fitting basin vanity unit. Some things must be taken into consideration before a vessel basin can be installed:

Holes (taps, faucet, or/and drain holes) to be drilled must be done on a vanity of your choice
Height measurement must be taken as a common mistake is people miscalculating and making the vessel basin too high. Vanity to be installed must be low enough so that when the vessel is mounted on the vessel, it would not be too high.
If you’re taking a different route and using a vanity or dresser top that is not appropriate for a vessel basin, then you might have to make a few changes. Changes like removing drawers, and breaking some parts to accommodate the drainage beneath.
It is also best to install a faucet first before the vessel, as it is more tasking to do it after.

If you bought the vessel basin in a store, then it probably came with instructions and some tools, if not, you can follow the step by step process below.

Tools needed to complete this installation:

Dresser or vanity
Drain fitting
Plumber’s putty
Silicone (adhesive)
Channel lock pliers
Caulk gun
Drain trap kit
Pipe wrench

Most vessel basins come with the drain fitting; if not, you can buy one that fits your vessel.

Having the right drain fitting for the vessel basin is very important for the installation process. Most of the time, when a drain fitting is purchased, it comes with as a package that offers both the anchoring mechanism and the drain opening for the vessel installation. If the vessel does not have an overflow, then you don’t need a drain fitting with an overflow, but if it has an overflow, then you need one with such capability. Basin mounting rings are very important for holding the vessel basin to the counter.
The position of the vessel basin matters a lot. If the vanity to be used is flat or has a flat surface, then the vessel basin can easily be placed on it. When mounting the vessel, make sure that the opening in the vessel aligns with the drain opening in the dresser, cabinet, or vanity. A basin mounting ring is required, as it used to mount the vessel on top of the vanity. Depending on your faucet trim or tap design, it is best to purchase a mounting ring that matches it.
It is best to have someone assist you when placing the vessel. An assistant will help you hold the vessel basin in place while you screw on and attach the drain fitting. If it’s a flat bottom vessel, then you can probably do it on your own, but if the bottom is round, then you most definitely need a helper.
It is time to attach the drain fitting. Unlike the standard drain fitting in a basic basin installation, that of the vessel basin is different. The vessel basin contains a threaded tailpiece connected to a strainer assembly and inserted into the drain hole. Other things contained in vessel drain fitting kit includes; mounting nut, rubber seal (for sliding under the basin), friction ring, and more. The mounting nut and friction ring are used to tighten and hold the drain assembly in place.
You will need to apply plumber’s putty on the drain flange to hold it in place. After that, add the threaded tailpiece into the opening of the drain and the cabinet top. Make sure that the drain flange is sitting properly, right side up when looking down into the vessel.
Go underneath the vessel basin, inside the cabinet, and apply the pipe joint to the rubber seal available. Slide the rubber seal up till it can go no further, then thread the friction ring and add the mounting nut lock to seal it in place. You can tighten the nut lock with your hand, and if you feel it is not as tight as you want it. You can go a bit further by using the channel lock pliers to tighten it up again. Tightening it too much can damage the plumbing fixture, so it’s best just to tighten appropriately. After tightening, make sure that the drain fitting is properly aligned and straight.
After checking for alignment, it is time to connect the drain trap. The procedure for installing a drain trap for a vessel basin is basically the same as fitting a basin bottle trap. The drain trap connection is done using a washer and nuts. The trap bend is attached to the tailpiece underneath the vessel basin, and the other side of the trap is connected to the pipe in the wall. If the tailpiece is too small or short, an extension pipe can be incorporated into the system to help extend it. The extension pipe is to make sure that the pipe reached the opening of the drain.
After the necessary connection is complete, it is important to check for leaks. This is the part where you cross your fingers, as if there is a leak, then you might have to disconnect and reconnect again. You can check for a leak by turning in the water supply at the mains and running the water. This is to check if the water is coming out at the wrong place. If there is only small leakage, you can just tighten the joints, but if it is major, you might have to start the installation, all over again.

Installing Basin With Pedestal

To install a pedestal basin, you must first measure the depth and width of the pedestal. After that is completed, you can now measure the height of the pedestal and make sure it fits the position where you want it to be. The main purpose of the pedestal is for hiding all the joints and pipe underneath the basin from view.

Wall mounted basin taps installation

Also to install a basin on the wall, you will also require the necessary measurements for placements. The depth, width, and height all need to measure to the position where you want it to sit. If you’re incorporating a semi pedestal, then it must be low enough to hide all the plumbing fixtures underneath the basin.

Sewage Basin System Installation

It doesn’t matter whether you are planning to install a washer, toilet, or basin, making sure that a sewage basin is installed is very important. The work of the sewage basin is to collect refuse or waste from the basin, washer, toilet, etc. and deposit it in the septic tank. When installing a sewage basin, you must also install a sewage pump or sump pump system. Here is a simple sump pump basin installation video tutorial, to guide you through the process. If you’re utilizing an installation kit, it will come with most of the materials needed.

Below are a few basic sewage basin installation instructions:

You will need to have some important plumbing fixtures such as:

Soap (dish)
Pea gravel
Shovel
Drill
Sewage basin installation kit
3/16-inch drill bit

It is advised that you purchase a sewage basin installation kit, else you can just follow the instructions and discover what things you need to do and buy.

You have to dig a hole, where the basin will be placed. This whole will also be used for a sub-base. Remember to make sure that the whole is big enough for both the sub-base and basin to fit into it. The floor and the top of the basin should be aligned.
After doing that, pour the pea gravel into the hole already dug and then level out the sub- The top of the sub-base must be smooth, and depth be about four inches. After smoothening the surface of the sub-base, insert the basin into the hole and let it sit on top of it. After doing this, pour some more pea gravel around the basin till it is about four inches.
It is time to deposit the inlet pipe into the grommet (rubber). Place the pipe inside the basin and let it be at a length of 2 inches. Use the file to correct the edges of the pipe so that it doesn’t damage the grommet. After doing that, make sure the rubber grommet is lubricated, before inserting it into the pipe.
Now connect the pipe for discharge to the pump. Use the 3/16 drill bit to drill a hole into the pipe and make sure it is three inches above the discharge pipe threads of the pump. After doing this, the discharge pipe should be sticking out of the top of the sewage basin and should be between 6 and 10 inches long.
Insert the discharge pipe rubber grommet into the sewage basin cover and make sure you push down over the pipe inside. Use the file to correct the edges again and lubricate before inserting it.
The electric cords available should be pulled into the hole in the center of the basin cover. After doing that, place the grommet for the electric cord into the cover.
Now, you’re almost done. All you need to do is insert the grommet for the vent pipe into the hole of the vent pipe in the cover of the sewage basin. The vent pipe should be placed two inches into the basin and should exit the basin through the roof of the building. If this is not possible, it can be attached to a vent pipe already installed and existing. Use the bolts to lock the cover of the sewage basin.
The check valve can now be attached to the discharge, and the arrow should not be pointing towards the pump. This will help to keep water from going back into the sewage basin. Crosscheck and make sure the connections are okay before attaching a pump to the outlet.

Important information to take note of when installing the sewage basin:

If you have purchased a sewage basin with pump kits, then it might contain parts that are already preinstalled. This will help reduce the time it will take you to install the sewage basin and overall reduce the workload.
Whatever sewage basin you’re installing must be in accordance with the standards and codes of your state or country. You can find out if there are any rules to be followed before starting.
You must make sure that the sewage basin has proper ventilation. This is absolutely necessary, as failure to comply might lead to an explosion that can cause a fatal accident.
It is advised that the pump is installed near a grounded outlet to help reduce the risk of a complication or the utilization of an extension cord.

Final Words

Different individuals have different tastes, styles, and aesthetic. Finding the best basin for you is a factor of your budget and style. With the information above, installing any kind of basin should be easy. All you are required to do is follow the instructions as is, and things should go smoothly. Don’t be deterred if a basin plumbing issue occurs, this is normal. All you need to do is check your connections to find the source of the issue. If it seems too hard to do on your own or you’ve tried over and over again, and you’re still getting issues, then you can contact a professional to help with all the installations.

Call: 06-28791793