How-To Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Wall Hung Sinks

Why Will You Need A Wall Hung Sink?

If you’ve made the decision that you’re going to run with the wall hung basin for your ensuite, bathroom, or cloakroom, then you’re probably scrambling around looking for every piece of information you can find about what to do with it, how to install it, how to handle any hiccups along the way, etc.

Well, Durovin Bathrooms are here to tell you that you don’t have to face these dilemmas alone.

With our residential certified bathroom experts standing by on call, we will be able to provide you with everything you need to know to properly implement a wall-mounted sink into your bathroom operations.

Here are the answers to some of the most burning questions regarding the elusive floating basin.

Wall Hung Sinks: What You Need to Know

The history of sanitary products is a rich and extensive one.

Tracing its roots back to the turn of the 20th century Switzerland, the wall-hung basin is defined by its small milestones breaking new grounds and setting new norms with the turn of every new year, until the final product we have today screams efficiency.

We’ve come a long way since the Roman epoch of enamel and based bowls. Thanks to the intervention of US emphasis on superior ergonomics in the 1960s - the wall-hung basin saw the emergence on the market in the penultimate form we now use today.

Wall-hung basins are still a rather new fandangled option in comparison to their countertop or pedestal siblings.

So many are left with questions over the functions of their stylish alternatives. Fret not, because all your burning and urgent questions will see an answer in this handy how-to guide.

By the end, you’ll be walking away with extensive inside knowledge of how to optimise your wall-mounted basin to meet your needs:

How Heavy Can A Wall Hung Sink Be?

We get it.

Hauling around an oversized and heavy basin is no one's idea of a good weekend.

Despite their small frame that can be held in your hands, wall hung bathroom basins (especially ones cast of stone) can be deceptively heavy, so always make sure to check the specifications of the model you are purchasing. Dealing with unexpected weight and loaded lifting can result in unforeseen and unwanted strain on your body, including back pains and hernias. For those of limited mobility, advanced age, or other debilitations, we couldn’t recommend consulting your manufacturer and maybe even asking for help from a fitter.

Here is what to watch out for when it comes to weight so you can avoid pulling a muscle:

Stone Basin

Thanks to their precision engineering that casts ancient rock from hillsides and mountains, the stone wall hung basin can be demonstrably heavy, regardless of its frame.

Remember, this is a stone that is built to survive any chip,  crack, cut, stain, dent, or acid attack you can muster at any force. When you purchase from reputable manufacturers, don’t expect flimsy hollow pebble - Durovin wall-mounted stone sinks are designed to endure.

Because of this, you can expect our stone sinks to be quite heavy. At Durovin, the heaviest of our range can reach a mammoth weight of 30kg, which is the Colossum 19 wall-mounted sink. At its maximum width of 1200mm, this model is without a doubt the heaviest in our collection. Unless you are young, fit, and healthy, and even then, we highly recommend getting professional fitters assistance or otherwise as moving this unit will be a two or three-person job. You can find lighter stone models like the Colossum 15L or Colossum 17 weighing in at 18.5 and 24.8 kg respectively. Overall, however, you should come prepared when it comes to stone basins, as the trade-off for that durability is the heavier set.

Ceramic Basin

With our ceramic wall-mounted editions, you’ll be happy to hear that the average weight of our models is significantly less than that of solid stones. Because they are not formed from solid hand cast, ceramic basins can get away with a more lightweight approach to life. As such, you may find the heavy models such as the Bruessel 712 only clocking out to a hefty 16kg, only just more than half the weight of our heaviest stone resin basin. On the other end of the spectrum, the lightest of our ceramic wall-hung sinks, the Brussel 423, only weigh in at a measly 4.5kg.

With weight like that (and as long as you are healthy and able), you’ll no doubt be able to transport the ceramic wall-mounted sink single-handedly. With the buoyant bodyweight of the ceramic floating basin, your bathroom installation and process can proceed unabated.

How Can I Hide Pipes Under A Wall Hung Basin?

Pipes do have their place and appeal in certain situations, but we’re sure that you’re not aiming for a rustic aesthetic when it comes to your lavatory looks, you want an immaculate and chic gloss over your bathroom. Though they serve their function, it seems the inventor's oversight did not account for the ornamental element of taste.

Fret not, for Durovin has come up with some creative solutions for you to chuck out the churlish overtures of pipes and keep your bathroom consistent in its polished and refined presentation.

These are just some of our suggestions, there are more than a million ways to get inventive with concealing the waste pipes under your wall hung bathroom basin, don’t stick to just these suggestions!

• Bathroom Vanity Unit - Employing a basin vanity unit is an excellent method of masking the unsightly plumbing, and also adds additional storage space with its drawers. However, do remember this is an entirely different type of basin and as a result may be unsuitable for the dynamic you are striving for. Small toilets, for instance, have fewer options when it comes to space for bulky vanity units.
• Bottle Traps - Not exactly a concealment of waste pipes, more of alternative plumbing that is both more streamlined and more hygienic. They are also a great way to prevent sewer gas from rising in your waste pipes, and the subsequent putrid stench escaping and wafting through your household. Not only is this odour unpleasant, but it also contains methane gas and germs that can be a health risk if allowed to enter your lavatory atmosphere. Bottle traps are not only superficially uniform by tidying up the space underneath the wall-hung basin, but they can also be a necessary upgrade to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and healthy.
• Physical cover-up - There are plenty of other ways to busy up the under section of your wall hung basin if you're shopping on a budget. Storage bins, small cabinets, sink skirts, shelves, and even piper coverings themselves are thriftier alternatives to investing in a vanity unit. Another popular method is applying a monochromatic paint scheme to your lavatory to have the pipes blend in with the background. Either way, most of these methods can be done without the need for outside installers.

There are in fact several options when it comes to covering up the crass plumbing that supports your wall-hung basin. Don’t feel boxed in because of the price either, you can most certainly find ways to embellish your bathroom and have it retain its picturesque appearance.

Is A Wall Hung Bathroom Sink Safe?

We know to the untrained eye it can seem daunting - your basin just floating there with seemingly no bottom structure to hold it up or support it.

With the added information that stone resin sinks can weigh upwards of 30kg, you might be getting worried that the wall-mounted basin is an accident just waiting to happen.

Durovin Bathrooms are here to put your worries to rest, as every one of our wall-mounted sinks has been tempered and tested to meet a standard of safety and security.

You also have to understand your bathroom's limits before deciding on a wall-hung basin. The ceramic wall hung bathroom basin ranges in weight from 6 - 16 kg, and the stone resin from 18 - 30 kg, so knowing what your wall can and cannot hold is vital before coming to a decision.

Thankfully, our wall-hung basins are not only naturally sturdy, but stability comes as second nature to them. Our wall-hung basins are secure enough that small children can sit in them and the sink can endure their added weight, so rest assured you pushing your own weight down on it will not break it.

Leaking pipes are a general rarity, but in the instance of plumage leakage your best bet would be to unscrew the gasket and add a fresh layer of plumber’s putty after scraping out the old layer - either by your own hands or that of a professional.

With the right know-how and guide with proper fitters and installation, you can ensure that your wall-hung sink will be a complete no-danger zone. This way you can walk around your lavatory free from any paranoia of potential harm. If you ever have any queries, never be afraid to contact our team of professional bathroom consultants, they are always standing by to make sure you can feel confident in your bathroom.

Can You Add Legs To A Wall Hung Bathroom Sink?

Of course!

This is your bathroom and as such you have the reins to dictate the style and design of every unit that occupies it. We would always recommend that you get professional assistance, but if you are confident in your fitting prowess you can come up with your own plan.

Adding legs can add another dimension of depth to the impression of your basin. The options you have really are limitless. You can aspire for a more retro approach with chrome or stainless steel sink legs and brackets. Otherwise, you can also invest in a vanity unit for a more modernised and streamlined impression. Remember, however, that vanity units are quite broad in body and not as versatile in terms of the flexible size that wall-hung basins can offer. So, if you have a smaller bathroom, a bulkier unit might not be an option.

Still, there are plenty of ways for you to embellish the space underneath your floating basin, cabinets, and shelves of the sort, so the space can seem superficially stretched. Never be afraid to consult an installation guide or a member of staff to get more extensive information either.

Do Wall Hung Basins Increase My Property Value?

Yes, they do! Wall hung basins are in right now, they’re extremely stylish and on trend, especially with the contemporary love for minimalism. This makes them a sure fire way to increase the value of your bathroom and by extension, your home. Plus, because of their space saving nature, people will be able to fit more of what they want into the bathroom, which can help increase the property value more as potential buyers will see the potential within it.

Can I Add A Vanity Unit To A Wall Mounted Basin?

Yes, much like the legs, it’s very simple to add a vanity unit to your wall mounted sink!

Durovin stocks a wide variety of bathroom vanity units, including our 460 x 260mm wall hung black vanity unit which is perfect for any wall fixed cloakroom basin.

Just keep in mind you will have to match the size of the vanity unit to the basin.

A wall hung basin 600mm long will not fit a 400mm wall hung vanity unit, no matter how hard you try.

What Size Should My Wall Hung Basin Be?

There is a massive variety of wall hung bathroom basins, from cloakroom wall hung basins to double wall hung basins.

A safe bet is the 600mm wall hung basin, as this is a happy medium between the large and compact wall hung basins.

If you need a wall hung basin, then a wall hung basin 600mm or smaller is great for a cloakroom bathroom, where as a wall hung basin 600mm or bigger is great for a large bathroom.

What Colour Should My Wall Hung Basin Be?

The colour of your basin ultimately comes down to your design preferences.

For example, black basins evoke modernity, while white basins evoke classic design.

In fact, if you are designing a contemporary bathroom, then your best bet is a black wall hung basin, because black wall hung basins enhance the contemporary wall mounted style with modern colour sensibilities.

What Is The Recommended Accessible Height For A Wall Hung Sink?

Durovin Bathrooms take immense pride in our inclusivity initiative, which oversees that all ables have their needs met properly and efficiently.

The wall-hung sink is, by every definition, disability-friendly, and installing a disabled basin is an excellent method to up productivity, safety, and independence within your lavatory. Grab bar assists with concave fronts are a fabulous avenue for disabled users to explore. The broader surface offers extra support and stability. The wider berth, however, may not be suited for smaller bathrooms. Rising and falling disabled basins that can be controlled remotely are also a viable option and give the power back to you whilst also preventing the backache that may come with bending over the sink.

These electronically controlled additions come with a steep cost, however, due to the high-quality work that goes into them.

Plumbing experts around the world are all decreeing unanimously that the standard height for a wall-mounted basin off the ground in a non-disabled user's bathroom should be around 800-850mm (or 30-36 inches). With disabled users, however, one has to be sensitive about their needs and handicaps, so the industry standard height fit recommended by Document M would be between 720-740mm.

This will give disabled users much more leeway and fluidity when it comes to using their wall-hung sink. Of course, this is just the industry recommendation, you may find that your personal needs require something that floats even lower, say 370mm, or higher off the ground. Never forget to consult a professional about disabled bathroom use, and, if they’re qualified, ask your installer for their recommendation.

Where Should A Wall Hung Basin Be Installed?

When you’re installing every unit for your lavatory, it’s always best to have a game plan. Understanding the limits of your bathroom and what you can work with will help you understand what is best for it. Conventional framing may not always be in your favour, after all. You may find that the standard guide for most bathrooms may not work for your bathroom.

That being said, wall-hung basins are no exception to this rule. Building codes can offer little if next to no assistance on recommendations of basin placements. You can follow loose guidelines of minimum specifics, but it's best to get an outside opinion from a professional who has personally assessed your bathroom space - so that no serious errors in placements are made. After all, at Durovin, every lavatory is unique in its own little or large way.

Clearance issues can cause distress, so it's best to plan so that every unit has its own definitive area, to avoid collision problems. Most industry guides will standardly recommend that wall-hung sinks be situated 20 inches from the back wall, and 30 inches from the front door. Again though, these numbers are conditional, so it's best to have a quote from a sanitary specialist.

To Conclude…

Hopefully, some of the most inquisitive aspects of installing your wall hung basins have been answered, and you have found a sense of confidence in floating sinks. If not, don’t be afraid to get in touch with our team of professionals to ask your alternative queries. Our experts are trained and practised in the world of wall-mounted basins, and every other bathroom unit. Wash your hands with confidence at Durovin Bathrooms with the wall-hung basin.