Bathroom washbasin height – the most important and most useful information

A bathroom renovation is very often associated not only with changing the wall design, but also with purchasing and installing sanitary ware. When choosing it, many factors need to be kept in mind. Among the most important are the height of the vanity unit, the waste outlet, and the shower, bath and basin taps. Why is this so important? Is every model installed in the same way? You will find answers to these and other questions later in the article.

Installing a washbasin – height

When deciding to buy a washbasin, remember that its height will largely depend on the type selected. Significant differences arise primarily from its intended use. The installation of sanitary ware dedicated to children, older adults or people with disabilities is different. The method of fixing is also quite important. A Countertop washbasin should ultimately be set at a slightly different height than a wall-hung model. Its installation has a considerable impact not only on the appearance of the bathroom space, but also on the comfort and convenience of carrying out everyday tasks.

A major and common mistake is to focus solely on the applicable standards and specialists’ recommendations while overlooking the household’s individual needs. After all, the height at which the washbasin is fixed to the wall matters most to its users. It is therefore extremely important that everyone feels as comfortable as possible in the bathroom. If you have small children, you can opt for an additional step stool, while adjusting the height of vanity units with a basin to suit adults.

What is the optimal washbasin height?

There is currently no legal regulation that clearly defines what the final installation height of a washbasin should be. In the past, people followed the rule set out in a 1974 publication entitled Technical Conditions for the Execution and Acceptance of Construction and Assembly Works: Sanitary and Industrial Installations. According to the information it contains, sanitary fixtures such as washbasins should be mounted about 75–80 cm above the floor. However, considering the height of contemporary women and men, these figures are no longer up to date. Given the higher average height (women by 14 cm and men by about 13.6 cm) over nearly a hundred years, using a basin positioned at that level would be rather uncomfortable.

Taking the above into account, washbasins are currently most often installed 85 cm from the floor. These parameters have for some time been considered optimal. Despite the accepted standard, during installation you should above all take into account the height of the washbasin waste with the vanity unit, usually positioned 50–65 cm above the floor. A key issue is connecting it to the waste pipe via a trap or low-profile trap. This should be done naturally, without unnecessary contortions. A second important point is connecting the flexible tap hoses to the hot and cold water inlets, typically located no more than 10 cm higher. When opting for new sanitary ware, the above aspects should be considered.

The height of a countertop washbasin should be the same as for a wall-hung model, which means that, barring specific reasons to the contrary, its upper edge would be 85–90 cm above the floor. The countertop would then be positioned correspondingly lower, i.e. by subtracting the height of the basin from that figure.

Installing washbasins for children, seniors and people with disabilities

When organising the bathroom space at home, you should take into account all users of the sanitary ware. However, buying two washbasins is not a sensible idea, so it is worth opting for a compromise. If you have children, instead of placing a miniature version of the basin next to it, consider buying a special step to make it easier to use the standard model. It is different in facilities such as nurseries or preschools which, due to their function, should be equipped with two types of bathrooms, fully adapted to the needs of the youngest as well as adults. The commonly accepted norm is to install washbasins for the smallest children (up to 3 years old) at a height of 55–60 cm. For older children this height should be increased accordingly — on average by 5 cm every 2 years.

When deciding to replace sanitary appliances, you should also bear in mind the comfort of carrying out all hygiene activities for people with disabilities and older adults. Depending on the level of independence and safety, the height of a bathroom washbasin usually ranges between 80 and 85 cm above the floor. Even without detailed guidelines, this basin-to-floor distance should ensure ease of use. People who use a wheelchair or a walking frame require an individual approach to the installation of washbasins and other sanitary ware. Important here is a dedicated zone with a forward-projecting bowl and supportive worktop edges, which allows the senior to keep the mobility aid in place while moving and performing basic tasks.

The choice and layout of sanitary ware should primarily take into account the users’ individual needs. The correct height of the washbasin, bath, shower tray or toilet guarantees safety and comfort, combined with the convenience of carrying out everyday hygiene routines.