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There’s a lot of choice when it comes to installing hand wash facilities in your washroom and exploring all the options is a worthwhile endeavour. After all, the fixtures in a washroom can leave a lasting impression on users and depending on the environment, certain options may fit your criteria better than others. Here we take an overview of some of the wash basin and wash trough options available to you.
Wall Hung Washbasins
A classic option for washbasins is the traditional wall hung washbasin. These sinks are mounted on the wall individually and most often have either one or two hole mounts for taps. Wall hung wash basins take no floor space and are a great option when space in the washroom is limited, however, with wall hung washbasins there is no counter space and so soap and paper towel dispensers will also need to be wall hung.
Counter Mounted Washbasins
Vanity units are a popular choice in many washroom environments as they not only conceal pipework and drainage but provide counter space for users to place bags, toiletries and generally bring a smarter, more sophisticated look to a washroom. Counter mounted washbasins sit on top of the vanity unit and most often require taps that are wall mounted above the sink or counter mounted behind the sink with a tall elevation to reach over the rim of the washbasin. This style of sink is very contemporary and works exceptionally well in hotels, spas, executive lounges and modern office environments.
Inset Washbasins
Utilising the elegance of a vanity unit, holes are cut out of the worktop and sinks are mounted within them. This sink option helps to deliver clean sharp lines in the washroom and can be a little easier to clean down compared to counter mounted washbasins. This type of washbasin setup is popular in schools, colleges and universities, as well as leisure centres and shopping mall facilities.
Semi-Recessed Washbasins
These washbasins are a great option if you are wanting to conceal pipework in a vanity unit, but don’t want to lose too much floor space. Half of the sink is recessed into the worktop, whilst the front overhangs and protrudes. Therefore you are able to install a much thinner vanity unit, which takes up around half the floor space of a full depth vanity unit. An ideal option for those with limited space, but demanding a slick, cutting edge finish.
Wash Troughs
For an open and communal look to your washroom, wash troughs can be an excellent choice when it comes to the hand washing facilities. Wash troughs are exactly as they sound, a large trough that several users can use at the same time. Taps are usually wall mounted above the trough and as users are stood side by side washing, the water all flows into the same wash trough unit and down to the plug hole. These units are particularly popular in restaurant and school environments, especially in pre-school and primary schools.
Surgical Sinks
If you are refurbishing a washroom or installing a wash station in an area that has to be highly hygienic, then surgical sinks may be essential. Complete units are available in an easy clean stainless steel and the taps can be operated either by knee or by foot, depending on which model you are looking at. Alternatively, sensor activated taps could be installed which, like the knee and foot operated options, means users do not need to touch the taps, keeping their freshly washed hands hygienically clean. In this environment, you may also need washbasins that have a plaster and bandage catcher basket integral to them and in some surgical scenarios, you may consider a Surgeons Scrub Up. These units are most common in healthcare environments.
Cleaners Sinks
Janitorial sinks are commonly needed in large buildings. They offer the user space to wash, but also to fill large buckets and cleaning vessels underneath taps. Most cleaners sinks come with some sort of support for the heavy bucket and as such are perfectly suited for large volume and weight. These sinks are used a lot in hospitals, schools and large-scale public facilities.
Vandal Resistant Options
In high traffic areas, it can often be prudent to install fixtures that are designed to be highly durable and resistant against accidental damage and vandalism. Stainless steel wall hung sinks are advantageous here and most anti-vandal options come with no tap holes, meaning you situate them beneath wall-mounted taps, helping to reduce exposed pipework. There are also hand washer and dryer units that sit recessed into the wall. These units are incredibly durable and items like the Thrii Anti Vandal Recessed Hand Wash and Dryer Unit are completely sensor activated. This means no exposed moving parts, so as well as being durable against vandalism, they also improve hygiene in the washroom. Vandal resistant options are a great choice for public conveniences, train stations, prisons and hospitals.
Designer Sinks
Naturally, there are some instances where you really want to make an impact with your washroom design and beyond the colour of the walls and tiles, there are actually many items of commercial washroom furniture that can bring some excitement into your facilities. The commercial wash space can be home to exciting design and playfulness, particularly in modern offices and boutique hotel environments.
Whatever type of washbasin you decide to install, be sure to check the dimensions thoroughly beforehand.
As always, our team are at the end of the telephone for all your queries and questions and have a wealth of knowledge they’re happy to share with you. So if you need some guidance, or would like to talk over your options, you can give them a call on 01202 650900.
