Inset Basins Buying Guide

If you want your bathroom to have a sleek, flush look then an inset basin is definitely ideal for you. Perfect for contemporary environments, these basins sit level with the countertop they are placed in, resulting in a flawless, designer look. They can also work in traditional settings too, although they are normally reserved for more modern bathrooms.

 

What styles are there?

Inset basins come in various styles so choosing something that will really enhance the look of your bathroom shouldn't be too difficult. The most commonly available examples are undermount basins, which are fixed underneath a unit for a flush look; vanity units, which can house inset basins as well as excellent storage areas; and regular inset basins which sit on the lip of the surface they are mounted in.

 

Like any other basin, they are available in numerous shapes, sizes and depths so be sure to work out exactly what you need before buying.

 

What about installation?

Inset basins are not too difficult to install providing you know what you are doing. If you're a complete novice when it comes to plumbing it's probably best to leave this task to someone more qualified.

 

If you're confident however, you first need to look at the type of inset basin you have. Undermount basins will need an effective sealant or caulking to be placed around the underside of the hole and also around the top of the basin itself (which won't be visible) so it has something to bond with and form a watertight seal.

 

Other inset basins actually sit on the lip of a unit and will require a strip of sealant to be placed around the hole before being pushed firmly into position. Fixing clips will then need to be tightened which are located either underneath the basin surface or inside the unit.

 

Also take some measurements prior to buying as the last thing you want is a basin that is too small to fit the designated hole cut out for it!

 

What taps will I require?

Usually, a mono basin mixer will be what's required for this kind of basin. If yours comes supplied with a tap hole then a regular mono basin mixer should fit just fine, much like any other basin. However, if there are no tap holes drilled into the basin, then a hole will need to be drilled into the worktop in order to accommodate the mixer tap.

 

Always be sure to choose a mixer which will complement the style of the room. A traditional bridge basin mixer for example will look superb when twinned with a period influenced vanity unit, while sleek, modern mixers are better suited to more contemporary examples.

 

A word about wastes

When it comes to choosing a waste for your inset basin, you need to be careful, as certain types will not function with specific basins.

 

Slotted waste

You'll need one of these if your inset basin has an overflow built into its design.

 

Unslotted waste

If the basin does not feature an overflow as part of its design then you will instead need to choose an unslotted waste.

 

It's vitally important that you get this bit right as the wrong waste simply will not fit. It's best to work out exactly what you'll need before ordering to prevent any issues upon installation.