Installation height of a bathroom sink: the standard at which a toilet sink is installed from the floor, SNiP standards

When arranging the bathroom of our own apartment or house, we are often interested in the aesthetic side of the issue, without forgetting about convenience. The design process of this important room is complicated by its small size and increased functional load.

To simplify the placement of the necessary plumbing and appliances during the USSR, various GOSTs and SNiPs were developed, which clearly regulated at what height to hang the sink in the bathroom, where to install the toilet or sink.

Now these standards are rather advisory in nature, because no one controls the level of washing. In this article we will figure out whether it is possible to change the standard installation height of a washbasin and how this affects the ease of use.

Sink fixation schemes

Industrial production has made great strides forward and has developed many types of accessories. At the same time, not only the external design and shape of the devices differ, but also their installation schemes.

Installation of the sink at the design height

Classic installation involves installing a sink using two brackets. They are fixed to the wall, the plumbing fixtures are simply placed on them, and then the pipes are connected. But with this option, you need to correctly determine the distance from the floor to the top of the sink. When installing in the kitchen, you should consider some nuances:

convenient pipe supply;
calculating the optimal length between brackets;
leveling with a building level in the horizontal plane;
load, product weight.

Location by level

The accessories are heavy and large in size. In view of this, the sink installation plan is thought out taking into account the expected load. The brackets are fastened with screws that can support the weight of 2 times more than the sink.

Selecting a model by its width

The washbasin is selected so as not to disrupt the design intent of the bathroom. It is important that the design fits into the space. The digital designation of width plays a leading role in this case. It is taken into account when installing a sink in the bathroom.

The size of the sink, 0.4 m wide, allows only washing hands and using it for technical needs. A small sink is installed in a small bathroom or toilet. There are corner and wall ones in the shape of an oval or circle. The suspended design frees up space below for a pencil case.
For a minimalist style, plumbing 0.5 m wide is a winning option. Ergonomic design fits into small rooms. The variety of shapes and installation methods allows you to find your model.
For a small space, the most convenient width is considered to be 0.55 m. It is difficult to classify it as a large product. And installing a corner or built-in model will make the room even more spacious. Such a washbasin is also mounted with a cabinet. Household chemicals are stored in it.
It is distinguished by the comfort of a plumbing fixture with a width of 0.6 m. There are a variety of bowl shapes with different designs on sale. More often found in tandem with a cabinet. Today, hanging products with a width of 0.6 m are more in demand.
The largest design range is represented by sanitary ware with a width of 0.65 m: corner products, wall-hung, complete with a cabinet. It will not be difficult to choose a design for any interior. The width of 0.65 m is convenient to use.
The dimensions of a bathroom sink with a width of 0.7-0.75 m are not suitable for a small space; in a room with medium dimensions, the model will look bulky. This plumbing fixture is installed in spacious rooms. A variety of beautiful designs will allow you to decorate your interior.
The highlight of a large bathroom will be a product with a width of 0.8-0.9 m. Wide products are loved by designers and they create spectacular models.

Soviet sink installation standard

In the Soviet years, the corresponding norms were calculated. These are GOST standards that specifically indicated at what height the sink must be installed. In our age, these figures are advisory in nature, since no one checks the distance from the accessory to the surface.

Standard installation height for the product in the bathroom

With any method of installing the sink, you need to take into account the designed installation height from the floor surface. During the years of the USSR, standardization organizations functioned, which developed uniform standards for fixing accessories. Studying the details helped determine the optimal height for installing the sink in relation to the floor.

The indicator was calculated based on the height of an ordinary person.

The calculations included the average height of a woman. It has been established that the most comfortable height for installing a sink is the range from 80 to 92 cm. If we consider the height of a man, this figure varies from 85 to 102 cm from the floor.

Sink options

Choosing a sink with a cabinet

In order not to clutter up the space of the room with furniture, you can purchase a washbasin with a cabinet. Then there is no need to install additional racks for personal hygiene items. This is a practical choice.

The cabinet should fit into the space and be in harmony with the washbasin. Its parameters are taken into account:

from 0.55 m to 1.0 m – length of a piece of furniture;
from 0.82 m to 0.85 m – the height of the piece of furniture;
from 0.45 to 0.6 m – the depth of the piece of furniture.

Functional kit "Moidodyr"

A set is in demand on the plumbing market: sink, cabinet, mirror. Small cabinets are often adjacent to the mirror.

In a medium-sized bathroom, sets of standard sizes are installed in the range:

from 0.55 m to 0.65 m.

“Moidodyr” plumbing fixtures in a large room are installed with dimensions of 0.7-1.0 m.

The location of other interior items in the room (washing machine, bathtub, shower) will affect the choice of washbasin size.

Sink built into the cabinet

Products mounted in a cabinet are installed in rooms of medium size or slightly larger than average. The standard sizes of washbasins of this type of installation are similar in numbers to “Moidodyr”: the average is 0.55-0.65 m, for a large space - 0.7-1.0 m. The main thing is not to overdo it with the width of the structure so that the space is not cluttered .

“Bowl” model – overhead

The appearance of a countertop sink in a bathroom resembles a model built into a cabinet. They are distinguished by the installation method. The overhead “bowl” can be easily removed.

The choice of a surface-mounted washbasin is made from a model range with a width from 0.55 m to 0.8 m; and depth from 0.4 m to 0.45 m.

How important is it to choose the optimal height?

If we consider installing a sink below the standards, the following consequences are possible:

often there is a cabinet with a mirror above the washbasin, and when a person tilts his head, it will rest against the furniture;
if the accessory is installed low, you cannot place a washing machine, linen drawer or bedside table underneath it;
this is inconvenient for people suffering from radiculitis, since a half-bent position will cause back pain;
if the device is installed low and the mixer is in the normal position, then due to the large distance between them, splashes will form, then you will have to spend additional time cleaning the room;
a low-set sink will ruin the appearance of the bathroom and cause inconvenience, which will make the owners irritated.

Installation diagram at standard height

But if the bowl is mounted high, this will also bring a number of inconveniences:

for example, disabled people who have undergone surgery will not be able to reach the tap;
if you place a cabinet or washing machine under the sink, there will be gaps between them, which will ruin the interior of the bathroom;
young children who go to kindergarten and schoolchildren will find it inconvenient to reach the tap;
For babies, you will need to purchase a high stand, and this will increase the likelihood of injury, since the child may fall.

Installation height of the product in the bathroom

From the above factors, we can conclude that the usual installation height of the sink from the floor will help prevent a lot of inconvenience and problems during operation, as well as installing equipment and furniture under it.

Comparability of dimensions with bathroom area

An installed washbasin in a bathroom should not clutter up most of the space. Therefore, you need to start by clarifying the dimensions of the room. On a piece of paper, the room is drawn in proportion and the proposed furniture and appliances are placed, taking into account the location of the washbasin. It is emphasized that for the wide model there is a cabinet in addition, which also “takes up” the area. For ease of cleaning, hanging structures are purchased. They are also popular for small spaces.

Buying a sink will be effective if the steps to action are thought out: the area of the bathroom is measured and sketches of a preliminary plan for arranging interior items are made.

Types of sink designs

Sinks are sold in different shapes. This must be taken into account when calculating the installation from floor to bowl. Let's take a closer look at the features of each accessory:

Sinks or washbasins placed on a pedestal are a tulip. This is a frequently encountered variety. It is sold complete and attached to the stand. Therefore, this design has set dimensions that cannot be changed. If it is 90 cm long, then you will have to adapt to it. When installing on the floor, you need to fix the base and attach the bowl to the wall using brackets so that it rests against the pedestal. The advantage of this type is that it helps to hide the siphon, which is located inside the structure. The external design looks quite neat. Such structures have an installation height of 85–90 cm, which is considered a standard indicator.
Hanging washbasins in the bathroom, attached to the wall. They are ergonomic and functional and do not take up extra space in the room. They can be installed at any distance from the floor surface. If the owners are short (for example, 164 cm), then the sink can be fixed at a height of 75–80 cm. Visually, the siphon will spoil the design of the room, although for this model it will not be difficult to find it. If there are small children in the apartment, it is not recommended to place the product too low. Installation will be inconvenient for an adult, but children will soon grow up and use the sink will become easier. Therefore, it is better for the child to purchase children's steps or a high chair that will help him reach the tap.
Built-in structures. They are mounted on a countertop. They look like the famous Moidodyr from the cartoon. They have a classic size, which is related to the parameters of the furniture. The table itself and the cup can be large and occupy the entire space of the tabletop. There are sinks that are smaller in size than countertops, then the free space is used for their own purposes. For example, they store cups with brushes and paste, and place a soap dish or dispenser with liquid soap. Such models are manufactured according to sanitary standards, and they have standard height dimensions. You can also order a sink to have it made to your specifications. Then the dimensions of the tabletop will be acceptable.
Accessories for the bathroom, with possible adjustment of installation height. It seems that this design is the most convenient, since every member of the household can customize it for themselves. In practice, the cost of such an installation is quite high, it is difficult to install, and it breaks down quickly if it is not treated with care.

Tulip

Special norms

Of course, the standard level of installation is not always suitable, especially inside institutions where children are present. A child is much smaller than an adult, which is why he cannot use a sink of a standard height of 85 cm without a special step or stand.

Height Standards

Since the use of stands for access to the washbasin is not always safe, other standards for installing plumbing equipment apply in children's institutions:

In the territory of nursery groups of kindergartens, washbasins are installed at a distance of 400 mm from the floor surface.
In the territory of preschool groups of kindergartens, washbasins are installed at a distance of 500 mm from the floor surface.
For primary schools, schools recommend installing sinks at a level of 550-600 mm from the floor surface.
For middle and high schools, schools recommend installing sinks at a height of 650-850 mm from the floor surface.

Note! The bathroom area in typical apartments does not allow for the installation of a separate sink for children, so you have to make a compromise when choosing the installation height of the main washbasin. To enable the child to use the sink independently, various retractable steps and stands are used. To avoid falling, use them on a non-slip floor and under adult supervision.

How to calculate the installation height of a sink

Before purchasing the kit, there are some steps you need to take:

Choose the smallest and tallest member of your household. They do not focus on small children, since calculating an acceptable height for a two-meter father and baby is unrealistic, and besides, children grow up quickly.
Measure the distance from the elbow to the floor covering for each of the selected family members. However, they must stand.
Now 15–18 mm should be subtracted from the resulting value. Why exactly this value is taken away is done on the basis of ergonomic studies. They found that it is at this height of the working surface of the washbasin that a person’s hands will be in a position that is comfortable for him.

Level mounting

Let's consider this option and find out at what height the sink is installed in the bathroom. Upon completion of the calculations, the owner revealed the following indicators: for a tall person, the sink should be hung at a distance of 110 cm from the floor, for the shortest person - at a height of 98 cm.

Sink size and shape

In some ways, the shape and size of the sink affects its installation height. So let's start with these parameters. Wash basins can be divided into three categories based on size: medium, large and small. It's simple. The “usual width” of a sink is considered to be 55-65 cm. Anything wider is large, anything narrower is small.

The sink is not always boring

Washbasin size	Length, mm	Width, mm	Depth, mm	Distance to drain, mm
1	400-500	300	135-150	180
2	550	420	135-150	180
3	600	450	150-180	180—200
4	650	500/455*	150-180	180—200
5	700	600	150-250	180—200

The table shows the most common sizes of bathroom sinks. Manufacturers and sellers divide washbasins into five classes by size. Particularly successful models in design are available in several sizes and in several classes. The table, by the way, is for reference. This does not mean that there are no shells of larger or smaller sizes, but they are not “main” in any way.

The most popular shapes and models of sinks are available in several sizes

The width size with an asterisk means that this depth is acceptable when installing the sink on a cabinet. This option is not suitable for hanging due to its low stability. The stops are too short. But for a bedside table this is not a hindrance.

A few more words about the depth of the washbasin and the distance from the edge to the drain. Sinks that are too small are inconvenient, since even a small amount of water pressure can cause splashes all around. So we take 15 cm as a minimum, and deeper is always welcome. The distance to the drain should also not be less than 15 cm. But the point is that it is easier to install a siphon this way. Otherwise, you will suffer, you will have to look for non-standard solutions, and this is always expensive.

The most compact washbasins

The narrowest “regular” sink is only 40 cm wide. Its full size is 22*40*70 cm. There are other very compact options. The dimensions are approximately the same, they are simply elongated not in length, but in width. The smallest ones have a rectangular shape and a laconic design. There are also small round sinks with a diameter of only about 20 cm. But they are more difficult to install - they require some kind of countertop. And rectangular ones can be installed on regular brackets or pins.

The sink for installation in a narrow toilet is wide but not at all long. The size of this washbasin is 55*44*25 cm

The washbasin itself is small and its location is more than unusual

The narrowest sink can be 45 cm wide or even slightly narrower

And small sinks are installed in a very non-standard way. In any case, you don’t expect to see a sink near the door on a wall or behind a cabinet only 42-45 cm wide. You would even less expect to see a sink in place of the cistern. This is possible if the installation for the wall-hung toilet is low or the tank is simply covered with a false wall.

Overlays: rectangular, oval and round

Today there are not only traditional shell shapes. There are also overhead or desktop ones. They look more unusual, are easier to install, and are not inferior to traditional ones in terms of comfort. They are perhaps the most diverse in form. There are rectangular, square, round, oval, in the form of bowls and hemispheres.

The shapes and sizes of overhead sinks are also very different.

Shape of countertop bathroom sinks	Length, cm	Width, cm	Depth, cm
Round	38-52	38-52	20-35
Oval	52-90	38-52	14-25
Rectangular	50-80	35-55	20-35

It’s worth talking about their sizes separately. This, in fact, is completely non-standard and they are placed only on the countertop. When choosing the height of installation of the countertop under the countertop sink in the bathroom, take into account the depth of the bowl. After all, its edges will rise. So in this case the edges should be considered the highest point. And calculate the installation level of the countertop, not the washbasin.

And don't forget about the price. Most of the items in this category are not cheap. This is not mass production, but very small batches. But individual and unusual.

Corner washbasins

Time passes and changes our habits. Today it no longer seems superfluous to have a washbasin in the toilet. It is perceived rather as a necessity. But most apartments in the old housing stock cannot please you with the size of their toilets. And we have to look for non-standard options. One of these is the corner washbasin. They are compact and use an area that is very difficult to “settle in.”

The sizes of corner bathroom sinks vary widely. But it’s difficult to describe their sizes - the shape is very non-standard. This is not a triangle, since the size along the walls is usually smaller - the bowl sticks out. And it sticks out to a greater or lesser extent. And there are those that are mounted in the corner, but have the shape of a rectangle. In general, it’s not easy.

Diagrams and dimensions of several corner washbasins for the bathroom and toilet

Let's agree that we will talk about the sizes of corner washbasins along the length of the sides adjacent to the walls. The depth of the bowl is also important. The rest is difficult to describe - you need to look at the photo and diagram. In general, here is the range of sizes of corner sinks:

Side length 310-650 mm
Depth 12.5-16 mm

Most corner porcelain or earthenware washbasins are small in size. After all, this option is either for a mini-bathroom or a toilet. But here space is limited.

The shape and size of corner washbasins are also different

So most of the walls occupy about 38-45 cm. Moreover, more often they have an irregular shape. In the sense that along one wall the length is shorter, along the other it is longer. There are significantly fewer symmetrical ones. Well, everything is clear here. These are options for the right or left corner. Indeed, in one of them there is often a riser.

Could be so

But there are not only small corner washbasins. There are quite large ones, measuring 60-65 cm by 45-55 cm along the walls. They can be mounted above the bathtub. I can’t say that it’s very convenient, but it’s better than washing over the bathtub.

Sink installation

Many users are interested in how to secure the bowl. Many people believe that the best mounting options are wall-mounted brackets, as they will securely hold the sink in place.

Sink

Tulip-type structures are rarely installed with support on one leg. The pedestal often acts as a decorative element that helps hide the pipes leading to the sewer hole.

When the owner has made the calculations, decided on the height and purchased the sink, you can begin installation.

In order for the plumbing fixture to hang firmly on the wall, it must be properly fixed. To do this, adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

The required height for installing the bowl is marked on the wall.
Measure the height from the holes that are intended for attaching the washbasin to the top of the sink. The resulting number is laid down from the first mark.
An intercenter step is placed at the second mark and a hole is made.
Apply the brackets, mount them, and then hang the bowl. Then they begin to fix the mixers and connect the siphon to the sewer.

Sink installation

Installation and connection features

Installation of a structure with a pedestal

A pedestal sink is a stylish and functional solution that does not clutter up the space. Installation is carried out according to the attached instructions. First you need to assemble the structure and attach it to the wall at the installation site. The height of the sink will be fixed and cannot be adjusted.

Mark with a pencil the places where the washbasin and pedestal are attached. Use a carbide drill using a drill or hammer drill to make holes according to the diameter of the dowels. Secure the sink with screws using plastic liners. Now you need to connect the siphon and mixer. When the joints are checked for leaks, install the “leg”.

Some craftsmen leave it unattached, fixing it to the sink. This is done to simplify access to drain and water pipes in case of repairs.

Installation of console washbasins begins with determining the position on the wall and the height level, which is marked with a pencil. It is recommended to change the main size of 80-85 cm so that all residents can use it comfortably. A horizontal line is drawn along the mark using a level. A shell is placed close to it and the places of fixation are marked.

Most often, the structure is attached to the wall on brackets, which are supplied in the kit and correspond to individual sizes. You need to make holes in the outsole areas and secure the brackets using dowels and screws.

The wall for the cantilever mounting of the sink must be strong enough to withstand a load of 100 kg.

The bowl is put on the studs with the holes or placed on the brackets, elastic liners are installed and the nuts are tightened.

When the sink is in place, sewerage, cold and hot water supply are connected to it. The mixer is mounted directly on the sink and flexible hoses or copper pipes are enough to connect it.

If the product is with furniture, then first the horizontal level of the cabinet is set. The bowl is placed on it and moved towards the wall. The joints are filled with sealant. For reliability, the washbasin is pulled to the wall with studs.

Recommendations for installing a sink

To install the sink correctly, you need to follow some tips:

When attaching it, it is important to position it tightly against the wall so that there are no gaps. This prevents water from penetrating onto the floor when washing your face and hands.
Install so that the water outlet is at the optimal distance from the sink. The requirements of the electrical safety rules state that the outlet should be no closer than 60 cm from any plumbing fixtures.
The accessory must be installed straight; deviations in any direction are unacceptable. If it turns out that the sink is not installed level, it means that it was not installed on the same line. To correct the tilt that appears, first try to loosen one connection and adjust the device. If the situation cannot be corrected, the sink is removed and new holes are drilled.
Experts recommend applying silicone sealant to the line between the sink and the wall. This will create even more protection and prevent water leakage.
If the installation is complete and the sink is a little wobbly, it means the floor has an uneven surface or the bolts are not tightened properly. You will need to troubleshoot problems to make it convenient to use the accessory.
When connecting pipes to the sewerage and water supply, you need to make sure that nothing is leaking. If there is a slight leak, tighten the bolts more tightly.
When installing the sink, you need to make sure that the hoses do not bend and the corrugations do not twist, since this may cause water to flow poorly into the drain. To eliminate kinks, loosen the connections and straighten the products.
You should not choose a place in a dark corner. For comfortable operation, the height from the drain hole to the wall should be from 50 cm, from the front surface of the sink - from 55 to 75 cm.
A mirror is an indispensable element in the bathroom. It does not matter whether it is mounted in a wall cabinet or hanging separately on the wall. It is important that the owner can see himself without raising his head or tilting his body. To reduce splashes flying onto the mirror surface, a height of 20 cm must be maintained from the accessory to the mirror.
When deciding to place a washing machine under the sink, it is necessary to maintain a gap of 2–5 cm so that the operating equipment does not damage the device.

Installation of sanitary fixture

Placing the sink at the optimal height from the floor covering will prevent many inconveniences associated with uncomfortable use of the sink. Therefore, you need to follow the recommendations and choose the right place and the appropriate model. The owner will only have to buy the device he likes and install it.

Practice

As practice shows, the optimal height at which the washbasin bowl should be located is different for all people. So, according to studies that take into account average height depending on gender, it is:

For men: 950–1020 mm.
For women: 810–930 mm.
For teenagers: 650–800 mm.
For children: 400–600 mm.

Note! If there are disabled people in the family who use a wheelchair, for their convenience a separate sink should be provided, installed at a convenient height, which is most often in the range of 400–600 mm, the same as for a child.

Not only the installation height of the bowl affects the ease of use of the sink. Also, when choosing a sink installation location, you should take into account the location of other plumbing fixtures:

There must be at least 300 mm to the edge of the bathtub or shower stall.
To the toilet or bidet – 250 mm.
To the heated towel rail - at least 600 mm.

At the same time, do not forget about the free distance to the walls. There should be at least 200 mm to the side partitions, and from 700 to 1000 mm to the rear wall.

Important! In accordance with the requirements of electrical safety regulations, the socket in the bathroom must be located at a distance of at least 600 mm from any plumbing fixture.

In addition to the design and overall appearance, when choosing a sink, you also need to take into account its size. Depending on the dimensions, all washbasins can be divided into 4 categories:

Compact sinks designed for installation in small bathrooms.
Sinks of standard sizes.
For spacious rooms, full-sized washbasins, as well as devices with two bowls, are best suited.
Washbasins made to order. Such products differ not only in size and design, but also in execution forms, which can be quite bizarre.

Designer sinks are made to order and come in a variety of shapes.

The convenience of using a sink is affected by two parameters: the width and depth of the bowl.

For a small bathroom, a sink with a width of 300–450 mm is suitable. But using such a miniature sink is not very convenient, since a lot of water splashes.

Miniature sink for a small bathroom.

The optimal width of a washbasin for a medium-sized bathroom is from 500 to 650 mm.

A standard 50–60 cm wide washbasin will fit perfectly into almost any bathroom.

Products of larger width are recommended to be installed in large rooms where they will not clutter up the space. When installing double bowls, the distance between their centers must be at least 900 mm, otherwise it will be inconvenient to use them at the same time.

Installing two washbasins in the bathroom is an excellent solution for a large family.

The depth of the bowl affects the spray radius: the deeper the bowl, the less the mirror and walls around it are splashed. The optimal depth for a sink is 450–600 mm; most products are produced with these values.

Important! The depth of the bowl should not be confused with the depth of the sink. The latter concept refers to the distance from the wall to the edge of the bowl.

Changing the height, as well as the location of the washbasin (within the bathroom) is not considered a redevelopment, and therefore does not require approval. But depending on the specifics of regional legislation, after completing the installation of plumbing with the transfer of wiring (water intake and sewerage discharge points), an inspection by the foreman of the company servicing the apartment building may be required. Such a check is often necessary for the master to make sure that the changes made do not affect the performance of the overall in-house system.

Based on this, you can choose a new sink without taking into account how the old appliance is installed, but based solely on your preferences and needs. Let's look at which sink models allow you to adjust the height during installation, and which do not.