Bathroom Sink Height: Standard from Floor

 Bathroom Sink Height: Standard from Floor

Proper arrangement of the bathroom is a prerequisite for comfortable use of plumbing, so the bathroom of key importance is not only the aesthetics of the sink, toilet and bath, but also their location. Particular attention should be paid to such an issue as the height of the sink. This is especially true in large homes with children of different ages, because all households have a different height. It is rather difficult to calculate at what level to hang the installation in such a way that it would be comfortable for both adults to wash and the kids to brush their teeth without problems.

Standards according to SNiP

In the epoch of the USSR, various norms, GOSTs and SNiPs, regulating the height of the plumbing installation, were developed. The standard clearly prescribed where it is necessary to place the toilet, where the hydrobox and at what distance from the floor to fix the sink.

The estimated height of the sink reflects the location of the device at which its operation will be as comfortable as possible for humans.

In the Soviet Union, numerous studies were carried out, which led to the development of uniform standards for the installation of sanitary equipment in residential premises. Long years of studying the problem and careful study of all medical and anthropometric parameters made it possible to calculate what the height of the sink would be the most convenient. The basis for calculating this parameter is the average growth of a person.

Experienced to establish that for maximum comfort, washbasins are set at:

  • for women - 80–92 cm;
  • for a man - 80–102 cm.

On the basis of this calculation, in 1985, SNiP 3.05.01 was prescribed, according to which the optimum height of the washbasin should be 85 cm, while deviation of +/- 2 cm was allowed.This standard is still used today by domestic and foreign manufacturers of plumbing, which is why, in most cases, sinks of 83–87 cm are produced.

Important! In recent years, the average growth rate of a person tends to increase, today it is higher than 30 years ago, so the corresponding standard slowly but surely loses its significance. If all users are high, then it is better to install the product a little higher than the recommended values ​​- 95–100 cm. In this case, you will not have to bend too much while taking hygiene procedures.

It is worth noting that the SNiPs in this case are advisory and not mandatory. A change in the height of the installation of the structure is not considered to be a re-planning; therefore, separate approvals for changing the distance are not required. However, upon completion of the work, you should contact the management company to ensure that its representatives ascertain that increasing or decreasing the height of the sink does not affect the functionality of the overall water supply and discharge system in the apartment building. In the case of private housing is not required and this.Every homeowner is free to equip a bathroom at its discretion.

It should be noted that if the decision was made not only to change the installation height, but also to take it out of the borders of the toilet - this would already apply to re-planning actions, if they are held unauthorized, then these actions will be threatened with a fine.

Optimal: how to find?

Calculate how far the shell will be correct is quite simple. For this you need only:

  • calculate the distance at which the elbows of the tenants of an apartment or house are located;
  • from the obtained value to subtract approximately 8 cm;
  • from the resulting figure to take away the depth of the shell itself.

The difference, which turned out in the end, will be approximately equal to the most comfortable height of the installation.

To date, the average value is presented.

Men and women:

  • for men, 94–102 cm;
  • for women - 81–93 cm.

Children:

  • adolescents - 65–80 cm;
  • children - 40–60 cm.

By the way, in kindergartens strictly adhere to the standards for installation of washstands, they are equal to the following values:

  • for nursery groups - 40cm;
  • for preschool groups of kindergartens - 50cm;
  • for elementary school - 55–60 cm;
  • for high school - 65–85 cm.

Compromise

Unfortunately, the standard area of ​​toilets in multi-storey buildings does not leave it possible to install two or more sinks for younger family members, and there is no sense in this for obvious reasons - children grow, their growth increases, and therefore the washbasin must constantly move.

Washbasins with adjustable height can be an ideal way out, however, this is associated with high costs and installation difficulties. In practice, such plumbing is rarely used.

That is why a compromise solution should be chosen that will allow all family members, from children to adults, to put themselves in order. If there are men living in the family (the optimum height of the sink should be 90–102 cm) and a woman (height 82–93 cm), then it is worth hanging the wash basin at a height of 86 to 93 cm - this will allow every household to perform hygienic procedures without any problems.

The situation is more complicated when there are children in the house. Many try to install sinks below the level recommended for an adult. This approach is fundamentally wrong.Parents will be forced to constantly bend their backs, and this increases the load on the spine and leads to health problems. Therefore, the product should be installed on the “adult” height, and for the child to purchase special supports, with the help of which he will be able to rise to a height. The stand will allow the baby to comfortably wash and brush his teeth.

Types and dimensions of sinks

Plumbing manufacturers today offer the broadest selection of models of washbasins, which differ in the material manufacturing, height, shape and even capacity.

"Tulip"

This is a wash basin that has the shape of a blooming flower located on a thin leg. In many cases, such products are made of ceramics, but models of glass or metal are not uncommon. The bowl is made in the form of petals, supplemented by a pedestal, which performs two important functions: serves as a strong support for the bowl and masks the inputs and outputs water inside the "stem", so that the bathroom looks more attractive and stylish. In such models, the base can either be integral with the bowl, or sold separately in the kit.

Such a sink is height adjustable, therefore, it is widespread in large families. However, its cost is appropriate - the price of a “tulip” is several times higher than the cost of similar products of other modifications. Not every Russian family can afford such an expensive attribute, so the products do not have much demand and are not sold in every building supermarket.

A variety of "tulips" are considered models with a semi-pedestal. In them, the base is not enough to the level of the floor, and is placed at the required height, thanks to this feature, users have the opportunity to more ergonomically use the space under the bowl.

Suspended

The sink is usually installed in a small-sized bathroom, because it allows you to save the already small space of the bathroom.

Cabinet with sink

It looks like a bowl, embedded in the cabinet, where it is located. It is not realistic to adjust such models in height, so it is better to determine the size of the dresser at the planning stage.

Traditionally, ceramics, glass, stone or metal are used as washbasin materials.Each of them has its advantages disadvantages.

Glass Sinks

These are stylish and modern models in high-tech style that look great with chrome-plated surfaces.

The advantages of the material include the following features:

  • attractive design;
  • resistance to high and low temperatures;
  • low weight;
  • glass is not afraid of Zelenka, red wine, fukortsin, iodine and other coloring liquids;
  • can be cleaned with any standard detergent.

Among the shortcomings, the following should be noted:

  • high price;
  • brittleness, low resistance to mechanical damage.

In addition, the glass surface is better than any other, visible drips and drops of water.

Faience or porcelain

These are ceramic shells that look almost indistinguishable from each other. However, porcelain is a better and more durable material, it retains its unchanged appearance over the years, but at the faience, over time, traces of water and other liquids appear.

In general, ceramic sinks have such advantages as:

  • esthetic design;
  • resistance to high temperatures;
  • resistance to all types of cleaning products, including abrasives;
  • noiseless when in contact with spurting water jets.

Cons are more inherent in faience models. They lose color over time and can be covered with a fine mesh of cracks, as well as being heavier than metal or glass. The disadvantages of porcelain washbasins include their high cost.

Metal

Such shells were common in previous years, then they were made of steel. To date, the choice of models is not limited to stainless steel. Plumbing is often made of brass, cast iron and bronze. There are also bronze, and even gold products. Metal washbasins have a long service life.they retain an aesthetic appearance over several decades. They are resistant to dirt and easily cleaned with any detergent (except abrasives).

The big advantage is the low price - this applies only to steel installations. Models of more expensive metals, as a rule, are produced exclusively and are distinguished by a very high cost. Of the minuses can be noted noise in contact with water. As for the dimensions, the choice of modifications is quite wide.In the assortment list of leading manufacturers of sanitary ware there are models with a width from 35 to 100 cm, sometimes even more. The best option is 50–70 cm.

Mounting options: interconnection

The distance from the floor on which the sink is mounted, very often depends on the model of the sink. Sinks of different types differ in their performance parameters and method of attachment to the surface.

Overhead washbasins

Such products are mounted on any flat tabletop. The advantages of the products include the following features:

  • universality - the sink can be installed in absolutely any place of the bathroom and at any height;
  • ergonomics - the place under the tabletop can be used to store household items;
  • easy installation - holes are drilled through the tabletop through which pipes and hoses pass.

Mortice

These models are a bit like overhead, because their installation also requires a solid flat surface. The difference is in the method of attachment. If the overhead model is mounted on the tabletop, then the mortise is directly into it, which allows you to be placed on the same level with it, be slightly higher or slightly lower than it.

The advantage of the model is mobility, since such a sink can be installed in the center of the surface, and a little to the side. Installation of the installation is quite simple, but it has several nuances, namely, it requires accuracy and maximum accuracy. It is very important to cut a hole in the tabletop, which will exactly match the size of the sink, and after installation it is necessary to treat the joints with sealant, thus avoiding further water runoff.

Cantilever

Console models are also called suspended. Already from the name it becomes obvious that they should be hung right on the bathroom wall using brackets or screws. The latter may be of the following types:

  • monolithic - are T-shaped, made of cast iron and are characterized by strengthening the base;
  • “girth” type brackets look like metal frames into which cups are inserted directly. Such modifications are considered to be the most stable;
  • the bracket "frame" looks similar to previous varieties, but it differs in nodes. In this case, the models are sliding, which allows you to change their size.

Modern industry produces shells of a wide variety of configurations. That is why when choosing an installation method, all the technical and physical parameters of the installation and the dimensions of the loads on the fasteners should be taken into account. For example, faience sinks are heavy and powerful. These features must be taken into account when calculating the method of fasteners.

Indicators for items

There are regulations that regulate the location of the sink relative to other items in the bathroom. Of course, the washbasin zone is the most basic zone of the bathroom. This is due to the fact that in typical high-rise buildings for receiving hygienic procedures, as a rule, they are small, so the sink is first installed, and then all basic elements are planned to be placed: a bath or hydrobox, a cabinet or a stylish machine, if available.

By the way, some models of washing machines allow you to fit them under the sink. However, in such cases, it is worth taking into account the fact that there must be a gap between the two devices, otherwise the vibrations of the unit can damage the wash basin, cause chipping and cracking, as well as spoil its own coating of thin plastic.For example, the height of the smallest washing machine is 71 cm, in this case the height of the sink should be at least 90 cm.

Mirror

Virtually every bathroom has a mirror, because it represents a single interior ensemble with a sink, being an integral part of it. Functionally, it can be an independent element or part of a hinged locker. In any case, when installing the mirror should adhere to the established standards of height.

The distance from the floor to the mirror should be approximately 120-135 cm, while it should be located at a distance of at least 20 cm from the wash basin. If it is set higher, the viewing angle will be inconvenient for apartment dwellers; water splashes will constantly fall.

Water sockets

If liquid gets inside the outlet, it inevitably leads to big problems. At best, this is fraught with a short circuit, at worst - a blown wiring and even the occurrence of a fire hazard. That is why any sockets and electrical appliances should be placed at a distance of at least 60 cm from the water source.

Cupboard

The cabinet in the bathroom can be equipped in two ways: either to install it under the bowl, if the design allows, or to hang over the sink. In the first case, there are no problems with distance. The only thing that needs to be taken into account is that the height of the cabinet should correspond to the distance from the floor to the bowl with a small gap. But if there is a desire to place the shelves above the sink, then it is best to do it at a height of 130–135 cm. In this case, it will be easy to reach them, as well as no splash on the surface of the cabinet.

As for the other elements of the bathroom interior, the top recommended parameters are as follows:

  • Towel hooks should be optimally placed at a distance of 60–70 cm from the sinks. It should be easy to reach them even with closed eyes;
  • shelf for toothbrushes and soap dish mounted about 30-40 cm from the sink.

And of course, it is necessary to plan well the distance between the sink and the toilet. It should be at least 25 cm. And best of all, increase this distance. The same standard applies to the bidet. If the sink is located in a niche, then the length from one edge to the other should be at least 90 cm, otherwise it will be inconvenient and uncomfortable to wash.

Selection and installation: tips

It is necessary to adhere to several recommendations from experts who will help to make the room of a bathroom more ergonomic, functional and stylish.

  • It is recommended to think over the general arrangement of all items in advance, draw up a plan with a list of all sizes and modifications.
  • During a visit to the store and the selection of a suitable model should focus on the method of attachment, because it should be combined with elements of the plumbing.
  • The choice of mixer plays an important role. It is optimal if it is purchased at the same time as the wash basin, since the product may have special openings for it or be completely deaf.
  • Tulip shells are realized together with a traditional pedestal of length. However, if desired, its size can be changed. To do this, the base is simply cut to the desired length and installed on any stable stand.
  • When installing sanitary equipment, it is important to take into account the length between the siphon and the drain system. If it is located below, the work of the sinks will cause serious problems in general.
  • When installing the washbasin, it is worthwhile to apply the level, while it is better to give preference to laser tools, since they allow you to carry out all the work in higher quality.

The correct choice of sinks and professional installation of plumbing is a guarantee that the installation will serve its owners for many years.

How to choose a sink in the bathroom, see the next video.

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Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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