At what height should a washbasin be mounted?

Before starting to arrange the bathroom, we browse through catalogs looking for inspiration. We dream of an interior like in a picture - elegant and tasteful. Meanwhile, functionality and ergonomics are important in the bathroom. Various sanitary appliances must be installed at a height that ensures comfortable and safe conditions for daily hygiene. This is especially true for washbasins, which we use most often to wash our hands. At what height should the washbasin be? What is the preferred installation height for wall-mounted, countertop, or inset washbasins? Are there any regulations and standards regarding installation?

Optimal washbasin height - regulations and standards

Until recently, information about washbasin installation height was included in the Technical Conditions for the Execution and Reception of Construction and Assembly Works, part II “Sanitary and Industrial Installations”. According to the standards contained therein, the washbasin for preschool children should be installed at a height of 60 cm, and for adults at 75-80 cm. These parameters referred to the population of the 60s and 70s when the average height of adult Poles was around 160 cm.

Currently, both teenagers and adults have significantly exceeded this limit. Over the past hundred years, the average height for men and women has increased by 13.6 and 14 cm, respectively. Therefore, when installing washbasins, the optimal height from the floor to the upper edge, in accordance with European standards, is recommended:

• for users with a height of 120 cm, the washbasin should be at a height of about 60 cm,
• for users with a height of 130 cm, the washbasin should be at a height of 65 cm, etc.

Interestingly, an increase in height by another 10 cm raises the installation height of washbasins by 5 cm.

What is the practical washbasin height

As shown in the table, the standard installation height of a washbasin is 85-95 cm, with the assumption that the upper edge of the bowl should be at this height measured from the floor. Of course, these are recommended values, which does not mean they have to be absolutely adhered to, as standards do not directly regulate the height of the washbasin. When arranging a private bathroom, three factors should be taken into account.

User height

The washbasin should be mounted at such a level that adult household members can use it in an upright position without having to lean over the basin. At the same time, the appliance cannot hang too high, because then washing hands or face may become uncomfortable - water flowing along the wrists may drip onto the floor or wet clothes.

Presence of disabled people in the house

The height of the washbasin for the disabled, who move in a wheelchair, can be maintained at a level of about 80-85 cm, but must take into account the extension of the edge of the counter to allow wheelchair access for hand washing.

Height of washbasin drain and water connections

In the case of washbasin installation at the level of 85-90 cm, the drain should be located about 55 cm above the floor, and the water connection at a height of 55-65 cm. This will allow easy connection of the faucet hoses to the valves and connection of the washbasin drain with the sewer opening. In an already existing bathroom, there is no special room for maneuver - the height of the washbasin installation should be correlated with existing water and sewer connections.

Washbasin height for children

The rapid pace at which children grow is a justified contraindication to mounting the washbasin at a height adapted to their growth. To make it easier for them to use the appliances, it is best to buy a non-slip step. With it, toddlers can easily reach the tap. Naturally, we are talking about bathrooms in private homes here. The situation is different in nurseries, kindergartens, and primary schools. According to the MENiS Regulation of December 31, 2002, on general safety and hygiene regulations in schools and public institutions, each educational institution must provide appropriate hygiene and sanitary conditions for its wards. However, the guidelines contained in this legal act do not regulate the height at which sanitary appliances should be installed. In the case of washbasins, only the following norms apply:

• for children up to 3 years old with a height below 90 cm, the recommended installation height of the washbasin is 50 cm from the floor to the upper edge of the washbasin,
• for children aged 3-6 years and with a height of 90-120 cm, the washbasin should be mounted at a height of 55-65 cm,
• for 7-11-year-olds measuring 120-150 cm, the height of the washbasin should not exceed 65-75 cm,
• for students aged 12-15 years and with a height of 150-170 cm, the installation height of the washbasin should be about 75-85 cm.

When mounting a washbasin in a home bathroom, we do not have to, of course, follow the provided norms or guidelines, but it is worth keeping them in mind - after all, these are values that correspond to the real height of people using washbasins.

At what height is a countertop washbasin?

A countertop washbasin is installed on the same principles as a wall-mounted or inset one, but the necessary condition is to take into account the distance between the counter and the floor and the height of the basin's edge. The upper edge of countertop washbasins should be at a height of 85-90 cm. Assuming that most washbasins available for sale have a depth of 10-15 cm, the countertop should be positioned about 75 cm above the floor.

It often happens, especially in small bathrooms, that there must be a washing machine and/or dryer under the countertop. It is then worth considering whether countertop washbasins will be a good choice. Assuming that the mentioned appliances are about 85 cm high, adding a few cm of space under the countertop, plus its thickness and the depth of the washbasin, it may turn out that its upper edge will be more than 100 cm high. Such a position of the countertop washbasin will be uncomfortable even for adults. It is then worth considering the installation of an inset washbasin.

Bathroom furniture, especially cabinets with a hole in the countertop intended for mounting the washbasin, plays an important role in the installation of sanitary fittings. Their height of 80 cm, sometimes 85 cm, simultaneously determines the height at which the washbasins will be found.