Washbasin Elements
About Washbasin Elements
Fixing things around your house can help in reducing the maintenance cost. This is especially true for bathroom sinks that seem to run into problems often. All you need to fix them are some washbasin parts and some tools.
Even though sinks might look confusing from the outside, they are not that complicated. All the fundamental parts of bathroom sinks are simple and large enough to see with your eyes. So, if you have just the basic idea about the various washbasin parts and their working, you will be able to figure out the rest as you work or look online for ways to solve problems you cannot figure out. Read this article to learn more about the basic washbasin parts and how they work. Having a better understanding of them will help you make the right choices when you are making the purchase.
Four essential parts of a washbasin
Faucets are not something unique to the modern world. In fact, humans have been using faucets for thousands of years. However, they have never been as sophisticated as they are today. Modern faucets and washbasins also double as a decorative items in the bathroom and kitchen. Also, various washbasin parts have become more precise and sophisticated. While it is possible to split washbasin parts into numerous different parts, here are the four fundamental parts of it. In this article, you will also find some helpful tips that you can use to find the right type of parts.
Faucet
This is the most obvious one. Basically, a faucet refers to the part of the sink or a washbasin through which the water pours out. In modern-day sinks, this is always a faucet. There is no doubt that a faucet is an essential part of a washbasin. But a faucet will be more complex than just a water spout. In order for a faucet to work effectively, it requires a control mechanism, screws to fix it firmly, and an aerator to create a smooth stream of water. There will be a couple of gaskets as well to ensure that the seal between the faucet and the sink is proper.
Valves and controls
Depending on the model of the faucet and the basin, there might be a total of two, three or four control valves in a washbasin. One or two of them control the water flow out of the faucet, and the rest of it will control the water inlet to the faucet. In some faucet models, a single lever will control both hot and cold-water supply. However, it is also possible to combine both of these into just one lever. This is also true for the water inlet to the faucet. Even though it is not necessary to have a separate valve for the water inlet, it is quite useful when you want to change the faucet or the control valve.
Drain
There needs to be an exit for the water from the basin. These days, the drain from all types of sinks and washbasins connects to a central sewage system. Even though the drain might look like just a hole for the water to flow out, there are more complex things going on inside the drain. Because the drain connects at one end to the sewage system, there should be a way to stop the sewage gas from flowing backwards to the bathroom through the drain. Therefore, there will be a separate air vent and also a P-trap inside the drain to redirect the flow of air from filling inside the bathroom.
Water supply system
Most of us are well past the age when we had to draw water from a well or a public tap. These days, almost all of our water needs are met by a centralised water supply system. In some places, both hot and cold water supplies are connected to a central system. In others, only the cold-water supply is central. Hot water, on the other hand, comes from a local heating system. So, a washbasin should be able to receive both hot and cold water. That is why you will find two separate valves for them underneath the basin.
Tips on how to buy Washbasin Parts
When it comes to selecting washbasin parts, looks are just as important as the function. But because the options are seemingly infinite, selecting the right one can be quite challenging. They are available in a wide variety of styles, materials, and prices. So, how do you go about selecting a faucet that you actually end up loving? Well, it is easy if you know what factors to consider and what to overlook. Here are a few tips that you can follow while shopping for washbasin parts.
- Design – In the case of washbasin parts that are visible immediately to a person using the basin, the design is of utmost importance. These parts include the faucet, the basin itself, and the drain. In some models of washbasins, there will be a pedestal as well that supports the sink and also covers the plumbings and control valves.
- Size – Many of the washbasin parts are actually elements of the plumbing system itself. Parts such as the faucet, pipes, drain and control valves, therefore, should be compatible with each other in terms of size. Unless there is a pipe reducer or increase in between, all of these elements have to be of the same size.
- Finish – Because washbasin and washbasin parts can affect the design of the whole bathroom, it is imperative to choose the right kind of finish for the parts. More often than not, it is better to choose faucets and valves that have the same finish as that of the rest of the bathroom accessories. For example, if your shower taps and faucet has a classic bronze finish, then choose a basin faucet that has the same finish.
- Material – In the old days, there weren’t a lot of material options when it came to washbasins and faucets. But today, there are a lot of different types of them, ranging from simple stainless-steel ones to ceramics and acrylic basins. Similarly, you can find plastic faucets, steel faucets, zinc alloys, copper, magnesium, and many more.
There are several washbasins parts that are necessary to maintain the bathroom sinks in proper working condition. These include drain plugs, piping, trap caps, washbasin brackets, washbasin trays, washbasin fittings, siphons, and more. You can find any of them here using our shopping search engine . It will also let you compare the prices and features of different products and pick the right one from among them. Finally, don’t forget to check out other washbasin parts from the bathroom fixtures category. A wide array of selections await you from brands like American Standard, Kohler, Ideal Standard, Grohe, Roca, Vitra, and Armitage Shanks.
Question & Answer
What is the best material for bathroom sink parts?
Not all washbasin parts are similar. Some of them become part of bathroom decoration, while others are purely functional. Even in those parts for which design and style is a major concern, the best material might be different depending on their physical properties. When it comes to the sink itself, glass, acrylic, ceramic, and wood are great choices. You can choose any of them depending on what look you are going for. In the case of faucets and other metal parts, the best choice is brass because of its resistance to corrosion. However, brass faucets are really expensive.
How to install a washbasin drain?
Modern bathroom sink drains consist of three parts: a pop-up drain, a P-trap adapter, and the p-trap itself. Pop-up drains usually come along with the sink itself. If you are replacing it, you should get a drain that fits the hole in the sink and also suits the design of the sink. P-trap adapter connects to the pop-up drain but goes underneath the sink. After installing these two, you should install the P trap. A P trap is a combination of two pipes that looks like the letter P when joined together. Its function is to trap water inside the trap so as to stop the sewage gas from flowing back through the drain.
How to replace a washbasin faucet?
To install a new faucet, you need to remove the old one first. To do that, you will need a basin wrench or an adjustable wrench. If the faucet is too tight, you will need an extra pair of hands as well. Remember to turn off the water valve before removing the faucet. After removing the faucet, place the new gasket over the faucet hole and align it properly. Then place the faucet into the hole and use the washers and nuts to fix it in place. The final part is connecting the faucet to the water supply line. This can be done easily using a wrench.