If your bathroom basin gets cracked or begins to degrade, it can ruin the whole look of your bathroom. Luckily, it doesn’t have to break the bank to replace it. In this guide, we’ll go through the cost of installing a bathroom basin, the types of basins you can choose, and what else to consider before installing one.

How much does it cost to get a bathroom sink fitted?

The cost of a plumber to install a bathroom basin in the UK typically ranges from £120 to £500, depending on whether you’re replacing an existing sink or relocating it entirely. Here are the typical costs you can expect:

Types of bathroom basins

There’s more variety in bathroom sinks than you might think. Consider the pros and cons of each type before deciding which one to buy:

• Pedestal basin: A classic choice, with the pipework concealed behind the pedestal. Easy to fit and suits most bathrooms.
• Wall-hung basin: Mounted directly to the wall with no pedestal, giving a modern look and saving floor space. Requires a solid wall or additional support.
• Semi-pedestal basin: A blend of a wall-mounted basin with a half pedestal to hide pipework, but it doesn’t reach the floor.
• Countertop basin: Sits on top of a vanity unit or surface. Stylish and contemporary, but fitting requires a hole for the waste and correct tap placement.
• Inset basin: Built into the vanity unit, offering a seamless look and extra storage.
• Corner basin: Designed for small bathrooms or cloakrooms, these compact sinks are great for maximising space.
• Semi-recessed basin: A mixture between a countertop and an inset basin, partially embedded into a countertop or unit so the front of the basin overhangs the edge.
• Cloakroom basin: A smaller basin, ideal for downstairs or under-stairs toilets.

Bathroom basin brands and models

Many reputable brands offer bathroom basins, from entry-level to premium. Here are a few different models and types of basins from popular brands to give you an idea of price:

Image	Name	Cost
	Milano Alma - Modern 540mm Basin with Full Pedestal	£79.99
	Armitage Shanks Sandringham 21 48cm Corner Basin & Pedestal	£150.17
	RAK Feeling 500 x 360mm 0TH Rectangular Counter Top Basin	£179.95
	Grohe Bau Ceramic 600mm Complete Basin Package	£181.86
	Ideal Standard Connect Air Cube 1TH Basin + Semi Pedestal 60cm	£235.84
	Duravit Starck 3 550mm 1TH Semi Recessed Basin	£237.19
	Roca Meridian-N 600 x 340mm In Countertop 1TH Inset Basin	£276.00
	Crosswater Popolo 480 x 250mm (1TH) Wall Hung Cloakroom Basin	£370.95
	Britton Shoreditch Frame 1000mm Basin & Black Wash Stand	£823.74

Factors affecting the cost of basin installation

Several variables influence the total price of fitting a bathroom sink:

• Type of basin: Pedestal sinks, countertop basins and wall-hung models all have different fitting needs. Wall-hung basins, for example, may need a supporting frame or reinforced wall, which increases installation time and cost.
• Location and accessibility: Tight spaces or awkward layouts will usually mean the plumber takes longer to install your basin, especially in downstairs toilets or under-stairs WCs.
• Existing plumbing: If you’re swapping like-for-like, installation is usually quick. But if the pipework needs adapting, or you need new plumbing in a different location, it will increase labour and material costs.
• Extra fittings: Taps, waste fittings and vanity units aren’t always included in your basin price, so make sure you check before you buy. You may also need tile touch-ups or sealant once the work is complete.
• Your region: Labour rates vary across the UK, with plumbers in London and the south east typically charging more than areas in the north, Wales or Scotland.

At HaMuch, we use our database of hourly and daily plumber rates across the country to estimate the cost of various jobs around your home. Take a look at our bathroom basin installation cost table and find your nearest town or city to get a more accurate price.

How long does it take to fit a bathroom sink?

It’ll usually take a plumber between 1 and 3 hours to fit a bathroom sink if it’s a straightforward replacement. If you want to move the sink to a new location or fit a new type of basin that needs wall supports or cabinet integration, it could take up to half a day.

Any associated work, like tiling, installing a vanity unit or adjusting the plumbing, will increase the time and therefore the labour costs.

Can I add a second sink to my bathroom?

Yes, you can add a second sink to your bathroom if you’ve got the space! It’s a popular upgrade for busy households or shared bathrooms, and is often referred to as ‘his-and-her sinks’ when you have them installed next to each other. 

Your plumber will probably need to adapt your plumbing to give the second sink access to the water supply and waste pipe. It’s not a minor job - it could range from £400 to £800 for installation alone, depending on your bathroom’s layout and how much work is required.

Can I fit a bathroom sink myself?

If you’re confident with basic plumbing and you're simply replacing a like-for-like sink, then yes, it’s possible to fit a bathroom basin yourself. You'll need to:

1. Turn off the water supply
2. Remove the old basin
3. Secure the new one
4. Connect the water feeds and waste pipe
5. Seal around the edges with silicone

But for anything more involved, such as moving the basin, fitting a wall-hung model, or installing new pipework, it’s safer and more efficient to hire a professional plumber. Poor installation can lead to leaks, water damage or long-term issues that cost more to put right.

Consider your time when deciding whether to fit your own bathroom sink. Factor in that it could take you double the time it takes a plumber to complete the job. Multiply the time by your usual hourly rate, and if it’s similar to the amount you’d pay a plumber, it’s probably best to leave them to it.

Ready to get quotes for a new bathroom basin installation? Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with plumbers in your area.

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