Basin Components in Ireland
A bathroom basin needs more than the ceramic bowl to work properly. It has to be supported securely, connected to the waste pipe and finished neatly, and each of those jobs is done by a different component. Basin components include pedestals that support the basin from the floor, brackets and wall plates that hold it to the wall, fixing kits that secure and connect specialist basins, bottle traps that carry water away and stop smells, and wastes that drain the bowl. Whether you are fitting a new basin, replacing a cracked pedestal or upgrading a plain plastic trap to a designer finish, choosing the right parts makes the basin safer, tidier and longer-lasting.
How is a basin supported?
Basin pedestals
A pedestal is a ceramic column that sits under the basin. A full pedestal reaches the floor, supporting the basin and hiding the waste pipe and trap behind it, while a semi pedestal is fixed to the wall and stops above the floor, hiding the pipework while leaving the floor clear. Pedestals are often sold separately from the basin, so you can choose the right one or replace a damaged pedestal without changing the whole basin. Check that the pedestal suits the shape and range of your basin. Browse our basin pedestals.
Basin brackets and wall plates
Wall hung basins and vanity units carry all their weight on the wall, so they rely on strong fixings. Brackets and wall plates are fixed to the wall first, and the basin or unit is then hung or fixed onto them, usually as a pair so the weight is shared evenly. Replacing loose or bent fixings is often the simplest way to stop a wall hung basin from moving or dropping at the front. The wall behind must be solid, or reinforced with timber or plywood if it is a stud partition.
Basin fixing kits
Some basins need dedicated fixing kits, for example basins with a back outlet that drains straight into the wall, which are common in clinical and commercial washrooms. These kits secure the basin and seal the waste connection, so check the basin's installation instructions to confirm which kit it needs.
How does a basin drain?
Every basin needs a waste in the plug hole and a trap underneath. The waste holds water in the basin when closed and lets it drain when open. Choose a slotted waste if the basin has an overflow and an unslotted waste if it does not. Our full range is in basin wastes.
The trap sits below the waste and holds a small seal of water that stops smells rising from the drain. Bottle traps are the neatest option, with a compact body that looks good under a wall hung basin where the pipework is on show. They come in modern and minimal designs and a range of finishes, so you can match them to your taps and waste. Space-saving traps are also available for vanity units with drawers. See our basin traps.
How to choose the right basin components
Start with compatibility. Pedestals, brackets and fixing kits are often designed for specific basins or ranges, so check the product page and the basin's installation instructions before ordering. If you are replacing a part, compare it with the old one. Next, think about what will be on show. Under a wall hung basin, the trap and waste are visible every day, so a designer bottle trap and matching waste make a big difference to the finished look. Under a pedestal or vanity unit, the pipework is hidden, so practicality matters more than finish.
Finally, check the wall and plumbing. Make sure the wall can carry a wall hung basin, and that the waste pipe and water supply line up with your basin and trap. Each product page lists the full specification. Tile Merchant supplies bathroom products only and does not provide fitting, so we recommend using a qualified plumber for installation.
Frequently asked questions
Are basin pedestals sold separately?
Often, yes. This lets you choose the pedestal you need or replace a damaged one. Check the basin's product page to see what is included.
What holds a wall hung basin to the wall?
Brackets or wall plates fixed securely to the wall, usually used as a pair. The wall must be solid or reinforced.
What is a bottle trap?
It is a compact trap fitted under the basin waste. It holds a water seal to stop smells and gives a neat finish under wall hung basins.
Do I need a slotted or unslotted basin waste?
Use a slotted waste if the basin has an overflow and an unslotted waste if it does not.
Do you deliver basin components across Ireland?
Yes. We deliver nationwide, and each product page shows the expected delivery time and whether the item is available for collection.