Installation, replacement and repair
Wash basin installation
A wash basin installation mounts a new basin on the wall, a pedestal or a vanity top and connects the tap, pop-up waste and bottle trap. Swapping a basin of the same type takes a few hours at most, and most of the care goes into fixing the wall bracket securely through the tiles.
Typical price
$150–$280labour, basin extraTypical job time
1–3 h
Estimate, confirm on WhatsApp
When to replace or repair
- The basin wobbles or has pulled away from the wall, leaving a gap at the back.
- There are cracks or chips in the ceramic, especially around the overflow or tap hole.
- Water drips from under the basin even after the trap has been tightened.
- The basin is stained, crazed or yellowed and no longer comes clean.
- You are adding a vanity cabinet or changing the bathroom layout.
Common reasons
- Wall brackets corroding, or wall plugs loosening in the tiles from people leaning on the basin.
- A dropped bottle or hairdryer cracking the ceramic.
- A failed seal at the pop-up waste, or at the joint between the trap and the wall pipe.
- Original basins in older flats that have reached the end of their life.
- A renovation that changes the basin style or height.
Before you call
Safe things to try first
- Measure the space: the width available, the distance to the toilet and door, and where the waste pipe and water points come out of the wall.
- Check whether the new basin has a tap hole, and whether your tap is basin-mounted or wall-mounted.
- Note whether the waste goes into the wall or down into the floor, as this decides which trap you need.
- Do not lean or sit on a loose basin. It can come off the wall and shatter.
Stop and call if
- The basin has cracked through or come away from the wall.
- Water is leaking from the wall itself near the water points.
- The basin drains slowly even with a clean trap, which points to a choke further along the pipe.
What we do
- 1Check the basin type, the waste and water point positions and the wall, and confirm the new basin and tap will fit.
- 2Shut the angle valves, disconnect the tap hoses and trap, and remove the old basin and brackets.
- 3Mark and drill the wall for the new bracket or hanger bolts, using wall plugs suited to the tiles and the wall behind them.
- 4Hang or set the basin level, fit the tap and pop-up waste, and connect the bottle trap to the wall or floor waste.
- 5Seal along the back edge with silicone, then fill the basin, drain it and check every joint for drips.
How much it costs
Most wash basin installation jobs in Singapore cost $150–$280 (labour, basin extra). This is an estimate; the final price is confirmed on WhatsApp or on site before work starts.
- Install a wall-hung, pedestal or counter-top basin you supply$150–$280
- Supply and install a basic basin with tap and waste$250–$500
- Replace bottle trap or pop-up waste only$60–$120
- After-hours surcharge$40–$150
HDB, condo and landed
HDB
The basin and its waste up to the branch pipe are yours to maintain. Older flats may still have the original basin on corroded brackets. If you are retiling at the same time, check HDB's renovation guidelines first.
Condo
Inform management before the visit and keep to the by-law work hours. If the basin sits on a built-in vanity from the developer, check whether it can come out without damaging the stone top.
Landed
You own all the pipes and drains. Outdoor and guest basins in older houses often drain to an external gully, so check the outside line if the basin drains slowly.
Wash basin installation: common questions
Wall-hung, pedestal or counter-top: which suits a small bathroom?
Wall-hung basins keep the floor clear and are easiest to clean around. Pedestals hide the trap but take floor space. Counter-top and vanity basins add storage but need the most room.
Will a new basin fit my existing pipes?
Check where the waste pipe and water points come out, and compare them with the new basin's drawing. Flexible hoses and an adjustable trap can cover small differences. If the gap is large, the pipes may need moving.
Do I need a licensed plumber to install a wash basin?
No. PUB lists installing a wash basin, including the bottle trap, as work that does not need a Licensed Plumber. Moving the water pipes to a new position is different and does need one.
Can the bracket be fixed into tiles without cracking them?
Yes, with a tile drill bit, no hammer action and holes kept away from tile edges. Where possible, the old holes or bracket positions are reused.
What is a pop-up waste?
It is the plug in the basin that opens and closes, either by pressing it (click-clack) or with a lever behind the tap. It is usually fitted with the basin and can be replaced on its own if it fails.
Get a price for wash basin installation
Send a photo or short video, your home type and postal code. We reply with a price range and the earliest slot.
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