bathroom sink drain height

What is the Standard Bathroom Sink Drain Height

What Is The Bathroom Sink Drain Height

Mounting a sink could be challenging if you are ignorant about how the arrangement should be. Having your restroom sink drain to a proper height promises excellent drainage; and could cause you to ask, what is the correct bathroom sink drain height? 

The height of the bathroom sink drains varies depending on who lives in the house. Aside from it, there is a standard height of around 24 inches from the flooring. In rough plumbing, the height ranges between 18 and 20 inches. The measurement works with most sinks since it frees up space for p-traps and other essential connections. 

This article contains more details about bathroom sink drain height, infrastructure, and height standards. 

Factors Influencing Bathroom Sink Drain Height

When installing a bathroom sink drain, you must evaluate a few elements to get the proper height. Here are some of them: 

1) P-trap Location

Standard regulations demand your sink must feature a P-trap. The International Residential Code requires you to install the P-trap not over 24 inches below the sink drain.

However, this dimension varies based on the height of your sink’s base from the floor. The rough-in sink drain must be at the proper height to attach conveniently to the P-trap. 

2) The Counter Height

When plumbing your bathroom, refrain from installing the sink drain too high from the floor. Installing your sink drain so high from the restroom floor will obstruct the installation of additional pipes or your sink. 

Read also can p trap be higher than drain pipe

How To Install A Bathroom Sink Drain

Fitting and linking a bathroom sink’s drainpipe could be an easy DIY procedure. Thankfully, the installation process is almost the same regardless of the model of sink you select. 

This section looks at how to install a bathroom sink drain practically. You will need an adjustable spanner or a pipe wrench, a plumber’s putty, an extension tube, channel lock pliers, and a PVC drain pipe kit. 

Procedure

  1. a) Install The Pop-up Drain

Most times, you will find a sink featuring the pop-up drain. Alternatively, you can buy it separately as a kit. 

  • Create a watertight seal on the drainpipe by applying a silicone bead, then drop it into the sinkhole (use 100% silicone). 
  • Dab the rubber ring on the threads to help it twist, then place it underneath the sink. 
  • Add a nut and a plastic ring. Tighten the nut by hand first and then with slip-joint pliers. 
  • Using a clean wet rag, wipe away the silicone sucked out of the drain and sink. 
  1. b) Set Up the P-Trap adapter

When setting up a new bathroom sink, you’ll see a pipe component protruding from the wall. 

  • To attach the P-trap, stick a trap adapter to the pipe. Use ABS cement if you are working with ABS pipes.
  • Swab the adapter of the trap with cement and do as well on the pipes outside, making sure that both surfaces are well coated. With a minimal twisting motion, insert the adaptor into the drain. 
  • Connect the last portion of the pop-up drain, which comprises a rubber that forms a protective layer with the metal pipe. You may tighten the nut by hand first, then with pliers afterward. 

Read also Can p trap be higher than drain pipe

  1. c) Install The P-trap

The p-trap package features two slip joint nuts, two rubber or plastic washers, and a waste drain. 

  • Slip a nut between the two black pipes, connecting them with the waste drain. 
  • Tighten the nut with your hands after pressing it on the other pipe. 
  • Under the bathroom sink, check for a washer that will fit directly onto the drain. Place the slip joint nut on the pipe, followed by the washer, making sure the narrow end of the washer faces the pipeline. 
  • Place a waste drain on the bathroom wall. If the pipe is too lengthy, use a hacksaw to cut it shorter.
  • Insert a slip joint nut facing the wall and another end facing you, making sure the narrower side of the washer faces the wall. Install the pipe and connect it to the adaptor via the wall.
  • Incorporate the U-shaped pipe and affix slip-joint nuts on both ends. Tighten the bolts slightly as you balance the pieces to guarantee that everything aligns without straining any joints. Failure to align the parts correctly will cause leaks. 
  • After checking everything is in place, hand tighten all the nuts, then employ slip-joint pliers to reinforce them further. 
  1. d) Check For Leaks
  • Allow the faucet to flow while you inspect the pipes for water leakage. Fill the sink with water to test it, then drain it. 
  • Repeat the procedure many times to be sure. If there is a leak, fix the faulty joint and try it again. 

That’s the fundamental process for mounting a bathroom sink drain. There may be minor differences because of different models or scenarios. 

Nevertheless, with the procedure at your fingertips, figuring out any essential alterations will be a piece of cake.

Read also What is the white slime in sink drain?

Common Mistakes Made When Mounting Bathroom Sink Drains

Avoid the following mistakes when installing or upgrading a restroom sink drain:

1) Choosing Poor Quality Parts

When fixing a bathroom sink drain, avoid using inefficient or low-cost pipes. Pipes that are weak or too inexpensive might cause problems in the future; hence stay away from them. 

2) Over Tightening The Connections

To avoid leaks, make sure you tighten your plumbing connections properly. You should not, however, over-tighten them. 

Over-tightening pipe attachments fracture the pipes and produce additional problems such as warping, which enable water to flow through. 

3) Using Too Much Putty

When applied correctly, the plumber’s putty creates a durable leak-proof barrier. But, if you use too much, it might harm your sink’s fixtures and other drainage components.

What Is The Standard Drain Size For A Bathroom Sink?

Although the overall size and design of the bathroom sink vary from model to model, drain holes are pretty conventional. 1.25 inches is the general standard, while 1.5 inches and 1.625 inches are also typical. 

The hole size helps determine the appropriate size drain for a specific sink. 

Read also how to prevent water behind sink

FAQ on Bathroom Sink Drain Height

1. How High Off The Floor Should A Bathroom Sink Drain Be?

       The vertical discharge hole should be 16-20 inches from the floor. 

2. How Does Bathroom Sink Drain Work?

Plumbers seal the flange of the sink drain to the bathroom sink hole using the plumber’s putty, then insert it into the drain body. Use a locknut to fasten the drain body ‘to the bottom of the sink basin. 

Slip-joint couplings connect the tailpiece to the drain trap. 

Conclusion

The article above answers the question about the bathroom sink drain height and gives you a clear walkthrough on how to install it. You can consult local plumbing services for more information.

Read also Can you put faucet on side of sink

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