Basin

Learn all the ins and outs of what to look for in your own basin, from taps to drainage and what to inspect and look for leaks. Top tips on how to maintain the timbers within the basin to prevent premature replacement.

Basin maintenance and what to watch for

The basin is used multiple times a day yet rarely gets a proper inspection. Because most of the pipework sits inside the vanity cabinet, slow leaks and moisture buildup can go unnoticed for months, causing damage to the timber cabinetry long before it becomes visible from the outside. Here is what to check:

• Tap washers and cartridges: a dripping basin tap is one of the most common and easily fixed plumbing issues in the home. Whether you have separate hot and cold taps or a mixer, worn washers and cartridges cause dripping that wastes water and puts ongoing stress on the fitting.
• Drainage and trap: run the basin and watch how quickly it empties. A slow drain usually means hair, soap and toothpaste have accumulated in the trap. This is easy to clear early but can become a full blockage if left too long.
• Under vanity pipework: open the cabinet doors and check the pipes and fittings underneath. Look for moisture, water stains or white mineral deposits around the joints, which are signs of a slow drip that has been present for some time.
• Vanity timber and cabinetry: even a small drip under the basin can cause significant damage to timber over time. Check for soft spots, swelling or discolouration on the base and sides of the cabinet. If the timber feels soft when pressed, water has already been sitting there for a while.