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Easy Switches: Swapping your toilet and basin for a combination unit
DIY advice

Easy Switches: Swapping your toilet and basin for a combination unit

Posted by Adam Chard in DIY advice | 4 years ago 6 min read

Easy Switches: Swapping your toilet and basin for a combination unit

To create a stylish bathroom that uses space efficiently, swapping your toilet and basin for a combination unit is really straightforward.

As part of our series of Easy Switches for your bathroom, in this blog post we’ll show you just how simple this is to do, making cleaning easier, enhancing the look of your decor and even providing you with added storage space.


Why replace your toilet and basin with a combination unit?

If your bathroom layout means that your toilet and basin must sit alongside each other, one of the easiest ways to save on space and add style is to combine the two into a combination unit.

One of the main reasons that you might swap your toilet and basin for a combination unit is the styling options that it brings. If you’re planning on a certain theme, you can look for a unit with a specific type of finish. Whilst white is always popular, greys are also very on-trend or you could add a wood effect finish, like oak or walnut.

Another reason to change is the additional storage you can gain. This is especially important if you are tight on space and don’t have much room elsewhere for cabinets, cupboards or drawers.

Finally, another great thing that combination units have going for them is the ease in which they can be cleaned. With many toilets and pedestal basins, you’re left with awkward nooks and crannies which can become traps for dirt and dust. A combination unit rids you of these difficult to clean spaces, for a genuinely low maintenance bathroom.

Before and after


Here's how to replace your toilet and basin with a combination unit

1. Measure your space and check plumbing

Where there is space for a separate toilet and basin, there should, in all reasonable expectation, be space for a combination unit. Measure the maximum space you have available and don’t forget to allow space for door or drawer opening if you choose a unit with storage space. When measuring, don’t forget to work out the maximum height and depth available, as well as width.

For the basin unit, make note of where your hot and cold water pipes come from. Plus, with the toilet, you have 2 things to consider: 1. Where your water inlet comes from. 2. Which way your pan connector joins to the soil pipe.

If you’re unsure about any of these things, it is always best to ask a tradesperson for advice.

Measure the space around your toilet and basin

2. Find inspiration and advice

Once you know the space and layout you have to play with, you can begin to gather ideas and advice around the type of combination unit you want.

Your first port of call should be our toilet and basin unit buying guide, which will help you gain a better understanding of the types of units available.

For inspiration, it’s easy to browse our range of bathroom furniture sets, where you’ll find full images and dimensions. While you're at it, why not check out our MySpace furniture range, full of compact toilet and basin units designed specifically to fit your space.

Head to our bathroom ideas section for “Get the Look” style guides and more, and why not follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter by clicking on any of the buttons at the foot of this blog post? We regularly post fresh bathroom ideas to help you keep up with the latest trends.

Bathroom ideas

3. Choose your combination unit

Once you’ve picked your style, it’s time to choose your perfect combination unit.

Depending on its design, your combination unit may consist of a separate back to wall toilet unit and vanity unit, making it easy to position the toilet and basin in the right order for your bathroom. However, some all-in-one units come in left or right-handed options, so make sure you select the right one.

To help with installation, many of our units come complete with a handy inset area to the rear, so plumbing is simple to fit. Plus, many back to wall toilet units feature KEKU fittings, meaning you can easily remove panels should you need to access the cistern for maintenance.

Pick the right style and colour for your overall design. You could opt for a sleek, modern finish or something more traditional with tongue and groove detailing. Don’t forget matching furniture for a coordinated look by checking out our complete bathroom furniture ranges.

MySpace bathroom furniture

4. Pick your back to wall toilet and concealed cistern

If it isn’t already included, or you simply want to pick each component individually, you will need to select your back to wall toilet and your concealed cistern.

With back to wall toilets, there are plenty of stylish options to choose from, including contemporary and traditional designs.

What is a concealed cistern? Well, it does exactly what it says on the tin! It sits, hidden, within your back to wall unit, with a flush button on the outside. All our back to wall units come undrilled so you can position the flush button right where you want it. If you’re fed up of your partner leaving the toilet seat in an upright position, one handy hint is to place the flush button directly behind the seat itself!

Back to wall toilet with unit

5. Accessorise with a tap and waste

Another great way to personalise your combination unit is to choose your own tap and waste.

Most vanity units come with a single tap hole, so you will need to buy a basin mixer tap. Most also come with an overflow, so you will require a slotted basin waste.

Basin taps

6. Add those finishing touches

To truly make your combination unit work for you, it’s time to add those finishing touches. A table mirror will make a great addition for close-up work like applying makeup or brushing your teeth, whilst a wall mounted soap dispenser, soap dish or tumbler and holder, will avoid overcrowding around the basin.

Bathroom accessories

7. Quick and easy delivery

Once you have purchased your items, you can choose the delivery option that best suits you, with different time slots available for those who lead busy lives. If you order before {delivery:express-cutoff-time}, you can even select next day delivery (subject to availability). Discover more about our fast, efficient, hassle-free delivery service.

Quick and easy delivery

8. Fitting your combination unit

We would always recommend hiring an experienced and qualified trade professional to install any bathroom products, however, there are things you can do to make life easier for your plumber.

Always make sure you unpack and inspect all your products immediately after delivery. In the rare event that components are missing or items have been damaged in transit, it is easier to get them rectified earlier rather than later.

Your finished combination toilet and sink unit


More Easy Switches for your bathroom

Discover more Easy Switches for your bathroom by heading to our Switches and Fixes hub or clicking on any of the links below.

Author, Adam Chard

Posted by Adam Chard in DIY advice | 4 years ago

A born & raised West Countryman, now living on the Yorkshire Coast, for over 10 years Adam has been bringing home interior ideas to life at Victoria Plum. Adam’s favourite interior styles have been shaped by both urban and natural influences.

Sales Line 0344 264 4141 Track order Design Service Trade account

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