Standard Height of Plumbing Fixtures – Detailed Information

Bathroom is one of the most important element of a house, which helps in cleaning and refreshing ourselves. But if heights of fittings are not appropriate, it will lead to discomfort and trouble in using your bathroom.

So in order to properly use our bathroom, standard height of plumbing fixtures should be known while planing and constructing your bathroom. Read this detailed information on bathroom and toilet dimensions and their fittings.

Bathroom Size

Before going in detail about bathroom fitting heights, let us first of all have an idea about average bathroom size and its minimum dimensions.

  • Minimum bathroom size – 20 sqft
  • Average bathroom size – 30 sqft
  • Minimum toilet size – 16 ft2
  • Average toilet size – 20 ft2

Powder Room Size: A powder room also known as guest bathroom or half bathroom is a one in which there is a commode and a sink. The minimum size of powder room is 16 sqft (4′ X 4′ feet).

When bathroom and toilet (W.C., Sink) are combined then the standard size is 35 to 40 sqft(8′ X 5′ feet).

For a full-sized luxurious bathroom, at least 50 square feet of area is required. So that it can house the bathtub apart from the sink shower and commode.

No matter how big or small your bathroom is, you will find all small bathroom dimensions and heights in this post.

Height of bathroom ceiling

Generally speaking, the common height of houses is 9 to 10 feet, but bathroom height is lower than this due to the overhead water tank. Normally bathroom overhead water tank requires 2 feet to 2.5 feet of space, thus the bathroom ceiling is reduced to 7 feet in such conditions.

But under any circumstances, a minimum ceiling height of 7 ft is required in the bathroom.

Standard Height of Plumbing Fixtures
Standard Height of Plumbing Fixtures

Standard Bathroom Fitting Heights

For a quick reference, we have given below heights of bathroom fixtures in a tabulated format. Detailed information about all bathroom fittings is given below this table.

Sr. No.Bathroom FixturesStandard height above finished floor (in Feet)Standard height above finished floor (in inches)Standard height above finished floor (in Meter)
1Bathroom Shower Head6.5 ft78"1.98 m
2Bathroom Mixer/Divertor3 ft36"0.91 m
3Bathroom Spout2.5 ft30"0.76 m
4Bathroom Main Stop Cock4.3 ft52"1.30 m
5Bathroom Vanity3 ft36"0.91 m
6Wash Basin Height2.67 ft32"0.81 m
7Bottle Trap For Wash Basin1.5 ft18"0.46 m
8Angle Cock For Wash Basin1.5 ft18"0.46 m
9Bathroom Mirror4 ft48"1.22 m
10Soap Dispenser3.5 ft42"1.07 m
11Soap Dish4 ft48"1.22 m
12Bathroom Cabinet4.5 ft54"1.37 m
13Bathroom Shelves4 ft48"1.22 m
14Bathroom Niches4 ft48"1.22 m
15Towel Rail5 ft60"1.52 m
16Towel Ring4 ft48"1.22 m
17European W.C.1.42 ft17"0.43 m
18Toilet Paper Holder2.17 ft26"0.66 m
19Health Faucet/ Jet Spray1.5 ft18"0.46 m
20Bib Tap For Toilet1.5 ft18"0.46 m
21Flush Cistern3 ft36"0.91 m
22Angle Cock For Flush Tank2 ft24"0.61 m
23Flush Valve For WC3.33 ft40"1.00 m
24Urinal Height2 ft24"0.61 m
25Lighting Fixture8 ft96"2.44 m
26Bathroom Exhaust Fan6 ft72"1.83 m

Height Of Bathroom Fittings

Below you will find the complete detail of all bathroom fittings and their standard heights and permissible heights that are used in the building industry.

Bathroom Showerheads

The bathroom shower height should be at a suitable height so that the user can stand beneath it while taking shower. The average height of a human being is 5.5 ft to 6 ft, thus 6.5 ft is taken as the standard height of shower head from finished flooring.

Even though the recommended height of shower is 6.5 ft but it can be changed according to the height of the user and their convenience. If over head water tank is provided in bathroom, then the height of the shower needs to be compromised. As a thumb of rule, its height can vary from 6 feet to 7 feet.

Bathroom Mixer/ Diverter Height

The bathroom mixer or diverter should be placed at a height that is easily accessible while standing. The standard height of a mixer or diverter is 3 feet.

According to the ease of access of the user, this height can further vary from 33″ to 40″.

Bathroom Diverter spout Height

The spout is the tap through which water comes out when the diverter is installed in your bathroom. The recommended height for the spout is 2 feet above the floor level. But again this height can be adjusted according to the convenience of the user.

Bathroom Main Stop Cock Height

Concealed stop cock is provided to control the flow of water into our houses. We can close or open the stop cock to control the flow of water.

The general height of concealed main stop cock is 52 inches. But in some cases, it can vary from 4 feet to 6 feet depending upon aesthetics and accessibility.

Inlet and outlet concealed stop cock are also provided if overhead water tank is used to store water. Their height is the same as that of the main stop cock which is 4 feet to 6 feet.

Bathroom Vanity Unit Height

Standard bathroom vanity height is considered to be suitable at 32 inches or 2.5 feet from the floor finish level. Depending upon the user’s height and age this can be reduced or increased.

If the bathroom is for kids then the vanity height should not be lowered according to their height. Because sooner or later kids will grow in height and rework of the vanity unit will be needed. But to counter the accessibility of vanity units for kids one should use table for kids.

Bathroom Vanity height is different for mean nd women as men tends to be taller than women. If a bathroom is designed only for men than the vanity height should be around 34 to 36 inches. While vanity height suitable for women is 32 inches to 34 inches.

Thus depending upon the user the standard height of a bathroom vanity can range from 30″ to 36″ that is 2.5 feet to 3 feet from the finished floor level.

Shower Box or Shower Enclosure

Shower enclosures or shower cubicles are enclosed with glass and have showerheads and body-jet nozzles that spray water for taking bath.

Shower box can be square shape or rectangular in shape according to the choice of the homeowner. The showerhead should be installed at a height of 6.5 feet. Hot and cold water mixer should be given at a height of 3.5 feet.

  • Minimum square shower box – 3 ft X 3 ft (9 sqft)
  • Minimum rectangular shower box – 3 ft X 4 ft (12 sqft)
  • Standard sizes of shower cubicles used are 2.67 ft X 4 ft, 3’X3′, 3’X5′ and many more.

Bathtub Dimensions

Tub in bathroom comes in various designs, models, shape and sizes. Choose the model or bathtub that attracts you. Standard sizes of bathtub are 5’X2.67′, 5.5’X2.67′, 6’X3′.

Plumbing fittings is done according to the bathtub. Standard height of plumbing fixtures should be 33 inches from the flooring of bathroom, so that while taking bath user can access water controls.

Standard height of bathroom from floor

Bathroom Wash Basin Height

Depending upon the type of wash basin and user preference height of wash basin varies from 30 inches to 36 inches. But the recommended height of wash basin is considered to be 32 inches.

The standard wash basin height from floor in feet is 2.5 feet. Other measures of washbasin dimension are given below.

  • Front top edge of wash basin should be 800 mm
  • Center to center spacing of wash basin – 2.5 feet
  • Distance between wash basin and adjacent wall – 1.5 feet
  • Distance between edge of washbasin and center of WC – 1.33 feet
  • Distance between front edge of wash basin and opposite wall – 3 feet

Wash basin can be in various types like pedestal wash basin or counter wash basin. There are many more washbasin types which we will cover in detail in some other post.

The height of sink of wash basin above floor level is kept at 2.5 feet to 3 feet depending upon the type of wash basin sink like pedestal, under-mount sink or over the counter sink. Standard height of washbasin depending upon the type of basin is shown below:

  • Wall hung wash basin height – 750 mm to 900 mm or 30″ to 36”
  • Countertop wash basin height – 36 inches or 3 feet or 900 mm
  • Under counter wash basin height – 750 mm or 2.5 feet
  • Vanity unit washbasin height – 800 mm to 900 mm that is 32″ to 36″

Angle Cock for Wash Basin

Pillar cock is used for wash basin water inlet, which is deck mounted on the counter platform or pedestal washbasin. But below the counter there is an angle cock that control the flow of water through connection pipe into the pillar cock.

Wash basin angle cock is provided 18 inches above the floor finish level.

Bottle Trap For Wash Basin

Waste water from the wash basin is discharge into the drainage pipe through waste coupling and finally through the bottle trap. Bottle trap is provided at a height of 18″ or 1.5 feet from floor level.

In some cases bottle trap is not used and flexible connecting pipe is connected to the waste coupling of wash basin that lead the waste water into nahani trap.

Bathroom Geyser height

Geyser is a must for every bathroom especially for colder regions. To have a proper continuous supply of water, geyser should be placed at a proper height.

Standard height of plumbing fixtures of geyser is 5 feet to 6 feet, depending upon the geyser type. Standard recommended height of geyser is 6 feet.

Bathroom Accessories And Their Heights

Standard height for bathroom accessories like soap dispenser, mirror, shelves, and bathroom cabinet are shown below.

Standard Height of Bathroom Mirror

Bathroom mirror help us to get refresh and groom ourselves in our bathroom. Truly speaking the height of mirror is different for different individual, as a thumb rule the bottom of the mirror should cover your shoulder.

Typically washroom mirror are installed at a height of above 4 feet from floor level. It can be as high as 5.5 feet depending upon the individual preferences.

Soap Dispenser Height

After using water closet or urinating we need to wash our hands. Thus Soap Dispenser comes handy, and it should be so placed that it can easily be used while washing our hands.

Standard height of soap dispenser varies from 40 inch to 48 inches. Recommended height of soap dispenser is 42 inches.

Soap Dish height

If soap dispenser is not provided then it become necessary to provide soap dish. Soap dish should be placed away from the shower area so that unnecessary water is not collected into the soap dish.

The standard height of the soap dish is between 44 inches to 54 inches. Mostly soap dish is provided at a height of 4 feet.

Bathroom Cabinet Size

Bathroom cabinet are handy for storing day-to-day bathroom stuff. The height of the cabinet should be such that anyone can access it easily without using table. Our hand should reach the top of cabinet without any help.

Standard height of bathroom cabinet is 54 inches. There should be minimum 18 inches gap in between basin counter and cabinet. As we know that wash basin top is 36 inch, thus placing cabinet at 54 inches give a gap of 1.5 feet between them.

Bathroom Shelves Height

There is no hard and fast rule for bathroom shelf height. Bathroom shelves can be installed as per our will and our needs. Typically it is installed at a height of 3 to 4 feet.

Bathroom Niches height

Recessed bathroom niches are in demand and are used more and more in modern bathroom interior decoration. One of the most important factors of its popularity is that it doesn’t require any space and is installed recessed inside the wall.

There is no standard height for the bathroom niche but it is generally installed at a height of 4 feet from the finished floor level.

Towel Ring

A towel ring if provided in the bathroom is generally provided at a height of 48 inches. Although towel rings can be hooked at up to 5 feet depending upon user satisfaction.

Towel Rail

Towel rail is generally provided at a higher height that is around 5 feet, so that showering and bathing don’t make it wet. suitable distance should be provided between shower and towel rails. Towel rails comes in 1.5 to 2 feet in length.

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Standard Toilet Fitting Heights

Water closet and its necessary fittings like toilet paper holder and health faucet if not provided at appropriate height would make it difficult for the user to use them. Thus important sanitary ware and it standard height of plumbing fixtures are mentioned below for reference.

European W.C. Height

Indian water closet also referred to as Orissa WC are installed on floor, so no issue of its height. But when it comes to Wall mounted European water closet then one should be careful with its height.

Standard height of wall hang WC is 17 inches above the flooring level. This height should be kept with precision and accuracy so that one can easily sit on it.

Even though WC height is recommended to be 1.42 ft, user can have slight change in this value if they are uncomfortable due to their height or any other issue. Drainage pipe is installed at suitable height water closet dimensions.

For installing water closet on your wall it should have a width of 40 inches but if there is lack of space at least 30 inches of clear width should be there. 30 inches width allows the user to sit comfortably and use WC with ease.

Whenever WC is installed give ample free space in front of it, Minimum recommended clearance is 30 inches.

Important measurement that should be kept in mind before proceeding with work.

  • Distance of center of WC and adjacent wall – 1.5 feet
  • Distance of front edge of WC and opposite wall – 2.5 feet
  • Distance of center of WC and side edge of washbasin – 1.33 feet
  • Distance of front edge of WC and opposite wash basin – 2.5 feet

If outlet or wastewater coming out of water closet r WC can not be taken out due to any hindrances like wall thickness, column, beams or aesthetic reasons then ledge wall is created to give extra space for diverting the outlet to the floor of bathroom.

Ledge wall is a dummy wall created for WC if 110 mm WC outlet pipe can not be taken outside directly. Standard height of ledge wall depends upon the size of water closet and flush tank.

If the concealed flush tank is used then ledge wall will extend up to the top of flush tank that is 44 inches to 48 inches and thickness of ledge wall is 4 inches. Ledge wall thickness and ledge wall height depends upon the water closet or wc and flush tank sizes.

Toilet Paper Holder

Standard height of toilet paper holder is 8 to 12 inches above the rim of the water closet or W.C., so that user can easily use them. When measured from the flooring of the bathroom standard height of toilet paper holder is 26 inches.

Health Faucet or Jet Spray

Jet spray that is a common name for health faucet is important part of any bathroom. Some people are not satisfied with toilet paper and for better cleanliness they prefer water that is made possible by health faucet.

Health faucet or jet spray should be kept at standard height of 18 inches above the floor level.

Toilet Bib Tap

In public places toilet paper and health faucet are not provided, thus in such places bib tap is provided for cleaning purpose. This bib tap is also provided at the same height as that of health faucet of 18 inches above floor level.

Flush Cistern

Flushing cistern is provided at a height so that the appropriate pressure of water is made to flush the waste out into the drainage line. Flush cistern is provided at a standard height of 3 ft above the floor level.

If window or any other hindrances comes then this height can be adjusted accordingly. But it should be kept at a height so that proper flow of water is made possible.

Angle cock for flush tank is provided at a height of 24 inches.

In buildings, where 24 hour water supply is there flush valve are installed. Flush valve carry water at high pressure necessary for flushing. Flush valve is provided at a height of 40 inches from floor level.

Height Of Urinal And Its Accessories

Urinal is generally provided in public places and rarely in residential houses. But if provided it is generally raised above the floor level and platform is constructed. The height mentioned above is from the platform of urinals.

  • Height of Urinal front part – 24 inches
  • Urinal flushing sensor height – 51 inches
  • Height of flushing cistern for urinal – 78 inches
  • Waste pipe connection to urinal – 14 inches
  • Top of Urinal partitions – 60 inches
  • Center to center distance between urinal partition – 24 inches

Thus standard urinal height from floor level is 2 feet or 24 inches to 28 inches.

Miscellaneous Bathroom Fixtures and its height

Standard Bathroom Lighting Fixtures

Lighting fixtures should be kept at a minimum distance of 3 feet from the bathing perimeter. Hanging lights should be fixed at a height of 8 feet or on the ceiling of bathroom.

Electrical Switches In Bathroom

To be safe from electrical shocks it is important to keep electrical switches away from water pipe lines. Minimum of 5 feet distance is necessary from nearest water source for safety purpose.

Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Exhaust fan of bathroom should be provided at a height of 6 feet or 1.8 meter from flooring of bathroom.

Standard height of bathroom window

Generally bathroom window size is either 600 mm X 1050 mm or 450 mm X 1050 mm. Height of bathroom window from floor level varies from 2.5 ft to 4 ft.

Hope you have find this detailed article on standard height of plumbing fixtures and bathroom fittings useful and if so please share this with your friends or any one who will get benefited from it. Follow us on other social media whose link is given on this website.

Bathroom Door Size

Width of bathroom door should be 30 inches. But if there is constraint it can vary from 26 inches to 32 inches. Bathroom door should swing open into the bathroom and never outside the bathroom. Door should also be selected keeping in mind that it should not hit commode of toilet if any.

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