How much does it cost to replace a bathroom basin?

Published basin replacement rates

FROM THE HOMEZYPRO DIRECTORY

Published basin installation rates

For the most common unit (per job), the lowest published rates from 12 companies run from S$50 to S$250. Each figure is one company's own advertised rate with its conditions, not a market average or a quote.

See 12 published basin rates and sources

Lowest matching advertised rate per company, in SGD as published. "From" marks a starting price and ranges are shown in full. Check the source for minimums, GST and inclusions.

Company	Service as listed	Rate	Source
Plumber - Singapore Plumbing 24hrs	Replace Kitchen Sink / Basin	From S$50 per job	singaporeplumbing24hrs.com.sg
Family Plumber Singapore	Basin	S$60 per job	24hrfamilyplumber.com
Kiasu Plumber	Install basin (kitchen)	From S$90 per job	kiasuplumber.com
AquaHero Plumbing	Install wash basin cabinet	S$120 per job	aquahero-plumbing.sg
Hdbplumber Service SG	Supply and install basin	From S$150 per job	hdbplumberservice.com.sg
Uncle Plumber	Basin Installation & Supplier	From S$150 per job	uncleplumber.sg
Ace Plumbing Specialist	Supply & install basin	From S$170 per job	aceplumbing.sg
Active Plumbing Singapore	Supply & install basin	From S$180 per job	activeplumbing.sg
Home Plumbers Singapore	Supply and install a basin	From S$180 per job	homeplumbers.com.sg
Summer Plumbing Service	13. Supply & install basin	From S$190 per job	sgplumbing.com.sg
Crizto Singapore Pte Ltd	Basin Cabinet	S$250 per job	crizto.com
GD Plumbing	13. Supply & install basin	From S$250 per job	gdplumbing.com.sg

In the table above, 12 companies publish a basin line, and all of them price it per job. Their lowest matching rates run from S$50 to S$250 per job. The two middle rates differ, so there is no single middle rate, and no figure is an average.

Several lines are supply and install, which includes the basin, and two name a basin cabinet. Others, such as "Basin" S$60 per job and "Install basin (kitchen)" From S$90 per job, may be labour only. No line prices a countertop or a new tap with the basin.

Labour only or supply and install

The lowest line, "Replace Kitchen Sink / Basin", is printed From S$50 per job and does not say that a basin is supplied. Several "Supply and install basin" lines are printed From S$150, S$170, S$180 and S$190 per job, and one more supply-and-install line is printed From S$250 per job. Those lines include the basin. The others may be labour only.

When you compare a wash basin installation price from two companies, ask each one whether the basin, a new trap and a tap are included. If you already have a basin, read about supplying your own parts and ask whether the company will fit one you provide. You can also browse companies listed for basin installation.

Basin types and mounting

• Wall-hung basin. Fixed straight to the wall, with the trap and pipes visible below.
• Pedestal basin. Supported by a column on the floor, which hides most of the pipes.
• Countertop basin. Sits on a counter or is set into it.
• Cabinet basin. Sits on a cabinet, with the trap and pipes inside.

If you are changing from one type to another, ask whether the wall fixings, trap or pipe connections need to change too.

HDB's renovation guidelines for plumbing works list no special conditions for replacing an existing wash basin, including with a coloured one. If you want the basin in a new position, HDB says the floor slab must not be tampered with.

Trap, waste and tap add-ons

HDB's home care guide on sinks and wash basins says the common trap for wash basins and kitchen sinks in HDB flats is the bottle trap. Chokes come from solid matter or hardened grease. To clear one, HDB says to twist the lower section off anti-clockwise, remove the solid matter with a wire hook or thin stick, flush with water and screw it back clockwise.

PUB's plumbing works page lists installing or replacing a washbasin or sink and its trap among the simple plumbing works a handyman may do, along with replacing or removing a tap or mixer. Other regulated water service and sanitary plumbing works must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber, and engaging a plumber who is not licensed for regulated works has been an offence since 2018. If your plans go further, check which jobs need a licensed plumber.

No directory line prices a new trap, waste or tap with the basin, so ask for each as a separate item in the quote. For a tap job on its own, see tap replacement.

Cabinet and countertop work

For a vanity basin replacement, look for lines that name the cabinet. Two lines do: "Install wash basin cabinet" at S$120 per job and "Basin Cabinet" at S$250 per job, both as printed. No line prices a countertop, so ask about that separately.

Fixing a cabinet or basin to the wall involves drilling. HDB's plumbing works guidelines say ramsets, nails and screws must not exceed 6mm in diameter and 40mm penetration depth. See HDB drilling rules for more.

If a basin change grows into a wider renovation, HDB's important information on renovations says flat owners must engage only contractors from HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors. Some works need an HDB permit, and works that do not must still follow HDB's guidelines, so read about HDB renovation permits before you plan.

What changes the price

• Basin type and size. Each type needs different fixings.
• Who supplies the basin. Supply-and-install lines include one; others may not.
• A cabinet. Two lines name a basin cabinet.
• Moving the position. Ask how the pipes will be run to the new spot.
• A new trap or waste. No line prices these with the basin.
• A new tap. No line prices a tap with the basin either.
• Removal and disposal. Ask whether taking away the old basin is included.
• Wall repair. Old fixing holes or chipped tiles may need making good.

What a fair quote should list

Ask for these points in writing:

• The basin model, or a note that you are supplying it
• Whether a new trap and waste are included
• Whether a tap is supplied or your existing tap is refitted
• Any cabinet, and who supplies it
• Sealing around the basin
• Removal and disposal of the old basin
• Making good the wall or tiles
• Testing for leaks after fitting

PUB advises discussing the scope and cost of plumbing works first, asking for itemised quotes and getting at least three quotes. You can check published plumbing costs for related jobs, then compare plumbers before you call.

Questions