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Minimum 1 Year GuaranteeWash Troughs
Commercial & School Wash Troughs – Durable, Hygienic Solutions for High-Use Areas
Discover our extensive range of stainless steel wash troughs, corian hand wash troughs, and fibreglass trough sinks, designed for use in schools, commercial washrooms, industrial settings, and other high-traffic environments. Our wash troughs offer a practical, space-saving alternative to individual hand wash basins, providing multiple hand washing stations in one robust wash trough unit. Ideal for education, healthcare, catering, and public facilities, these wash troughs are built for durability, easy cleaning, and long-term performance. With options for wall-mounted or floor-standing installation, as well as sensor or manual taps, we offer wash trough solutions that meet UK hygiene standards and suit a wide variety of applications. Whatever your stainless steel wash trough needs we should have a wash trough to suit.
View our full range of hand wash troughs below
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FAQs
Yes — we maintain a large stock holding of our most popular stainless steel wash trough sizes. These “off-the-shelf” units are available for fast dispatch, typically 1 - 2 working days for standard sizes. Standard sizes held in stock are:
500mm
800mm
1000mm
1200mm
1500mm
1600mm
1800mm
2000mm
2400mm
If you need a non-standard size or bespoke configuration (tap holes, waste positions, custom length), we can manufacture to order — lead times are longer (e.g. 15 - 20 working days).
Stainless steel is generally suitable for outdoor use, provided mounting, drainage, and freezing conditions are considered. Surface finish choice (e.g. polished vs brushed) may affect appearance over time.
Corian / solid surface may be more vulnerable to UV exposure or thermal expansion outdoors; check with us before installing in outdoor or semi-outdoor settings.
Fibreglass / GRP can be more tolerant of environmental exposure, but temperature extremes or UV degradation may cause fading or resin fatigue over time.
Taps and traps should be protected during freezing weather. All water should be drained and supplies isolated unless suitable frost prevention measures are taken.
Absolutely. For stainless steel wash troughs, we can drill tap holes to your specification in our WTN stock wash trough, Nursery wash troughs and junior wash troughs.
Waste positions in standard stock wash troughs are all in the centre but purpose made wash troughs can have centre, left or right hand waste positions
Bespoke lengths can be manufactured to order (subject to maximum limits).
Similarly for Corian/solid surface wash troughs, we can adapt dimensions, include tap landings, and drill tap holes to suit all of your requirements.
For standard sizes in stock, the current lead time is approx. 1 to 2 working days for UK mainland delivery.
For made-to-order or custom trough sinks, delivery is typically 15 to 20 working days.
All of our wash troughs carry a 1 year guarantee. (This covers workmanship and material defects under normal use.)
Stainless steel offers:
Excellent durability and resistance to corrosion, even in high-moisture environments
Hygienic, non-porous surface that resists bacterial growth
Easy to clean and maintain without the need for strong cleaning chemicals.
Good lifetime performance (low lifecycle cost)
Fully recyclable material
These traits make stainless steel a go-to choice in schools, laboratories, food processing areas, and public washrooms.
Corian / solid surface troughs also have several key benefits:
Seamless appearance (no visible joints) for a sleek, modern aesthetic
Non-porous and hygienic; impermeable to viruses, bacteria, and dirt
Scratches, chips, or minor damage can often be repaired or refinished
Can be shaped, routed, or drilled easily (similar to working with wood) for design flexibility
Fire resistant, sustainable, and recyclable material options for more eco-conscious projects
However, Corian is less impact-resistant than stainless steel in very heavy-duty or vandal-prone environments, so the choice depends on the intended use and setting
Fibreglass or GRP troughs are made from reinforced resin composites, offering a lightweight, cost-effective solution for many washroom or commercial settings. Key characteristics:
Lightweight compared to steel or stone
Good resistance to many chemicals, easy to mould into shapes
Lower cost for larger installations
Often used in schools, sports facilities, or areas where stainless steel is not chosen
Please note: Resin/GRP doesn’t offer the same wear resistance or scratch toughness as stainless steel, and may show wear or surface degradation over time in high-use locations.
For heavy use, stainless steel is usually the most robust choice for wash troughs, due to its strength, scratch resistance, and long lifespan. In environments with strict hygiene requirements (labs, medical, food), stainless steel or solid surface are better choices.
Corian is a strong secondary choice where aesthetics and seamless appearance are a priority.
Fibreglass works well in moderate-use areas where cost and weight are more critical than ultimate durability.
Our stainless steel wash troughs are typically manufactured from Grade 304 stainless steel with a thickness of 1.2 mm or 18 gauge.
Yes — for many of our stock stainless steel troughs, we supply with pre-drilled tap holes. The following models have pre-drilled tap holes:
WT-C commercial wash troughs
If you require a different configuration, we can drill to order on the following stock stainless steel wash troughs:
Stainless steel: Use a mild detergent and soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Avoid steel wool or harsh abrasive pads since they may scratch the finish. Rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent water spots.
Corian / solid surface: Use non-abrasive cleaners, mild detergents, or a diluted bleach solution if necessary. For more stubborn marks, a light sanding with very fine grit (e.g. 400-600 grit) and polishing can restore the surface. Because the material is repairable, small scratches or stains can often be blended out.
Fibreglass / GRP: Clean with mild soap, avoid sharp abrasives or solvents that may degrade resin. Inspect for surface fatigue or fading, especially in harsh environments.
We typically supply a 38 mm flush grated waste fitting (no plug or overflow) as standard for our stainless steel and Corian wash troughs.
Standard stock stainless steel wash troughs have a central waste position for ease of installation, pipework can be fitted to run to the left or right on site if required.
We also offer bottle traps and other plumbing fittings as optional extras.
Wall mounted troughs: We supply our stainless steel wash troughs with integral stainless steel wall brackets with fixing holes
For sit-on / vanity-mounted troughs, the underside must rest on a suitable base (e.g. a cabinet or shelf).
Always ensure the wall structure is strong enough to support the trough’s weight when fitted and under use.
Front support legs: Front legs are recommended, especially for busy washrooms. Front support legs help support the wash troughs if users lean or sit on the front of the trough.
Yes — our wash troughs are widely used in schools, healthcare, commercial, and industrial washrooms. In fact, wash troughs are recommended in school wash facilities because they are easier to clean, encourage hygiene, and reduce the chance of flooding compared to many individual basins.
Our solid surface troughs are non-porous and designed to resist bacterial growth.
Stainless steel (grade 304) is widely accepted for sanitary and food environments, with negligible risk of harmful leaching under normal use.
Corian / solid surface materials are inert, non-porous, and do not release harmful chemicals in normal use.
Fibreglass / GRP constructions use resin and reinforcement materials; quality finishes and proper resin formulation ensure long-term stability and safety in washroom use.
Wash Troughs
Wash Troughs for High-Traffic Washrooms
At Washware Essentials, we specialise in high-quality wash troughs designed for busy public, commercial, and industrial washrooms. A wash trough is a long, narrow communal sink that allows multiple users to wash their hands simultaneously—ideal for high-traffic environments where space, cost, and hygiene are key considerations.
Unlike traditional basins, wash troughs are typically fitted with pre-mixed water taps and don’t fill up, making them safer, faster to install, and more cost-effective. Fewer water connections and fixing points mean quicker installation and reduced plumbing costs.
Stainless Steel Wash Troughs
Our stainless steel wash troughs are the go-to solution for schools, factories, workshops, and public washrooms where durability and hygiene are essential. Manufactured from robust, easy-to-clean grade 304 stainless steel, these trough sinks are resistant to corrosion, vandalism, and heavy use.
With over 300 stainless steel wash troughs in stock, we can provide fast delivery to suit any project requirement - whether off-the-shelf or custom-made. These steel wash troughs are perfect for communal handwashing, offering a clean, practical, and long-lasting solution.
For modern, high-end washrooms, our Corian wash troughs offer a sleek and hygienic alternative. Made from non-porous, easy-to-maintain solid surface material, Corian trough sinks are ideal for schools, offices, leisure centres, and corporate venues where aesthetics and cleanliness go hand-in-hand.
A Corian wash trough is not only functional and easy to clean, but also visually striking—making it the perfect fit for design-conscious environments seeking a contemporary washroom solution for multiple users.
Why Choose a Wash Trough?
Whether in schools, industrial units, or public toilets, handwashing troughs offer a cost-effective and space-saving alternative to individual basins. They:
Reduce plumbing and installation time
Improve hygiene and ease of cleaning
Support multiple users at once
Minimise the risk of flooding
Enhance washroom aesthetics
Wash Troughs for Schools
According to guidance from the Department for Education and Skills, wash troughs are preferred over individual hand basins in schools. They are easier to maintain, more visually appealing, and help reduce incidents of misuse or flooding.
The ‘Toilets for Schools’ report also recommends high-quality, well-designed facilities to encourage frequent handwashing and reduce vandalism—both of which are supported by our robust and hygienic stainless steel and Corian wash trough solutions.
Washware Essentials is your trusted supplier of wash troughs in stainless steel and Corian. With extensive stock, expert advice, and fast delivery, we’re here to help you create smarter, safer, and more efficient washrooms.