Wash Troughs

A wash trough is a long communal handwashing basin designed to allow two or more people to wash their hands at the same time. Multiple tap positions discharge into a shared trough rather than separate individual basins. Wash troughs are commonly installed in schools, factories, commercial washrooms, leisure facilities and other high-traffic environments.

A wash trough is primarily designed for communal handwashing, allowing several users to share one continuous basin while normally having their own tap position. A conventional sink or washbasin is generally intended for one user. Wash troughs can save space and reduce the number of individual wastes and fixing points required in busy washrooms.

Yes. Washware Essentials holds over 300 stainless steel wash troughs in UK stock, covering a wide range of sizes and configurations for schools, commercial washrooms, factories and public facilities.

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).

Stocked stainless steel wash troughs are normally available for UK delivery within 1–3 working days. Bespoke, modified and made-to-order troughs have longer lead times depending on the specification. Contact us if you have a specific project deadline and we can confirm current availability.

The required wash trough length depends on the number and age of users, tap spacing and application. Schools can require different user spacing and installation arrangements from adult commercial or industrial washrooms. Washware Essentials offers troughs in a wide range of lengths and can help determine the appropriate size and number of tap positions for your project. Adult wash troughs are typically are sized at 600mm per user but can also go down to 500mm in smaller spaces.

There is no single installation height suitable for every school wash trough. The appropriate height depends on the age and size of the pupils and the requirements of the project. Washware Essentials offers nursery, junior and standard wash troughs for different age groups. The relevant product information and project specification should be used to determine the finished installation height.

Our stainless steel and Corian® school wash troughs, where stated, are manufactured in accordance with BS EN 14296:2015+A1:2018 – Sanitary appliances – Communal washing troughs.

For Department for Education projects, the trough forms only part of the completed washroom installation. Compliance with the relevant DfE School Output Specification can also depend on wall finishes, splashbacks, concealed services, access panels, plumbing and other elements of the completed installation.

Wash troughs can offer significant advantages in busy communal washrooms. A single trough can accommodate several users while requiring fewer separate basins, wastes and fixing points. This can save wall space, simplify cleaning and reduce installation requirements. Individual basins may still be preferable where greater separation between users or a particular washroom layout is required.

Stainless steel wash troughs are strong, durable and easy to clean, making them particularly suitable for high-use washrooms. Grade 304 stainless steel provides good corrosion resistance for normal internal washroom applications and is well suited to schools, factories, workplaces and public facilities.

Corian® provides a smooth, non-porous solid surface with a contemporary appearance and minimal joints. It is particularly popular for schools, offices, leisure facilities and design-led washrooms. Stainless steel is generally preferable where maximum robustness is the main consideration, while Corian® is ideal where appearance and a seamless solid-surface finish are priorities.

GRP wash troughs are manufactured from glass-reinforced plastic, commonly referred to as fibreglass. They provide a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, non-metallic alternative to stainless steel and can be suitable for schools, changing rooms, industrial environments and other communal washing applications.

Grade 304 stainless steel is generally our preferred material for demanding high-traffic washrooms because of its combination of strength, durability, corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning. Corian® may be preferable where aesthetics are a priority, while GRP provides a lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternative for appropriate applications.

Wash troughs can be configured with several types of taps depending on the model and application. Options include lever and mixer taps, self-closing press-button taps, knee-operated taps and touch-free infrared sensor taps. Washware Essentials also offers complete trough-and-tap packages on selected models.

This depends on the model. Some wash troughs are supplied with pre-drilled tap holes, while others can be drilled to suit the required tap arrangement. Check the individual product specification or contact us if you require a particular tap spacing or configuration.

WTNS stock wash troughs

WT-C commercial wash troughs

If you require a different configuration, we can drill to order on the following stock stainless steel wash troughs:

NWT nursery wash trough

WT-370 junior wash troughs

WTN stainless steel wash trough

Yes. Depending on the model, alternative tap-hole positions, waste positions and bespoke trough dimensions are available. Send us your required dimensions, tap arrangement and waste position and we can advise on the most suitable option.

Waste arrangements vary according to the trough design and can include different waste positions, traps and fittings. If you are replacing an existing trough or have a fixed drainage position, check the individual product specification or contact us before ordering.

This depends on the model and method of installation. Wall-mounted troughs require suitable structural support and fixings appropriate for the wall construction. Some models can also be fitted with optional front legs or supporting frames. Individual product pages identify the supplied or optional mounting equipment.

Stainless steel thickness varies between models and manufacturers. Check the individual product specification or contact us with the product code and we can confirm the stainless steel grade, material thickness and construction of the particular trough.

Stainless steel wash troughs should normally be cleaned with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth. Avoid steel wool, harsh abrasives and unsuitable chlorine-based cleaning products, which can contaminate or damage stainless steel surfaces. Corian® and GRP troughs should be cleaned using products suitable for their respective materials and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Stainless steel and GRP troughs can be suitable for some outdoor installations, but the complete water system must be designed for the environment. Taps, valves and pipework can be damaged if water freezes. Suitable frost protection and a means of isolating and draining the water supply should therefore be provided where freezing conditions are possible.

Warranty periods can vary depending on the wash trough, taps and accessories selected. The applicable warranty is stated in the individual product information or can be confirmed by our sales team before purchase. Normal wear, accidental damage, incorrect installation and damage caused by unsuitable cleaning products are not normally manufacturing defects.

With one of the UK's widest ranges of stainless steel, Corian® and GRP wash troughs, extensive UK stock and specialist knowledge of school and commercial washrooms, Washware Essentials can help you select the correct trough, size, material and tap arrangement for your project.

Contact our team for product selection, technical information, stock availability or assistance with education and commercial washroom specifications.