Sanitaryware
The term ‘sanitaryware’ or ‘sanitary ware’ is a slightly ambiguous one that in very general terms refers to sanitary appliances found in installations, such as toilets and bathrooms.
In its narrowest sense, it can be taken to refer to WC bowls, cisterns, bidets, urinals, and washbasins (and sometimes sewerage pipes), that have traditionally been manufactured from porcelain (a ceramic material made from clay that might be described as 'vitreous china' when coated with enamel). This might be referred to as ceramic, porcelain or china sanitary ware, and is often white.
However, sanitary appliances are now made from a wide range of materials, including metals, acrylics, glass, and so on, and ‘sanitaryware’ is sometimes now interpreted to include a wider range of appliances that might be found in sanitary installations such as baths, showers, bins, incinerators, macerators, and so on.
NB: The Building Regulations Approved Document G: Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency suggests that the term ‘sanitary appliance’ means a ‘… WC, urinal, bath, shower, washbasin, sink, bidet and drinking fountain. It also includes appliances that are not connected to a water supply (e.g. composting toilet) or drain (e.g. waterless urinal).’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Approved Document G.
- Approved Document H.
- Bath.
- Bathroom definition.
- Bidet.
- Comparing porcelain and ceramic tiles.
- Drinking fountain.
- Earth closet.
- ECA Water Scheme.
- Installed level access shower.
- Lavatorium.
- Lavatory.
- Passive water efficiency measures.
- Porcelain.
- Secondary ventilation stacks in tall buildings.
- Septic tank.
- Sanitary accommodation.
- Sanitary pipework.
- Shower.
- Sink.
- Splashback.
- Solid surface wash troughs.
- Tiles.
- Types of sanitary appliances.
- Urinal.
- Wall hung toilet.
- Water closet.
- Wet room.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.