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 and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.




















