Choosing bathroom fixtures — toilets, basins, faucets: what to look at beyond design

Sanitary ware is "bought once, used for ten years", and hard to change later because it's tied to pipe positions in the floor. Before falling for a design, check these specs

Toilets: 3 things to know before buying

• Rough-in distance — The distance from the wall to the center of the floor drain. Most Thai standards use 30.5 cm; some older houses use 20 or 25 cm. Always measure before buying — the wrong one won't fit or means moving the pipe (breaking the floor)
• Flushing system — Washdown (strong, noisy flush) vs siphon (quieter, cleaner, but uses slightly more water). Current water-saving standard models use 3/4.5–6 liters per flush; look for the water-saving label
• Seat height — For homes with elderly people, choose 43–46 cm models, significantly easier to sit and stand than standard ~38–40 cm models

Basins and faucets

Basins come in 3 main types: wall-hung (open underneath, easy to clean), countertop vessel (attractive, with space for things, but check the edge silicone regularly) and undermount (sleek). For faucets, look for ceramic valves inside (lasting many times longer than rubber) and plating with a warranty; very cheap faucets often peel within a year or two in brackish water

Showers and water pressure

A beautiful rain shower needs enough water pressure; if the house has a small pump or weak mains pressure, the "rain" becomes a dribble. Check the model's minimum pressure spec (often 0.5–1 bar or more) against your pump. Plan pipes for a hot-cold mixing valve during construction, even if you're not installing a water heater today

Where to buy and what to check on delivery

Compare prices at 2–3 stores at least, because the same model can vary a lot during promotions. On delivery, open the boxes and check every piece for flaws and cracks before signing — claims later are difficult — and keep the manual and warranty. Internal spare parts (floats, flush sets) for major brands are much easier to find than no-name brands when repairs are needed — the Bhoon Kharn marketplace has sanitary ware from verified stores to compare prices