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Creative Plumbing Solutions for Small Baths and Tiny Powder Rooms

Small bathrooms and powder rooms are common in New York City properties, posing problems for property owners. After all, owners want to attract tenants, but how is that possible if the primary bath barely has room to maneuver? The answer is to find creative plumbing solutions and design trends. While somewhat challenging, designing a small bath and making it look luxurious is possible and often affordable. Discover a few tricks to capitalize on small bathrooms.

4 Creative Plumbing Solutions for Small Bathrooms

1. Shower or Bath

Have you ever watched home design shows on TV? The hosts of those programs often design bathrooms with standalone bathtubs and a shower.

Most realistic bathrooms do not have adequate space for both bathing options, and honestly, they’re a bit redundant. If you have the space, of course, capitalize on the duo, but for tiny bathrooms in most apartments, a tub-shower combo or shower stall is sufficient.

Combo designs provide the best of both worlds, and many property owners prefer them because they appeal to a broader pool of prospective tenants. Also, combo designs are narrow and long, taking up less floor space.

That said, if you want a bathroom to feel open and airy (less claustrophobic), a walk-in shower with a glass surround is preferable. The clear stall creates an unobstructed view and makes the floor appear to flow to every wall and corner.

Another benefit of a shower is its accessibility. Shower stalls create fewer obstacles for tenants, especially those with disabilities or limited range of motion.

2. Toilet

Toilets offer plenty of options for creative plumbing solutions. Though there are many sizes and options of toilet designs, you essentially have four main toilet types: round-fronted toilets, elongated toilets, tankless toilets, and wall-mounted toilets.

Round-fronted toilets are the most common toilet design. The rim and bowl are circular and provide the most comfortable design for sitting. The toilets are also stout and more compressed than other designs, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms or powder rooms with both width and depth challenges.

Elongated toilets are excellent options for bathrooms that are wider than they are narrow. The design creates a more oval rim and bowl, which some people find uncomfortable. Still, elongated designs can make sense in some bathrooms.

Finally, a wall-mounted toilet may save the most space in a small bathroom, but it has some drawbacks. The design can reduce space needs by around 9 inches.

The primary drawback is the weight capacity of the design. Because the toilet doesn’t have the structure of a standard toilet, it cannot hold as much. A standard toilet can hold 1,000 lbs, but a wall-mounted toilet can only hold 500 lbs, per US ASME National Consensus Standards.

3. Sink

As with toilet designs, sinks come in various styles to fit any size bathroom. Choosing the correct option will ensure the restroom maximizes space and attracts tenants. The primary sink designs for small spaces include pedestal, console, corner, and wall-mount sinks. These options offer little in the way of storage, so property owners will need to get creative with in-apartment closets and shelving.

Creative plumbing solutions for sinks are about limiting counter space and structure; the pedestal sink is a prime example. The sinks are essentially freestanding designs supported by a single column. The column often hides some or most of the plumbing, creating a near-seamless look. The slim, counterless design is not the best option for everyone.

A console sink is an upgrade from the pedestal sink because it provides a little counter space with its elongated design. The sink is narrow, often with exposed plumbing, and can have four legs or two. Two-legged designs are wall-mounted for additional support.

A corner sink is an excellent option for tiny half baths. Like the pedestal sink, corner sinks sit atop a column, but their unique angled design takes up less room. As a smaller option, it also offers less usable space than a pedestal sink, but it will do nicely in a pinch.

Finally, wall-mounted sinks might be among the most creative plumbing solutions because they offer a clean look while maximizing floor space. The design does not have a cabinet or under-mount support, and you can choose to hide the plumbing inside the wall to create a modern or streamlined design.

4. Faucet

Many property owners and tenants prefer the look of high-arc faucets; they offer a modern design and an elegant finish to bathrooms. Unfortunately, high-arc faucets are best for larger sinks and basins. A small sink does not provide adequate width or depth for the high arc, so tenants will experience splash over. Also, the fancy faucets are pricier than more preferable, space-saving low-arc options.

Low-arc sinks are more traditional and not as in demand, but they are practical and ideal for small spaces and tiny sinks. The faucets are available in several finishes to suit any bathroom design.

If the traditional feel of low-arc designs doesn’t mesh with your modern property, consider a wall-mounted option. The faucets appear to float over the sink basin, with the plumbing hidden behind the wall. The design and installation are likely more expensive, but you might cover the costs with higher rent payments.

Importance of Creative Plumbing Solutions and Professional Installation

Sanitary Plumbing Does NYC Proud

With the constant code evolutions and tenant demands, you need a professional service to ensure your property’s plumbing systems are up to code and operational. You may also need help with creative plumbing solutions to make the most of your property’s tinier spaces. Call Sanitary Plumbing at 212-734-5000 to schedule a consultation to discuss small bath and powder room designs.