A chipped bathroom basin is one of the most common bathroom damage issues we’re called to repair. Whether it’s a hairline crack in a vitreous china pedestal basin, a chip on the rim of a semi-recessed countertop basin or a scratch in a stone basin, professional repair is usually possible and far cheaper than replacement. This guide covers what’s involved.
Types of Bathroom Basin We Repair
- Vitreous china pedestal basins and wall-hung basins
- Under-counter and semi-recessed ceramic basins
- Countertop and vessel basins in ceramic or stone
- Natural stone basins (marble, travertine, limestone)
- Solid surface (Corian) basins
- Cloakroom and compact basins
Common Basin Damage Types
Chips on the rim or around the waste hole are the most common damage type. These usually occur from impact with a dropped item — a glass, a tap fitting, a product bottle. Hairline cracks in the basin bowl are less common but do occur, often from thermal stress. Basin chip repair uses specialist compounds matched to the vitreous china or stone colour.
Matching White Vitreous China
Not all white is the same — different manufacturers use different ceramic glazes, and basins yellow or grey slightly over time. Matching aged vitreous china requires mixing rather than simply using a stock white compound. Our technicians carry a range of off-white tints for exactly this purpose.
Is My Basin Worth Repairing?
Basin replacement involves disconnecting plumbing, removing any pedestal or vanity unit, sourcing an exact match (which may be impossible for discontinued models), and re-plumbing. Even for a modest basin, replacement typically costs £150–£500+ including labour. Professional chip repair typically costs a fraction of this.
