Sinks and Hot Water

by Emma

UK mobile catering sink setup guide

UK mobile catering sink setup guide

I am currently building a small mobile trailer (3m x 1.5m) and have reached the point of thinking about sinks. I understand that I have to have two. Do they both have to have hot water? Does anyone have any tips about how to install this into a small space relatively cheaply! It is hard to find any information about the sink set up in a mobile trailer. My other concern about having two is that it also limits the electrical installation as the most convenient place for them is along the 1.5m length and I know there needs to be distance between water and electrics, obviously. This is all very tricky!!

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Oct 21, 2025
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by: MobCater

That’s a really good and common question — and you’re not alone! A lot of new mobile caterers find the sink setup part confusing because guidance can vary a little depending on your local council, but here’s a simple and clear breakdown (explained as if for a beginner):

The Rules — Why Two Sinks Are Needed
In most UK councils:
You need at least two sinks in a mobile catering trailer:
• One for hand washing (for hygiene).
• One for washing utensils/equipment.

Some councils may ask for a third sink or a separate bowl or bucket for rinsing or raw/cooked food separation — but two is the usual standard.

Do Both Need Hot Water?
Yes — both must have access to hot and cold water.
This doesn’t mean two separate boilers — just one hot water source (like a small electric or LPG water heater) that feeds both sinks via flexible hoses or split piping.
Hot water should reach at least 50–55°C at the tap for proper hygiene.

How to Install in a Small Space (Cheaply)
Here’s a compact and cost-effective way to set it up:
• Use a compact double sink unit — you can find 2-in-1 stainless steel catering sinks about 800mm wide that fit well in small trailers.
• Example search: "compact double sink catering trailer" or "2 bowl stainless sink 800mm".
• Water supply: Use manual fill containers — e.g. one 25L fresh water tank and one 25L waste tank (under the sink). A 12V pump and tap (Flojet or Whale type) will give you running water without plumbing into mains.
• Hot water: The simplest setup is a 5L–10L LPG or electric undersink water heater (brands like Hyco, Burco, InSinkErator). LPG versions save power if your trailer runs mainly on gas.
• Electrics & water spacing: Keep sockets at least 300mm horizontally from the sink edge. Use IP-rated splash-proof sockets if close by. Fit an RCD unit in your electrical setup for safety.

Bonus Tips
• Mount a soap dispenser and paper towel holder near the hand wash sink — councils check for this.
• Use a removable splashback to protect nearby electrical equipment.
• Councils often ask for thermometer checks on your hot water — easy to show compliance.

Simple Setup Example
Components:
• 2 stainless sinks (one small hand wash, one larger utensil)
• 1 x 12V pump
• 1 x 5L–10L undersink heater
• 2 x 25L containers (fresh & waste)
• Food-grade hose, tap, and fittings

Total cost can be done around £250–£350 if you source smartly.

Hope this helps to get you started, best of luck.

Disclaimer:
This information is for general guidance only. Requirements can vary by council and installation. Always seek advice from a qualified Gas Safe engineer, electrician, and your local Environmental Health Officer to ensure your trailer meets UK safety and hygiene regulations. We are not installation professionals.

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