The history of using sanitary ware for private and public use can be traced to the third millennium BC. Toilets and sewers were in use in many parts of the ancient world. Mohenjo Daro in the Indus Valley Civilization had the highly developed system of lavatories, sewers and waste disposal, which can even be seen today. These were "Western-style" toilets made from bricks with wooden seats on top.

The term “sanitaryware” is a broad term that includes a variety of plumbing fixtures needed to deliver fresh water and to drain away the wastewater or effluent (water mixed with waste matter). The most widespread fixture used for water inflow is a tap (British English) or a faucet (American English) along with accessories such as flexible pipes, waterspouts and showerheads. Common areas of application of sanitary ware are kitchens, bathrooms, washrooms, toilets and shower rooms.

Depending on the country of use or climatic conditions or a region, kitchen sanitaryware may contain one or two kitchen faucets (for hot or cold water supply), a kitchen sink made of stone, ceramic or steel, and the drainage system to drain the waste, including a motorized garbage disposer.

A bathroom typically contains a number of sanitary ware fixtures, including bathtubs, washbasins, toilets, shower enclosures (with or without shower curtains), and towel racks. Most modern bathtubs are made of ceramic, acrylic or fiberglass, but alternatives are available in enameled steel or cast iron, and occasionally in waterproof finished wood. A washbasin or sink may be made of different materials, including ceramic, stone, plastic, stainless steel, marble, granite, wood, copper or glass.  Modern toilets and urinals are usually made of ceramic or fired clay, while toilet seats are made of porcelain, plastic, steel, ivory or molded wood. Shower stalls are enclosures within a bathroom used for complete body washing. There may be a combination of bathtubs and showers in modern bathrooms.

Modern sanitaryware have both private and public usage. There can be any combination of plumbing fixtures depending on the availability of space, budget, and regional and cultural preferences. In many conservative societies, facilities for defecation and washing are kept separate. Advanced technology is being integrated into toilets with more functions, especially in Japan. These “high-tech” TOTO toilets are completely automated with facilities like automatic flushing, water jets, blow dryers, mirrors, heated seats, automatic lid operation and deodorizing fans, etc.