What Is a Basin Waste?
A basin waste is the fitting that sits in the plughole of your basin. It lets you hold water in the bowl, releases it when you are done, and connects the basin to the trap and waste pipe below. If your plug sticks, leaks or has lost its finish, replacing the waste is a quick way to make the whole basin work and look better.
Slotted or Unslotted: Check Your Basin First
This is the most important choice. A slotted basin waste has openings in its body that let water from the basin's overflow channel drain away, so use a slotted waste if your basin has an overflow hole near the rim. An unslotted waste has a solid body and is made for basins with no overflow, such as many countertop basins. Fitting a slotted waste to a basin without an overflow can let water escape around the waste, so it is worth checking before you order.
Types of Basin Waste
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Push button (click-clack) wastes – press the plug to close it and press again to open it.
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Flip top wastes – a hinged disc that you tilt to seal or drain the basin.
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Pop-up and pull-up wastes – operated by a rod or knob behind the tap, so you never need to touch the plug.
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Plug and chain wastes – the traditional option for period and classic bathrooms.
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Free running wastes – no plug, so water drains straight away. Common on basins used mainly for hand washing.
Size and Connection
Most UK basins take a waste with a 1¼" thread, which connects to a standard 32mm trap. Check how thick the ceramic is around your basin's plughole, as the waste needs enough thread below the basin for the back nut and trap. Flexible waste pipes and couplings help when the waste does not line up with existing pipework.
Finishes and Overflow Rings
Your basin waste sits right below the tap, so matching the finish makes a big difference. Chrome suits almost any bathroom, while brushed brass, brushed nickel and matt black match designer taps. An overflow ring covers the overflow hole on your basin and finishes the look in the same colour as your waste.
Complete Your Basin Installation
A basin waste works together with the trap below it. Once you have chosen your waste, browse our basin waste traps to find one that fits the space under your basin. If you are updating the bath as well, see our bath wastes.
Part of our waste and traps range.
