Which Basin Waste Do I Need?
A basin waste is an important component to a sink, allowing water to drain away, ensuring safe, hygienic water waste. If you’re on the lookout to upgrade yours, this quick buying guide breaks down the essential features to keep in mind before you make a purchase.
What Is a Basin Waste?
A basin waste is the fitting at the bottom of a sink (basin) that lets water drain away and usually allows you to stop the water if needed. It’s a combination of a plug hole mechanism and a drain fitting that serves many purposes:
- Drains water from the basin into the pipework
- Allows you to plug the sink to fill it with water
- Connects the sink to the trap and plumbing underneath
What Is a Basin Overflow?
A basin overflow is a small hole in your basin designed to prevent your basin from overflowing and essentially prevent your bathroom from accidental flooding. A basin with an overflow is perfect for a family bathroom where children are likely to leave the taps running by accident.
Slotted vs Unslotted Basin Wastes
Choosing between a slotted and an unslotted basin waste matters because it directly affects how your sink works and whether you end up with leaks or overflow complications.
What Is a Slotted Basin Waste?
A slotted basin waste is designed for a basin with an overflow hole, featuring small slots (holes) in the side of the waste fitting. These slots enable water from the basin’s overflow channel to enter the waste and drain away.
What Is an Unslotted Basin Waste?
An unslotted basin waste is completely sealed, with no slots (holes) and is used where there’s no overflow system. The basin waste type prevents water from leaking out through unnecessary holes.
Take a look inside your basin. If you have a small hole near the top, you need a slotted waste. If there’s no hole, you need an unslotted waste.
If you choose an unslotted version in an overflow basin, the overflow won’t work, and the basin could flood. If you incorrectly choose a slotted waste in a non-overflow basin, the water could leak out through the slots under the sink.
Operation Mechanisms
Basin wastes have the option of different operation mechanisms, which is how you open and close the drain. There are different types, each of which makes the waste unique in appearance and purpose.
Clicker Waste
A clicker mechanism has a push-button system that opens and closes the drain. It acts as a built-in plug and opens and closes with a simple press. The one-touch operation makes it simple to use, and there’s no need for a separate plug or chain.
Fixed Waste
A fixed mechanism is the simplest type of basin waste, as it’s always open and cannot be closed, providing a permanently open drain. This type of basin waste doesn’t include any moving parts (no plug, button, or lever), ensures water never builds up in the basin, is ideal if you don’t need to fill the sink, and has a lower risk of accidental water overflow.
Pop Up Waste
A pop-up basin waste is operated by a lever (usually behind the tap) that opens and closes the drain. It lets you open or close the drain using a lever and acts as a built-in plug without touching the water. With hands-free operation, it’s hygienic to operate and allows you to fill and empty the basin easily.
Push Button Waste
A push-button basin waste opens and closes the drain by pressing the top cap, using a spring-loaded mechanism that’s easy to install and replace. Combining a waste and plug in one unit, it doesn’t require any extra parts and is an easy upgrade for most basins.
Push Down Waste
A push-down basin waste opens and closes the drain by pressing the top down, with an internal spring or compression mechanism. All parts are contained within the waste, keeping the basin clutter-free and making it easy to fill and empty the basin.
Flip-Top Waste
A flip-top waste opens and closes the drain by flipping a small disc on top — no separate plug or chain needed. It’s easy to use (just flick it with your finger), has fewer moving parts, and the built-in stopper means there’s no separate components to lose or replace.
Plug and Chain Waste
A plug and chain basin waste has a separate rubber or metal plug in the waste opening and fully blocks water when inserted. You remove it manually from the drain to allow water to drain, and the chain attachment fixes to the basin or tap, preventing the plug from getting lost.
Basin Waste Colours
A flip-top basin waste can be slotted or unslotted. To use this type of waste y
The colour of a basin waste doesn’t affect its operation, but choosing a shade that appeals to you can transform it from just a functional object into a complementary bathroom accessory.
On Plumbworld, we have colours including black, bronze, brushed brass, chrome, copper, nickel, pewter, and white. Consider matching your bathroom’s colour scheme, coordinating it with your basin taps and other fittings to blend in, such as towel rails, handles, and more. Alternatively, maybe you want the basin waste to contrast in design choice, such as a black basin waste on a white basin.
Basin Waste Sizes
Also known as a push button or sprung waste, a click-clack waste is designed
Choosing the right size helps prevent water from leaking under the sink. Too loose and it won’t fit the basin hole. Too small and it won’t secure properly or may wobble. A correct size ensures smooth water flow.
The UK standard basin waste size is 1.25 inches (the diameter of the threaded part of the waste). To choose the right size, check the basin manufacturer’s specifications for information about the diameter of the waste hole.
Explore our selection of basin wastes, with various options of different colours, operation mechanisms, and slotted/unslotted types.
If you're looking for more basin advice and inspiration take a look at the following posts - What are the Different Types of Bathroom Basins? - How to Replace Basin Taps Step By Step - Space Saving Basins Buying Guide.
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