Basin Wastes Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Basin Wastes Guide: Everything You Need To Know
7 Min Read

What Does a Basin Waste Do? 

A basin waste, also known as sink waste or sink plug, is the passage or waterway in your washbasin. This bathroom accessory, which is almost an afterthought, performs a useful function. It allows water in the wash basin to run off to the main drain.

Basin wastes perform another function, too. They allow you to fill your sink with water by blocking off that waterway.

Apart from its functional value, basin waste can also serve as a useful bathroom accessory to enhance your basin design. 

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Slotted and Unslotted Basin Wastes: What Is the Difference Between Them?

You’ll need to know the answer to this question before you begin your search for basin waste.

Slotted basin wastes have a slot that permits any overflowing water to drain safely into the main waste. In case your basin has an overflow, you’ll need to buy a slotted basin waste. That brings us to the question, What is a basin overflow?

A basin overflow is a tiny hole just below the top of your basin through which water runs out when your basin gets too full. This practical design is convenient, as it prevents bathroom flooding.

If your basin does not have an overflow, you’ll need to buy an unslotted basin waste. This waste is easy to install and maintain. But it will not allow any water that flowed through the overflow to return into the waste pipe. So if your basin has an overflow, you should never buy an unslotted basin waste.

 

Slotted Versus Unslotted Bathroom Basin Waste

Different Types of Basin Wastes 

In the modern bathroom, there are mainly 5 types of basin wastes.

1. Flip Top Basin Waste 

The flip top basin waste, also known as flip over waste, complements the contemporary, minimalist bathroom design to perfection. The primary control is through revolving a stopper. 

The stopper is usually left lying flat. In this position, the basin waste will function as a plug, holding water in the sink. Water will be prevented from running off. You simply need to rotate it for the water to drain. 

You can spin the rotating plug 180 degrees clockwise to open and spin it 180 degrees counter-clockwise to close the drain. 

 

Flip Flop Basin Waste Installed on a Kitchen Sink

2. Click Clack Basin Waste

The name signifies the sound this waste makes during its use. The functioning of this accessory is simple. It’s almost like pressing a button. You push the stopper down, and the waste pops up gently with a click sound. And you push the stopper down again, and the waste clamps down with a soft clack sound.  

The click clack mechanism is concealed, with no visible chain. This basin waste is also known as a push button waste or a click waste or a sprung plug. 

 

Click Clack Basin Waste Installed on a White Basin

3. Plug and Chain Basin Waste

This hugely popular basin waste comes in both traditional and contemporary styles. You’ll love this basin waste as it’s long-lasting and easy on your pocket. The only problem is with the modern basin designs. Most of the basins don’t have a hole for the chain link these days. So check it out before you buy a plug and chain basin waste. 

If your basin has a hole for attaching the chain, this basin waste is a safe choice as it carries a timeless appeal. And it’s simple and practical, too. The plug is attached to a metal chain. And the chain, in turn, is attached to a stay. It scores high on convenience as you can never remove the plug from the chain. 

 

Plug and Chain Basin Waste Installed on a White Basin

4. Pop-Up Basin Waste

A lever and rod mechanism operates this basin waste. The lever is often fitted to the rear end of the basin tap. Hence, these basin wastes are typically supplied with a basin tap.

This design is very popular, as the operation is easy enough. You pull up the lever to lower the plug stopper, and you push it down to “pop up” the waste. It’s this operation that signifies the name of this waste. 

 

Pop Up Basin Waste Installed on a White Basin

5. Free Flow Basin Waste 

In appearance, a free flow waste looks like a click clack or push button waste. But there’s one major difference. This waste does not close. A free flow waste is free-flowing. It remains open at all times. You cannot close the plug. That’s the reason it’s also known as free-running waste.

This basin waste is generally used in commercial bathrooms to prevent water from overflowing. It’s also used in smaller basins that don’t have an overflow to eliminate the risk of flooding. 

 

Free Flow Basin Waste Installed on a Different Types of Basin

FAQs

Which Basin Waste Do You Need? Things to Look Out for When Buying One 

The different waste basin types and styles that are available today can easily confuse a shopper looking to buy basin waste. The truth is all basins need a waste. And this waste should fit snugly inside the standard hole in your washbasin through which waste-water exits.  

Make sure the basin waste you select has been designed for your specific type of basin. Remember, many basins don’t feature an overflow these days. So this could impact the basin waste you opt to install. 

As we already mentioned, you’ll need to buy a slotted basin waste if your washbasin has an overflow. And if your washbasin doesn’t have an overflow, buy an unslotted basin waste. 


Do Basin Wastes Come Along with a Basin? 

No. Basin wastes or sink plugs are separate accessories. A basin waste does not come along with a basin. You’ll need to buy a basin waste that matches the type and design of your washbasin. And you’ll need to look carefully if you want to achieve the perfect finished look for your bathroom decor. 


What Are The Different Color Options For Basin Wastes?

Basin Wastes are available in various colour options namely Chrome, Black, Rose Gold, and you can always match the Basin waste colour with the same colour as the Bathroom Taps you choose.


What Are The Different Available Shapes For Basin Wastes?

Basin Wastes are usually round in shape but they may also have a push-button waste that is square. If you choose to go for this designer basin waste style, make sure that the shape of your Basin will accommodate the square edge of the push click Sprung Waste, before purchase.


What Material Are Basin Wastes Made Of?

The different materials used in making Basin Wastes include Stainless steel, brass, and plastic. In terms of longevity and strength of material, we recommend going with a Stainless steel basin waste.


What Is The Difference Between A Basin Waste and a Basin Waste Trap?

A basin waste allows for the movement of water out of your basin safely, regardless of Basin design. Basin Waste Trap or Bottle Trap provides a seal between the basin and external drains. The trap minimises bad odour, insects, and microorganisms coming back up the waste-water pipe.


Shop Basin Wastes Traps and Basins 

At Bathroom City, we understand that to achieve perfection in your bathroom, the furniture and accessories, both matter. Basin wastes are just one such accessory.

You can pick from a variety of Basins and Basin Wastes from our exhaustive Online Bathroom Furniture store, with one of our most popular brands being Jaquar to accentuate and enhance your bathroom decor.


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