How to fit a basin waste

A waste is designed to fit inside the hole of a sanitary appliance such as a basin to shut off the plug hole. On the other end of the waste is a male thread which is used to screw onto the basin trap to allow the water to drain away.

A waste also usually incorporates a plug which is used to stop the flow of water and fill up the sanitary appliance, whether this be a basin or a bathtub. The plug may be separate from the waste and linked by a chain or rod. Alternatively, it can form part of the waste as is the case with a pop up waste, which can be closed by simple pressure, or a flip top waste which is designed to be rotated to block the plug hole. Basin wastes can also be slotted or unslotted. If your basin has an overflow, you will need a slotted waste to allow the water to drain away safely if the basin overfills.

Wastes can be fitted to all types of bathroom and kitchen sanitary appliances including:

• kitchen sinks;

• wash basins;

• showers;

• bathtubs;

• bidets.

Showers are the only appliances that do not feature a waste with a plug since water has to drain away constantly. Kitchen sink wastes will often come with a built-in overflow.

Steps

1. Fit the basin waste

2. Secure the basin waste to the waste pipe

3. Check the basin waste for leaks

Basin wastes usually come as a kit comprising several components. To fit a basin waste, proceed as follows.

• Position the strainer inside the plug hole in your basin (if required).

• The fixing screw should be fastened through the middle of the strainer.

• Fit the rubber seal on the other side of the basin.

• Slot the basin waste into place in the plug hole.

• Screw the waste to compress all the components together to create a watertight seal.

The type of tool you use for this next step depends on the type of basin waste you have. Sometimes, a basic Phillips screwdriver will do the job. But more often than not, you'll need a box spanner. You may also need a slotted screwdriver to hold the waste in position while you tighten it.

In some cases, you may even need to use a special tool called a basin wrench or back nut spanner. Otherwise, you can use adjustable pliers to hold the waste in place and tighten the screw from the inside.

Once the waste is in place and the trap that connects the sink to the waste pipe has been screwed on, it's time to test the waste.

To do so, close the plug and fill up your basin to the top before opening the plug.

This way, you will test the watertightness of the waste at the maximum flow rate. Use your finger to check for any leaks around the waste. If there is any water, you will have to re-tighten the connections.

Choose a high quality waste and bear in mind that there may be several different models to suit your basin at various price points. Ideally, go for a waste with a strainer and metal fixings.

These parts can be made of plastic but they do tend to wear down and break over time which will lead to leaks. It's worth investing a few extra quid to avoid this.

If you really want to ensure the waste is watertight, you can apply silicone in addition to the seal. However, this cannot work as a replacement to the seal provided. Be sure to use both.

Required skills

No particular skills are required. However, you will have to be able to follow the instructions provided.

Time required

15 minutes

Number of people required

1 person

Tools and equipment

• Screwdriver

• Box spanner

• Adjustable pliers

Safety and workwear

• Protective gloves

• Workwear

Please note: this is a non-exhaustive list; be sure to match your personal protective equipment to the job at hand.