The basin waste is the unsung hero of the bathroom, and is usually an element of bathroom renovation few customers consider until they’re met with the decision of choosing one for their new basin, or replacing their existing model.
In this guide to bathroom wastes, we’ll get the crux of what these important tools do, whether you need a slotted or unslotted waste, the differences between the two, and take a peak at our extensive range.
What IS a Basin Waste?
A basin waste has two key functions. The first is to seal the basin’s plug hole to enable you to fill up your basin, and the second is to guide water safely down the basin’s waste pipe.
What’s the Difference Between Slotted and Unslotted Wastes?
In terms of functionality, there are a number of waste styles (which we’ll cover later), but there are only 2 categories of basin wastes.
- Unslotted – These wastes are sealed (when plugging the basin) and don’t allow water which has entered the basin’s overflow back safely into the waterpipe.
- Slotted – These wastes enable water that has entered the overflow to be drained, whether the waste is open or closed.
Whether you need a slotted or unslotted waste is dependent on if your basin has an overflow.
Failing to select the right waste for your sink can cause serious damage to your basin, vanity unit, and leave you open to the risk of flooding.
Do You Need a Slotted or Unslotted Waste?
An overflow is the small hole found on many basins, intended to prevent flooding, should you mistakenly leave your tap running. See what we meant in our intro about an unsung hero?
So, whether you’re replacing your existing basin’s waste, due to limescale or mould build up, or are replacing your basin as part of a larger bathroom renovation project, the rule is simple:
- If your basin has an overflow, you need a slotted waste
- If your basin does not feature an overflow, you need an unslotted waste.
Exploring Waste Functionality
See. Identifying whether you need a slotted or unslotted waste is simple. However, with this fundamental choice taken care of, there is still a decision to make based on waste functionality, which can be confusing.
As luxury bathroom furniture specialists, and carriers of a huge range of wastes, we know a thing or two about functionality styles. Here’s an easy breakdown.
- Click Clack (also called the sprung plug or push button waste) – Physically press the waste down to close it, and again to open it. Simple to operate, and aesthetically versatile.
- Flip Top – Feature a rotating or flippable disk to seal or open the drain. Sleek, modern, and perfect for contemporary bathroom designs.
- Pop Up – These wastes are operated via a lever.
- Plug & Chain – Instant nostalgia with this classic waste design. You’ll remember these from your granny’s bathroom or perhaps see their resurgence in modern day traditional bathroom designs.
- Free Flow – These wastes are non-closing, offering the ultimate defence against flooding.
Our Range of Wastes
Now you understand the role of these important bathroom features, know whether you need a slotted or unslotted waste, and understand the difference between the two, it’s time to help you find the perfect basin waste for your unique application.
Our range of basin wastes is split into 4 categories:
These are the wastes we use in our market-leading, UK-made bespoke vanity units, and the luxury bathroom suites we design with our clients, and are manufactured by industry-leading bathroom brands, Francone, Crosswater, Victoria & Albert, Villeroy & Boch and London 1916. You can rest assured that quality is guaranteed.
Why Parker Howley?
As manufacturers of bespoke, luxury bathroom furniture we can support you with so much more than slotted and unslotted wastes.
Together we can bring your image of the perfect vanity unit to life, paired with the perfect basin and taps, and create the ultimate in bespoke storage. Your dream bathroom is a few clicks away.
If you’re in the early stages of your bathroom renovation project, consider working with Parker Howley. We design and manufacture vanity units, bathroom storage and beyond in Yorkshire UK.
Or, if you’re here to sweat the small details towards the end of your project, be sure to discover our range of bathroom accessories, featuring handles, mirrors, hooks and rails, toilet roll holders, bath trays and more.
Contact our team today to discuss your project.
