Basin Wastes

A basin waste is the drainage fitting at the bottom of the basin that allows water to drain while also providing a plug function when needed. Basin wastes in Australia are available as click-clack (pop-up operated by pushing down), plug-and-chain (traditional rubber or metal plug on a chain), and slotted or unslotted designs (slotted versions allow the basin overflow to function). Choose a waste that matches your tapware and basin finish for a cohesive look.

Most Australian basins require a 32mm or 40mm diameter basin waste. The basin manufacturer's specifications will confirm the correct size. Ensure the thread size (typically 1¼" or 1½") matches your trap and waste pipe connection. Always check the waste specifications of your basin before ordering.

A slotted basin waste has a slot in the collar that aligns with the overflow outlet in the basin, allowing overflow water to drain. An unslotted waste is used on basins with no overflow hole. Installing an unslotted waste in a basin with an overflow will block the overflow and is a potential safety issue, always match the waste type to your specific basin.

A basin waste is the drainage fitting set into the hole at the bottom of the basin. It seals the basin so it can hold water and opens to let it drain, and it connects underneath to the trap and waste pipe. Every basin needs one, and the fitting has to be matched to the basin's outlet size and whether the basin has an overflow, rather than picked on looks alone.

Both sizes exist in the Australian market, and which one you need depends on the basin rather than a fixed rule. Check the basin manufacturer's specification sheet for the listed outlet diameter before ordering. For the full breakdown on telling the two apart and what each size suits, see basin wastes: 32mm outlet thread size.

Both are reliable when correctly sized and installed, the choice is mostly about look and feel. A pop up waste has a domed cap and is operated by pressing down on the waste itself, it's the more common option on standard basins. A pop down waste sits with a flush, low-profile cap instead, used on some contemporary and ART Australia-style designs for a more minimal appearance. Neither mechanism is more prone to blockages than the other, function comes down to correct sizing and installation.

The fitting itself is straightforward in principle, unscrewing the trap, removing the old waste and sealing in the new one. In practice it's still plumbing work covered by Australian regulations, and a poor seal at the basin or a mismatched thread at the trap connection can cause a leak that isn't obvious until water damage shows up later. A licensed plumber should carry out the installation, both to meet code requirements and to keep any product warranty valid.

It's worth coordinating them, since the waste's collar and plug are visible inside the basin bowl whenever the water is drained. Chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, brushed gold and brushed brass are all commonly available, and most Australian bathrooms pair the waste finish with the basin mixer rather than mixing metals. Browse by finish, brushed nickel, bronze or white, once you've settled on the tapware finish for the room.