Basin Wastes 40mm Outlet (thread) Size

40mm basin wastes guide

A 40mm basin waste is a plug and waste for a basin or bath fitted with a 40mm outlet, or one that connects to 40mm pipework. This page holds pop up and pop down wastes in that class, some made for 40mm alone and many made as universal wastes that cover both 32mm and 40mm. Most of them carry a G1 1/2 inch thread, which is the thread the 40mm class uses. The sections below explain what 40mm refers to, which products fit which outlet, and what to measure before ordering. For every basin waste size, start at basin wastes.

What 40mm means

On a basin waste, 40mm names the outlet size, the opening and thread the waste screws into at the bottom of the basin. The thread backs that up. The Nero universal pop up waste, the Meir universal waste, the Fienza universal brass waste and most of the others have a G1 1/2 inch thread, which is written a few ways in the specifications. The 32mm class on the sibling page basin wastes 32mm outlet size mostly has G1 1/4 inch. So the thread is a second way to confirm the class, next to the number in the title.

People ask whether a waste pipe is 40mm or 43mm. The pipe is the plumber's call and the basin sets the waste size. Some real figures help: the Nero Project waste needs a hole size of 43mm and fits basin waste holes from 42mm to 58mm. The practical rule is to measure the opening in the basin, compare it with the waste you are considering, and let a plumber confirm the pipe.

Can you get a 40mm basin waste?

Yes, and the range here shows the options. Some wastes are made for 40mm and nothing else. The Caroma 40mm pop-up is a brass waste with a PVD finish and a 66mm diameter, made for Caroma basins. The Clark 40mm pop up plug and waste suits basins with or without an overflow, with one limit: it is for wall hung, under counter, semi-recessed and semi-inset basins only. The Phoenix wastes connect to 40mm pipework and the Nero universal waste has the G1 1/2 inch thread.

Others are universal and cover both sizes in one part. The Turner Hastings two piece brass pop-up waste is universal 4-in-1, suiting basins with 40mm or 32mm outlets, with or without an overflow, with a solid brass body and spring and a high flow rate. The ADP universal mushroom waste is suitable for 32mm and 40mm overflow and non-overflow wastes with a 40mm connection and a 40mm thread connector. The ART Australia Basin Pop Down universal waste suits 32mm or 40mm outlets with or without an overflow. The Meir universal waste serves basins and baths with 32 or 40mm outlets and includes an overflow.

The standard size

Another common question asks for the standard size of a basin sink waste. There is no single standard. Basins are usually 32mm and baths 40mm. Vanity basins usually take 32mm and larger fixtures 40mm, and most Australian basins use 32 or 40mm, measured at the part inside the basin. A 32mm waste connects to the 40mm pipe below through an adapter. The pipe under the basin is commonly 40mm, which is why so many 32mm wastes in the range connect to 40mm pipework.

A bath is the clearer case. Bath outlets are the larger size, and a plain brass 40mm waste suits basins without overflows, freestanding stone baths, vessel basins and timber vanities. For bath wastes from every maker, see bath wastes.

32mm or 40mm

The sizing basics are simple. Most Australian basins take 32 or 40mm, measured at the part inside the basin, and a 32mm waste can connect to 40mm pipe with an adapter. Vanity basins usually take 32mm and larger fixtures take 40mm, with adaptors bridging a mismatch. The size 32mm is the most common among home buyers, and a qualified plumber should confirm the outlet before the waste goes in.

The universal wastes in detail

The Fienza universal pull-out waste suits a 32mm or 40mm outlet, and the 40mm needs the included adaptor. The entire top section pulls out for cleaning and draining, the cap is a brass dome, and a centre screw converts it for use with or without an overflow. The surface diameter is 63mm and the thread is G1 1/2 inch on the brass versions. The concrete versions use the same mechanism with a concrete cap, a food-grade nano sealant and an overall height of 105mm, and they are for basins only.

The ADP universal mushroom waste has a mushroom cap and a removable plug. It combines the clean look of a pop-up plug with the flexibility of a waste that fits any basin or bath, and it comes in chrome with gloss white, matte white or matte black. The Turner Hastings waste is a two piece solid brass pop-up that is Watermark approved to Australian standards. The Meir universal waste is brass with a removable grate, an included overflow and Watermark approval to AS/NZS 3718:2005. Check the overflow arrangement on each before ordering, since the Meir waste includes one and others convert or omit it.

Ceramic and concrete caps with an adaptor

The Eight Quarters ceramic pop up wastes in gloss white, matte white and matte black have a ceramic top with brass and chrome construction, no overflow and a 32mm waste outlet with a 40mm adaptor included. They measure 68 x 68 x 120mm. A gloss marble version suits the Regency basins. The adaptor means the same waste can sit on a 40mm line, but the opening in the basin is still the 32mm size, so these belong to the 32mm class even though they appear in this collection.

Overflow or no overflow

The overflow decides the type. An unslotted waste is completely watertight when closed, while a slotted waste has a slot that carries overflow water away whether the waste is open or closed. A basin or bath with an overflow needs a slotted waste and one without needs an unslotted waste. Where an overflow hole needs a separate connection to work, choose unslotted. The wrong type can cause leaks or stop the overflow from working, so look at the rim of the basin before you choose.

Many 40mm wastes in this range sidestep the choice. The Nero universal waste suits basins with or without an overflow, the ART universal waste does the same, and the Fienza brass universal waste converts with a centre screw. The Eight Quarters ceramic wastes are the opposite: they have no overflow. Do not assume an above-counter basin has no overflow, and remember that an overflow is a drainage route and does not protect against overfilling.

Pop up and pop down

The Blue Space uses the terms for a specific difference. A pop up waste has a cap that sits proud of the basin surface when open, usually a dome or a mushroom shape. A pop down waste sits flush with the surface when open. Both close with a press.

The ART Australia Basin Pop Down is the flush type. It is a quick close waste that sits flush in the most commonly used open position, with a quick remove cartridge for cleaning and drain access. The Phoenix and ADP wastes have domed or mushroom caps, so they are pop ups in the TBS sense. The Nero universal waste is called both a pop down waste, on the matte white version, and a pop up, on the gunmetal version, so check the cap in the photo if the difference matters to you. A pop down waste has a cartridge that lifts out for cleaning, and a pop up waste is worth keeping clear of splashes from the spout. For each design on its own, see pop up basin wastes and pop down basin wastes.

Fit limits to read before you order

Two products here carry hard limits. The Caroma dome waste is designed to fit Liano II, Urbane II and Contura II basins and will not fit other basins. The Clark waste is for wall hung, under counter, semi-recessed and semi-inset basins only. Neither limit is about the 40mm size. Both are about the basin model.

The wording on universal wastes also deserves a close read. Some universal wastes suit basins only, and choosing on the nominal figure alone is a common mistake. The Meir universal waste suits baths as well, and the Fienza concrete waste is for basins only, so check each product on its own. If the basin is already in place, remove the old waste and measure its threaded part against the new one.

Finishes and materials

The wastes in this class are brass for the most part, with ceramic and concrete caps on some. The finishes include chrome, matte black, matte white and gloss white, brushed nickel, brushed gold, brushed brass, brushed bronze, gunmetal and concrete tones. PVD is the process on most coloured wastes, and electroplating on a good number of the rest.

Care and cleaning

A pop up or pop down waste is easy to look after. Lift out the cap, plug or cartridge, rinse off hair and soap, and wipe the seat. On the Fienza universal waste the entire top section pulls out for cleaning and draining, and on the ART pop down the quick remove cartridge is the part to lift. Use a soft cloth and a mild detergent on the metal. Avoid abrasive pads and strong chemicals, and avoid vinegar on PVD in particular, because vinegar and abrasive cleaners can damage it.

How to choose

Work from the basin. Measure the opening, compare it to the thread and the stated fit of the waste, and decide whether the basin has an overflow. If the basin is unusual in size or thickness, check the installation range. If you are unsure of the outlet, a universal 32/40mm waste covers both common sizes. Then choose the cap style, pop up or pop down, and the finish to suit the tap. The wider guide to sizes is basin wastes, bath outlets are on bath wastes, and the parent page for every maker's wastes, traps and grates is wastes, traps and grates.