Clark Wastes & Traps

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 bath waste is the drainage assembly for a bathtub, consisting of the plug mechanism at the bottom of the bath and the overflow fitting at the upper end. Bath wastes in Australia are available as click-clack pop-up, cable-operated pop-up, and flip-lever (trip lever) types, as well as simple chain-and-plug designs. Many contemporary freestanding and back-to-wall baths use a click-clack waste for simplicity and a clean look.

The bath waste should coordinate with the tapware and other fittings in the bathroom. Matte black, chrome, brushed nickel, and brushed gold are all commonly available options. Note that the overflow cover and drain cover are both visible, so the finish choice is a design consideration as well as a functional one.

Floor wastes are available as round, square, and linear (channel) drains in a wide range of finishes including chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, and tile-insert options that allow tiles to be laid over the grate for a seamless look. Linear floor wastes (shower channels) are particularly popular in contemporary Australian bathrooms for their streamlined appearance and ease of cleaning. All floor wastes in Australia must be installed by a licensed plumber and must comply with the relevant plumbing code.

A floor waste (also called a floor drain or shower drain) is a drainage fitting set into the bathroom floor that collects and drains excess water. In Australian bathrooms, a floor waste is mandatory in wet areas including shower recesses and is also commonly installed in the main bathroom floor area. Floor wastes prevent water damage in the event of an overflow or in wet area bathrooms designed for accessibility.

A bottle trap is a type of pipe fitting used beneath a basin or sink to create a water seal (trap) that prevents sewer gases from entering the bathroom. Unlike a traditional P-trap (which curves out of sight into the wall), a bottle trap has a compact, cylindrical body that hangs visibly beneath the basin, making it a design feature as much as a functional fitting. Bottle traps are the preferred choice beneath wall-hung basins and freestanding basins where under-sink plumbing is exposed.

The standard bottle trap size for Australian basins is 32mm (for most ceramic and stone basins) or 40mm (for larger basins with higher flow requirements). Always check the waste outlet diameter of your basin and confirm compatibility with the bottle trap before purchasing. The thread connection must also match your basin waste.