Pop Up Bath Wastes

Pop up bath wastes guide

A pop up bath waste is the plug and waste fitted to the drain hole of a bath. A push opens or closes the drain, and the waste has no chain and no loose plug. This collection holds pop up and pull-out bath wastes from Nero and Fienza, Phoenix and Turner Hastings, Meir, Caroma and Decina. Most are 40mm, which is the bath size, and they come with or without an overflow connection. The questions that matter are the same for every waste: does it match the bath's outlet, does it suit the bath's overflow arrangement, and is there room below the bath for the tail. The sections below cover each type and what to check before you order. For every type of bath waste, start at bath wastes.

What a pop up bath waste is

The pop up is the most common type. At The Blue Space, a pop up waste has a domed cap that sits proud of the bath floor when it is open. A pop down waste sits flush when it is open, and those are collected at pop down bath wastes. Read the product description when the wording matters to you.

Bath size: 40mm

Bath wastes are 40mm. The 40mm figure is the internal diameter of the pipe the waste connects to, and a 40mm waste uses a 1 1/2 inch BSPP thread, about 48mm across the outside. The wastes in this collection have that thread written as G1 1/2. AS/NZS 3500.2 requires a bath to connect through a waste of at least DN40, either as an untrapped waste to a floor waste gully or through a trap, so a 40mm bath waste matches the standard pipe size.

Plug size is a different measure again. Plug and waste sizing is confusing, because sizes often refer to the plug and not the waste, so measure the diameter of the drain mesh or the underside of the existing plug before buying. When in doubt, check the thread first.

Are bath wastes universal

Partly. Some wastes are made for baths only. Others are universal wastes that suit a basin and a bath. The Meir universal all-in-one pop up waste suits both basins and baths, with the overflow included, a removable grate and brass construction. The Phoenix wastes suit standard and overflow basins and baths specifying a 32mm waste, and they connect to 40mm pipework.

The word universal means different things on different products, so check which sizes a waste covers. A bath waste with a 40mm outlet suits a 40mm bath. A 32mm basin waste is a different part, even when it can connect to 40mm pipework. The Otti universal mushroom wastes in this collection are sized for basins specifying a 32mm waste, so check the size before you order any waste from this page.

With or without an overflow

A bath overflow is a hole in the bath wall near the top that connects to the waste and stops the bath overfilling. It is useful where there is no floor waste. The plug and waste must suit the arrangement, so confirm which one each waste is for.

The Fienza pull-out wastes come in two versions. One is designed for baths with an integrated overflow, and one for baths with no overflow. Both have a top section that pulls out for cleaning and drainage, and both suit a 40mm outlet. Nero makes a 40mm pop up bath waste with overflow built to fit standard 40mm bath outlets, and a 40mm bath pop-up plug with removable waste for baths with no overflow. The Decina pop-up plug with removable waste is not overflow compatible. For wastes made for baths with an overflow, see bath wastes with overflows.

Pull-out and pop up wastes

Pull-out wastes combine a push action with a removable top. The Fienza top section pulls out for easy cleaning and drainage, and the Fienza wastes come in gloss white and chrome, matte white and matte black, brushed nickel, gun metal, brushed copper and urban brass. The Nero removable waste has a smooth opening and closing and an easy to remove cartridge for cleaning and drain access.

That feature matters in a bath, because hair and soap collect at the waste and a part that lifts out is easier to clear. The Decina adds a hair catcher and a jewellery friendly basket that prevents most rings and earrings falling down the drain, with an extra wide rim flange.

The safety pull-out waste

The Turner Hastings wastes in this collection add a safety feature. They have a pull-out design made with children in mind and a strong mechanism to prevent accidental unplugging. They come in short tail versions and in a version with a 50mm tail, with and without an overflow. Each has a solid brass body, a removable cartridge, a high flow rate and a clear channel design for servicing the drain pipe. The collection of Turner Hastings wastes is at Turner Hastings wastes and traps.

The tail length matters for fitting. A short tail suits a bath with little room below. A longer tail needs more clearance, so check the space under the bath against the length of the tail.

Short pop up wastes for tight spaces

The Nero short pop up bath waste 40mm has a short design for tight spaces, which suits offset drainage setups. It uses a standard 40mm connection and a brass body. The clearance under the bath must be checked against the length of the waste tail before you buy.

An offset happens when the bath outlet and the drain in the floor do not line up. A flexible connector up to 650mm can bridge the gap, though the pipe still needs a fall. For connectors, see bath connectors.

Flexible connectors and clearance

The Decina flexible bath connector comes with a chrome pop-up plug and waste. The connector is solvent weld, 300mm long, can be cut shorter, and has a smooth internal bore. The waste only works with baths that have at least 100mm of room underneath. That is a hard limit, and it is worth measuring before you order.

Freestanding and stone baths

Freestanding baths raise their own questions, because the waste sits under the bath and the clearance is limited. Dry-fit first and check the trap line against the rough-in, and keep the base slightly clear of the floor. Plain 40mm brass wastes suit freestanding stone baths, vessel basins and timber vanities without overflows, which is a reminder that some baths have no overflow at all. If yours has none, choose a waste made for baths with no overflow, such as the Fienza and Nero non-overflow versions in this collection.

Finishes and how they are made

Finishes include chrome and gloss white, matte white and matte black, brushed nickel, brushed gold and brushed copper, gun metal, urban brass and brushed brass. The Finish lines use PVD, electroplated and powder coating, and some name a real matte white finish. The Nero stainless steel wastes list PVD or powder coating by product.

PVD, electroplating and powder coating are different processes, and the product wording does not always keep to one term. Check the finish process on the product you choose, and use the colour name to match your tapware. Brass is the material in most of these wastes. Some Nero wastes are 304 stainless steel.

Caroma bath wastes

The Caroma bath pop-up plug and waste has a pop-up function specifically designed for bath applications. Finishes include a PVD brushed brass. Check the finish and material for the version you want. Caroma wastes sit at Caroma wastes and traps.

A waste designed for bath applications is the one to look for when you are choosing for a bath.

Matching a waste to the brand

If you are buying tapware from one maker, a matching waste keeps the finish consistent. Nero wastes are at Nero wastes and traps, Phoenix wastes at Phoenix wastes and traps and Meir wastes at Meir wastes and traps. A matching finish is a visual choice. It does not change whether the waste fits the bath.

Cleaning and care

A pop up bath waste needs regular cleaning because hair and soap collect at the plug and on the mechanism. The trap and the mechanism catch hair, and removable baskets help. Where the cartridge or top section comes out, lift it out, rinse it and refit it. Wiping and replacing a removable stopper keeps the action smooth.

Use a soft cloth and mild soap on the finish, and avoid abrasive pads. Vinegar and abrasive cleaners can damage PVD finishes, so keep both away from PVD versions.

A removable basket and the building code

The National Construction Code may require fully removable baskets for trap access, depending on the bath style and location. If your project is subject to inspection, ask your plumber or certifier which requirement applies, and choose a waste with a removable part.

The trap below the waste

The bath waste connects down to a trap. The part below the waste is bought and fitted separately from the plug and waste, and it must match the pipework. For traps, see bottle traps. Choose the waste and the trap together, because the tail length and the connection decide how they join.

How to choose

Start with the bath. Check whether it has an overflow, measure the outlet, and measure the clearance below. Then look for the word bath, the 40mm size and the overflow arrangement. Look at whether the waste has a short tail, a cartridge or a pull-out top.

After that the choice is about finish and cleaning. If you want the easiest clean, pick a waste with a removable cartridge or top. If your bath is offset or has little room below, look at the short tail wastes and the flexible connector. If you are unsure of any step, a licensed plumber can confirm the fit before you order.