Bathroom Wastes and Traps

A: Maybe! It depends on your basin and existing waste. Our friendly team can advise - please get in touch!

A: Click clack opens/closes with a press, push button requires holding, and sprung waste opens by pressing and closes automatically. Choose based on your preference and basin compatibility.

A bathroom waste is the fitting that allows water to drain from a basin, bath or shower, while a trap is the pipework beneath it that holds a small amount of water to stop drainage smells coming back into the room.

The right basin waste depends on whether your basin has an overflow. Basins with an overflow usually need a slotted waste, while basins without an overflow require an unslotted waste.

A slotted basin waste has an opening in the side that connects with the basin overflow. It allows excess water from the overflow channel to drain away safely.

An unslotted basin waste is designed for basins that do not have an overflow. It has a solid body without a side slot, helping water drain directly from the basin.

Many bath wastes are made to common UK sizes, but compatibility can vary depending on the bath design, thickness and overflow position. It is worth checking the specification before ordering.

Most modern shower trays use a fast-flow shower waste, often with a removable cover for cleaning. The correct choice depends on the tray’s waste hole size and the expected water flow.

The water seal in a trap acts as a barrier between your bathroom and the drainage system. It helps prevent unpleasant odours from entering the room through the waste pipe.

A bottle trap is commonly used beneath wall-hung or countertop basins where the pipework may be visible. It provides the required water seal while offering a neater appearance.

Yes, many wastes and bottle traps are available in finishes such as chrome, matt black, brushed brass and nickel. Matching finishes can help create a more considered bathroom scheme.

Check the available space, basin position and pipe route before choosing a trap. For fitted furniture, compact or space-saving traps may be needed to allow drawers or cupboards to operate properly.

Click-clack wastes are suitable for many basins, but you still need to choose the correct slotted or unslotted version. Basin depth and waste access should also be considered.

Slow drainage can be caused by a build-up of soap, hair or debris in the waste or trap. In some cases, the pipework layout or trap type may also affect water flow.

In many cases, a basin, bath or shower waste can be replaced without changing the fixture itself, provided the new waste is compatible with the existing opening and pipework.

If you are planning a bathroom locally, our Daventry showroom in Northamptonshire can be useful for comparing finishes, styles and fittings alongside basins, baths, showers and accessories.