The different types of bath wastes explained

By Benjamin Clarke | Published on 16th June 2021

The world of bath wastes - the mechanism that allows you to drain your bath - is actually more varied than you might think with different wastes for different needs. Wastes are important because they handle the efficient drainage of water out of your bath and help to prevent any blockages in your pipes from skin, hair and other bits of dirty debris.

In this article we'll look at the main types of bath waste so you can make an informed choice on what type of waste you have in your bath.

Pop-up bath wastes

A pop-up waste usually has a little lever or handle behind the taps. Pushing or pulling this lever 'pops' the waste up to allow drainage and pushes it down when the bath is being filled.

Clicker bath wastes

A clicker bath waste (sometimes referred to as a 'click-clack' or 'push-button' waste) is a self-contained waste that doesn't rely on a lever or handle to activate it. This type of waste simply relies on the user pushing it down to close and then pushing again to open and allowing the water to escape.

Slotted bath wastes

If your bath has an overflow hole, that allows water to drain if the plug is in and the water level rises very high, then you will need to have a slotted bath waste. The slot, or opening, just underneath the visible part of an installed waste allows water to drain away if it has been captured by the overflow.

Unslotted bath wastes

An unslotted waste doesn't have this in-built drainage hole and should only be installed in baths that do not have an overflow hole.

Plug and chain bath wastes

A plug and chain waste is traditionally the most common type of bath waste and possibly the one you most associate with bath time when you were a child. A plug (rubber or chrome) is attached on top to a chain, which is affixed to a chain stay several inches above the plug hole. These are usually accompanied by an overflow rose that allows water to drain if the water level rises too high.

Flip-top bath wastes

Flip top wastes are operate by having a round metal disc in the centre of the plug hole. To lose it, you press down on one side of the dic, to open it you press on the other. Flip top wastes tend to be more popular in basins rather than baths.

Wastes at LunaSpas.com

If you're looking for a particular waste for your whirlpool bath, then make sure you head over to Luna Spas to see our range of quality wastes and bath filler valves. They'll make filling and draining your bath an absolute breeze meaning an important function is taken care of with minimal input from you.

See our range of bath wastes

RELATED ARTICLES

• How to install and replace a bath waste

• Taking care of your bath overflow

• How to fix a clogged bathroom drain

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