We tend to focus on big-ticket items like vanities, basins and tapware in bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations. Picking the right waste for your sink might not be the first thing you do, but it's definitely important. This guide will walk you through the different types of basin wastes, including pop-up wastes, to help you choose the best one for your needs.

What is a basin waste?

A basin waste is the drainage fitting that connects your sink to the plumbing. It's the part of your drain you can see at the bottom of your bathroom or kitchen basin. Its main function is to let water flow out, block waste from clogging up your pipes and create a seal when you want to fill the sink. Some types, like pop-up wastes, have a built-in mechanism for opening and closing the drain, while others work with separate plugs.

What is an overflow?

An overflow is a safety feature in many sinks. It's a small hole near the top of the basin that stops water from spilling over the edges if you accidentally leave the tap running or if the drain gets blocked. 

Not all sinks have overflows, and this affects the type of waste you can use. Sinks with overflows need an overflow waste, while those without can use no overflow wastes.

Slotted vs unslotted: What's the difference?

While shopping around, you'll see the words ‘slotted’ and ‘unslotted’ come up. It’s good to understand their differences because these wastes only work with their matching sink.

Slotted wastes have a small opening on the side of the fitting. This lines up with the overflow in your sink, letting extra water drain through the waste pipe. Unslotted wastes don't have this opening. They're better for sinks without overflows.

Types of basin wastes

Let's look at the main types of basin wastes you might come across:

Pop-up wastes are popular in modern bathrooms. They have a central plug that opens and closes when you push it. Push once, and the plug pops up to let water drain. Push again, and it closes to hold water in the sink.

You can find pop-up wastes for both overflow and no overflow sinks. 

Basket wastes are common in kitchen sinks. They have a removable basket that catches food scraps before they go down the drain. The basket can be lifted out for easy cleaning.

These wastes help prevent clogs and make it easy to clean up drain-clogging food scraps. Most basket wastes have a push-to-shut feature so you can fill the sink.

This is a classic type of basin waste. It's a simple waste outlet with a separate plug — no baskets or frills. This kind of waste is more common in a bathtub but can also be used in bathroom basins.

Farmhouse wastes are designed to match the style of farmhouse sinks. They include a basket strainer and a cover. The basket strainer works the same as a basket waste, catching scraps while letting water flow through. The cover is to fill the sink.

Choosing the right basin waste

When you're picking a basin waste, think about these things:

• Sink type: Make sure the waste fits your sink style. Measure the size of the drain hole before buying.
• Style: Pick a waste that looks good with your taps and the rest of your kitchen or bathroom. 
• Quality: Good basin waste design avoids buildup. Pop-up wastes might need to be taken apart now and then to remove hair.
• Cleaning: Some wastes are easier to keep clean than others.

Quality basin wastes at Yabby

Choosing the right basin waste might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in how well your sink works. Remember to think about your sink type, what you like and how easy it is to keep clean when you're making your choice. With the right basin waste, your sink will drain well, stop overflows and look good too.

Shop for kitchen, bathroom and laundry wastes at Yabby. If you don’t know what you need, our team can help you figure that out, too. Contact us today!