When you’re basin shopping, you’ll need to make both practical decisions and style choices. Things like colour, shape and material are the fun part, but you’ll also need to think about the features that affect how your basin works day to day.
Product descriptions often include terms like ‘overflow’ and ‘no overflow’. It may not mean much now, but this feature (or lack thereof) can really change how you use your sink. The right choice depends on your specific needs.
In this blog, we will explore basin overflow and how you can choose the right sink for you.
A basin with overflow has a secondary built-in drain that prevents water from spilling out the top if you leave the tap running with the sink plugged. It looks like a small hole in the basin bowl and near the rim. When water reaches the top of the basin, it goes into the hole, which then leads it back down into the drain.
A basin overflow stops water from overflowing out the top of your sink. This comes in handy when you accidentally leave the tap running with the plug in, or if your kids forget to turn off the water. It’s a backup plan for those moments when you're distracted or multitasking in the bathroom.
Both overflow and no overflow basins work well in most bathrooms. Overflow basins add a safety feature, but create another spot where grime builds up. You’ll also need to buy a sink waste made for overflow sinks.
No overflow basins have a cleaner look and simpler waste mechanism. You won’t have to deal with grime, but the trade-off is that you need to pay more attention when filling the basin.
Your choice comes down to your bathroom habits more than anything else. If you rarely use the plug or always stay nearby when using your sink, a non-overflow basin makes perfect sense.
If you’re not sure that your basin has an overflow, here is what you can do:
Look for a small hole at the basin’s rim: Most basins with overflow have a visible opening near the top of the bowl, usually closest to you so you don’t notice it.
Check the product description: If you’ve bought a new basin, look for ‘basin with overflow’ in the product description or specs.
Look at the waste: Basins with overflows use slotted wastes, whereas basins without overflows need unslotted wastes. If your waste fitting is slotted, your basin likely has an overflow.
Both overflow and no overflow basins have their place depending on your bathroom habits and cleaning preferences. Once you get to know the difference between overflow and no overflow, basin shopping can get back to being fun.
Explore the Yabby range to find a style that suits your bathroom's design and needs. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
