How to choose the right plug & waste for your bath

Decide what kind of function you would like. Bath plug & wastes are available as pop-up, pop-down or a basic waste with a rubber or plastic plug.

Pop-down wastes offer the best functionality. They are open in the level position and you push down to seal them. This means they are aesthetically less intrusive, are safe for children with no chance of getting fingers or body parts pinched and prevent small items (like jewelry) from slipping down into the trap. The mechanism is fully removable so it offers easy maintenance and cleaning. The downside is that they are only available in limited finishes and are more expensive (though the benefits are worth it) than the pop-up wastes or wastes.

Pop-up wastes are the most common, available in an abundant array of styles, colours, materials and price points. They can be difficult to keep clean as the trap-way and pop-up mechanism can collect hair and grime. Fully removable baskets* are available and these are recommended for ease of maintenance and cleaning (check our filter under functions for fully removable baskets).

Non-functional wastes are the most economical solution however colour choices are very limited and often the plug provided does not offer a great seal.

Use our filters to select the function that most appeals to you

*Depending on the style of bath and the installation location, fully removable baskets that allow complete and unencumbered access to the waste trap are a requirement for adherence to the Australian National Construction Code. Your plumber may refuse to install a non-compliant waste so we recommend getting their advice prior to purchase.

Identify whether your bath includes an overflow. Overflows are small holes in the wall of the bath that connect to the waste via a channel within the bath shell, preventing the bath from overflowing. If you don’t have a floor waste in your bathroom it is strongly recommended that you purchase a bath with an overflow.

If the bath you are purchasing includes an overflow you must ensure that the plug & waste that you purchase is compatible.

Use our filters to select bath wastes that are compatible with overflows.

Identify whether the waste hole in the bath you are purchasing will line directly up with the waste in your floor. If this is not the case you may need to purchase a flexible connector. These are available on their own or in conjunction with a plug & waste. Flexible connectors allow an offset between waste connections of up to 650mm*.

*You must ensure that there is enough fall across the offset distance for the waste water to effectively drain - if there is not, you may need to consider a different bathtub with the waste in a closer location and/or with a higher base to generate additional fall; or shifting the location of the waste in the floor. If purchasing a freestanding, back to wall or back to corner bath, this will need to be determined in conjunction with step three point five below.

(for freestanding, back to wall or back to corner baths only) - Ensure that the plug & waste (including connector if required) will fit in the space underneath your bath. Review specifications and/or technical drawings of the bathtub to determine how much space is available between the floor of the bath and the bathroom floor surface. Then review the specifications of your selected plug & waste to ensure that the tail length (including the connector, if required) will fit. If you cannot find a combination that will work, you will need to discuss with your plumber how best to move forward this could mean selecting a different bath or shifting/amending the waste in your floor.

Once you have found a combination that works, the hard part is complete. Now you can select the colour you prefer, either to match the bath - or to match your tapware. If matching tapware we recommend selecting the same brand waste as your tapware brand.

Use our filters to select by brand or colour.

If you are unsure about any of these steps we recommend that you consult with your plumber.