Bathroom sink waste

[ro250]

The pop up waste broke in bathroom sink at weekend. Can still use sink, the pop up just broke off due to limescale.

Looks reasonably straightforward to replace (but I bet it won't be). Some questions before I embark!

I see they are referred to by size, e.g. 32mm. Is that measurement the diameter of the silver threaded pipe which protrudes under the sink?
Are the all the same length? If not, I expect that'll mean I need to alter the plastic pipes and I'd rather not.
Looking online, there is conflicting advise around sealing - buy a washer kit, use silicone, use PTFE, users Plumbers Mait, don't use anything. I can see the installer who put ours in used a lot of silicone...

I would ideally take it off and take it to my plumbers merchant but once it's removed I can't use the sink so knowing my luck mine is an unusual size (I haven't measured it properly (if I'm measuring the right place) but it seems bigger than 32mm).

Advice welcome!

[TimmyMallett]

You shouldn't need silicone or PM, just get something like this (it also shows a pic of how it fits)

https://www.screwfix.com/p/thomas-dudley-ltd-basin...


Replace the pop up with a normal one. They are the devils spawn. Even expensive ones seize.

[Actual]

When you come to fit the new waste it is highly likely that it will leak and the best fix I have found is...

Thomas Dudley Ltd Basin Waste Seal Kit 3 Piece Set (8795R)
£2,79
https://www.screwfix.com/p/thomas-dudley-ltd-basin...

Snap

[ro250]

Thanks both

Timmy, when you say a "normal one" what do you mean? An old school plug and chain?

[miroku1]

It’s a one and a quarter inch basin waste fitting , usually slotted . Remove old waste fitting and replace with spring loaded , or anything but pop up !
Clean the mating faces both in the basin bowl and underside thoroughly, silicone around the lip of the waste fitting, push fitting through basin silicone underneath then place one inch and a quarter nylon washer then tighten , will never leak , throw away any other seals given with the new fitting !

[ro250]

miroku1 said:

It s a one and a quarter inch basin waste fitting , usually slotted . Remove old waste fitting and replace with spring loaded , or anything but pop up !
Clean the mating faces both in the basin bowl and underside thoroughly, silicone around the lip of the waste fitting, push fitting through basin silicone underneath then place one inch and a quarter nylon washer then tighten , will never leak , throw away any other seals given with the new fitting !

How do you know what size it is? Where do I measure?

I think I've been confused by terminology. Screwfix call what I've got a pop up waste which is the type you push down and they pop up on a spring. But looking online, it seems they are traditionally the type on a rod.

[119]

Ones with a bar are more reliable than the ‘click clack’ types and that’s from experience.

[No ideas for a name]

ro250 said:

How do you know what size it is? Where do I measure?

Basins are 1 1/4" and baths are 1 1/2" - just standard.


Don't do what I did when swapping a waste. Carefully removing the trap keeping it level so as not to spill any water, only to then empty it in to the basin.

[The Hofff]

As above:

Basins are 1 1/4" and baths are 1 1/2" - just standard.
If they quote larger then they are usually quote the size of the pop up part, not the thread size.

Like this: https://www.screwfix.com/p/mcalpine-slotted-pop-up...
Its a 32mm sink waste with a 60mm top part...


If you have an overflow hole in the sink you will need a 'slotted' waste, otherwise you use an unslotted.

Slotted
https://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-slotted-pop-up...

Unslotted
https://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-unslotted-capt...

Edited by The Hofff on Monday 23 June 16:44

[ro250]

So, even though the hole opening looks to be 40mm? Nothing looks like it's 32mm!

[119]

ro250 said:

So, even though the hole opening looks to be 40mm? Nothing looks like it's 32mm!

It’s the trap size that fits to the bottom of it, not the strainer itself

[Chumley.mouse]

If you do take it off and go to the plumbers to get one the same ,then you wont need to use the sink as you will be out. If anyone else needs to use it while you are gone then can’t they either use the bath or the kitchen sink ?

Its the simplest way to take it off and go and get one the same.

[Little Lofty]

Bathrooms have basins not sinks, sinks are in kitchens
I don’t know why basins persist with 32mm pipework when everything else is 40mm.
Ignore the measurement on the top of the waste, it will be a 32mm fitting.

[AlexC1981]

No ideas for a name said:

Basins are 1 1/4" and baths are 1 1/2" - just standard.


Don't do what I did when swapping a waste. Carefully removing the trap keeping it level so as not to spill any water, only to then empty it in to the basin.

I've nearly done that myself

[Chumley.mouse]

Not where I’m from its called a sink.

[119]

Little Lofty said:

Bathrooms have basins not sinks, sinks are in kitchens
I don t know why basins persist with 32mm pipework when everything else is 40mm.
Ignore the measurement on the top of the waste, it will be a 32mm fitting.

Why would a small basin need a 40mm pipe?

I know it’s a pain in the ass if adapters are need but I reckon it’s a dam sight easier with 32mm, especially behind a pedestal!

[Little Lofty]

119 said:

Why would a small basin need a 40mm pipe?

I know it s a pain in the ass if adapters are need but I reckon it s a dam sight easier with 32mm, especially behind a pedestal!

It doesn't, but it’s a pain keeping fittings, pipe, wastes and traps just for basins, when showers, sinks, baths and washing machines all use 40mm. Not many pedestals now, most fit furniture.

[gruffgriff]

Little Lofty said:

Bathrooms have basins not sinks, sinks are in kitchens

Plumbing shop chap informed me "sinks are for spoons, basins for balls"....

[SpeedBash]

The basin seal kit from Screwfix linked a couple of times by other posters can be had cheaper from Toolstation: https://www.toolstation.com/basin-mate/p37534

Also, have you considered a flip-top/swivel basin waste: https://www.screwfix.com/p/highlife-bathrooms-slot...

[lancslad58]

I had the same problem and just bought some of these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01I58T1RQ?ref_=ppx_hz...