Bath waste and overflow are the parts where water drains from your tub. Bath waste refers to the metal part that slots into the bottom of your bath. You may know this as the plug hole but it actually refers to the section of pipe below it too. The first thing you need to do is get access to your existing tub. This job is much easier for baths you haven’t yet installed. So, depending on the type of tub and fittings you have, this will either be a simple or difficult step. For example, freestanding tubs or those with slip fittings will make your life easier. At Build & Plumb, we aim to supply you with the knowledge and information to succeed at DIY and plumbing in your home. Why not browse our collection of waste fittings online today? With the right plumbing tools, you can complete any plumbing job in your home. Related blogs

Next, it’s time to start installing your new bath waste and overflow system. Take everything out of the box and spread it out to make sure you have everything you need. After all, it’s difficult to know how to fit a new bath waste if you’ve got pieces missing! Once you do, find the single screw in the centre of your waste cover and use your screwdriver to unscrew it. That should mean you can now remove the outer bath waste from the bath. If you are replacing an old bath waste, the first thing you need to do is get access to underneath the bath. Then, you can start removing the old bath waste.

Using a silicone sealant is advised when fitting a pop-up bath waste to avoid overtightening it and hindering the pop-up feature. Does a bath waste need a trap? From the outside, push one end of your waste pipe so it’s flat with your bath plug and connect it to the tailpiece underneath. Once it’s connected, you can put the new waste cover on from the inside of the bath.

First, use a screwdriver to unscrew the waste cover plate in the bathtub and remove it. Then remove the large washer. Once the current drain fittings are removed, unscrew the cover plate that sits on the inside of the top of your tub (the bit where excess water flows through). This should easily come away with a little elbow grease.Top tip: As you tighten these components, the plumber’s gold will ooze out around the flange. Simply wipe the excess with a wonder wipe. This is the most common bath waste and overflow system, so the one you’ll probably be most familiar with. Timeless in design, this style works for modern and classic bathrooms alike and won’t cost you the earth. Take your drain fitting and thread it through the tailpiece of the drain arm, which you will then be able to tighten with your wrench. Your helper will need to hold the drain arm in place.

Now it’s time to prepare your bath for its new waste and overflow components. At this point, it’s worth test-fitting the items and cutting the kit to size if it doesn’t fit perfectly. It’s best to do this before securing everything in place and realising you have to remove or redo it. If you are unsure on what to look for when choosing your bath waste and plug, have a read through our blog for a more in depth guide to bath wastes. Top Tip: Occasionally, you might find your waste pipes have been glued or soldered in, so they might need to be sawed free from the bath instead. They may seem fairly insignificant but, as said in the introduction, can really add style and flair to your suite. Let’s delve into your options. Hopefully, you have another person helping you at this point. If so, ask them to help you line up the overflow tube with the overflow opening on your bath. You also need to make sure the horizontal drain arm lines up with the drain opening on the bottom of your tub.Locate the overflow rose and bath waste cover and attach them on the front of the bath to the bath waste using a screw and screwdriver. The standard bath waste hole is 40 mm (1&1/12 inch). Additionally, a typical trap and waste pipe leading out of the bath is also 40mm (1&1/12 inch). Conclusion: Bath wastes at Build & Plumb Once you’re sure it’s all there, start on your new system by connecting your plastic pipe to your new bath wastes at both ends. If installing a new bath waste, follow our easy step-by-step guide. Step 1: Choose your new bath waste

Note: Slip fittings make this step infinitely easier as you only need to tighten everything to secure it together. How to fit a flexible bath waste pipe In the UK, all bath wastes are the same size. The universal size for all bathtub wastes is 40mm. This means you can choose almost any style of bath waste from the selection above and it will fit nicely onto your current bath. Locate the sealing rings for the bath waste and overflow plates. Then, attach them to the bath drain and overflow hole opening with sealant or plumber’s gold and wipe any access with a wonder wipe. You can now fix the bath and overflow waste to the bath drain holes. Step 6: Attach the bath waste Depending on the complexity of the components, what access you have to your bath, and the type of bath waste you’re installing, you can either follow our step-by-step guide or hire one of our plumbing experts to help you. Are bath wastes a standard size?Pop up bath waste and overflow is exactly as it sounds. To release water, you simply twist a dial right above the overflow hole and the plug ‘pops’ up. They’re far more minimal in style than a standard plug and chain as they bypass the ‘chain’. This means they look a lot more stylish too, great for a more modern bathroom suite. It’s time to connect the drain fitting. To do so, apply some plumber’s gold to the rim (flange) of the drain opening in your tub. Then, from underneath the tub, place the rubber washer around the drain tailpiece before slipping the tailpiece through the opening. If you have a bath waste ready, lay out all the pieces from the box, ensuring you have all the necessary components and read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Step 3: Attach the overflow pipe and waste This guide will explain everything you need to know to fit a bath waste for a new bath and how to replace an old one, including what tools you need, how to fit a pop-up bath waste, and more. Table of contents If you have a freestanding bath, the design of plumbing accessories like wastes and overflow filters is even more important as they are exposed and add a beautiful, crafted look to your tub design. For a contemporary bath design, choose from our concealed bath wastes.