There are numerous types of basin wastes these days, besides traditional plug and chain wastes and pop up basin wastes, the two most popular choices today are click and flip wastes.
Both wastes perform exactly the same function of allowing the basin to drain, both are typically made out of chrome or gold plated brass, both are usually available in slotted or unslotted versions to suit basins with and without oveflows, and both types usually do not differ much in price. Of course many of these points depend on the range and manufacturer.
Operating a click waste is a simple process of pressing firmly on top of the waste to seal and unseal the basin, this waste is typically called a click waste due to the audible click heard when operating the mechanism. A flip waste on the other hand simply swivels to seal and unseal the basin. Here are some key points to keep in mind when choosing a waste for your basin.
1. Reliability.
Arguably, there is less to go wrong with a flip waste, when taking into account that there is only one moving part. On the other hand a click waste features a spring-loaded locking mechanism which can over time deteriorate with dirt, debris and limescale getting caught inside of it. A common occurrence is for toothpaste particles to become lodged inside of the mechanism, this can usually be solved by simply screwing off the top of the waste and applying lubricating grease or oil to the mechanism. It is worth keeping in mind that both wastes are designed for a long service life and if installed properly from the start, changing a waste in future is a quick and easy job.
2. Openings.
There is usually a noticeable difference in the size of the openings to let the water out of the basin on both wastes. The opening on a click waste is just underneath and around the top (when open) and usually is only a few millimeters. On the other hand when a flip waste is fully open the central “disc” is pointed vertically and the openings are at the sides of this disc. These openings are usually substantially larger than on the click waste. This isn’t necessarily a bad point as it means a basin with a flip waste may drain faster than one with a click waste, but there is an increased chance of loosing something small down a flip waste such as a piece of jewellery.
3. Convenience.
One of the advantages of a click waste is an optional hair trap. These wastes are usually called easy-clean click wastes. With this type of click waste the entire central section can be removed and there is a filter attached to the underside of the waste which hair and other debris is caught in. This allows for easy cleaning of the waste and reduces the likeliness of anything clogging up the trap or waste pipe underneath.
Please note: Not all click wastes feature a hair-trap.
So to sum-up, both types of wastes have their advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately it’s your choice and personal preference. To see both of these wastes in action, and for more advice visit our showroom or plumbing and heating counter today.