Plug and chain waste

A plug and chain waste is the traditional simple waste fitting in which a rubber or plastic plug is used to close the outlet of a basin, sink or bath, retained by a small metal chain to the overflow or tap body. UK wastes follow BS EN 274 for materials and dimensions. They remain in widespread use, particularly in kitchens, utility rooms and traditional bathrooms in older London terraces. Plug and chain wastes are inexpensive, easy to replace and easy to clean. Worn or perished plugs are a common cause of slow drainage and water loss between uses. Replacing the plug, washer and chain is straightforward and can often be done without specialist tools. Slotted wastes are used where the bowl has an overflow and unslotted wastes where there is none.