Slotted Or Not Slotted!?

[pete23]

Hi Guys,

Due to the great and educational replies I received to my last post (maiden post) I thought I'd ask for some advice. Recently I was asked to replace a mates waste/plug in his small hand basin. The plastic waste had been moved somehow and the washer and silicone had broken, thus causing a leak! As it was quite old and plastic looking I advised updating and getting a chrome waste, pretty cheap from toolstation I think. Anyway, all fitted and working well. My point is, when I bought the new waste there were two options. Slotted and non-slotted? I'm kind of aware that the slotted is for use in basins with built in overflows? But how does this work as such?

I appreciate you guys are professional plumbers and not teachers, and that's why I'm paying someone to go on a course but any help if you have time would be gratefully received and unanswered question going around in my head.

 

[barryplumb]

when water goes into the overflow it runs down through the 'slot' in the chrome waste and drains off into the trap.

 

[pete23]

Thanks Barryplumb. Do they usually only have one slot or two? When putting waste in assuming you line slot up with back of basin were overflow is. I saw a slotted waste with two slots facing each other. Wouldn't the water flow across to the other slot and miss going in to the trap and possibly leaking out? Or are they built in to the basin so as to block the other slot? Apologies if this aint too clear. Thanks for reply though.

 

[barryplumb]

some come with two slots, some with four, but they do the same thing, The water will drain into both slots as there is a cavity in the basin from the overflow that allows overflow water to drain into both slots. It shouldn't leak out if the waste has been sealed properly when it was installed, You must use silicone around the gap of the chrome waste underneath before you tighten the nut and washer. Also silicone between the basin and the lip on the of the chrome waste.

 

[pete23]

once again thanks and once again what a great forum. Always made to feel welcomed even though I'm a trainee. Cheers!!

 

[dontknowitall]

I've had my own business for well over three years and was called an apprentice today. Didn't feel offended though. I'm 48 and he was 37 but been in his trade since he was 16.

On that basis many on here are "apprentices"!!

 

[barryplumb]

good luck with the training.

 

[WHPES]

Unslotted are for example stainless sinks without integral overflows where the drainer/overflow comes in a separate pipe and joins in a branch at the top of the trap bit like the overflow from a bath.

 

[stevetheplumber]

i always use plumbr mait or what ever they call it now and a poly washer for basins. silicon is ok if you can leave it to set before use mait is instant and i never get a leak dont use the swan brand one its crap for this rolls of and doesnt stick