Bath waste and overflow repairs

What you might notice

Water appears as the bath empties

The waste body, trap or a downstream connection may be involved.

Water appears only when the bath is full

Tell us the water level and whether it reaches the overflow.

The plug will not hold water

We check the type of plug and mechanism to see whether it can be adjusted or needs a suitable replacement.

The push-down plug sticks or the twist control spins

A clicker plug and a cable-operated pop-up use different mechanisms. A photo of the plug and overflow control helps identify the type.

The bath drains slowly or smells

This can involve the trap or waste pipe rather than the plug. Tell us whether the basin or shower is also slow and whether the smell follows use of another fitting.

Plug, overflow or trap?

01Clicker plug or cable pop-up

A clicker works by pressing the plug. A pop-up may be operated at the overflow. We assess whether a suitable part is available or whether the waste assembly should be replaced.

02Water reaches the overflow and a leak appears

The overflow cover, its seal and the hose behind the bath may need checking. Avoid using the bath until it has been assessed if water is escaping below.

03Water leaks as the bath empties

The waste fitting, trap or outlet joint may leak under flow. Access behind or beneath the bath usually determines what can be checked and replaced.

What we can do

We can inspect accessible waste fittings and agree repair or replacement of suitable plugs, wastes, traps and overflows. If a fixed bath panel has to come off, we discuss access and making good first.

Before you get in touch

Tell us when the leak appears, whether the panel comes away and whether there is any damage below the bath.