Look at an older washbasin and you will see a small hole or slot near the top, opposite the tap. That is the overflow, in Italian the troppo pieno. Many modern designer basins do not have one. Here is what it does, whether you need it, and which waste to choose for each type of basin.
The overflow is an outlet near the rim of a basin, sink or bidet. If the plug is closed and the tap is left running, water drains through it before it spills over the edge. It also lets air into the drain as the basin empties, which helps a full basin drain faster and more quietly.
Mostly for looks. Without the hole, the bowl is a single smooth surface, which looks cleaner, is easier to clean and works better in coloured or matt ceramics. This is especially common in countertop (vessel) basins, freestanding basins and slim designer models.
The trade-off is simple: without an overflow, a basin with the plug closed can overflow if the tap is left on. For most homes that is not a real problem, but think twice for a children's bathroom, a care home or a rental.
The waste (or drain, in Italian piletta) must match the basin. A waste "with overflow" has a slot in its body that lines up with the basin's overflow channel. A waste "without overflow" is solid. Using the wrong one either leaks or blocks the overflow.
Whatever you choose, you also need a siphon. On a countertop or wall-hung basin it is on show, so a designer siphon in chrome or matt black is worth it. NUR freestanding basins use a dedicated freestanding siphon.
If a basin smells even when clean, the overflow channel is often the culprit, because soap and hair build up inside it. Pour a little hot water with citric acid or white vinegar into the overflow hole, leave it 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. A small bottle brush helps.
Not sure whether a basin has an overflow? Every product has a technical drawing. Ask us with the product code and we will confirm which waste to use.
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