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A well planned kitchen sink waste set-up keeps water flowing freely, reduces smells and protects your cabinets from leaks. Drawing on 20 years of specifying and fitting sinks across the UK, we’ve put together a clear guide to help you choose the right parts first time.
What is the best kitchen sink waste for your home?
Your kitchen sink waste is the system that carries water away from the bowl and includes the strainer, plug, overflow and trap. The best choice depends on your sink type, cabinet space and whether you want quick-fit convenience or component flexibility.
What does a complete waste kit include?
A typical kit contains a basket strainer, plug, overflow, trap and pipework to connect to your household waste. If you want an all-in-one solution, start with Kitchen Sinks with Waste Kit for sinks supplied with compatible parts out of the box.
Basket strainer vs standard plug
Basket strainers catch food scraps before they enter the pipes, which helps prevent blockages. Explore options in Sink Strainer Baskets or upgrade the full assembly with Basket Strainer Waste with Overflow.
Choosing the right trap
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P traps are common and sit horizontally into the wall.
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S traps drop into the floor where wall outlets are not available.
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Bottle traps are compact for tight cupboards and modern looks.
If smells are a recurring issue, our guide Why Does My Kitchen Sink Smell? explains causes and simple fixes.
Overflows and leak protection
An overflow helps prevent accidental spills if the tap is left running. When replacing your waste, confirm the overflow style matches your sink. Useful add-ons live in Kitchen Sink Accessories.
Preventing and clearing blockages
Daily habits matter more than gadgets. Wipe plates before rinsing, and empty coffee grounds into the bin rather than the sink. If water is already slow to drain, see Why Does My Kitchen Sink Block? and follow the steps in How to Unblock a Kitchen Sink: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Installation pointers from our fitters
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Dry assemble the waste before applying sealant so you can check alignment.
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Do not overtighten plastic nuts. Hand tight plus a small tweak is usually enough.
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Check for drips with a kitchen roll test around every joint after filling and draining the bowl twice.
If you are swapping the whole sink, this walkthrough helps: How to Install a Kitchen Sink: Tools, Time, and Tips.
Independent guidance we trust
For water fitting good practice and compliance, refer to the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) and your local water supplier’s homeowner advice pages.
Final checklist before you buy a kitchen sink waste
Confirm your outlet position, trap type, overflow style, pipe diameter, and whether you want a basket strainer for better filtration. If you prefer a quick upgrade, choose a matched kit from Kitchen Sinks with Waste Kit, or build your own with Basket Strainer Waste with Overflow and compatible parts. With the right planning, your kitchen sink waste will run cleanly and quietly for years.
