Swap a leaking bath waste and overflow for a new one, sealed properly and tested for leaks.
BW-01Turn off the water and drain the bathFind your stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and turn it clockwise to shut off. If the bath has its own isolation valves, use those instead. Open both taps to drain any water left in the pipes and remove the bath plug so the bath itself empties fully.
BW-02Clear access and protect the bathUnscrew or unclip the bath panel to reach the waste and overflow pipework underneath. Lay a towel or old blanket in the bath to protect the surface from tools and drips, and keep a torch handy for the dark space under the bath.
BW-03Disconnect the old overflow and waste pipeworkUndo the overflow pipe connector where it meets the waste, usually a compression or push-fit joint. Loosen the slip nut connecting the trap to the waste tailpiece and let any residual water drain into a bowl below.
BW-04Remove the old waste and overflow from the bathHold the waste flange still from inside the bath with a cloth, then use a basin wrench or adjustable spanner underneath to unscrew the locknut. Lift out the old waste body, the overflow tube, and the plug and chain if fitted.
BW-05Clean the old sealant off the bathScrape away old putty or silicone from around the waste hole and overflow hole with a plastic scraper, being careful not to scratch the bath surface. Wipe both areas with methylated spirit or a degreaser so the new seal will stick properly.
BW-06Fit the new waste with sealantRun a bead of bathroom silicone around the underside flange of the new waste, or use plumber's putty if the bath is cast iron or steel. Push it in from inside the bath, then screw the locknut on from below by hand before nipping it up a quarter turn with a wrench. Do not overtighten on an acrylic or plastic bath — it can crack the material.
1 each · Bath waste and overflow kit (chrome, standard 40mm)
BW-07Fit the new overflow connectorSeal the overflow hole with a thin bead of silicone, then fit the overflow tube or flexible banjo connector according to the kit instructions. Connect it to the waste tailpiece and hand-tighten the fitting, checking it sits flush against the bath.
BW-08Reconnect the trapFit the trap onto the waste tailpiece, using a new one if the old trap is scaled up or damaged. Tighten the slip nuts by hand, then add only a small extra turn with a wrench — plastic nuts crack easily if overtightened.
BW-09Turn the water back on and test for leaksTurn the stopcock back on and let the bath fill partway, checking underneath for drips at every joint you touched. Cover the overflow slot with your hand and let water rise until it escapes through the overflow, checking it drains away cleanly with no leaks at the connector.
BW-10Tidy up and refit the panelWipe away any excess silicone with a damp cloth before it fully cures. Dispose of the old waste parts, clean your tools, and clip or screw the bath panel back into place.
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