Tap Components in Ireland
A new basin tap makes a big difference to a bathroom, but it is the details around it that make the basin look complete. The plug in the bowl, the trap under the basin and the ring around the overflow are all visible every day, and if they do not match the tap, the whole basin can look unfinished. Tap components are the parts that sit alongside your basin tap and finish the set: basin wastes, bottle traps and overflow rings. Choosing them in the same finish as your tap ties every metal detail together, so the basin looks planned rather than pieced together.
Which tap components complete a basin?
Basin wastes
The basin waste sits in the plug hole and holds water in the basin when closed or lets it drain when open. Click-clack and push button designs open and close with a simple press, with no chain or lever. The key choice is between a slotted waste, for basins with an overflow, and an unslotted waste, for basins without one. Check for an overflow hole near the top of your basin before ordering. Browse our basin wastes.
Bottle traps
A bottle trap fits under the basin waste and holds a small seal of water that stops smells rising from the drain. Under a wall hung or countertop basin with nothing below, the trap is on show, so a designer bottle trap with a slim, clean shape looks far better than a standard plastic trap. Minimal, round and square designs let you match the trap to the style of your basin and tap. See our bottle traps.
Overflow rings
An overflow ring is a slim trim that covers the overflow hole near the top of the basin. It finishes the opening neatly and adds a matching ring of colour, which is especially effective when you have coloured or metallic taps on a white basin. It is one of the smallest and simplest upgrades in the bathroom. Browse our overflow rings.
How do you create a matching basin set?
The easiest way to get a polished finish is to choose your tap first, then match every other part to it. Tap components come in a range of finishes. As a guide, chrome is the classic choice that suits almost any basin, matt black gives a bold contrast against white ceramic, brushed brass adds warmth and pairs well with green, cream and wood-effect furniture, and gunmetal grey suits industrial and modern bathrooms. With a matching waste, overflow ring and bottle trap, the basin reads as one complete design.
It is worth extending the same finish to the rest of the room, including the shower, bath taps, towel rail and accessories. Finishes can vary slightly between manufacturers, so choosing components from the same range as your tap usually gives the closest match.
How to choose and fit tap components
Check three things before ordering. First, does your basin have an overflow? This decides whether you need a slotted or unslotted waste, and whether an overflow ring is needed at all. Second, is the trap visible? Under a wall hung basin it will be on show, so a designer bottle trap is worth the upgrade. Under a vanity unit or pedestal it is hidden, and a space-saving trap may be more practical. Third, check the sizes and connections on each product page against your basin and waste pipe. Most tap components are simple to fit, but if you are unsure, we recommend using a qualified plumber. Tile Merchant supplies bathroom products only and does not provide fitting.
Frequently asked questions
Do basin taps come with a waste?
Some do, but many are sold without one, so you can choose a waste that suits your basin. Check the tap's product page.
What is the difference between a slotted and unslotted waste?
A slotted waste has an opening for basins with an overflow. An unslotted waste is solid, for basins without an overflow.
Why choose a designer bottle trap?
Under a wall hung or countertop basin, the trap is visible. A designer bottle trap looks neater and can match your tap and waste.
Should my waste and trap match my tap?
For the neatest look, yes. Matching the waste, overflow ring and trap to the tap finish makes the basin look complete.
Do you deliver tap components across Ireland?
Yes. We deliver nationwide, and each product page shows the expected delivery time and whether the item is available for collection.