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Replacing your bathroom sink drain can be a simple way to update your space, add an eye-catching accent piece, and improve overall functionality. This guide will help you navigate through choosing your next bathroom sink drain.
How to Measure the Bathroom Sink Drain
Drains are measured at the threaded portion of the drain. (This is the section that will go through the sink and countertop.) A standard bathroom sink hole is 1-½” in diameter and will accommodate most lavatory drains.
Measuring bathroom sink drains is a relatively straightforward process. You’ll need a tape measure as well as a spare notepad and pencil to record your measurements. Begin by measuring the opening of the hole in the sink, then measure the threaded portion of the drain and ensure your recorded measurements match.
Is a Sink Overflow Necessary?
Drains can be purchased with or without overflow openings. An overflow opening is a small hole drilled in the top of the threaded portion of the drain that allows overflow water from the sink to enter the drain pipe.
If your sink features an overflow, it is very important to purchase a drain with an overflow opening so that your sink and drain function properly. If your sink does not feature an overflow it cannot be paired with a drain with an overflow opening.
There are several varieties of bathroom sink drains to choose from that vary in operation, size, and finishes. Once you have your measurements set, selecting a new drain is almost entirely based on your personal preference.
Press and Seal drains, such as our Extended Press Type Pop-Up Bathroom Drain, are also called pop-up drains. These drains will seal or unseal by simply pressing on top of the drain itself. Their popularity is due to the versatility of the drain, the ease of installation, and the wide range of available options and finishes.
A twist and turn drain, sometimes called a lift and turn, features a small nob that is used to manually lift the drain cover. Like press and seal drains, these drains are very easy to install and do not feature any beneath the counter mechanisms. Twist and turn drains are closed by pressing the drain cover down and turning, or “twisting”, to hold in place.
Grid or strainer drains, such as our 1-½" Grid Strainer, are often used in bar sinks and have no closing function. The grid on the drain cover allows water to flow through the drain at all times while blocking larger items. These drains are straightforward in their construction and allow for easier cleaning by simply removing the grid, disposing of debris, and rinsing it clean.
Chain and plug drains are a more traditional option that are operated manually by plugging and removing a stopper. These drains usually come with a small basket, or crumb cup, to keep unwanted items from falling into the drain when the stopper is removed. These drains are mostly for those with a vintage or traditional design aesthetic in mind.
Drains with pop-up rods, such as the type featured on our Beasley Widespread Bathroom Faucet, utilize stoppers and lift rods that are activated by pulling up on the lift rod located at the back of the faucet. These drains offer improved functionality since you don’t have to reach into the sink itself to close the drain, just simply lift or drop the rod to operate.