Oatey 101: Bath Waste and Overflow

Bath waste and overflow are plumbing systems that ensure water stays at a predetermined level when your bathtub fills with water. Its primary function is to prevent water from overflowing from the tub and to drain it quickly. In addition, bath waste and overflow systems will prevent bacterial or fungal growth caused by stagnant water.

The bath waste and overflow system consists of two parts: an overflow and bath waste. The overflow is essentially a hole concealed with an overflow cover that allows water to drain downwards through a 90-degree elbow and a piece of pipe, preventing a bath from, you guessed it, overflowing. Bath waste is a drainage mechanism that connects to the household sanitary system. Another fitting joins the overflow and the bath waste system.

With so many options, let's consider three factors when selecting a Dearborn Bath Waste and Overflow System.

Experience Level

Dearborn’s Bath Waste and Overflow line offers a variety of full kits, half, and flex kits equipped with all materials required for installation. These kits offer perfect options for everyone, from beginner DIYers to experienced contractors.

• Beginner: For homeowners who are planning a complete remodel, a Dearborn True Blue Bath Waste Full kit is the best option, as it includes all the necessary components and trim, along with piping. This eliminates the need to buy, measure, or cut piping separately. Depending on the material, some full kits may require solvent welding of pipes to fittings, while others use a slip joint.

• Intermediate: Flex kits experienced DIYers or plumbing apprentices. Typically used for more commercial applications, flex kits reduce the number of additional fittings and solvent-welded joints. True Blue FLEX kits are ideal for misaligned and offset drains. The adjustable tubing makes it easy to overcome job site obstructions, such as floor joists, and reduces additional fittings and solvent-welded joints. 

• Experienced Plumbers: Half kits are best for contractors who have abundant access to piping and are working with an existing plumbing system. While an experienced DIYer can certainly use these kits, it would require you to rework your existing piping, which might intimidate first-time DIYers. The pre-assembled components and easily interchangeable finishing options make these kits time and cost-efficient.

Budget

Cost is a significant determinant of what kit you should choose. Oatey recommends using a polypropylene bath waste and overflow kit for DIYers on a budget. This material is more affordable than its PVC, ABS, and Brass alternatives while offering the same functionality. It is essential to note that polypropylene piping may be prohibited in buildings with specific fire safety regulations.

Image of full kit that uses polypropylene pipes/Dearborn® Plastic Tubular bath waste

Application

Consider your application when determining what bath waste and overflow system to use.

• Design Refresh: For homeowners looking to refresh their bathtubs, the Dearborn Trim Kit makes it easy to swap out trim finishes. Used with True Blue rough-in kits for a complete installation, Dearborn True Blue Bath Waste Trim Kits offer aesthetic appeal to installations where bath waste is required. Available in various sleek and modern designer finishes, the press-in trim veneer installs simply with the overflow test plug and eliminates the need for additional tools or sealants. You can choose from touch-toe, uni-lift, or push ‘n’ pull stopper styles.

• Confined Spaces: Some bathroom configurations provide less-than-ideal angles for plumbing installation. As mentioned previously, Dearborn True Blue FLEX Bath Waste Kits work great for applications where ensuring the proper slope is complicated by slight angle variations. These angles can make it challenging to install the P-trap to the outlet of the waste and overflow system.

  Professional plumbers would resolve this by doing a roll fitting; however, using a flex kit eliminates that need. Due to its flexible tubing, you can cement right onto the fitting to join the overflow to the drainage system, and the tube will shift into place. Reducing the number of fittings eliminates extra chances for leaks and options for failure.

Check out this video to see Dearborn True Blue FLEX tubing in action!

Installing a bath waste and overflow system might seem daunting, but a Dearborn kit can make the process a breeze. While Oatey recommends following the installation instructions provided with the particular kit you are installing, here's a simplified guide to get you started:

1. Prepare Your Tools: Gather all the necessary tools for the installation. Typically, these include a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, plumber's putty, or silicone caulk.

2. Prep the Bathtub: Ensure the bathtub is clean and dry. A clean tub guarantees a good seal when you install the new system.

3. Install the Overflow: Position the overflow cover and gasket at the desired height on the inside of the tub. Secure it by screwing it from the inside of the tub.

4. Connect the Overflow to the Drain: Connect the overflow pipe to the drain pipe using instructed method. Make sure the connection is secure to prevent leaks.

5. Install the Drain: Apply a ring of plumber's putty or silicone caulk around the drain hole. Then, thread the drain into position and tighten it. Wipe away any excess putty or caulk.

6. Test the System: After everything is installed, fill the bathtub with water to test the overflow function and inspect for leaks in the system.