Basin plugs offer a simple solution for those who like to stop up the water in their basin. To find the best basin plug, you need to consider what you want in terms of appearance and, most importantly, find one that fits; a basin plug that lets water through won’t do you any good. You will find a broad range of basin plugs with regard to price, material and quality.
Many people prefer a simple plug that fits over the drain hole as opposed to a basin waste, which is a built-in type of plug that pops up with a flick of a lever. Many bathtubs and sinks have a basin waste and the term is often interchanged with the term basin plug. There are several types of plugs that incorporate elements of both. These can be more complicated to install because they require you go deeper into the actual drain to install it.
The simplest, and most likely cheapest, form of basin plug is made of rubber or plastic. They often have a metal chain attached to them but can also come without one; the chain usually attaches to the faucet or wall of the basin. A rubber plug will be more pliable and can easily mold to the drain, but they wear out relatively quickly. A plastic basin plug will last longer but doesn’t form as tight as seal around the drain.
If you want something more durable, or more elegant, a chrome or brass basin plug should do. They are similar to the cheaper, rubber models but usually cost more and are more durable. Metallic basin plugs look especially good with antique style fixtures.
There are more complex basin plugs that have multiple parts, usually a shaft that screws into the basin drain hole and an accompanying plug. They are usually metallic based and have rubber or plastic seals around the plug itself. In some cases, the whole thing is made of plastic.
Installing a simple rubber or plastic basin plug is simply a matter of taking it out and putting it back in when you are using it. Some of the simpler metal plugs are the same way. If you want a more complex basin plug, such as one that requires installing a shaft into the drain, consider hiring a professional to do the installation. Some of them are simple to install, but some are not and need special tools to do the job. They often require special sealants to be put around parts of the drain to create a tight seal.