Bathtub Drains and Replacement Parts

Q. "What is ABS pipe?"
A. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) pipe is a black plastic pipe used for water distribution, drain, waste, vent and sewage applications. One of the benefits of ABS pipe is that if it catches on fire it does not give off toxic fumes; PVC does. Generally, ABS is a much safer product to use in homes.

Q. "Can I use PVC cement on ABS fittings?"
A. PVC cement is designed for PVC, not ABS, and so will not work properly with ABS fittings. Always use cements and glues designed specifically for the type of fitting you are using. Looking for ABS glue/cement? Click here..

Q. "I see that you offer bath waste and overflow kits, but I only want to replace a small piece. Can you help me?"
A. We offer quality repair parts for bath waste and overflow systems here. These parts made by Watco are very nearly universal and will fit most common bath waste and overflow installations.

Q. "I notice that you offer polished brass, brushed nickel, and other designer finishes. Are they as durable as chrome?"
A. No, items with chrome finish are less likely to tarnish with proper care.

Q. "Will a Bath Waste & Overflow prevent water from overflowing the tub if the faucet is flowing water half to full force?"
A.The overflow drain on a tub will not prevent an overflow of the tub if the tub or tub/shower valve is flowing water faster than 2 or 3 gallons per minute. The main purpose of the overflow drain on a tub is to have a place for the water to exit as water is displaced when someone enters the tub. Most people fill up the tub and then turn off the water before entering the tub. The normal tub overflow is 1 1/2" diameter which can normally handle 2 to 3 gallons of water per minute if the piping is clean and free of any debris or hair. Many tub or tub/shower combination valves in use today were installed before water conservation laws were passed and are capable of allowing water flow rates of between 6 and 35 gallons per minute depending on the type of valve installed. As you can see, a normal, gravity fed, tub overflow will not be able to keep up if the faucet is running faster than 2 or 3 gallons per minute. To prevent a tub overflow we suggest you keep watch while your tub is filling with water.