Bottle Trap
A bottle trap is the cylindrical chrome (or brushed nickel, or matt black) trap that hangs visibly under a basin in place of a hidden U-bend. The shape matters because vanity-unit and pedestal-style basins often expose the trap, so the trap becomes part of the visible bathroom finish rather than something tucked behind a panel. Replacement is mostly about matching the existing finish and the connection sizes.
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BOTTLE TRAP | BUYING GUIDE
Types of Bottle Trap
Body length and diameter vary depending on the install. The four common patterns below cover most UK basin and vanity fitments.
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Standard bottle trap
Cylindrical body around 70 to 85 mm in diameter, length around 200 mm. The default fit for most exposed pedestal and wall-hung basins. Inlet and outlet at standard 32 mm.
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Slimline bottle trap
Reduced body diameter (around 60 mm) for compact vanity units and smaller cloakroom basins where space behind the basin is tight. Same connection sizes as standard.
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Telescopic bottle trap
Adjustable height, lets you fit a single trap to basins at different heights without cutting the pipework. Useful on retrofit installs where the existing soil pipe sits at an awkward height.
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Vanity-unit / concealed bottle trap
Same shape as a standard bottle trap but designed to be hidden inside a vanity cabinet rather than exposed. Often supplied with a less polished finish at lower cost than the visible-install equivalents.
Sizes, Finishes and Connection Threads
Connection sizes are standard across UK basins; finish and body dimensions are where the buying decision sits.
| Element | Common values | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inlet thread | 32 mm (1.25 inch) | Standard for UK basins; 40 mm for larger or kitchen fitments |
| Outlet thread | 32 mm or 40 mm | Match to the existing soil pipe behind the wall |
| Body diameter | 60 to 85 mm | 60 mm = slimline, 70 to 85 mm = standard |
| Body length | 180 to 230 mm | Telescopic versions extend up to 280 mm |
| Common finishes | Chrome, brushed nickel, matt black, brushed gold | Match the basin tap finish for visual consistency |
Companion basin and bidet wastes are stocked across our basin and bidet wastes range, with the rest of the wastes catalogue grouped together in our bathroom wastes hub.
When to Use One Versus a U-Bend
A bottle trap and a U-bend perform the same drainage function: both hold a column of water in the line to seal the room from drain odours. The choice is mostly visual and dimensional, not functional.
Pick a bottle trap when the trap will be visible (pedestal basins, wall-hung basins with open undersides, designer cloakroom basins) or when vertical space below the basin is limited. Pick a U-bend or P-trap when the trap will be hidden inside a vanity cabinet or wall void, where the more compact U-bend often clears more easily and the lower cost of a generic plastic trap is the better choice. The wider bathroom waste traps range covers all the U-bend and P-trap alternatives, with brand-matched designer fittings catalogued in our manufacturer directory.
Bottle Trap FAQs
What is a bottle trap?
A bottle trap is a cylindrical drain trap, usually chrome-plated brass or stainless steel, that performs the same job as a U-bend or P-trap: holding a small column of water in the drainage line to seal the room from drain odours. The cylindrical shape is more compact than a curved U-bend, which makes it suitable for tight under-basin spaces and visually preferred where the trap is exposed.
When should I use a bottle trap rather than a U-bend?
Use a bottle trap on exposed installations where the trap is visible (pedestal basins, vanity units with open undersides, designer or wall-hung basins). Use a U-bend or P-trap where the trap is hidden inside a vanity unit cabinet or a wall void. Bottle traps are often more compact vertically; U-bends fit deeper but may catch more debris over time.
Are bottle traps a standard size?
Inlet and outlet sizes are standard at 32mm (1.25 inch) for most UK basins and 40mm (1.5 inch) for larger basins or where the soil pipe is wider. Body diameter and length vary by design (slimline, standard, telescopic, vanity-unit) but the connection threads are the same across brands.
Do you supply bottle traps in finishes other than chrome?
Yes. Brushed nickel, matt black, antique brass and brushed gold are all available across the range, suiting modern designer bathrooms where the trap finish must match the tap and waste finishes. Replacement seals and gaskets are common across finishes, so a refurb only needs the body to be re-finish-matched.
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