Help! Is this bathroom sink supposed to be like this?

[ArmitaR]

My plug got stuck due to sand, and it wouldn't budge, so I removed the waste in order to replace it.
I found the waste hole in the ceramic sink had about 1cm of silicone all the way to below the sink, i.e. around the threaded pipe all the way down. I only discovered this after I'd hacked about to remove the old waste, so I now need to know whether I should try to remove it all and fit a wider waste, or if the sink is a weird design I need a whole new sink.

Hopefully these pics will explain better than my words!

Sink from above

• ArmitaR
• 31 May 2015
• 1

Sink from below

• ArmitaR
• 31 May 2015
• 1

 

[polesapart]

No, just the installer was over-enthusiastic with the silicone.

 

[Madrab]

Yup, your previous plumber went gung ho with the belt and braces approach to makes sure that the last basin waste didn't leak.

clean it out and run round it with some white spirit before fitting your new one. If the waste hole in the basin is recessed, then get a waste that has a recessed rubber washer or a sloped face to fit properly rather than a flat waste. Some silicone on the washer/face that sits against the recess inside the bowl should do fine with the rubber seal under the basin.

 

[Richardthe3rd]

It's not a sink mate, you'll find a sink in your kitchen or utility room.
It's a basin, wash basin or wash hand basin.

 

[ArmitaR]

Thanks for all the helpful replies.
I think perhaps the waste was 1cm smaller than the hole, and rather than let me know I need to get a new waste, the plumber filled the gap with sealant.
He certainly did some other strange things, like running a radiator pipe along the skirting board, balancing the carpet over it, rather than fitting the pipe under the floorboards like a normal person would!

 

[75pete]

That's not a plumber, more DIY