If you’ve ever looked at the top of your kitchen or bathroom sink, you may have noticed a small, often overlooked hole near the rim of the basin. At first glance, it may seem like an unnecessary feature, especially considering how often we focus on the main drain. However, this small hole has an important function, and many people don’t know how to use it correctly. Here’s why that hole is there and how it can help.
What Is the Small Hole on the Sink?
This small hole is known as the overflow hole. It’s typically found near the edge of the sink, often at the top of the basin but just below the rim. It can be especially noticeable in bathroom sinks or bathtubs but is also present in kitchen sinks, albeit sometimes smaller or less obvious.
What Does the Overflow Hole Do?
- Prevents Overflowing Water The primary function of the overflow hole is to prevent the sink from overflowing. If the sink is filled with water and someone leaves the faucet on, the water level could rise too high and spill over the edge of the sink. The overflow hole acts as a safety valve: it allows the water to drain out through the small hole before it can spill over and cause a mess.
- Drains Excess Water When water rises to a certain level in the basin, it starts to flow through the overflow hole and into the drainpipe, preventing a potential flood in your home. In essence, it redirects the water to the drain before it reaches the rim, ensuring that it never escapes the sink. This is particularly important in bathrooms, where people may leave faucets running while brushing their teeth or washing their face.
- Helps with Drainage in Bathtubs In bathtubs, the overflow drain serves a similar purpose. If someone is filling a bathtub and forgets to turn off the tap, the overflow drain ensures that the water doesn’t spill onto the floor, which could cause significant damage. It also helps in regulating the water level in the tub to prevent it from getting too high.
- Allows for Continuous Water Flow In some cases, the overflow hole helps facilitate continuous drainage when using the sink for tasks that involve running water, like washing dishes. If the main drain is partially clogged or slow, the overflow can help maintain drainage by offering an alternative path for water to exit the basin, ensuring your sink doesn’t back up.
- Improves Hygiene By preventing the sink from overflowing, the small hole also helps maintain cleanliness in your kitchen or bathroom. Overflowing water can lead to the spread of germs and bacteria on the floor, and the overflow hole ensures that water stays contained within the sink, reducing the risk of contamination.
How Should You Use the Overflow Hole?
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