It turns out, it is really not there by accident – this small hole plays a very important role.
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Why are there small holes in bathroom sinks?
The small hole in the bathroom sink, located near the upper edge, is technically called an overflow hole.
Its very name already says a lot about its purpose, writes “Real Simple.”
“The purpose of the overflow hole is to prevent the sink from overflowing if you forget to turn off the tap and the water drain is blocked,” explains Scott Eyman, plumbing expert and project manager at “Eyman Plumbing, Heating, & Air.”
According to him, such holes are quite often installed in bathroom sinks because people often clog the water drain while washing their hands or shaving.
When the water rises to the small hole, it starts flowing through it instead of over the edge of the sink onto the bathroom floor. This helps avoid flooding and unpleasant mess.
Similar overflow holes are also installed in many standard bathtubs – they serve the same function.
However, the main protection against water spillage is not the only purpose of this hole. It also helps water drain faster.
Essentially, the overflow channel allows air to enter the water drainage system. This reduces the suction effect and allows water to drain faster from the sink.
Where does the hole in the bathroom sink lead?
The bathroom sink overflow hole is connected to an internal channel that leads to the main household drain pipe, explains S. Eyman.
It is like a small tunnel hidden inside the sink. Water can bypass the main sink basin through it and safely drain into the sewage system.
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Therefore, although from the outside we see only a small hole, in reality there is a whole internal channel system behind it.
How to clean the overflow hole?
The channel connecting the overflow hole can become a great place for soap residue, toothpaste, cosmetics, or mold to accumulate. All of this can eventually start to emit an unpleasant odor.
Subalas Das, vice president of the plumbing division at “Swift Brothers,” says this is one of the places homeowners often forget to clean.
“If you notice an unpleasant odor of unknown origin in the bathroom and everything else looks tidy, check the overflow hole,” advises S. Das.
To clean it, you can use a simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar, which helps break down accumulated deposits. After that, the hole should be rinsed with hot water.
You can also gently clean around the edges of the hole with a small brush to remove easily accessible dirt.
The specialist advises against using aggressive chemical cleaners as they can damage plumbing systems.
It is recommended to clean the overflow hole about once every month or two. This not only helps avoid unpleasant odors but also ensures that this small yet important part of the sink functions properly.
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