WTH is that hole in my bathroom sink for?

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: PlatinumGold

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
it's also to let air in the pipes so it will drain quicker.

another winnar!:beer:

actually, i think my answer is the correct one, the overflow control is an auxilliary benefit at best.

Actually, no. Overflow control is the reason, and "letting air into the pipes so it will drain quicker" has no effect on it, since the surface of the water is exposed to the atmosphere.

edit: I think you're confusing it with the reason that plumbing is vented - to avoid back siphoning water out of the traps, resulting in sewer gas being able to make it into the living space.

 

[Armitage]

Originally posted by: DrPizza

Originally posted by: PlatinumGold

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
it's also to let air in the pipes so it will drain quicker.

another winnar!:beer:

actually, i think my answer is the correct one, the overflow control is an auxilliary benefit at best.

Actually, no. Overflow control is the reason, and "letting air into the pipes so it will drain quicker" has no effect on it, since the surface of the water is exposed to the atmosphere.

edit: I think you're confusing it with the reason that plumbing is vented - to avoid back siphoning water out of the traps, resulting in sewer gas being able to make it into the living space.

:thumbsup:

 

[Shawn]

umm, I thought this was common knowlege. guess not.

 

[tfinch2]

You had to ask this question? WTF, seriously....

 

[Wanescotting]

NO, NO, NO. That hole is there to prevent "backflow".

 

[sharkeeper]

Actually, Wanescotting has it correct.

The hole prevents the sink bowl from filling high enough that the spigot opening becomes submerged in the water creating a dangerous condition known as a cross connection.

Cross connecting a vessel containing water that is no longer potable to the supply is a violation of code unless the appliance is fitted with the proper backflow prevention apparatus. (normally NOT found on a sink)

Cheers!

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

😕 Isn't the spigot opening usually higher than the brim of the sink?

 

[sharkeeper]

Isn't the spigot opening usually higher than the brim of the sink?

On a solid bowl, yes it is a requirement. Many older bowls have a spigot opening that can be covered when full and are *not* vented. These are illegal now. Lots of washrooms still have these sinks as well as no GFCI protecting an ungrounded receptacle on the light above the medicine cabinet.

Cheers!