Over Flow

[Buck Hartley, CMI]

I have noticed several bathroom sinks that do not have overflow drains. Is this not a requirement anymore? </IMG>

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by bhartley

I have noticed several bathroom sinks that do not have overflow drains. Is this not a requirement anymore? </IMG>

Yes, it is not???

[David P. Valley]

Simply note it.

[Russel Ray]

Depends on many factors. When I was installing sinks back in Texas in the late 1970s, the all-in-one-plastic sinks were all the rage. However, they did not come with overflow holes. The manufacturers' instructions stated that the installers should drill holes at specific locations for overflow drains. So we did. Now everytime I inspect a 1970's home and see those drilled holes, ah the memories. NOT!

The upscale glass bowls, granite bowls, etc., will not have overflow drains. I always caution my Clients about sinks without overflow drains, particularly in this day of constant interruptions by all these handheld devices and the propensity of parents for washing newborns in sinks.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Most definitely write it up, it is not right under any circumstances for functions of the unit in todays' world of fast living. Drain clogs up partially and sink faucet left on invertainly, and there goes the water from the bathroom to the living room etc..

Marcel

[nbhi]

Brian, you stated that it is not a requirement to have overflow on sinks? Where is this info? I have never seen or heard of such. Please advise.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by nbhi

Brian, you stated that it is not a requirement to have overflow on sinks? Where is this info? I have never seen or heard of such. Please advise.

Can't find it Gary, but in all the new homes I inspect the bathroom sinks do not have overflows.

[Russel Ray]

I find overflows everywhere in new homes except in the obscenely large new homes that cost an obscene amount of money. Those homes typically have custom-sinks (leaded glass bowls, stone sinks, etc.), and since the overflow holes are ugly, they don't install them. It would be very, very difficult to install overflow drains in those glass bowl sinks. That would be ugly to the max and certainly unacceptable to those who are installing the glass bowl sinks for their beauty.

I also think that overflow drains are not a requirement. But in today's world of constant interruptions, I certainly think they are good. And when I find sinks without them, or the ultrabeautiful sinks that would be ugly with them, I also educate my Clients about them.

[Brian E. Kelly]

It has been my experience that the overflow drain buys a little extra time, and then the sink overflows anyway. My guess is someone else figured this out and they are no longer required (were they ever?).

If you leave a plugged sink running it is going to overflow.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by nbhi

Brian, you stated that it is not a requirement to have overflow on sinks? Where is this info? I have never seen or heard of such. Please advise.

Gary I have never seen the requirement for overflows? Where is the info? Please advise.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

If you leave a plugged sink running it is going to overflow.

But that begs the question, "Why would have one have a plugged sink?"

Am I the only one who tests my sink drainage on the first Saturday of each month, along with the GFCI outlets and the door and window locks, as well as the security system, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors?

[Marcel R. Cyr]

RR.

Boy how you would get along good with my wife on doing all this precautionary work. ha.ha. Preventive maintenace, I think is what it is called. My own house is always last on the agenda.

Marcel

[rwand1]

So even with an overflow we know in a un-perfect world that someone somewhere will leave the face cloth in the sink and the tap left on. Eventually the face cloth floats into the overflow preventing the water from exiting. So much for overflows. What about kitchen double sinks, I haven't seen one with an overflow and not all have the divider that is lower to allow water into the next sink?

[jferry]

Originally Posted by rray

Am I the only one who tests my sink drainage on the first Saturday of each month, along with the GFCI outlets and the door and window locks, as well as the security system, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors?

I'm gonna say "Yeah!"

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by rwand1

What about kitchen double sinks, I haven't seen one with an overflow and not all have the divider that is lower to allow water into the next sink?

I've never seen a double sink that does not have the lower divider.