Have you ever wondered what the function of the hole under the faucet in sinks is? That’s a sink overflow hole that stops dirty water from spilling all over when the sink overflows. No wonder why cleaning the sink overflow pipe is essential to allow it to drain water smoothly.
If the overflow pipe gets clogged, it won’t drain excess water, and this can cause flooding. Besides, if the sink overflow is dirty, it’s likely to trigger mold growth, especially in your bathroom.
I have been in that exact situation. That’s why I put up this post on how to clean the sink overflow pipe and keep it functioning optimally.
Tools Need to Clean Sink Overflow Pipe
The preparation process of cleaning the sink overflow pipe requires collecting the substances and tools that you’ll use.
- A cup of distilled white vinegar
- A cup of baking soda
- Two quarts of hot water
- A tube or funnel of non-conductive material like silicone that can withstand the heat without transferring it.
You’re likely to have these tools at your home, but if not, you can quickly get them at a nearby home improvement store. Once you have everything ready, it’s time to clean!
How to Clean Sink Overflow Pipe
Follow these steps to clean your sink overflow pipe.
Step 1. Insert the Silicone Tube or Funnel into the Pipe
Your tube or funnel should be small enough to get into the pipe. However, because silicone doesn’t produce great friction force, you only need to relax and gently twist the funnel forth and back as it goes deeper. Don’t put the tube into the hole in the bottom and attempt to push it up the overflow section, as this might turn into a frustrating experience.
Step 2. Pour the Cup of Baking Soda Down the Tube
This shouldn’t be a complicated action. But, suppose as a child you have attempted to fill a designated limited area with a powdery substance or ever tried to make a good picture with chocolate powder on top of the latte milk form. In that case, you understand it can be more tricky than it seems. Some bit of patience and shaking will come in handy.
Step 3. Pour White Vinegar into the Silicone Funnel or Tube
Pour white vinegar gently and slowly. Soda and vinegar will mix to form a fizz, and this reaction is what we need to remove the mildew from the sink surface. A strong flow will waste your white vinegar, damage the fizz formed, and won’t assist you in solving the puzzle of how to clean the sink overflow pipe using soda and vinegar.
Step 4. Wait! Don’t Rush the Process
Allow the substances to sit in the sink overflow pipe for a few minutes to offer the chemical reaction sufficient time to react fully. It shouldn’t take long; 15 minutes is enough for the two substances to work as you enjoy a couple of amusing videos on Tiktok and boil some water for the next phase.
Step 5. Wash the Pipe With Hot Water
After the baking soda and white vinegar have sat for 15 minutes, you can now flush them out. Take hot water and carefully dispense it down the sink overflow pipe. Remember that your hands are the most vulnerable part of this procedure, so be cautious not to splash your hands with hot water or get steam burns. If the process seems unmanageable alone, seek help.
Step 6. Assess and Repeat
You might be good with one cycle based on how worse things were before the process. On the other hand, the smell might weaken but remain, indicating that you should redo the process from steps one to six.
The procedure doesn’t take much time and isn’t too demanding effort-wise. So, you might consider making the process routine checkup of the sink overflow pipe. It will assist you in avoiding issues and guarantee the consistent functionality of the sink.
How to Ensure the Sink Overflow Pipe Doesn’t Get Block
We believe we encouraged you to learn more about how to clean the sink the overflow pipe. So, it’s important to clean the sink frequently as this will spare you the unpleasant experience of unblocking it and also helps you solve the unpleasant odor.
For your cleaning purposes, get the following things:
- Pipe cleaner or brush
- Pipe or funnel, like the one you used for unclogging the pipe
- Hot water
Step 1: Stick Pipe Cleaner or Brush into the Overflow Hole of the Sink
We can’t say pushing the tube down the overflow hole is easy, but you must do it. Again, your pipe cleaner or brush needs to be a perfect size for such work. Use the sink overflow hole to get to the area; the pipe underneath the sink won’t let you access it.
Step 2: Scrape by Pushing the Brush Forth and Back
At this phase, you need to remove all the accumulation using force. Be gentle with your hands; watch out, so they don’t get hurt by the sink’s faucet or any surrounding stuff, but ensure the brush bristles are scrubbing the required surface. When doing this, let someone prepare hot water for you, or take a break and boil it yourself.
Step 3: Brush Out as You Funnel in
Once you feel that the frictions aren’t removing any gunk, take the cleaning brush and stick the funnel in. if you don’t remember the procedure details, refer to the unclogging part, step one.
Step 4: Pour Hot Water
Gently and slowly pour hot water down the pipe. Watch out for your hands, as you don’t want to get hurt. The procedure will loosen and flush the remaining residue based on how worse things were at the start.
Step 6: Evaluate and Repeat
Move the pipe slowly as you check out if there is any buildup remaining that can be removed. If you find any, repeat the procedure from step one. If there is no sediment, the work is done.
How to Use an Enzyme Cleaner to Clean Sink Overflow Pipe
Enzyme cleaner is a perfect substance you can use to clean a sink overflow pipe. In most cases, enzyme drain cleaners come in liquid and powder form. You’ll need to mix the powder with water before using it, pour it into the drain and flush it through.
Irrespective of the type you use, you’re assured of good results. All you need to do is pour the cleaner into the sink overflow pipe and allow it to sit overnight. The following morning, pour hot water to flush all the buildup out. In many cases, enzyme cleaners efficiently deal with foul smells and dirt. So, you might not need more than a single iteration.
Cleaning Tips
The following tips will also help you clean your sink overflow pipe
Use Normal Cleaners More Instead of Chemicals
You might be wondering what chemical you can use to clean the sink overflow pipe. Since not all chemicals are safe, you must be careful about what you use.
Any substance that you can flush down the drain is ok. However, avoid using bleach as it offers minimal cleaning and possible problems. You can make an effective drain cleaner by combining water and baking soda. Let the mixture rest for a couple of minutes, then pour it down the overflow pipe. Rinse with boiling water.
Use a Zip Tie to Clean the Overflow Sink Pipe
Plastic zip ties are ideal since they easily bend around the curvature of the sink and remain strong to remove the sludge or organic bacteria that have accumulated at the bottom of the drain.
Insert the knots pointed end down the drain, then wriggle it side to side and up and down to loosen and remove any buildup it might find. Use the longer zip tie since the short one might fall into the sink overflow pipe.
Final Word
Cleaning the sink, dealing with clogs, and knowing how to clean the sink overflow pipe are paramount. It can be unpleasant and confusing, but everyone should be familiar with it as this will make our lives cozier and easier.
This guide offers you practical ideas on where to begin and how to clean a sink overflow pipe when experiencing an issue. Now it’s time to get everything you need and get to the action.
Follow these steps:
- Insert the silicone tube or funnel into the pipe
- Pour the cup of baking soda down the tube
- Pour white vinegar into the silicone funnel or tube
- Allow the substances to sit in the sink overflow pipe for 15 mins
- Wash the pipe with hot water
- Assess and repeat
Don’t forget there is a plumbing expert ready to assist you when things get tough and you feel unable to solve the issues yourself. So don’t hesitate to call them when necessary.
Feel free to comment if you have any questions.