[Tustin714]

The other threads on this topic in the forum appear to be closed, so here's a quick question about the small overflow holes in bathroom sinks, since water seemingly could evaporate through these, even with the plug closed, and allow bugs in. So do people plug the hole with tissue or something as simple as that, or another way?

Thanks.

[rjm1cc]

I would say most do not because we never think of it. Go ahead close the whole. No harm will be done.

[retiredguy123]

I would not plug the overflow hole on any fixture or seal or close the drain shut. Traps that dry out are usually not an issue. I would be more concerned about causing a flood. If you are really concerned about the trap drying out, you can fill the traps with a chemical that will not dry out, but personally, I wouldn't do that either.

[LeRoySmith]

A cup or 2 of cheap vegetable oil in each trap will keep them from drying out.

[Tustin714]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I would not plug the overflow hole on any fixture or seal or close the drain shut. Traps that dry out are usually not an issue. I would be more concerned about causing a flood. If you are really concerned about the trap drying out, you can fill the traps with a chemical that will not dry out, but personally, I wouldn't do that either.

Thanks for taking the time to reply, but we always turn off the water to the house, so overflow isn't an issue.

[Tustin714]

Originally Posted by LeRoySmith

A cup or 2 of cheap vegetable oil in each trap will keep them from drying out.

Interesting idea; none of the article I've read about long-term closure has yet mentioned that one. Thanks.

[daniel200]

First check to see if your sink overflow is even functional. None of the sink overflows are functional (they do not drain) in my 2005 built house. I had a plumber look at it and it seems none of the drain holes have any possibility to be plumbed or drain. I discovered this when I purchased the home in 2018.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Tustin714

Thanks for taking the time to reply, but we always turn off the water to the house, so overflow isn't an issue.

I understand, but accidents happen. The water shutoff valve can leak, or you can forget to remove the overflow plug, etc. I may be AR, but I would never try to disable a drain. One other thing you could do would be to cover the sink top with plastic wrap to prevent evaporation.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by daniel200

First check to see if your sink overflow is even functional. None of the sink overflows are functional (they do not drain) in my 2005 built house. I had a plumber look at it and it seems none of the drain holes have any possibility to be plumbed or drain. I discovered this when I purchased the home in 2018.

I just tested my mine and they function perfectly. They don't need to be plumbed. The overflow is built in to the fixture. Note that in plumbing lingo, I was taught that the "sinks" in the bathrooms are called "vantities" because they have an overflow. But the "sinks" in the kitchen and laundry are called "sinks" because they do not have an overflow. I have noticed that, in some of the older Villages houses, the vanities and bathtubs do not have an overflow. I think this may be a plumbing code violation today, but I am not certain.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Tustin714

The other threads on this topic in the forum appear to be closed, so here's a quick question about the small overflow holes in bathroom sinks, since water seemingly could evaporate through these, even with the plug closed, and allow bugs in. So do people plug the hole with tissue or something as simple as that, or another way?

Thanks.

Never thought of that, but we typically never leave our home for more than a couple months at any time. Also, we have snowflake friends and we check each others homes whenever one of us gets to the Villages and always run water in each sink and tub/shower. That being said, I winterize our family lake house each year and put RV antifreeze in all the traps. RV antifreeze is inexpensive and is designed to evaporate very slowly.

[Ritagoyer]

Originally Posted by Tustin714

The other threads on this topic in the forum appear to be closed, so here's a quick question about the small overflow holes in bathroom sinks, since water seemingly could evaporate through these, even with the plug closed, and allow bugs in. So do people plug the hole with tissue or something as simple as that, or another way?

Thanks.

I put blue painter's tape over the holes in the bathroom it is easy to see and remove

[La lamy]

I tape those overflow holes with packing tape, as well as the drain holes.

[nordic tug]

I put corks in the holes, some wine bottles corks have a solid grip on top making it easier to remove and reuse.

[TheWarriors]

Wow, never knew so many had problems with bugs when the houses are vacant. Might want to look deeper into the issue, seems like more than a “cover the drain” problem. Plumbing systems are sealed except for the vents on your roof.

[Bonnien]

There is one sink in my home where bugs appear…..ver little black bugs that resemble flies…then i saw small ants….this sink is used. Constantly…..