Hello to all,
This is my 1st time since the new account went into effect. I’d like to know if anyone has any hints to cleaning the three over flow holes in the bathroom sink. These are the ones you see either in the mirror or when you are rincing out the tooth paste?
Thanks in advance for the help, TurtleBoy
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Replies
Try some Drano first. If that doesn't do it, test-tube brushes ought to work pretty well. Failing that, get a baby-bottle brush and trim it down some so it won't get jammed.
Normally the three holes feed a single drain channel moulded into the porcelain (or welded onto the outside of a metal sink). The blockage could very well be at the bottom end of that channel, where it feeds into the drain. You may have to pull the tailpiece, drain set and all, and dig out the crud from there.
Dinosaur
A day may come when the courage of men fails,when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship...
But it is not this day.
Tanks for the info, I'll try the bottle brush 1st.
turtleboy
It's not easy and it helps if you remove the flip up drain stopper and can get something in the drain below the exit tube from the sink rim to semi block it from draining. Use baking soda first and in a miraculous way, get a bunch down those holes in the sink rim. I've taken the box and poured a bunch in a dry sink. Swiping it back and forth over the holes should get some in. Then, in another ingenious manuever (syringe or turkey baster) get quite a bit of white vinegar in those holes. Let mount vesuvius work till the bubbling quits. Add more vinegar. Pull the rag you've blocked the exit hole with, pour some baking soda in the drain and add more vinegar. When that bubbling stops, replace the drain cap and overfill with hot water, flushing out the overflow holes.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
You musta been a terror as a kid with your home chemistry set!
I like the turkey baster idea. Lots less trouble than funnels and tubing....
Dinosaur
A day may come when the courage of men fails,when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship...
But it is not this day.
I just have a little to add in regards to finding brushes for cleaning various size holes. Gun cleaning brushes are available in a multitude of sizes and materials (nylon, brass, stainless steel). Although not cost effective for all cleaning, they can be a life saver for projects that need something more specialized.
Cheers, Don
I have a large, sponge-rubber, kid's ball with a piece of small diameter (roughly 3/8") punched through it; I put the ball over the over-flow hole so that the tubing is aimed into the hole; a quick burst of air is delivered to the free end of the tubing with a cleaning nozzle and it blows all the crud out of the over-flow tunnel. Remember to hold a wiper over the drain while you're blowing to contain the mess
In a pinch, a know a couple of fitters who just put their mouth over the hole and blow.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario