In cases where you accidentally let water overflow and the main drain is blocked or cannot release water in time, the small hole connected to the pipe below prevents the water from spilling onto the floor.

Sinks and washbasins are certainly not unfamiliar, as they are present in every household bathroom. Yet sometimes there are things you see and use every day but often overlook, forgetting their real purpose and function.

A clear example is the tiny hole you always see in washbasins. Is it a manufacturer’s mistake, or was it designed with intention and usefulness?

In reality, many people use the sink daily without paying much attention to this hole, or they may assume it is just an unnecessary design feature.

In washbasin design, the small hole is usually placed about one-third down from the top edge of the basin. Surprisingly, this hole is connected to the drainpipe below.

This is one of the most practical design features of a sink. According to experts, there are times when users might forget to turn off the faucet. At that moment, the small hole becomes extremely important.

If water begins to overflow and the main drain is blocked or too slow, the small hole allows the excess water to flow down into the pipe below, preventing flooding on the bathroom floor.

Thanks to this little hole, you don’t have to worry about water spilling over and flooding your home. It not only prevents overflow but also helps improve water drainage. Additionally, it allows airflow, which reduces pressure and helps water drain faster from the sink.

However, despite its advantages, the small hole also has drawbacks. Positioned in an inconvenient spot, it easily accumulates dirt, mold, and bacteria from the pipes, which can rise up and cause unpleasant odors. Over time, moss, mildew, and residue may build up, affecting hygiene and even your health.

For this reason, if you notice an unpleasant smell in your bathroom, you can pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda into the hole. The chemical reaction will help dissolve dirt inside the pipe within 5–10 minutes. Finally, flush the sink with warm water to thoroughly clean it. This simple method will keep your bathroom fresh and clean.

Besides odors, porcelain sinks may also become yellow and stained after long use. This not only ruins their appearance but also provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Experts recommend cleaning regularly with simple methods such as:

1. Soap and hot water

Prepare some soap, a sponge, and warm water. Dissolve the soap in a small bowl of hot water, dip the sponge into the soapy mixture, and scrub the stains. Avoid using steel scrubbers, as they may scratch the porcelain. Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterward to restore the shine.

2. Baking soda

Wet the sink, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the surface, and scrub in circular motions with a sponge. Leave it for about 10 minutes, then rinse with clean water. Using hot water can increase the cleaning effect.

3. Lemon juice and salt

This is another simple and highly effective cleaning method. Squeeze the juice of about five lemons into a bowl, add enough salt to form a thick mixture, and apply it to the sink with a sponge. Scrub the entire surface, leave it for 15–20 minutes, and then rinse with clean water.