When a sink is set up, it has specific features that ensure the functionality of the fixture is not compromised.
Builders will often pour through these details to figure out how to optimize the sink as it is installed. Unfortunately, this might not always work out when the sink is made of specific materials such as granite or copper.
With these materials, you will have to figure out how to add an overflow drain to the sink.
To add an overflow drain to the sink, disconnect the fixture from the main pipe, place a small dishwasher tailpiece on the pipe, connect a vinyl tube to the tailpiece, and leave one end open for air to release. This will improve the draining.
The most common issue has to do with the lack of air releasing as soon as the sink is set up. The dishwasher tailpiece will offer enough value where the problem is going to go away on its own.
Just find a way to improve the airflow in the sink, so nothing gets trapped. This is why the tube works so well.
This guide will highlight what you need to do as you figure out how to add an overflow drain to a sink.
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Steps On How To Add Overflow Drain To Sink
1. Disconnect The Sink From The Main Pipe
To install an overflow drain to a sink, you will want to take the sink off of the pipe before starting.
This will allow you access to the pipe that is running along the bottom of the sink.
Each setup is unique but this is one part of the sink that is common. Look to turn off the water supply before doing this and then disconnect the sink as soon as you can.
Once the sink is off, you are going to notice the pipe that is running along the bottom.
2. Install A Dishwasher Tailpiece To The Pipe
The pipe that is running underneath is going to be the primary focus here.
You will want to install a dishwasher tailpiece on the pipe. The purpose of doing this is to make sure there is a separator between the sink and the main pipe.
This is where the tailpiece comes into the equation.
It will also offer a secondary connection point, which is critical for maximizing how air flows through.
Look to make sure it is securely in place.
It needs to be secure as the sink is going to now sit on top of the tailpiece.
3. Connect A Vinyl Tube To The Tailpiece
Since the tailpiece has a secondary connection point, you are going to use this to your advantage to maximize airflow.
The way this is going to happen is with the installation of a small vinyl tube.
The tube is going to be attached to the tailpiece and then is going to be left open from one end.
The purpose of doing this is to make sure air releases from the pipe when the sink is draining. This will speed up how fast it drains.
When there is air trapped in the sink, it locks everything up. This is what you want to avoid, which is why a secondary release point is a must (i.e. the tube).
4. Leave One End Of The Tube Open
You will want to make sure one end of the vinyl tube is left open.
This is the only way you are not going to have a closed circuit. When there is a closed circuit with the other end closed, it will cause the air to push back into the main pipe.
This defeats the purpose of making this change.
You want to leave one end open as that will push the air out, which will help push the rest of the water down into the drain.
Final Thoughts
These are the steps that matter as you find out how to add an overflow drain to the sink.
To add an overflow drain to the sink, start by disconnecting the sink from the main pipe. Now, install a dishwasher tailpiece on top of the pipe, connect a separate vinyl tube to the tailpiece, and leave one end of that tube open. This will help release air and ensure water drains faster.
You always want to have a way for air to flow and that is why the tailpiece is essential. It will allow you to connect the tubing, which will help push the air out.
For specific types of sinks, this is the only way you are going to ensure the draining is in line with what your sink needs.
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