“A bath overflow outlet, also known as a bathtub overflow drain or overflow gasket, is a component found in bathtubs and some larger sinks. Its primary purpose is to prevent water from overflowing when the tub is filled with water.
Here’s how it works:
Overflow Prevention: The overflow outlet is usually positioned near the top of the bathtub, just below the rim. When you fill the bathtub with water, there’s always a risk of overfilling, especially if you step away and forget to turn off the water. The overflow outlet serves as a safety feature to prevent the water from reaching the point of overflowing. If the water level rises too high, it will flow into the overflow outlet instead of spilling onto the floor.
Drainage: Additionally, the overflow outlet also functions as a drain. It is connected to the bathtub’s main drain system, which leads to the sewer or septic tank. If the water level exceeds the height of the overflow outlet, it will drain out through the outlet, effectively maintaining the water level below the overflow point.
Overall, the bath overflow outlet provides peace of mind by preventing potential water damage due to accidental overfilling and ensuring that the water level in the bathtub stays at a safe and controlled level.”