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Discussion » Questions » Science and Technology » Is it true that toilets and sinks in the southern hemisphere drain counter-clockwise, or is that an urban myth?

Is it true that toilets and sinks in the southern hemisphere drain counter-clockwise, or is that an urban myth?

Posted - September 12, 2020

Responses


  • 85
    Very true, demonstrations on the equator prove the fact with a bucket of water draining through a hole in the bottom either side of the exact location for a fee.
      September 12, 2020 5:00 PM MDT
    5

  • 9777
    Switch the buckets to verify if it's the location or the bucket causing this.
      September 12, 2020 6:54 PM MDT
    3

  • 339
    Iz true.

    I noticed last time was sick in Buenos Aires 
      September 12, 2020 5:01 PM MDT
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  • 5808
    Maybe Gravity


      September 12, 2020 6:43 PM MDT
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  • 9777
    From what I learned in school, it is not true. I double-checked on Scientific American and Snopes to verify that it is a myth. I'll let Element explain why.
      September 12, 2020 6:52 PM MDT
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  • 13251
    And when will these pearls of wisdom be dispensed?
      September 12, 2020 7:28 PM MDT
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  • 9777
    I'm just assuming Element will weigh in here. I have no inside track on the timing.
      September 12, 2020 7:29 PM MDT
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  • 44173
    Thanks, Jane. The Coriolis effect is only relevant for large scale events, typhoons, hurricanes etc. Toilets flushing are determined by the direction that the water outlets are aimed. For an explanation of the Coriolis effect...film at 11:00.
      September 12, 2020 7:31 PM MDT
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  • 9777
    I love it when you talk science!
      September 12, 2020 7:33 PM MDT
    4

  • 44173
    I thrive on science questions. Much better than tildes or sandwiches.
      September 12, 2020 7:37 PM MDT
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  • 52903

     

      You make it seem as if there’s no science involved in either tildes or sandwiches. I thought we were pals! ¡Te odio!

      September 12, 2020 9:50 PM MDT
    0

  • 13251
    Thanks!
      September 12, 2020 7:33 PM MDT
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  • 44173
    Indeed...more science questions, please.
      September 12, 2020 7:38 PM MDT
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  • 13251
    Care to take on the one I posted about the California wildfires?
      September 12, 2020 7:39 PM MDT
    2

  • 44173
    I missed it. Paste it for me.
      September 12, 2020 7:41 PM MDT
    2

  • 13251
    I posted it in the last 20 minutes. You can find it on the member home page or on my profile.
      September 12, 2020 7:44 PM MDT
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  • 339
     

    This is all I remember - But no one was holding my hair. This post was edited by BetaLoon at September 12, 2020 9:45 PM MDT
      September 12, 2020 7:50 PM MDT
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  • 44173
    A load of crap...
      September 12, 2020 7:53 PM MDT
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  • 339
    YOU weren't there.

    As usual 
      September 12, 2020 8:00 PM MDT
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  • 19942
    I have been at the Equator and the water does drain counter clockwise.  I'm not sure about toilets since they mostly just go straight down, even above the Equator.  
      September 12, 2020 9:35 PM MDT
    2

  • 44173
    Toilets are built to swirl the water.
      September 13, 2020 1:43 PM MDT
    1

  • 19942
    I double checked mine - it just gets sucked down.
      September 13, 2020 3:40 PM MDT
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  • 16197
    If you very carefully isolate a small body of water from ALL outside influences, the minuscule Coriolis effect can be detected. In a bathroom fixture, it's almost impossible to achieve.
      September 14, 2020 3:15 AM MDT
    0

  • 3680
    It is an old myth.

    I have seen the vortex sometimes stop then start again in the opposite direction, and I have also artificially reversed it by swirling the water by hand. The rotation is probably determined by the shape and size of the sink and outlet, and perhaps also the depth of water.

      September 23, 2020 8:29 AM MDT
    0