When your kid’s thirsty and the bathroom’s right there, is it safe to fill their cup from the sink? Usually, yes, but here’s what you need to know. Most homes today have one water system, so the bathroom tap gives you the same clean water as the kitchen. That means it’s typically fine to drink. But if your house is old, say from before the 1980s, the pipes might be made of lead or rusty steel. These can break down, mixing harmful stuff into the water or making it taste funny.
If your home’s plumbing is outdated, use a home water test kit to check for safety—it’s quick and cheap. If you have a water purifier or softener, your bathroom water could be extra clean, free of chemicals or minerals. Some parents worry the bathroom sink is linked to the toilet, but that’s a myth. The sink gets fresh water, separate from the toilet’s line, so there’s no risk of mixing. Still, a grimy bathroom sink can be trouble. With toothpaste splatters or soap buildup, germs can lurk around the faucet and sneak into your drink.
Keep your sink clean by scrubbing it regularly, especially the faucet and counter, to avoid bacteria. If your bathroom’s dirty or your pipes look like they’re from another era, stick to the kitchen. But in a tidy home with newer plumbing, a sip from the bathroom tap is no problem. Just watch out for grabbing the mouthwash instead. By knowing your pipes are safe and keeping your bathroom fresh, you can let the kids hydrate from the closest faucet without worry, making life a bit easier.