I've been around trailer homes and noticed they never have an overflow
in their bathtubs. I used to think that was just in the real old
trailers, but I'm seeing the same thing on the newer ones. Why do they
neglect to put overflows on those tubs?

As with most things in mobile homes, I'm sure it's a cost cutting measure.
One less part to buy, and reduced labor costs not having to install it.

Regardless, I've never seen an overflow drain that could keep up with a tub
faucet. If you turn on the water and walk away, the tub will still
overflow. For that matter, if you fill up the tub with water, and then hop
in, there's no way the overflow will drain fast enough to prevent the water
from rising up over the top of the tub.

In my opinion, overflow drains are just an annoyance. They make it
impossible to fill up the tub for a nice deep soak. You fill up the tub,
hop in, and get about three minutes of soaking time before the water drains
down the overflow, leaving you sitting out in the cold.

The only overflow system that seems like it would be good is the
"infinity" type tubs. These fill up to the very rim of the tub, with a
trough around the upper edge to catch any water that flows over. But,
they're not cheap, don't fit standard tub alcoves, and that trough probably
gets gunked up.

I'm not a person who likes to waste time watching a tub fill
up, and tend to walk away.

I usually hop in the tub while it's still filling up. This lets me adjust
the water temperature as needed, rather than discovering it's too hot or
cold after it's already full.

Anthony Watson
www.mountainsoftware.com
www.watsondiy.com