5 Amazingly Creative Ways To Use The Extra Hole In Your Sink
Do you have extra hole in your sink deck that sits there empty? If you do, you’re not alone.
We have seen it many times, maybe it has always been empty, or maybe you just aren’t using that old, broken sprayer anymore.
Whatever the reason, you don’t have to live with a less-than-beautiful empty hole any longer.
We are sharing our favorite creative ways to use that open hole in your sink for something good in your home.
Of all the kitchen sink accessories, we think these are some of the very best!
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Before we get into the ideas, here's a quick answer to the question we hear a lot: why does my sink have an extra hole in the first place?
Most sinks come from the factory with multiple pre-drilled holes to accommodate different faucet configurations and accessories - a soap dispenser, a side sprayer, an air gap.
Sometimes a previous owner had something there and removed it. Sometimes the sink came with holes that were never used. Whatever the reason, that space doesn't have to stay empty or capped with a cheap plastic plug.
One more thing before we dive in: if you don't want to add anything at all, scroll down to option #8. A simple cover plate is a completely valid choice, and there are some really attractive ones available that look intentional rather than like an afterthought.
1. Install A Glass Rinser In The Extra Hole In Your Sink
That extra hole in your sink can now be an easy-to-use glass rinser that makes keeping your cups clean that much more simple!
Simply install the glass rinser (which comes in 7 different finishes to match your faucet) by hooking it up to a hot or cold water line and rinse any glass between 1”-3.6” in diameter.
You will love being able to wash out water bottles, coffee cups, travel mugs and baby bottles easily all from an empty hole that was just waiting for a better use.
How often you do find that your hands are dry after doing dishes?
Banish the dry hands by adding this dispenser for lotion, right in the hole in your kitchen sink deck!
You can easily install this dispenser in the empty space in your sink in a matter of minutes and have lotion whenever you need it.
The cost is minimal and it is a much more attractive solution than leaving the space empty or having a broken or unusable sprayer.
If you already have a soap dispenser you don’t use, you could even try swapping out the soap for some lotion to add new function to your space.
3. Use That Extra Hole In Your Sink For An Air Switch
You can turn that empty hole into a simple and attractive way to turn your garbage disposal on and off!
An air switch can be easily installed into that extra hole and allows you to not need to add an a switch in the wall to turn it on and off.
It is a really great way to add a garbage disposal switch, if you don’t already have one.
An air switch is also a nice way to create a more attractive looking kitchen by removing the traditional wall switch from view.
Air switches are inexpensive, easy to install, and also easy to clean and replace, if necessary.
You can find them in just about every color and finish to match your existing faucet, sink, or hardware as well.
It’s such a smart idea, for both people with garbage disposals, or those who could benefit from adding one!
Save money by skipping the bottled water and instead add a drinking water spigot to the empty hole in your sink deck.
Mount this reverse osmosis water system under your sink and enjoy your refreshing drinking water with confidence!
This system is both a water filter and water softener.
It claims to remove up to 99% of over 1,000 contaminants.
That includes lead (removes up to 98% of lead), chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, hormones, asbestos, calcium, sodium, bacteria, giardia, viruses and more.
The whole system fits under a standard kitchen sink and includes instructions for DIY install.
It even comes with a contemporary brushed nickel water faucet to make install a breeze.
Better water and a more functional use for that empty space in your sink - a win-win!
Skip a step and get that tea kettle off your stove. Your can now turn your sink into a station for instant filtered hot water!
Great for those who are tea drinkers or just like the convenience of hot water on demand.
It also filters the water to make sure what you’re drinking is not only hot, it is also safe and delicious.
The water system can be easily installed under your sink, and plugged into an outlet.
Just pick your favorite style of hot water spigot to install in the empty hole and you’re in business!
Below we have a few bonus ideas if you’re still trying to find the right one for you!
6. Replace or Add a Side Sprayer to That Extra Hole In Your Sink
If your extra hole was previously home to a side sprayer that broke or got removed, replacing it is a practical option to consider.
Side sprayers are inexpensive, useful daily for rinsing produce and dishes, and straightforward to install - they connect directly to the existing water supply line under your sink.
Even if you've never had a sprayer there before, adding one is a simple upgrade that genuinely improves how the sink functions.
Look for one that matches your faucet finish - most major faucet brands including Delta, Moen, and Kohler sell matching side sprayers that coordinate with their faucet lines.
Install difficulty: DIY friendly. Connects to the existing water line under the sink - no new plumbing required.
7. Install a Dishwasher Air Gap in the Extra Hole In Your Kitchen Sink
This one is less glamorous than a glass rinser or hot water dispenser, but it might be the most practically important item on this list. A dishwasher air gap prevents dirty drain water from backflowing into your dishwasher - which means your "clean" dishes are actually getting clean. It sits in the sink hole and connects to your dishwasher's drain line underneath the counter.
Here's why it matters more than most people realize: dishwasher air gaps are required by plumbing code in many states, including California, Washington, and others. If you have a dishwasher and an empty sink hole, this may actually be the right use for it whether you planned on it or not.
The good news is they come in every finish imaginable - brushed nickel, matte black, brushed gold, oil rubbed bronze, stainless - so it can look just as intentional as any other faucet accessory on your sink deck.
Install difficulty: DIY friendly. Fits into the sink hole and connects to the dishwasher drain line under the sink. No electrical work required.
Not every empty hole needs an accessory. Sometimes you just want the sink to look finished and clean, and that's a completely reasonable choice. Sink hole cover plates are exactly what they sound like - a decorative cap that drops into the hole and covers it flush with the sink deck.
They're inexpensive (most run $8–$20), require zero tools to install, and come in just about every finish to match your existing hardware. The installation literally takes two minutes: place the cover over the hole, tighten the butterfly nut underneath, done.
This is also a good option if you're not sure what you want to put there yet but want the sink to look presentable in the meantime. You can always swap it for a functional accessory later.
Install difficulty: Easiest of everything on this list. No tools, no plumbing, 2 minutes.
Which Option Is Right for You?
If you have one extra hole and aren't sure which direction to go, here's a quick way to decide:
You had a sprayer there before and miss having one → Go with the side sprayer replacement. It's the most practical choice and you already know you'll use it.
You entertain a lot or have a bar sink → The glass rinser is genuinely one of the best sink upgrades for people who host. Water bottles, wine glasses, baby bottles - it handles all of it faster than washing by hand.
You always want a cup of tea in the afternoon → The instant hot water dispenser is going to be a dream come true and remove extra steps to get you cozy in a chair with your mug as fast as possible.
You want to improve your drinking water → The reverse osmosis faucet is the long-term investment choice. It pays for itself in bottled water costs within a year for most households.
You want daily convenience with zero effort → The soap or lotion dispenser is the easiest install on this list and solves an annoying small daily frustration immediately.
You have a dishwasher and live in California or Washington → Check your local plumbing code - a dishwasher air gap may be required, and that empty hole is the perfect place for it.
You just want it to look finished → Cover plate. Two minutes, under $15, done.
Wrapping It Up
There are many reasons you might have an empty space in your sink deck, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it! Using one of these creative ideas you can breathe new life into your sink by adding more function and style. I hope you feel inspired to make your own kitchen a little more beautiful and practically useful!
Now I want to hear from you - Do you have an empty hole in your sink deck? What idea to fill that empty space sounds the most interesting to you?
FAQ
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Most kitchen sinks come from the factory with multiple pre-drilled holes to accommodate different faucet configurations and accessories. The extra holes are designed for items like a side sprayer, soap dispenser, air gap, or secondary faucet. If yours is empty, it was likely included for flexibility - previous owners may have used it for something that's since been removed, or it was simply never filled.
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The simplest solution is a sink hole cover plate - a decorative cap that fits over the hole and covers it flush with the sink deck. They cost $8–$20, require no tools to install, and come in finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, oil rubbed bronze, and stainless to match your existing faucet hardware. Installation takes about two minutes.
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It depends on where you live. Dishwasher air gaps are required by plumbing code in several states including California, Washington, and others. Even where not required, they serve an important function - preventing dirty drain water from backflowing into your dishwasher. If you have a dishwasher and an empty sink hole, installing an air gap there is both practical and code-compliant in many areas.
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A soap or lotion dispenser is the easiest functional upgrade - it drops through the hole with no water connection required and installs in a few minutes. If you don't want to add any function at all, a sink hole cover plate is even simpler: place it over the hole, tighten the nut underneath, done. Both are inexpensive and available in finishes to match your faucet.
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Yes, as long as your sink has an extra pre-drilled hole in the deck. The glass rinser installs into the hole and connects to either a hot or cold water supply line under the sink. Most models accommodate glasses between 1 and 3.6 inches in diameter and come in multiple finishes to coordinate with your existing faucet.
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Most kitchen sinks have between one and four pre-drilled holes. A single-hole sink is designed for a faucet with an integrated handle. A three-hole sink typically accommodates a two-handle faucet plus a sprayer or accessory. A four-hole sink provides an additional opening for a soap dispenser, air gap, or secondary faucet. The exact configuration varies by manufacturer and sink style.
