Debunked Myths

This myth is a classic case of misapplying a real scientific phenomenon to everyday life. The Coriolis effect is genuine—it's the force caused by Earth's rotation that deflects large-scale systems like hurricanes and ocean currents. In the Northern Hemisphere, these systems spin counterclockwise; in the Southern Hemisphere, clockwise. However, this force is incredibly weak.

For the Coriolis effect to influence water in your sink or toilet, the water would need to be perfectly still for days in a perfectly symmetrical basin. Your bathroom doesn't meet these conditions. The spin direction is actually determined by the basin's shape, the angle of water jets, and residual currents from when the bowl was filled. Even a slight asymmetry can dictate the rotation.

You can easily prove this yourself—try filling a sink and pulling the plug multiple times. You'll likely see different rotation directions on different attempts. The myth persists because it connects a mundane observation to grand planetary forces, making the world feel more interconnected. But if you want to see the real Coriolis effect, watch weather patterns on a satellite map, not water in your bathroom.