How to Drill a Drain Hole in Ceramic Pot

Drill a hole in a ceramic pot to help plants drain properly.

You find an exquisite ceramic pot for your potted flowers, but unfortunately, it lacks the drainage holes necessary to keep your flowers healthy. Do not let this small detail stop you from using beautiful ceramic pots for your potted plants when you can drill a drain hole in ceramic pots quickly and easily. Ensure you do not damage the fragile ceramic materials by using the proper drill bit and then creating the necessary drainage holes for your plants.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Permanent marker
• Spray bottle filled with water
• Ceramic tile drill bit (3/8-inch diameter)
• Drill

Instructions

1. Place masking tape over the bottom of the ceramic planter to prevent the drill bit from slipping and to prevent cracking of the ceramic pot.

2. Make a small dot on the masking tape with the permanent marker to mark the points where you plan to drill the drainage holes. Space the holes approximately 3 inches apart if you are drilling more than one hole.

3. Spray the bottom of the planting container generously with water from the spray bottle. The water will lubricate the drill bit as it goes through the bottom of the container and keep the ceramic cool to prevent it from cracking.

4. Fit the drill bit into the drill and tighten it securely.

5. Place the pot upside down on a flat work surface.

6. Position the point of the drill bit at a mark you made and begin drilling with even pressure until you drill through the bottom of the ceramic pot. Stop halfway through the drilling and spray the bottom of the pot with additional water if it seems to be getting too hot.

7. Drill any additional holes in the same fashion.

8. Remove the masking tape and use your ceramic pot with drainage holes for your potted plant.

References

• Natural Handyman: Drilling Holes in Various Materials