What should you do if you notice that the tubing used in vacuum filtration has holes?

If the tubing used in vacuum filtration has holes, the appropriate action is to replace the tubing. This is crucial because the integrity of the tubing directly affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the filtration process. Holes can lead to loss of vacuum pressure, which is essential for drawing the liquid through the filter. Additionally, leaks can introduce contaminants into the filtration system or result in spills, creating safety hazards.

Using tape to seal the holes may seem like a quick fix, but it is unlikely to provide a reliable solution and could fail during the filtration process. Continuing the process cautiously could lead to further complications, while notifying a lab instructor is important for safety but does not directly address the immediate need to ensure that proper equipment is used for the filtration to proceed correctly. Therefore, replacing the defective tubing is fundamentally the most effective and safest course of action.