Not everyone understands how the sewage system works in general and how the drain functions. Most users have already become accustomed to the existing plumbing products and they do not care at all what and how it works. But sooner or later, breakdowns happen in the house, and a person has to repair them. This also applies to the siphon for the sink. Therefore, before purchasing it, it is better to find out a little information on how to choose the right product, so as not to miscalculate with the price, design and other criteria.
Is it difficult to install a sink?
At first glance, the sink may seem like a simple structure. However, there are nuances that you can learn about in advance in order to avoid installation problems and siphon leakage. Replacing a complete sink is a difficult task, despite the fact that the mechanism is very simple. The difficulty lies in the fact that the sink, like everything else in the bathroom, is connected to the sewerage and plumbing system. The erected structure should not leak and let in unpleasant odors, and therefore you will need to install a siphon under the sink.
Whatwhat is a siphon?
Everything in the bathroom, whether it's a sink, toilet or bathtub, must be connected to a single sewer system in the house. Then the question involuntarily arises as to why it is impossible to connect the sink directly to the sewer? The answer is simple: if you connect the sewer to the room directly, then the smells from it will penetrate into the house. The sink siphon is a part that keeps odors out of the house and facilitates easy cleaning. It is much easier to disconnect one part and clean it than to deal with this issue in a complex manner. Moreover, to clean the sewer, you will need to call a specialist, since it will be extremely difficult to solve the problem on your own.
Clogged pipes are especially a problem in private homes, as they often have a smaller diameter than in apartment buildings. In addition, pipes are located vertically in apartments, and at a slight angle in houses. For this reason, residents of the private sector should carefully choose siphons.
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Sink Siphon can be found in many plumbing stores. They differ according to the following criteria:
- model,
- design,
- material,
- design.
Plastic and steel siphons for sinks are common in everyday life. These are now the most popular models on the market, and their demand is growing day by day.
Corrugated siphon
This type of siphon is presented in the form of a pleat,which in the process of functioning will create a shutter from the water. The shape of the fold is fixed in a certain position thanks to special fasteners. They can be made from different materials.
Such a siphon is suitable for sinks and sinks in the kitchen and bathroom. Of the positive aspects, the following can be noted:
- Low cost. The plastic product will last a long time. And the low price only encourages people to simply buy a new part if it breaks down.
- The ability to stretch and change shape. This type of pipe is ideal for people who plan to renovate their bathroom frequently and move the sink to another location.
Siphon is not without flaws. One of them is the internal structure of the pipe. Due to the ribbed structure of the product, debris may accumulate.
Pipe siphon
The presented type of siphon has a similar design, but differs in material. Usually such products are made of cast iron. Similar products were actively used during the Soviet Union. This kitchen sink siphon comes in the form of a pipe that connects the drain hole to the sink. The main drawback of the product is a water seal. If it is not used for a long time, the internal structure will simply dry out.
Bottle siphons
The presented type of product was named due to its unique shape. This sink siphon consists of a cavity that resembles a bottle in shape, andthere is a sump inside. A conclusion is placed in the middle of the structure. This technology allows the water seal not to dry out for a long time.
The main advantages of the bottle model
Products have a number of advantages:
- Simple structure allows quick disassembly and assembly for cleaning.
- Due to the unusual shape, debris will accumulate in the sink siphon sump in the kitchen.
- It is very easy to get items out of the siphon that might fall there.
Other types of siphons
There are many models that are designed for specific types of sinks - and they have a unique design. For example, siphons with a double design have been developed. This type can come in handy in the bathroom if there are double bowls in the sink. If you want to save space in the bathroom and put the washing machine under the sink, while connecting everything with one siphon, then a product with two pipes for water outlet will help you. If you want to connect them together, then a flat sink siphon, which is located between the washbasin and the washing machine, is suitable for you. There are different products, and it's up to you to decide which one to choose.
Choosing a sink siphon
Choosing a siphon is not a tricky business, but if you want a quality product, then you should arm yourself with the following recommendations:
- If the house has a standard washbasin, then choose an ordinary siphon. As a rule, a siphon under the sink is sold complete with a sink, alsoassembly instructions are included with them.
- Immediately consider the number of connected devices. If you need to connect a sink and a washing machine, and you choose a siphon with a low capacity, then it is likely that a flood will occur in the house.
- If the product is open, then choose the right design for it. You can purchase a beautiful chrome siphon for the sink or just a colored one with different finishes. Do not save on the cost of the product and always pay attention to the design of the room.
Assembly and installation
Before you assemble the siphon for the sink, you will need to read the instructions. Usually, manufacturers attach a clear manual to each product in order to eliminate any problems during assembly. For those who do not know how to assemble a sink siphon, it will be useful to know the main features of the procedure. The process is divided into three main steps:
- Connecting the beginning of the siphon and the drain hole.
- Assembling the main part of the structure.
- Connecting the siphon to the sewer pipe.
It doesn't matter if you use a flat sink siphon or something else. These three steps are included in the assembly of each type of product.
First assembly step
At the initial stage, you will need to do the following:
- A mesh is mounted on the bottom of the sink vase, which will act as a filter that traps all debris.
- A special gasket is mounted on the design of the pipe, which is made of rubber, and the second end of the pipeconnects to the siphon.
- The pipe is attached to the sink. To do this, you need to press it and fasten it with a special screw that will secure the two structures together.
Don't forget: use a wide screwdriver to screw in the sink faucet siphon. To do this, tighten the screw, but do not press hard on the structure to avoid breakage. Be extremely careful during installation: if the grate protrudes from the sink, water will begin to stagnate in the pipe.
Second assembly step
This step concerns the installation of the main part of the siphon:
- We install a special plastic nut on the outlet area, and after that - a gasket. The nut connects all the elements between the chamfer and the nozzle.
- Install the top of the siphon for the sink with overflow. We put a gasket on it, tighten the nut, but do not put pressure on it.
- We twist the lid of the flask. We do this only after installing the rubber gasket between the structures.
If you plan to disassemble the sink siphon from time to time, it is better not to seal it with sealants so that you can clean the parts from debris. Trust me, this will come in handy in the future!
Third installation step
Now you can connect a plastic, cast iron or chrome siphon for the sink to the washbasin and sewer pipe. The connection is made with a plastic pipe or with a solid assembly. You can use plastic as this material has the ability to shrink and change shape. But a solid assembly, on the contrary,chained to one position in space.
How to check build quality?
Before using a siphon for a sink with an overflow, it is better to check it. A leak can lead not only to wet flooring, but also to flooding of neighbors who live below. It is better to check the quality of all connections. You can do this like this: supply water to the sink and see if there are any leaks in the pipes. A large water pressure will show whether the connection between the structures is strong or not.
Assembly Tips
You bought a bottle-type siphon, but it does not fit in the free space? Don't worry, the problem can be solved. But do not try to drown the nozzle in a glass. Do not forget that the gap between the outlet of the pipe and the lid of the glass must be at least 3 cm. If this is not done, the water will slowly leave or not drain at all. What to do in this case? Just unscrew all the clamping nuts and take out the nozzle. Measure how much it needs to be shortened, and cut off the excess with a hacksaw or grinder with an abrasive disc. Remove burrs, chamfer and assemble the structure. Such a simple manipulation will allow the siphon to fit freely in a limited space, and the device will function reliably.
Do you have doubts about the reliability of corrugated hoses or are you worried that they will become clogged with debris? Then it is better to replace them with smooth plastic tubes of the same diameter. Use all sealing gaskets andclamp nuts.
A little advice: it is better to purchase siphons with additional outlet pipes in order to be able to connect washing machines. If now you have nothing to connect, then such a siphon will still come in handy in the future. An additional pipe will not affect the functionality of the siphon in any way. It is better to think ahead than to buy equipment and install it, and in a year to look for something new in case of replacement.
Interesting fact: in many European countries, the installation of a closing valve in sinks is provided at the legislative level. Its position is always closed, water can only be drained when it is opened. Devices are put only for the purpose of saving water: this method reduces the harm to nature. The valve allows you to save approximately 40% of the water that is consumed when using the bathroom. And since utility bills are not cheap, families also save money. In our country, such products are already available on the market, so every family should purchase them along with a siphon. The valve drive can be lever or spring, there is no fundamental difference here.
Nuts on metal siphons cannot be tightened by hand, because there are no protruding edges. Therefore, you will have to use special adjustable or gas wrenches, but scratches may remain on the surface after using them. To prevent such negative consequences, it is better to use gaskets between the wrench and nuts (thin pieces of rubber, cloth, etc.). Don't worry about the gaskets slipping a little: it'snormal, and it is not necessary to apply much force to tighten the nuts.
Remember: overtightening rubber pads is much worse than undertightening. Strong pressure in the seals contributes to the appearance of through holes, so it will be difficult to avoid leakage. You will need to disassemble the system, install new gaskets. This applies to the assembly of all plumbing, not just siphons.
Would you like to replace your old product with a new one? Pay attention to the diameters of the sewer pipes and their position before buying. Dismantling must be carried out carefully so as not to damage the sink, and a container should be placed below to collect the liquid.
Always thoroughly clean the surface of the pipe and sink from dirt, otherwise you may not achieve tightness when reconnecting. To check, place a sheet of paper under the joints. If water seeps in, you will see it.
User reviews
There are good and bad reviews about different models of siphons. Negative comments are mainly left by people who were unable to complete the installation on their own or did it poorly, and this resulted in problems for them in the future. Positive feedback is mainly from those who managed to independently assemble according to the instructions. Plastic and chrome siphons are actually always positive reviews due to the fact that the products are durable and easy to use (they are easy to clean, assemble / disassemble, and so on). Negative comments are mainly due to the fact that with incorrect assembly, a breakdown occurred over time, and people had to completely change the product (more oftenall the problems were with metal siphons).
Which siphon to choose?
If you do not know which siphon to choose, then consult with professionals. If this is not possible, buy the classic version - you definitely won’t lose with it. Install the siphon yourself or turn to professionals for help? Here everything is individual. If you are confident in your own abilities, then try to do the work yourself. But if you absolutely do not understand what's what, then the help of professionals will not be superfluous.
