The bottom valve is a special plug that is used to block the drain in sanitary ware. It has become popular relatively recently. Initially, the valve was used in English houses, where, as you know, people washed themselves in a very peculiar way. The sink had two taps. There was no way to regulate the water, making it warm, because only hot water from one tap and only cold water from the second was supplied to the washbasin. And therefore, in order to perform hygiene procedures, it was necessary to close the drain. And then it was necessary to collect water from both taps. Since this method of washing is not the most hygienic, and plumbing must always be perfectly clean, a special valve was invented. It will be discussed today.
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There are only two types of bottom valves in stores. The first, more common, is the valve that comes with the mixer and has a special lever. The second is a mechanism called "click-clack". Together withit does not have a faucet.
Since the first option is considered more practical, it has become very popular. If you need a waste valve for the sink, it is much more convenient to purchase it along with the faucet. As a rule, the lever of the entire device is located behind the tap. Sometimes the manufacturer prefers to place it on the side. This does not affect the principle of operation.
Installation Tips
To install the bottom valve, you do not have to call for help from a master. The installation process is not difficult, and you can easily do it yourself. If you prefer with a lever, the faucet with waste valve is installed together.
Work begins with the installation of a hose that connects the valve to the mixer. Using a rubber gasket, install the faucet in the hole on the sink (usually a gasket is included in the kit). Make sure that the hoses and pipes are of the same diameter at the joints. If there is an inaccuracy in size, the connections will need to be bored. This work is done very carefully to prevent small parts from entering the system.
Pipes and hoses fasten with nuts. Carefully install the bottom valve into the drain. Now prepare the mounting spokes and fix them parallel to each other. After that, they are connected to the valve.
Once you've completed the installation, make sure the sewer pipes are in good condition and won't cause you any trouble.
For safety and to prevent flooding of the apartment, there is a system called"drain-overflow". An additional hole is made in the sink or washbasin under the tap. If a large amount of water is collected in the washbasin, it will go into the hole, instead of starting to pour onto the floor. However, this system has a small drawback, which often does not suit the owners. It's not exactly aesthetically pleasing. The solution was found here too: in stores you can find sinks with grooves that are located under the side of the product. Water in this case will be drained imperceptibly. After completing the installation of the foot valve, check the faucet for leaks. If you do find them, be sure to eliminate them.
Benefits
Like any other device, the bottom valve has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the pros first:
- Easy to use. Even a small child can turn the lever and drain the water.
- Efficiency and practicality. The valve will help you reduce the amount of water you use.
- Easy care. Nothing special is required. The mechanism is cleaned in the process of washing plumbing.
Flaws
There are no serious flaws in the bottom valve. Sometimes there are cases when water flows in a strong uncontrolled flow, and the throughput of the valve may be insufficient. But if you don't have faucet problems, don't worry.
