Not everyone understands how the sewage system is arranged as a whole and how exactly the drain works. Most users have become accustomed to the existing plumbing products and they do not care what and how it works. But sooner or later, breakdowns occur in the house, and a person has to repair them. This also applies to the sink siphon. Therefore, before you purchase it, it is better to find out a little information about how to choose the right product, so as not to miscalculate the price, design and other criteria.
Is it difficult to install a sink?
At first glance, the sink may seem the simplest structure. However, there are nuances that you can learn about in advance to avoid problems with installation and leakage of the siphon. Changing the sink completely is a difficult task, even though the mechanism is very simple. The difficulty lies in the fact that the sink, like everything else in the bathroom, is connected to the sewage system and water supply. The constructed structure should not leak and pass unpleasant odors, and therefore you need to install a siphon under the sink.
What is a siphon?
Everything in the bathroom, no matter - a sink, toilet or bathtub, must be connected to a single sewage system in the house. Then the question involuntarily arises, why is it impossible to connect the sink directly to the sewer? The answer is simple: if you connect the sewage system to the room directly, then the smells from it will penetrate the house. The sink siphon is a part that does not allow odors into the house and facilitates easy cleaning. It is much easier to detach one part and clean it than to deal with this issue comprehensively. Moreover, to clean the sewer it will be necessary to call a specialist, since it will be extremely difficult to solve the problem on your own.
The problem of clogging of pipes is especially relevant for private houses, as they often have a smaller diameter than in apartment buildings. In addition, pipes are arranged vertically in apartments, and in houses - at a slight angle. For this reason, private sector residents should be especially careful about siphons.
Kinds
Siphon sinks can be found in many stores where plumbing is sold. They differ by the following criteria:
- model,
- design,
- material,
- design.
Plastic and steel sink siphons are common in everyday life. Now these are 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 fold, 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 of different materials.
Such a siphon is suitable for washing and sinks in the kitchen and bathroom. Of the positive aspects, the following can be noted:
- Low cost. A plastic product will last a long time. And the low price only makes it easier for people to buy a new part in the event of a breakdown.
- Ability to stretch and change shape. This type of pipe is ideal for people who often plan to make repairs in the bathroom and move the sink to another place.
The siphon is not without flaws. One of them is the internal structure of the pipe. Due to the ribbed structure of the product, debris can accumulate in it.
Pipe siphon
The presented type of siphons has a similar design, but differs in material. Typically, such products are made of cast iron. Similar products were actively used during the Soviet Union. This siphon for the kitchen sink is presented in the form of a pipe that connects the hole in the sewer and the sink. The main disadvantage of the product is a water seal. If you do not use it for a long time, then 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, which resembles a bottle in shape, and a sump is located inside. An output is placed in the middle of the structure. This technology allows the seal to not dry out for a long time.
The main advantages of the bottle model
Products have a number of advantages:
- The simple structure allows you to quickly disassemble and assemble the product for cleaning.
- Due to the unusual shape, garbage will accumulate in the sink siphon for the kitchen.
- It is very easy to get objects from the siphon that can fall there.
Other varieties of siphons
There are many models that are designed for special types of sinks - and they have a unique design. For example, dual siphons are designed. This type can be useful in the bathroom, if the sink has double bowls. 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 siphon for the sink, which is located between the sink and the washing machine, is suitable for you. There are different products, and only you decide which one to choose.
Choosing a sink siphon
Choosing a siphon is not a tricky business, but if you want to get a quality product, then you should arm yourself with the following recommendations:
- If the house has a standard washbasin, then choose a regular siphon. As a rule, a siphon for a sink is sold complete with a sink, assembly instructions are also attached to 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 flow rate, then it is likely that a flood will occur in the house.
- If the product will be in open form, then select the appropriate design for it. You can purchase a beautiful chrome sink siphon or just colored 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 collect the siphon for the sink, you will need to read the instructions. Typically, manufacturers apply a clear manual to each product to eliminate any problems during assembly. For those who do not know how to assemble a sink siphon, it will be useful to find out the main features of the procedure. The process is divided into three main stages:
- The connection of the beginning of the siphon and the drain hole.
- Assembly of the main part of the structure.
- Siphon connection to the sewer pipe.
It doesn't matter if you use a flat sink siphon or some other. These three steps are included in the assembly of each type of product.
First stage of assembly
At the initial stage, you will need to do the following:
- A grid is mounted on the bottom of the sink vase, which will play the role of 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 pipe is connected to the siphon.
- The nozzle is attached to the sink. To do this, you need to press it and screw it with a special screw, which will fix the two structures together.
Remember: use a wide screwdriver to tighten the siphon for the sink mixer. To do this, tighten the screw, but do not press hard on the structure to avoid damage. Be extremely careful during installation: if the grate protrudes from the sink, water will begin to stagnate in the pipe.
Second stage of assembly
This step concerns the installation of the main part of the siphon:
- We install a special nut made of plastic on the outlet area, and then a gasket. A nut connects all the elements between the chamfer and the pipe.
- We install the upper part of the sink siphon with overflow. We put on a gasket on it, tighten the nut, but do not press on it.
- We twist the flask lid. We do this exclusively after installing the rubber gasket between the structures.
If you plan to disassemble the sink siphon from time to time, then it is better not to seal it with seals so that it is possible to clean parts from debris. Believe me, this will come in handy in the future!
Third installation step
Now you can connect a plastic, cast-iron or chrome sink siphon to the washbasin and sewer pipe. Connection is carried out using a plastic pipe or with a solid assembly. You can use plastic, because this material has the ability to shrink and change in shape. But the solid assembly, on the contrary, is riveted 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. Leakage can lead not only to wet floors, but also flooding of neighbors who live from below. It is better to check the quality of all connections. You can do this this way: supply water to the sink and see if there are leaks in the pipes. A large head of water will show whether the connection between the structures is strong or not.
Assembly tips
Have you bought a bottle type siphon, but it does not fit in free space? Do not be upset, the problem can be solved. But do not try to heat the nozzle in a glass. Do not forget that the gap between the outlet of the nozzle and the lid of the glass should be at least 3 cm. If this is not done, then the water will slowly leave or will not merge at all. What to do in this case? Just unscrew all the clamping nuts and remove the nozzle. Measure how much it needs to be shortened, and cut off the excess with a hacksaw or grinder with an abrasive disk. Remove burrs, chamfer and assemble the structure. Such 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 garbage? Then it is better to replace them with smooth plastic tubes of the same diameter. Use all sealing gaskets and clamping nuts.
A word of advice: it is better to purchase siphons with additional branch pipes to be able to connect washing machines. If now you have nothing to connect, then such a siphon is still useful in the future. An additional pipe does not affect the functionality of the siphon. It is better to think through everything in advance than to buy equipment and install it, and after a year to look for something new in case of replacement.
An interesting fact: in many European countries, the installation of a closing valve in sinks is provided for at the legislative level. His position is always closed, draining water is possible only when it is opened. Devices are placed only for the purpose of saving water: this method reduces harm to nature. The valve saves approximately 40% of the water that is consumed when using the bathroom. And since utility tariffs are not cheap, families also save money. In our country, such products are already available on the market, so each family should buy them with a siphon. The valve drive can be lever or spring, there is no fundamental difference here.
It is impossible to tighten the nuts on metal siphons with your hands, because there are no protruding faces. Therefore, you will have to use special adjustable wrenches or gas keys, but scratches may remain on the surface after their use. To prevent such negative consequences, it is better to use gaskets between the key and nuts (thin pieces of rubber, fabric, etc.). Do not worry about the gaskets slipping a little: this is normal, and you don’t need to put a lot of effort into tightening the nuts.
Remember: pulling rubber pads is much worse than not pulling. The strong pressure in the seals contributes to the appearance of through holes, so leakage will be difficult to avoid. You will need to disassemble the system, install new gaskets. This applies to the assembly of all plumbing, and not just siphons.
Would you like to replace an old product with a new one? Before buying, pay attention to the diameters of the sewer pipes and their position. Dismantling should be carried out carefully so as not to damage the sink, and a container should be placed below to collect the liquid.
Always carefully clean the surface of the pipe and sink from dirt, otherwise with a new connection you may not achieve tightness. To check, place a sheet of paper under the joints. If water leaks out, you will see it.
User reviews
There are reviews about the different siphon models, both good and bad. Negative comments are mainly left by people who could not complete the installation themselves 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-plated siphons are always 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 during improper assembly, a breakdown occurred over time and people had to completely change the product (most often 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 will not lose with it. Install the siphon yourself or seek professional help? Everything is individual here. 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.