The bottom valve is called a special plug, which is used to block the drain in plumbing products. She began to enjoy popularity relatively recently. The valve was originally used in English homes, where, as you know, people washed themselves in a very peculiar way. The sink had two taps. There was no possibility to regulate the water by making it warm, because only hot water from one tap and only cold from the second was supplied to the wash basin. And therefore, in order to perform hygienic 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 called the most hygienic, and plumbing should always be perfectly clean, a special valve was invented. He will be discussed today.
Kinds
In stores you can find only two types of bottom valves. The first, more common one is the valve, which comes complete with a mixer and has a special lever. The second is a click-clack mechanism. There is no mixer with it.
Since the first option is considered more practical, it gained great popularity. If you need a bottom valve for the sink, it is much more convenient to purchase it with a mixer. As a rule, the lever of the entire device is placed 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 does not differ in complexity, and you can easily perform it yourself. If you prefer with a lever, a mixer with a bottom valve is installed together.
Work begins with the installation of a hose, which connects the valve to the mixer. Using a rubber gasket, install the mixer in the hole on the sink (usually the gasket is included). Make sure that at the joints of the hoses and pipes their diameter is equal. If there is an inaccuracy in size, the connection will need to be bored. This work is done very carefully to prevent small parts from entering the system.
Fasten pipes and hoses with nuts. In the drain, carefully install the bottom valve. Now prepare the mounting spokes and fix them parallel to each other. After that, they connect to the valve.
Once you have completed the installation, make sure that the sewer pipes are in satisfactory condition and will not cause you any trouble.
For safety and to prevent flooding of the apartment there is a system called "drain-overflow". In the sink or washbasin make an additional hole under the tap. If a large amount of water is collected in the washbasin, it will go into the hole, instead of starting to spill onto the floor. However, this system has a small drawback, which often does not suit the owners. This is not a very aesthetic look. A solution was found here: in stores you can find sinks with grooves, which are located under the side of the product. Water in this case will be drained unnoticed. After mounting the bottom valve, check the tap for leaks. If you still find them, be sure to eliminate them.
Benefits
Like any other device, the bottom valve has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's analyze the pros first:
- Simple use. Even a small child can turn the lever and drain the water.
- Profitability and practicality. The valve will help you reduce the amount of water used.
- Easy to care. Nothing special is required. The mechanism is cleaned during the cleaning of plumbing.
disadvantages
There are no serious flaws in the bottom valve. Sometimes there are times when the water flows in a strong uncontrolled flow, and the valve capacity may be insufficient. But if you have no problems with cranes, you should not be afraid of this.