Siphon for washbasin: types, selection criteria + assembly rules

Self-installation of a sink is necessarily accompanied by the procedure for purchasing a new siphon, its assembly and installation.A drain siphon for a washbasin is a structure through which liquid passes, and thanks to the water plug, sewer gases are blocked.

The selection criteria and subsequent assembly of this plumbing fixture are simple, but following all the rules can protect against further leaks, which will ensure uninterrupted operation of the drain.

In this material we will talk about the design and types of drain systems for washbasins, as well as what rules should be followed when choosing.

Functions and operating principle

The main purpose of the siphon is to organize the timely outflow of liquid into the sewer drain. It also performs secondary functions: it prevents pipes from clogging and protects the room from unpleasant gases that accumulate in the drain.

Structurally, the device consists of three elements:

• tank/container;
• inlet pipe with a decorative grille made of metal;
• drain pipe, which is connected to the sewer drain.

One of the additional but important designs of the device is the overflow mechanism. It is made in the form of a tube and is responsible for protecting the washbasin from excessive filling with water by removing excess liquid.

The siphon is a curved mechanism, the fracture of which is filled with drain liquid. It is in this elbow that all the debris remains, which can be easily cleaned by unscrewing the plug

The operating principle of the drainage mechanism is based on the hydrostatic law of communicating vessels. Vessels with a common part filled with a liquid at rest are called communicating. In a siphon they are represented by an elbow, with the opening of the inlet pipe located above and the lower part - the opening of the drain pipe.

Even after turning off the tap and stopping the flow of water, some of it will not be able to pass through the bend, so the so-called sump is always filled with water. Thus, a water seal, preventing odors from the sewer from entering the room.

Types of siphons for washbasins

Design features and characteristics of the manufacturing material are the main indicators that you should focus on when selecting plumbing fixtures.

They determine the time and labor costs for installing the mechanism. Therefore, a detailed consideration of the available siphon variations and their installation features is required.

To make the right choice of siphon model, it is worth considering not only its design characteristics, but also the structure of the washbasin, as well as the location of the entrance to the sewer

All models presented in stores may differ in shape, material and principle of operation.

However, there are several main groups:

• corrugated;
• bottled;
• pipe

Additionally, hidden siphons are distinguished, and pipe siphons are divided into ordinary ones, when a section of the pipe is bent in the shape of a semicircle, and flat siphons - the bend is created by two vertical pipes and one horizontal one, and the structure ultimately takes on a U-shape.

Convenience and simplicity of corrugation

This option is quite simple in its structure. The inlet pipe, equipped with a metal grill, rubber seals and a bolt, goes into a flexible pressed pipe.

The last element is connected to the sewer drain using an adapter.

In situations where there is practically no space left under the washbasin and you have to change the bending radius of the corrugated siphon not according to the instructions, you need to understand whether enough water will accumulate in the sump to create a water seal

The corrugated model is quite convenient, especially when there is not much free space under the washbasin: due to the installed cabinet or when you plan to place any items.

The main difference of such a siphon is the ability to independently model the bend for arranging a water seal. There are models that do not include a frame that fixes the fold.

Therefore, when installing the drain mechanism, the radius of the bend loop must be sufficient to create the required volume of water in the sump.

In the instructions for each model, the manufacturer prescribes the required indicators to ensure the required pressure involved in resisting the penetration of gases from the sewer

Despite the fact that this variation of siphons is the simplest, there are minor disadvantages in assembly and installation. For the most part, they relate to additional mechanisms, namely the inability to connect hoses for overflow and drainage from the washing machine.

The process of assembling a corrugated siphon is not difficult. The parts are supplied as follows:

1. Using a screw, the inlet pipe is connected to the washbasin. In this case, rubber washers are placed on its outer and inner sides.
2. The pipe tip is connected to the sewer drain using an adapter.
3. Next, the corrugated hose is bent to create an elbow that forms a water seal.
4. Fixation is carried out using the bent frame included in the kit.

In this case, impregnation of the joints with a sealed compound is not required. When the need arises to clear the pipe from blockage, it will be enough to remove the corrugated hose from the adapter, straighten it and clear it of unnecessary accumulations.

Bottle siphon device

The main advantage of bottle designs is their versatility. Their functionality is easily expanded by connecting one or two additional drain hoses.

Even in models where such connectors are not provided, it is possible to purchase an adapter with the required number of outputs. Its installation is carried out between the so-called bottle and the receiving pipe.

The procedure for cleaning the siphon is performed by unscrewing the bottom of the “bottle”. This system does not allow heavy objects to pass through - if you drop an earring into the drain, you can be sure that it is in the lower reservoir

The disadvantages of the bottle system include the rigidity of the component parts - the possibility of bending them during installation is excluded. Also, many are intimidated by the presence of a large number of components.

Assuming that assembling such a unit is difficult, many beginners opt for another model.

However, it is not difficult to assemble it, just familiarize yourself with the set of parts:

• protective grille, with several holes with a diameter of no more than 10 mm;
• large rubber gasket;
• connection pipe to the washbasin;
• screw;
• clamping screw;
• siphon;
• drainage;
• cone-shaped gaskets;
• small and large flat gaskets;
• decorative plastic overlay;
• plastic coupling nut;
• plastic adapter.

The assembly and installation of such a unit is designed for 3 main stages: connection to the washbasin, assembly of the main part of the bottle siphon and connection to the sewer.If the parts do not fit tightly enough to each other, sanitary flax is used for compaction.

At the first stage An O-ring and a protective grill of the appropriate diameter are placed in the drain hole. Next, the thickest rubber gasket is placed on the side of the intake pipe.

The upper section is pressed against the sink, and the tightening screw is inserted into the protective mesh and screwed into the nut that is located on the body. When tightening the fasteners, you must watch the flange with the gasket - they should not turn.

Unscrupulous manufacturers may produce sinks with insufficiently deep drain holes. In this case there is no need to insert an inner gasket. Instead, sealant must be applied around the connector

Second phase due to the siphon assembly. A coupling nut and a cone-shaped gasket are placed on the pipe that drains the liquid into the sewer.

Now the receiving pipe is inserted into the upper section of the “bottle” body and fixed at the desired height using a coupling nut. A large flat seal is placed in the glass, and finally the lid is screwed on the body.

Due to the fact that debris accumulates in the siphon glass, there is a need to periodically clean it. This area is not covered with silicone. If necessary, you can use pipe sealing thread

At the third stage There is a direct connection to the sewer system. To do this, apply a gasket to the drain pipe and insert the siphon drain pipe into it.

If necessary, you can use an adapter. In the last unit, sealants are used. This completes the assembly and installation process.Now you need to check the operation of the drain system.

You can read more about installing a siphon on a sink in this material.

Features of pipe plumbing units

There are two types of pipe siphons - regular and flat. The former have a stylish design, so they do not require masking, while the latter are more used when there is limited space under the sink.

These models are more difficult to maintain compared to the previous ones. To clean, you will need to unscrew the bent part of the pipe from the receiver and then from the drain.

You can eliminate the problem of inconvenient cleaning by purchasing a pipe siphon with a special connector equipped with a lid and located at the top of the bend. Thus, cleaning is carried out without disassembling the structure

The design of a pipe siphon is simple - it is a bent part of a pipe, connected on both sides to the inlet and drain pipes. The entire structure is rigid and cannot be adjusted during installation. The installation process of such a mechanism differs from the bottle one in only one point - instead of a “bottle”, a curved pipe is screwed in.

Some models have a small water seal. Nevertheless, such a depth will be sufficient to counteract the pressure of gases from the sewer.

But if you are away for a long time, for example, when leaving, the water in the sump can evaporate and when you return, you will hear the characteristic smell of sewage. To avoid this situation, it is recommended to close the drain with a stopper.

When installing this plumbing device, you should pay attention to the height of the sewer inlet. Its level should correspond to the horizontal drain section of the siphon.

Pipe models with an overflow are quite common, which is very convenient for small sinks where there is a possibility of liquid escaping beyond the boundaries of the washbasin.

Hidden drain type

A hidden variation of siphons is partially installed in the wall, namely a bottle device. Only the horizontally located pipe remains visible.

There are hidden siphon models equipped with a removable lid. With its help, access is provided for cleaning the drainage device. However, the model is in a high price category

The advantages include a completely hidden plumbing unit. The disadvantages are the complexity of installation, as well as problematic access for maintenance and repair.

What materials are siphons made from?

The materials used for casting siphons must meet all technical standards. Their service life and the quality of performance of the functions declared by the manufacturer depend on this.

The requirements for stock device materials are as follows:

• practicality during maintenance;
• invulnerability to high temperatures;
• corrosion resistance;
• low susceptibility to sediment accumulation due to constant contact with water.

For the most part, sink drains are made of plastic, cast iron, nickel, brass, brass-bronze alloy, steel, and others.

The most practical and economical option is considered to be a plastic drain design. This can be a standard white or colored option. The material is easy to install, has a tight adhesion of the parts and in most cases does not require sealing the joints - instead, a coupling is used.

Also, the models are not susceptible to rust and are resistant to ongoing processes of rotting and corrosion. Easy care, even with chlorine-containing compounds, allows you to maintain maximum cleanliness of the device.

When choosing a plastic siphon, you can find non-standard shade options, for example, black or gray. Using a dark tone in the bathroom interior is a bold decision, suitable exclusively for a spacious room

Bronze and brass drain installations are considered more durable. Models are subject to little corrosion and rust, but still oxidize.

Through these chemical processes, dirt particles contained in running water are retained in uneven areas. This is how gradual clogging occurs. In this regard, plastic is much more practical.

The bronze drain mechanism has an aesthetically attractive appearance. Most often this siphon is open for viewing and is part of the vintage style

The drainage installation, made of metal, annually expands its circle of fans. Literally over the past ten years, popularity has more than doubled. All thanks to the excellent characteristics of metal devices: strength, aesthetically attractive appearance and hygiene of the alloy.

For such models, steel can be used both in pure form and as part of alloys. The price category of the metal device is an order of magnitude higher than previous options, which indicates excellent quality and long service life.

The outer covering of the metal siphon plays an exclusively decorative role. The most common options are chrome coating. This option easily fits into any bathroom interior

Most buyers, based on low cost and practicality, choose plastic structures. Nevertheless, the metal is not too inferior in position. After all, you can emphasize the sophistication of the interior and focus on the necessary details only with stainless steel elements.

If we talk about brass fixtures, then only the decorative component plays a role here - the complexity of maintenance and gradual oxidation are not positive characteristics.

Additional product features

In addition to draining and having an effective water seal between the room and the sewer pipe with all its fragrance, the device can be supplemented with the necessary elements - hoses. For example, for most washbasins made with a top outlet, purchase siphon with overflow.

Water is removed not only through the drain hole, but also through the outlet to which the hose is connected - this is how the mechanism prevents flooding.

The water seal device with overflow has two pipes that connect in front of the sump into one unit. Thus, waste water leaves the drain system and goes to the sewer system

The siphon may also include a pipe with an additional inlet, which helps simplify the drainage system in household appliances - for compact organization of the washing machine drain. The outlet unit is located between the neck of the washbasin and the siphon bowl. The overflow and additional connector can only be integrated into bottle-type wastes.

Assembling a structure with an overflow

Initially, the bottle is assembled. A suitable seal fits onto the thread of the flask, which is built into the bottom of the washbasin. Next, the bottom cover is screwed tightly.The connection must be tightened manually to ensure a tight connection.

Now you need to take the upper pipe, which is responsible for the drain in the washbasin, put a nut on it, and then put on the cone gasket.

In this case, the seal should be pulled with the wide side onto the pipe. After this, the element is inserted into the upper part of the siphon. The next step is to tighten the nut.

If an extension of the outlet drain connector is required, a rigid pipe is connected to it. In cases where the design does not require this, a corrugated pipe is installed immediately

A corrugated tube is connected to the overflow hole of the sink, and its other end is connected to the connecting pipe. This is very easy to do - the blade-shaped part is equipped with conical grooves that easily fit into the corrugation of the corrugation.

The installation of all pipes of the drainage unit - the bottom one, which drains water into the sewer, the middle one for draining the washing machine and the top one for overflow - is carried out in the same way as a vertical pipe.

What to look for when choosing?

To make the correct choice of siphon, it is necessary to take into account the design of the washbasin, the assembly features of the mechanism and the location of the sewerage system.

If you are replacing not only the drainage device, but also the washbasin, it is advisable to choose sink models that already include a siphon. In this case, the organization of the drainage system will be simplified as much as possible, and all parts will be perfectly adjusted to the size of the washbasin.

The presence of an overflow and outlet unit for a washing machine in the design is solely optional. However, it is worth considering that only a bottle-type siphon can be additionally equipped with these elements.

The pipes for water sealing systems come in two diameters: 32 and 40 mm. It is worth remembering that the smaller the cross-sectional size, the lower the volume of liquid passed through the system, and accordingly, the siphon will often succumb to blockages

A low entrance to the sewer requires the installation of any type of siphon, except pipe siphons. To install it, you will need to raise the drain to the required level, which represents additional time and money.

When purchasing, you should also pay attention to the components - the parts must be intact and without chips. This is easy to do, because most manufacturers of plumbing fixtures make the packaging transparent.

Useful video on the topic

The problem of poor water drainage from a plumbing fixture may be hidden inside the siphon. The presence of defects is not always obvious:

Connecting an additional pipe to organize drainage from the washing machine:

The standard siphon device is not burdened with unnecessary parts, so it will not take much time to assemble the entire structure. In this matter, it is important to take advantage of advice on choosing a suitable mechanism that adequately ensures the removal of waste liquid into the sewer system.

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