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Trying to equip kitchen spaces with fashionable sets and modern household appliances, you should not neglect a small device installed under the sink and called a siphon. Siphon for the sink will allow you to avoid some unpleasant moments when using the drainage system. So, what is this device and how it works, we will consider in the article.
A siphon is a pipe system that creates a water plug between the sink and the sewer. This design avoids the entry of unpleasant odors from the sewer network into the room, and also collects debris from the sink in the sump, which prevents clogging of the drain system.
The role of a siphon can also be played by a pipe bent in a special way, which also creates a water plug. A siphon can be sold with a sink, but more often it has to be purchased separately.
Why do you need a siphon
The kitchen sink (sink) is connected to the central or local sewerage. Some homeowners and apartment owners connect the drain directly to the piping system that removes sewage. For this, a corrugated pipe is usually used, which is easily bent in the right direction. However, if you do not create a water seal, the “aroma” from the sewer system will enter the kitchen. The main purpose of the siphon is to block unpleasant odors from the sewer.
Manufacturers produce quality products that differ:
- reliability;
- strength;
- durability exceeding the service life of the mixer;
- resistance to chemical compositions, high temperatures and mechanical stress;
- simple installation, which allows you to install a siphon in the kitchen for a person without experience;
- versatility of use.
How does he work
The principle of operation of the siphon is based on its design features. At the bottom of the device, called a tank or sump, there is always water coming from the sink bowl. At this point, high pressure arises in the drain – this leads to the displacement of the “old” fluid.
When the water supply stops, the pressure in the siphon equalizes. As a result, part of the liquid remains in the curved part. This water plug prevents the penetration of unpleasant odors from the sewer into the room.
The siphon plays another important role. Since it is installed after a kitchen sink, it is able to retain some debris. It accumulates in the sump and is easily removed by partial disassembly when removing the tank – this procedure can be carried out by the homeowner on their own, without the involvement of a professional plumber. Preventing direct entry of waste into the sewer system will avoid clogging.
General device device
Different manufacturers produce sewer siphons, structurally they differ little from each other. The main details of the so-called knee for the sink in the kitchen include:
- Decorative grate with small holes on the drain, preventing the penetration of large waste into the sewer system. To install it, the kit includes a rubber gasket for tightness of the joint between the grate and the sink.
- Branch pipe for connecting the outlet and the filter grid. The part is fastened with a corrosion-resistant metal bolt and nut.
- Siphon with lower removable tank for cleaning when clogged – it allows you not to completely disassemble the knee-shaped device.
In the design of modern siphons (not only for the sink in the kitchen, but also for the washbasin in the bathroom with or without an overflow), fixing rings with gaskets are always present to connect the individual parts of the devices. The kit also includes a corrugated tube for connecting the outlet pipe of the siphon tank and the sewer inlet.
Manufacturers create and produce different models, so their designs are somewhat different in design and in a different number of parts.
Material of manufacture
Manufacturers produce plastic or metal plums. The metal used to make it is usually brass, bronze or stainless steel. Products in this design are great for an open location, as they will become one of the decor elements of the kitchen. However, they are significantly more expensive than plastic structures.
A common disadvantage is the accumulation of contaminants on the inner surface of the water seal. This leads to a gradual decrease in the cross section of the device. If you do not regularly perform maintenance, it will clog. However, dirt and grease adhere less to plastic than to metal.
Modern metal drain structures are acquired if a set of expensive plumbing is installed and an exclusive interior is created. The installation of a metal siphon under the sink is often performed by professionals, because the joints between its individual parts are sealed using rubber seals and fum tape.
In the houses of the old building, you can see cast-iron siphons – these are real rarities and are no longer produced.
Basically, install plastic drain pipes for the sink. They are practical designs that effectively fulfill their purpose. If necessary, they can always be replaced or cleaned. After all, they are inexpensive and are made with a smooth inner surface on which grease does not accumulate and other contaminants do not linger. Therefore, plugs rarely form in plastic structures. These products are also lightweight.
Plastic is a material that is resistant to corrosion and has good temperature performance. Manufacturers use polyethylene or polypropylene for the manufacture. Only significant mechanical impacts can damage a quality device.
The siphon is also called the “sink sump”. A plastic drain is a constructor, because it can be disassembled and assembled in a certain sequence. If necessary, it is always possible to replace a single part or tighten one of the nuts if a leak occurs.
dimensions
There is not much space under the sink, so the size of the structure is limited. In most cases, this siphon size is sufficient. For efficient operation of the device, its bandwidth must also be taken into account. We should not forget about the distance between the outlet pipe from the siphon and the inlet of the sewer system. As a rule, the maximum height of the structure does not exceed 250 mm.
Putting a siphon on a kitchen sink when the diameter of the drain and the sewer pipe are the same size is not a problem. However, when there are differences in pipe diameters, it is necessary to think about connecting them in advance. In this case, various cuffs and branch pipes of their interface are used. For example, an internal double-pipe tee of 50 mm will allow you to connect a 50 * 40 sink and a 50 * 25 washing machine with sealing cuffs.
Common Types
Manufacturers produce several types of sink siphons. They are selected depending on the characteristics of the installation site.
corrugated drain
The tube in the form of a corrugation is convenient to use when the drain hole of the sink has a non-standard location. This device is also used if it is planned to install additional equipment or any necessary items under the sink. When connecting it to the sink, you need to pay attention to the amount of water in the curved place. It should be enough to create a reliable water lock, which guarantees reliable protection against the penetration of odors from the sewer.
A drain in the form of a corrugated tube is not an ideal design, because dirt accumulates rapidly on the fins of the product.
Structurally, the corrugated siphon consists of the following elements:
- branch pipe with grate and union nut;
- corrugated tube.
Additionally, a pipe mount may be required.
Corrugated drain installed in minutes. First, we fix a drain pipe with a grate on the sink. Fixation is carried out using the gasket and screw included in the kit. Then the corrugation is inserted into the pipe with one end and fixed with a nut, and the other side is inserted into the sewer pipe. If cleaning is necessary, the corrugated hose is disconnected from the pipe and sewerage. Then it is washed or replaced with a new one.
bottle drain
Bottle siphons are installed most often. They are well suited if it is necessary to drain dirty water and other impurities from several sinks. In this case, the installation of the required number of special taps is performed.
The design of the bottle drain consists of the following elements:
- grill made of metal or plastic;
- receiving pipe;
- container-bottle;
- pipe for draining sewage into the sewer;
- a transition piece that allows you to connect the siphon to the sewer system.
The bottle drain is a completely rigid product. If necessary, the design is complemented by a corrugation for a more convenient connection to the sewer. Cleaning the bottle drain is done by unscrewing the bottom part of the bottle-shaped container and removing accumulated contaminants.
Pipe drain
This type of siphon is installed not only in sinks, but also in bathrooms. It has a completely rigid design – it looks like the letters S and U.
Since dishwashers are installed in many modern kitchens, the pipe siphon may be with an additional outlet.
There are models of tubular siphons with a break in the flow of the jet. Such siphons are not attached to the sink – after installation, there is a difference between the siphon and the sink. It is necessary so that germs from the sewer can not get into the sink. They are used in kindergartens and catering establishments.
flat drain
This is a small siphon under the sink, where size is crucial. It is usually used when a “washer” or dishwasher is installed under the sink. There are models with a break in the flow of the jet.
In addition to small dimensions, a distinctive feature of a flat drain is also a rigid design. Such siphons rarely become clogged. If it becomes necessary to perform a complete cleaning, the grate is unscrewed, and then the entire structure is removed from the sink.
with overflow
When the sink has overflow protection, a siphon with overflow is installed under it. The design of the product has an additional branch pipe, to which a small-diameter tube is connected from the overflow hole in the upper part of the sink. This design does not allow the sink to overflow with water and reduces the risk of flooding the premises and neighbors living on the floor below.
There are also plums with one or two taps on the neck. They are used when additional connection of a dishwasher or washing machine is required.
Basic rules of choice
To ensure the effective removal of used water in the kitchen, you need to choose the right siphon. To do this, consider the following recommendations:
- You need to purchase the kit immediately. It, in addition to the siphon, must contain all the necessary components for its connection to the sewer. If the parts are bought separately, there is a possibility that they will not be able to assemble a single design.
- It is necessary to measure the free space under the sink in advance. If it is minimal, a short siphon should be preferred.
- With closed installation, there is no need to purchase an expensive designer siphon. It is better to buy a less beautiful product of good quality, but at a lower price. After all, no one will see it, and it will not spoil the interior of the kitchen.
- With the siphon for the sink open, it makes sense to buy a product in a decorative design.
There is always an instruction manual included with each device – it must be carefully studied before installation. It is also necessary to pay attention to the absence of damage on the siphon, the quality of the threads, sealing elements and plugs.
Nuances of installation
To install a siphon on a sink, an experienced person needs to spend a few minutes. If you don’t succeed so quickly, it’s okay. First you need to prepare the tool and supplies. The maximum you need is:
- screwdriver;
- gas wrench;
- sealant.
As a rule, when installing plastic products, only a flat-head screwdriver is enough.
If it is necessary to change the siphon, the old product is first dismantled. This procedure begins with the installation of a basin or other container under the drain to prevent water from entering the floor. First, all parts of the plastic siphon are removed. Then the protective grille is removed by unscrewing the screw. If the metal drain is dismantled, you will have to use a gas key.
Finally, the inside of the drain hole in the sewer riser is cleaned of contaminants. You can use a rag or paper towel for this.
How to assemble a drain
At the beginning of the process, you need to check the availability of all parts. To do this, we study the attached instructions, and lay out all the elements, for example, on the table.
Often a bottle drain is installed. Its assembly is carried out in the following sequence:
- Separate parts of the flask are connected after installing a gasket of small thickness. The sealing element must be well pressed against the part from all sides.
- The nut is fixed on the corrugation.
- A cone-shaped gasket is put on the corrugated pipe. The sharp part of the sealing element is closer to the edge.
- The corrugated tube is inserted into the outlet pipe of the flask and fixed by tightening the nut.
- A second nut and a gasket are fixed on another part with a grate.
- Two separate parts of the siphon are connected by tightening the nut.
At the end of the process, the drain is fixed under the sink. If necessary, silicone sealant can be used to increase the tightness of all siphon joints. It is recommended not to use too much force when tightening the nuts.
Nuts are tightened by hand! Don’t use keys!
Installing a new device
The assembled drain structure is fixed to the sink as follows:
- under the grate and on the upper part of the siphon, gaskets in the form of rings are laid;
- the assembled drain element is pressed from below to the hole in the sink, and a grate is installed on top from the side of the bowl;
- the screw is tightened;
- a nut and a sealing ring are put on the pipe;
- the siphon is mounted and the nut is tightened;
- a hose is screwed to the siphon;
- the other end of the hose is connected to the sewer.
If necessary, an adapter is additionally used if the parts have different diameters at the junction. At the end of the installation process, the operability of the drain is checked by filling it with water and checking for leaks.
Manufacturers
Here the choice is simply huge, from cheap Chinese goods to expensive branded ones. The choice for each situation is individual and is based on the installation site of the device, what work it will perform and financial capabilities.
Some manufacturers:
- Aquats is a Russian company, quite well-known and has its own sales market.
- AlcaPLAST – goods of this company, a compromise between price and quality.
- Hansgrohe – a brand from Germany, a leader in quality and design.
Conclusion
Any sink in the kitchen should be equipped with a siphon if you do not want unpleasant odors to appear in the room. Modern drains also prevent the penetration of harmful bacteria from the sewer system.
To save money, it is recommended to install plastic siphons – they do an excellent job with their purpose. Now you can buy both domestic and imported siphon at an affordable price.
A good option is to mount the product with a sump glass. This design will allow you to quickly clean the plumbing device. Using pipe siphons for the kitchen is also a great option.
If possible, do not use corrugated pipe – because of the ribs, it unnecessarily traps contaminants inside. For information on how to use a pipe instead of a corrugation, see the video below.