Metal siphons for the sink: characteristics and advantages
In the process of repairing in the bathroom or in the kitchen, when installing a new or replacing old plumbing, one of the points to pay attention to is the material from which the drain pipes and accessories, including the siphon, are made. This product is responsible for the speed of the drain, and its use is associated with a number of characteristic difficulties, especially in the kitchen. Among other alternatives, the choice of a metal siphon is distinguished by a number of operational advantages over plastic analogues. In addition to the material, when choosing, you must pay attention to the shape of the siphon, which also affects certain features of the product.
Special features
The material used to manufacture the siphon imposes characteristic specificity on the operational features of the product.
- Strength. Metal withstands significant mechanical stress, which allows not to be afraid of, for example, damage to the siphon by children in the bathroom or rearrangement of objects under the sink in the kitchen.
- Durability. Alloys that are used to manufacture siphons (cast iron, chrome steel, bronze) are designed for long-term operation for a number of reasons: no corrosion, resistance to chemicals in detergents, except for acid-containing ceramics.
- Nice appearance. Chrome steel looks great, as does bronze. The cast iron surface is not so aesthetic, but it is excellent for painting.
- Excellent resistance to high temperatures. A metal siphon in the kitchen will allow you to drain liquids heated to any temperature without fear of damaging the pipes.
- Simple construction. The siphon consists of several parts, has no dangling or moving parts, is easily assembled and assembled, so you can install it yourself.
- Full fire safety. Metal does not melt and does not burn, even if a cigarette or a burning object gets into the pipe, nothing threatens the siphon.
- Various price range. Pig-iron products are the most budget, chrome-plated steel is a more expensive option, bronze is a premium class.
The quality of the metal siphon, especially in the variants of cast iron, chrome steel and other available alloys, largely depends on the quality of casting parts. Poorly made siphons can have backlashes and cracks and, most likely, will not last for a full time, so you should not choose the cheapest options. Before buying, carefully read the label, roll the collected siphon and listen to if there are any extraneous sounds.
Kinds
Metal siphons are made of various alloys with their inherent characteristics and various shapes, which determine the operational features of the products.
There are two main types of metal siphons:
- bottle;
- pipe
Bottle
The device assumes the presence of a transitional compartment located below the level of the drain and constantly filled with water, as a result of which odors and other sewage problems are isolated from the apartment. It consists of three main parts: case, outlet, socket. Great for the kitchen: any items dropped into the sink can be removed by unscrewing the bottom cover.In the same way, the product is cleaned in case of serious clogging.
The main advantages of bottle siphons include:
- durability: designed for long-term use with timely cleaning;
- ease of maintenance: the design allows you to easily and effortlessly clean the product through the technological hole;
- can serve several drains, have a water level control system and other technological solutions.
Pipe
The classic version of the drain is stainless steel, also known as the "knee". In essence, it represents a stainless steel pipe bent into a certain shape, for example, a U-shaped or S-shaped siphon. In this bend, a layer of water is concentrated, which provides isolation of the sewage system from the inside house.
Pipe plums have some special features.
- Relatively complex installation, especially with the finished wiring of the sewage system and installed sink. The shape of the product is static, monolithic, so its ends must initially fall into the outlet of the drain and the hole in the sink.
- Complicated care. When contaminated drain will have to either use chemicals to clean,or dismount the knee - there are no special service holes in this type.
Tips for choosing
The choice of a suitable siphon should take into account a number of criteria, among which are not only the performance and appearance of the product, but also the purpose of the siphon, the specifics of the existing sewer wiring and so on.
Consider them in more detail.
- Purpose The main thing is the place where the siphon is installed: if it is a kitchen with large amounts of food debris and a constant chance of small items falling into the sink, then the best choice is a bottle siphon; if it is a wash basin in the bathroom or a shower stall drain, you can get by with the pipe variant - in any case, the specifics of using this drain must be taken into account.
- Specific layout of sewers. The siphon must be combined with the equipment that is planned to be installed or has already been installed in this node. This applies to both the material of the product and the form.
- Bandwidth. In many respects it is determined not only by the type of siphon, but also by its size (diameter of discharge and height): the higher the product, the faster the water goes. This parameter is directly related to the frequency of blockages, the ability to connect auxiliary devices and the maximum water pressure in the mixer, which the siphon can maintain.
- Material. The choice of possible metals and alloys depends on the required operational and aesthetic qualities of the product.
- Completeness of the product. A very important factor in determining the quality of the product, especially from an unknown supplier. If there is enough in the complete set (gaskets, rings, and so on) and when assembling the parts fit tightly, the manufacturer most likely is focused on a good market segment. When incomplete it is better to pick up a siphon from another manufacturer.
- Aesthetic look. An important parameter if the siphon is in the public domain, and not hidden, as in the kitchen. The most attractive looks chrome steel, brass and bronze. In addition, the product can be styled for a specific interior style.
- Manufacturer. As a rule, products manufactured by a manufacturer with a good reputation are more reliable. Since the siphon is a fairly simple product, an external inspection, determination of the material and verification of the integrity of the structure will tell a lot more about the product.
- Warranty period. The indicator that speaks about the quality of the product, first of all - about the material from which the siphon is made.
Popular brands
The market of sanitary products - in particular, manufacturers of siphons - is quite extensive. Among the many companies there are several that have an excellent reputation, deserved high quality products.
- Jimten - Spanish company specializing in the manufacture of valves, fittings, siphons, sockets and other small plumbing parts. The products are of good quality and excellent design.
- Viega - German company with more than 100 years of tradition in the production of sanitary products. High German quality is combined with an elegant design and thoughtful form, ensuring trouble-free and long-term operation of the product. The approximate price of the product is 2000 rubles.
- Handsgrohe - Another German company that produces sanitary products. Production differs in the big range, various constructional and stylistic execution. The constant introduction of modern technologies and the use of raw materials of excellent quality only make the Handsgrohe products reliable and functional. Approximate cost - 2400 rubles.
- Ravak - Czech manufacturer of modern sanitary products, which won the recognition of customers from different countries for the combination of quality, excellent design and the best price.Produces both tubular and bottle metal siphons.
- Geberit - Swiss company. It produces metal siphons of various shapes and purposes, which are of high quality and convenient construction. Products designed for both domestic and industrial use.
Review the Viega chrome siphon in the next video.