Bath siphons: varieties and their characteristics

To connect plumbing to the sewer system, apply special parts - siphons. Thanks to these components, the water effluent is sent to the riser, and any unpleasant odors remain in the pipes. Many consumers do not know that siphons are different and have different characteristics. Consider these important details in more detail and get acquainted with their properties.

Before proceeding to a detailed acquaintance with the siphons, you should answer the question of what they are.

Siphon is a special curved pipe. This part plays one of the most important roles in the drainage system. Siphons are always installed in dwellings where sewage is present.These elements pass through the water that previously passed through the filter and mixer.

Having modern sanitary objects, you just can not do without a high-quality siphon.

As a rule, this item is assembled from 2 main elements:

• from the drain pipe, which is designed to drain the water;
• overflow barrel, which is necessary to protect against overflow from the sides of the bath.

Properly selected and high-quality siphon ensures proper circulation of water. In addition, this component detail blocks unpleasant odors coming from the sewer.

Bath siphon contains the main parts, which include:

• neck;
• pipe (can be soft or hard);
• overflow corrugated hose.

The neck in this case is attached to the bottom of the bath with a metal screw that holds this part on both sides. Screw while tightening the internal and external parts. Installing these components, it is necessary to take care of maximum tightness. For this ideal high-quality rubber seal.

The siphon pipe in most cases has a curved structure.Thanks to this form, it always remains a certain amount of water. It is the water barrier in this case that is responsible for stopping the movement of unpleasant odors.

A corrugated hose is used to discharge excess water. In addition, this part is intended to protect against the transfusion of water through the edges of plumbing.

The siphon connects directly to the bath not only with soft, but also with hard corrugated pipes. As a rule, the length of these elements can be adjusted in height.

Such detail as a siphon is made of various materials. The most popular today are recognized options of plastic and metal. Of course, plastic parts are cheaper and more common, but stainless steel siphons last longer and are less susceptible to mechanical damage.

Today in the plumbing stores you can find not only standard manual, but also automatic and semi-automatic siphons. According to consumers, it is more convenient to use such products. The main thing is to choose a suitable model with a reliable and durable automatic mechanism.

Modern siphons are rich in choice.The range of these parts allows you to choose the perfect and durable instance that will serve without causing any problems.

Siphons are different. Each type of this part has its own distinctive qualities, pros and cons. Consider them in more detail.

The design of the tubular siphon is based on the simple bend of the pipe, which looks very similar to the letter S in a horizontal position. The first bend, which is closer to the sink and ends with a segment directed upwards, acts as a buffer zone between the sewage system and the bathroom. There is always a certain amount of water in this part. Other flows, overflowing in a high section, go straight to the sewer.

In this case, a sufficient tightness of the drain is ensured by a stopper (it must be raised to open the drain hole). Most often, this item is made of plastic. No less reliable and durable are dense rubber plugs.

The tubular siphon is small and vertical. Due to these features, such a part is most often mounted in rooms with very limited space under the plumbing.

If you are looking for the most compact and malleable copy, which is easy to install, then you should get a flexible siphon. Its position can be easily customized as needed.

The main advantages of a tubular siphon are:

• simple and clear design scheme;
• low cost;
• fairly rapid discharge, even if polluted water has sediment particles due to a large cross section;
• minimal chance of serious blockages;
• simple and quick installation;
• ease of use.

There are no serious drawbacks to the tubular system. However, some people do not really like the need for constant monitoring of the removable plug. In order not to encounter this unpleasant feature, you need to fix the cork on a flexible chain - this will protect this part from falling onto the floor.

In order to use such a product more conveniently, it is recommended to select a siphon with a flat and collapsible bottom. This detail will be very helpful if you have to clean the device.

Bottle is called a kind of siphon, which is made in the form of a bottle. The discharge pipe in it is on the side.

Bottle siphon is mounted on the pipe, which stretches directly from the drain. The pipe in this case is at a height that corresponds to the bottom of the siphon. This parameter is responsible for the volume of water that always remains in the water seal.

The main advantages of such devices are:

• small horizontal dimensions;
• attractive appearance;
• Easy and quick cleaning if necessary.

With the help of a collapsible design, you can quickly and seamlessly clear such a siphon without spending a lot of time and effort. More modern varieties of bottle devices are equipped with an additional pipe on top, complemented by a special cap. You can connect a washing machine to such a device without any problems.

The main disadvantage of the bottle version is the high susceptibility to clogging. Most often they are formed around large particles trapped in the inner part of the garbage.

The gangway is a flat version of the siphon. Such a detail has a small height without overflow. Most often, similar devices are used when arranging a drain in the bathroom floor.

A flat siphon is the perfect solution if you buy a part for a small space. In it, the shutter element is located in the horizontal plane. To clean such a device, you only need to partially disassemble the existing system.

Modern siphon varieties differ not only in their structure and installation method, but also in the operation of the entire system.

Classic siphons are great for baths with overflow. In such devices there may be traffic jams made of different materials. For example, from plastic, rubber and even metal. These parts for the drain hole are removed manually. In order to use classic devices it was more convenient, stoppers, as a rule, are equipped with a strong chain, for which they can be easily “picked up” and removed from the hole.

Standard mechanical devices consist of the following parts:

• drain neck;
• overflow pipe;
• corrugated pipe;
• siphon;
• spout pipes;
• stoppers that closes the drain hole.

No less popular and common are semi-automatic siphons.In them, the mechanisms responsible for the overflow-overflow are connected with a small cable. It is the last detail responsible for the overlapping of water in the appropriate place. Most often in the role of a control lever in this case acts as a cover overflow, which can be rotated.

One of the advantages of semi-automatic copies is their attractive appearance. In addition, they are very convenient to use, according to consumers. Close the drain in these devices can be just a couple of movements, not leaning down.

Semi-automatic siphons are made in the form:

• buttons;
• swivel ring;
• handles;
• decorative valve.

The most up-to-date and convenient is the automatic version of the strapping, which regulates the level of water contained in the tank. With such a device for the release of water, just click on the stopper, which is located on two baths. Different people do it differently - someone with his hand, and someone with his foot.

In order not to deal with violations in the operation of such devices, it is recommended to contact only experienced professionals. - Only professionals will be able to install such a detail as reliably as possible.

Before installing an automatic siphon, it should be noted that its presence requires uninterrupted power supply and periodic maintenance.

By design, the automatic system is considered the most complex.

The advantages of these siphons are:

• ease of use;
• durability with proper handling;
• attractive appearance.

However, such systems have their drawbacks:

• they are quite expensive;
• most of all others are prone to breakage.

Modern models of siphons are made from different materials. Let us consider in more detail the most popular and popular options.

If you are looking for a truly durable and reliable siphon, then you should pay attention to models made of such material as cast iron. Similar raw materials differ in long service life and trouble-free work. Such parts are best suited for baths made from similar materials.

Recently, however, cast iron siphons have lost their former popularity. The decrease in demand for such parts is due to the fact that their size can not be adjusted in any way, if necessary.Because of this feature, the cast iron siphon may not be suitable for a bath made of a different material.

Another serious drawback of cast iron siphons is the fact that deformed deposits accumulate on them in a short time. Cleaning such devices is not very convenient, since their internal parts have small rough edges. It is also worth noting that over the years, cast-iron objects are always covered with rust, disposal of which can become an almost impossible task.

One of the most popular today are high-quality siphons made from high-strength plastic.

Such units are in great demand, which is explained by their positive qualities:

• not subject to rotting and corrosion;
• grease and dirt do not accumulate on the surface of ideally smooth plastic siphons;
• such parts remain clean inside and outside;
• due to the flexibility of plastic, siphons of such material can be adjusted to a variety of types of baths;
• even aggressive chemicals can be used to clean plastic siphons.

It is worth noting the relatively low cost of plastic aggregates, which makes them even more popular and relevant now.

As for the shortcomings of such parts, they can be attributed to a significant loss of strength characteristics under the influence of external factors (such as, for example, contact with ultraviolet rays).

Brass is an alloy consisting of several components, which include:

• copper;
• zinc.

In some cases, brass is supplemented with a small amount of tin, but its content is always much less than the amount of zinc.

The result is a very durable and reliable material, which is not afraid of changes in temperature values, as well as the formation of corrosion.

Brass siphons are distinguished not only by their strength and durability, but also by their unsurpassed protection, which is achieved by chrome plating. These parts have an attractive appearance, so they are often installed in expensive bathroom interiors.

Bronze is another popular and reliable material for making siphons.This material is a durable alloy consisting of copper and tin. Its color is close to dark brown.

Bronze siphons fit best in luxurious interiors designed in classical and historical stylistic directions. However, please note that these products are not cheap.

Quality siphons from reliable materials can be not only functional, but also aesthetic. The most attractive are models with bronze or chrome surfaces. If you do not want to overpay, you can get by with concise plastic options that seamlessly fit into almost any furnishing of bathrooms.

Siphon only seems inconspicuous and insignificant detail. In fact, he plays one of the most important roles in plumbing systems. The selection of such units should be approached seriously and responsibly in order to acquire a high-quality and reliable product that will serve its owners for many years and will not cause any problems.

If you do not want to buy too expensive a model, and its durability and strength are not in the first place, then you can stop at a simple plastic siphon with a manual drain mechanism. This option will cost quite cheap.In addition, plastic siphons are easily suitable for almost any bath.

Always pay attention to the manufacturer who issued your chosen siphon. You should also take a responsible approach to the choice of material, no matter how expensive it is. For example, if you buy a plastic siphon, then you need to pay attention to its processing and wall thickness. The denser they are, the better. Dense options will last much longer and will not cause any problems during operation. If you buy a model of brass, then you need to make sure its smooth surface. Otherwise, the siphon will often have to be cleaned.

Please note that one siphon can be supplemented with several supplies at once. Other devices such as a sink, washing machine or dishwasher can be connected to them. If these nozzles are not used, they are closed with a special nut. Experts strongly recommend buying just such multifunctional products - in the future they will help you to significantly save money on branching sewage.

For each individual siphon model it is necessary to select suitable rings and gaskets. In order not to face the problem of leakage due to unsuitable locking elements, it is advisable to immediately buy a bath siphon, with which all the rubber bands are included. These components are pipe joint seals and two thick gaskets designed specifically for overflows.

It is necessary to pay attention to the size of the siphon. Keep in mind that for small spaces under the bathroom should be chosen small models, for example, flat. They occupy a minimum of free space, and care for them in the future will not be any problems.

If you choose a suitable model for an elaborate and expensive interior, then you should not give preference to rustic plastic options. It is better to buy a more elegant and rich copy of brass, chromed material or bronze. Of course, these products are more expensive, but they look more presentable.

It is quite possible to collect the siphon with your own hands. You do not need to have special knowledge and extensive experience.

To begin with, consider what should be included with this device:

• drain pipe for sewage;
• a nut to a branch pipe (plastic nuts are considered the best);
• the branches intended for branch and a modulation with laying and nuts for fixture;

• jumper made of elastic material (this part will be needed to avoid leakage between the nozzle and the drain);
• drain / overflow gratings, which are necessary to protect the entire system from the penetration of large particles and objects (the grates can be made of plastic or steel);
• plugs designed specifically for the drain hole.

Be sure to check all components for cracks and other similar damage. It is advisable to do this even in the store in order to protect yourself from buying a low-quality kit.

To independently assemble the siphon, you must:

• To begin to connect with each other pipes overflow and sump.
• If you are assembling a plastic product, you will not need a special FUM-tape, however, in order to connect brass and steel, the thread must be additionally sealed.
• On top and on the side of the siphon there are 2 holes having the same diameter. One of these holes is designed to install a side drain, and the other - to connect the structure with the drain sewer. Depending on the size of the holes, it is necessary to select a special conical gasket (it should be wide) and a cap nut.
• First you need to take the pipe, which will need to be connected to the central drain. It will be necessary to put a cap nut on it, and after that a sealing gasket. Look at its design. One end of the gasket is always blunt, and the other is sharp.

• The pointed end of the seal should be put on the nipple. After this, the “blunt” end will find its place in the sump.
• The gasket must be inserted all the way. However, be careful not to damage this part.
• Then the nozzle should be inserted into a special hole in the device. Then you need to tighten the union nut.
• A similar method is the connection of the pipe leading directly to the sewer.
• If all actions were carried out correctly, then you will still have a wide gasket under the sink and a narrow rubber ring designed to seal the nozzle, nuts for connecting the sewage system and the sink drain filter.
• A wide gasket should be installed on the upper nozzle. Then tap must be connected to the sink.

When you have collected a siphon, you can do its installation. This work is also quite accessible and understandable.

Consider step by step how to independently put the assembled bath siphon.

• First you need to unscrew the old siphon. Then clean the joints as well as the inside of the nozzle thoroughly.
• Now you can proceed to the installation of the lower overflow. A gasket should be worn at the end of the lower end of this part. Now overflow should be attached directly to the drain hole.
• Along with this, you need to attach a second overlay to the hole. Further the screw is inserted into it.
• After installing the tapered gasket, you will get a not very tight connection, which will lead to leakage in the future.Only after you make sure that your actions are performed correctly, you need to hold the pipe with one hand and tighten the screw with the second one with a screwdriver.

• Now you can proceed to the installation of the upper overflow. He joins in the same way as the bottom. To make installation work faster and easier, experts advise that the nozzle be directed not vertically down, but moved aside (closer to itself).
• Now you need to make a connection drain and overflow. In this case, the most convenient is the use of a corrugated hose, which can be easily bent if necessary. Using nuts to seal the existing connections, you need to put gaskets on them. They should be installed with thin ends to the necks.
• Next you need to go to the installation of a water seal. Before you connect the water seal to the neck, you need to carefully consider the space for laying gaskets. If there are any defects, they must be sanded with a file.

• In any siphon model, the water seal is connected to the neck with a cap nut. This part can also be supplemented with a gasket (conical or flat).
• Now you can go to the direct connection of the siphon to the sewer system. Depending on the device model, the connection must be made directly into the socket or through the seal cuff.
• All connections must be sealed as securely as possible. Since rubber gaskets cannot boast durability, for greater reliability and durability, all joints are recommended to be sealed with high-quality silicone-based sealant.

After all the actions you have done, you only need to make sure that the assembly is correctly assembled. To do this, you need to cover with a stopper, then open cold water and fill it with a bath.

Carefully inspect the connecting areas and drain. If there are no leaks anywhere, then you can safely use the plumbing. To notice the leak, the easiest way is to spread paper on the floor, on which dripping drops will immediately appear.

If you still found a leak in the design, you can try to slightly tighten the nuts. Connecting with each other different elements, follow one simple rule: if a certain part is tensioned and the thread “does not go”, it means that a leak may appear in this place.

One of the most common causes of leakage is skewing, which occurs when the hard wiring is incorrectly fitted. Sometimes correct installation is prevented by mounting foam, which is often used for additional insulation of the bath.

Over time, many users are faced with poor quality siphon and the entire drainage system as a whole. The causes of such problems may lie in the illiterate installation of all components of the structure or in clogging pipes.

Sand and stone from shoes, animal hair, human hair and many other similar trifles can lead to mechanical clogging of pipes. All these components will certainly lead to a serious blockage of the pipes and the siphon itself. Because of this, the water from the bath, as a rule, is very bad and slowly drains.

To solve this problem can only be a thorough cleaning of pipes. However, in order not to encounter such events, it is worthwhile to install a special small mesh on the drain hole, which will not allow foreign particles to get into the pipes and siphon.

To such blockages, as a rule, leads elementary improper use of the bath. In this case, clogging of pipes and siphons can occur due to dirt and particles, which should remain on the protective net, but, unfortunately, it is used by no means all. In addition, a combination of fat and cold water often leads to operational blockages.

Water can also go badly because of an inexperienced master who made many mistakes in repairing a bathroom in your home. Or maybe the fact that the installation or replacement of plumbing in the room was not made according to technology. For example, you could choose the wrong level of installation of objects, or you did the wrong slope of flow, what it should be.

To get rid of these problems, you must either dismantle the plumbing (if it is incorrectly installed), or eliminate blockages that have accumulated in the pipes.

• Clean the siphon and drain thoroughly - these are the main and vulnerable places where the garbage is collected in the first place. To do this, remove the siphon, and then unscrew the protective grid. Note that this should be done with the bathroom and with the sink in the room.

• Now push all of the removed parts down the toilet.
• Then thoroughly rinse the siphon, completely free from contamination, and with it all the pipes, bowls, gaskets and protective net.
• Brush all parts with a high-quality cleaning agent with a degreasing effect.
• Do the same with the grid located on the sewer openings - these are the central areas of the accumulation of blockages.
• Clean the corrugations that lead directly into the sewer.

It is also possible to clean the pipes and the corrugation mechanically. While the external elements of the sewage dry out, mechanical devices should be used to clean the system. To do this, most often use a cable with a handle. It should be screwed into the depth of the sewer, trying to lower as low as possible. After this cable you need to get and repeat the work done. It is advisable to do this several times to be sure of the ideal frequency of the pipes.

Next, you should proceed to the chemical cleaning of sewage. To do this, it is necessary to fill the sewage with chemical compositions that are designed directly for the breakdown of fats and the softening of the deposit. There are quite a few such tools.One of the most popular are products like "Mole", "Tone", "Tiret" and others. These funds are recommended to leave for 15-20 minutes. Some wait a little longer than 40-50 minutes. After the required amount of time, turn on the water in the bath for 10-15 minutes to remove all aggressive chemistry.

Experts strongly recommend buying only high-quality siphons produced by reputable companies. Those in the modern market quite a lot. Consider a few of the most popular and reputable companies.

• Viega. This is a famous brand from Germany, which produces relatively inexpensive, but high-quality siphons made of brass, polypropylene, stainless steel and plastic.

• Grohe. A large and popular brand offers a number of high-quality accessories for baths, sinks and toilets to choose from. The most popular complementary elements of the company are neat siphons coated with chrome.
• Geberit. This is a famous Swiss brand that produces plastic siphons of different price segments. Choose the best option to the consumer with any budget.
• Alcaplast. The Czech company offers modern consumers high-quality siphons with a 50-mm water seal, a drain-overflow system, and a convenient flexible hose.

If you decide to put a metal siphon, it is better to buy options from copper or brass. Such specimens are not susceptible to corrosion. In addition, they do not oxidize. Keep in mind that the more component parts present in the siphon you purchased, the more susceptible it will be to breakdowns, like any other complicated system.

If you buy a cast iron siphon, then it should be noted that it is not suitable for all models of bathrooms. Also do not forget that these parts have a rather low level of corrosion resistance. If you are looking for more mobile siphons, then you should look for models with a flexible tube. They can be given any position which is convenient for you.

If you notice serious damage to the siphon parts, then only a replacement or purchase of a new device will help you in solving this problem. Otherwise, leakage cannot be avoided.

Do not look for too cheap siphon models in stores.Most often, these options have a dubious quality and quickly fail. Only select models (especially automatic ones) from reputable manufacturers of sanitary fittings.

Take care of the pipes in the bathroom. Install protective nets on the drain holes. Otherwise they may clog soon. Because of this, the water will go off badly and an unpleasant smell may appear. If you want to buy the most unpretentious siphon, which does not need to be often cleaned of dirt, then you should look for a practical model of brass.

To expensive automatic systems must be treated carefully. In this case, in order to raise the traffic jam, you will need to make only one single movement. Do not hit the button abruptly, make sure that the system is working properly. In case of deficiencies, it is necessary to identify the problems of the structure and be sure to solve them.

To extend the life of the sealing cuffs and gaskets, it is necessary to lubricate them in advance with a special silicone mixture.

During chemical cleaning of pipes it is necessary to wear rubber gloves. It is worthwhile to wear a respirator, because the chemistry with which you will have to work is very aggressive and caustic. Try to avoid contact with exposed skin.

When selecting a drainage system, always pay attention to absolutely all external elements that are framed by the holes present in the bath. In a quality product, as a rule, these components are made of stainless steel.

If you decide to install a siphon with your own hands, then you should know that the easiest is to install simple classic units. If you are afraid of contacting such works, then you should call an experienced master.

On the types and characteristics of bath siphons, see the following video.