Bottom valve: variations, advantages and disadvantages

The development of modern technologies introduces some changes and additions to the configuration of many devices. Not spared technological progress and plumbing devices and mechanisms. Increasingly, in kitchens and bathrooms you can find a specific headset, for example, a bottom valve.

Such a cap began to be exploited in Europe for a long time, and performed an important task - it allowed to significantly save water. The fact is that utilities in European countries have always been expensive for both owners of private apartments and country houses.Another reason why the bottom valve is widely used abroad is the specifics of the arrangement of sinks - without mounting the mixer. To ensure an acceptable water temperature, mix cold and hot water in a bowl. Gradually, this kind of cork began to be used everywhere in Russian residential premises - in shower cubicles, kitchen sinks, washbasins, in bidets and bathtubs.

The demand for the use of such products is constantly increasing due to the specifics of the product. Its presence in the dwelling provides a certain comfort when using various plumbing. A bottom valve is such a device, the adjustment of the location of which will allow you to collect the required amount of liquid in the container. If necessary, you can quickly and easily drain it. Release of water is usually carried out by one pressing a special button on the mixer.

Usually, this is how the plug is realized with the mixer. In fact, it is the same rubber stopper, but having a more aesthetic appearance and providing comfortable use of sinks or sinks. For example, to arrange in the sink a mini-tub for washing small things, hygienic or cosmetic procedures for hands, rinsing dishes or rags and other things.

The valve can be installed for use with any plumbing fixture, since the product will provide water drainage and act as a lid for the drain hole of the shower stall in the cabin, sink, sink or bathtub.

Valve operation has a lot of positive nuances, among which are:

• saving water, due to which it will be possible to pay smaller amounts for utilities;
• convenience and ease of operation of the hydraulic lock - for its operation, it is necessary to press a special lever, a button or press on the plug itself;
• more esthetic type of sanitary bowl;
• ease of maintenance and care of the device;

• reliable fixation in the sink;
• providing protection against unpleasant odors from the sewage system;
• reliable prevention of clogging drains, which is especially important for kitchen sinks;
• the presence of the valve will reduce the risk of accidental hitting of various jewelry in the drain during hygiene procedures.

Significant cons ground valve is not inherent. However, it will take some time to start productively exploiting the product, since, by and large, this is a matter of habit.In washbasins and sinks without overflow, it is also necessary to constantly monitor the amount of water collected so that it does not flow over the edge.

The headset is classified based on the specifics of the drain and basic configuration.

There are the following types of products:

• mechanical products;
• automatic fixtures.

The first type is sometimes called spring, due to its presence in the design. This pressure mechanism provides a complete overlap of the drainage of water, and a second pressing, on the contrary, releases a liquid outlet.

Mechanical bottom valves have positive characteristics:

• simple installation;
• big operational term;
• low cost

Along with the advantages, the bottom valves of this category have some drawbacks, namely: you can flush the water only by pressing the device regulator, it is the lid itself. That requires immersing your hands in water, which can already be quite polluted, for example, after washing dishes in the kitchen sink. This will require additional cleaning hands when using water, which will adversely affect the economy.

Automatic devices do not have a similar negative properties, due to the peculiarities of the regulation of its work.Release water always work when using a lever or other regulatory element, which is equipped with a valve.

The mechanical part consists of metal pins:

• a lever that drains the fluid;
• connecting needle;
• a basis for fastening of a cap in a pipe;
• bung.

The presence of such a design in the sink or wash-basin does not affect the aesthetic component of the plumbing and the overall interior of the room, because the machine itself is located directly under the bowl. The lever for adjustment is included in the standard package of the device; therefore, it will not be difficult to install it, even to an ordinary man in the street, it is enough to follow the instructions. Today, many manufacturers offer consumer models of semi-automatic.

There are also variations of these devices.which have a special mechanism to control the filling level of the tank. It works in a similar pattern with a drain pipe in the bathroom. This feature allows you to select two types of valves - with and without overflow.

The first type is claimed due to the presence of such an insuring characteristic. It is relevant in unusual cases when you forgot to turn off the water or the child used the sink. The excess fluid through a special tube. She leads the water into the drain.

Devices without overflow are usually purchased for models of sinks, the configuration of which does not allow the installation of a bottom valve with the arrangement of an additional pipe for draining water.

In bathrooms it is better to give preference to mechanical devices, they are durable and easy to maintain. These types of valves will be ideal for daily use, where the use format itself is somewhat different from the work that is done in the kitchen sink.

For kitchens, it would be better to install an automatic type bottom valve, since the accumulated water in the sink will be more dirty with food waste. To discharge water using a special lever that is not in the water will be much more convenient. Installing a bottom valve in the country will provide an opportunity to save on the payment of consumed water.

The bottom valve may have different dimensions, depending on the manufacturer, the type of structure where it will work, as well as the type and its inherent features.

For example, products for sinks and siphons with a click-clak system for holes with a diameter of 43 mm, have a width of 6.2 cm to 6.8 cm and a height of 11.9 cm, or a width of 3.9 cm and a height of 5.9 cm. The factor influencing the size of the plug is the type of material from which it is made.

Many buyers prefer products that imitate valves made of gold, silver or bronze. Chromium-plated metal types are used to release the caps, due to which their operational life increases many times. Since chromium has several advantages that relate to moisture resistance and exposure to aggressive media.

White and black color of products remain the most popular. There are brass valves with electroplating.

Basically, the products are maintained in the same style direction, since a significant part of the whole structure is located inside and under the sink, which means it is hidden from view. Only the cork remains visible, it is usually round. However, the design of the plug and its outlines directly depend on the shape of the drain in the sink, so it can be square.

Most often, expensive designer washbasins, where the decorative component is of great importance, are decorated with a non-standard sink.In such designs there are valves of unusual shapes and colors. The originality of the solutions does not affect the functionality of the sanitary device.

The choice of color and design of the plug directly depends on the used plumbing and the entire working headset.

Among the popular manufacturers of bottom valves can be distinguished leaders who are engaged in the production and sale of sanitary appliances, devices and components - Alcaplast, Grohe, Franke, Hansgrohe, Kaiser, Vieda, Orio, Vir Plast.

According to consumer feedback, an inexpensive bottom valve with mixer Orasberg It has a very satisfactory quality, which concerns the cap, since its location in the drain in the open state, forms an insufficient opening for draining water, due to which it leaves the sink very poorly.

Bottom valve Vidima copes with its task, however, the lever for adjustment does not always work to close the drain.

Mixer buyers Grohe eurostyle Positive feedback about the valve to drain the sink. Due to its presence, the hole itself has a more attractive appearance, and the sealing and reverse drainage pass without any problems. The possibility of sewage clogging is also excluded.

Experts note that the installation of the bottom valve with their hands under the force of each, because the device has a very simple configuration. But it should be noted that most often, the installation process of this useful accessory is associated with work on the mount and the mixer itself. Therefore, the process of performing this task is a complex and multi-step event.

Masters advise to pay attention to the fact that the decorative coating of sanitary products is very easy to spoil, so in the course of work, the tool with different teeth should not be used. It will be useful to protect your work with gaskets, copper and brass products are on sale.

Having finished installation of the mixer, it is necessary to be engaged in installation of the bottom valve.

The technology of this process can be divided into the following steps:

• The valve itself is inserted into the drain hole of the sink, washbasin or any other device.
• The needles should be crossed with each other, and the place of their joint should be securely fastened with a plastic cross.
• Next, the needles must be connected with the adjusting lever and the eye of the stub itself.It is this design that provides the opening and closing of the hole in the sanitary bowl.

When buying a bottom valve, you should also consider the configuration of the plumbing fixture, where the plug will be installed, since sinks and washbasins come with and without overflow for water. From this design features depends on the valve model, which should be bought.

After completing these fairly simple steps, the installation of the system can be considered complete. However, it is still too early to check the functionality of the valve, since it is necessary to connect a siphon and a corrugation to it, which will ensure the discharge of water into the sewer system. The valve acts as a connecting element between the sanitary bowl of any type and siphon, in order to eliminate the possibility of mismatch of the connecting elements, manufacturers produce a headset with a universal version of its mounting. Therefore, the docking of the bottom valve can be safely carried out with all designs. After this work, it is necessary to test the operation of the bottom valve.

The check is carried out according to a specific scheme

1. Analyze the operation of the mixer. To do this, open the cold and hot water.Actions are necessary to eliminate the presence of leaks in the joints of system elements. If there is even a minimal leak, then at the joints it is worth tightening the nuts or use a tape to seal.
2. It is necessary to check the condition of the siphon itself. It is very easy to do this - it is enough to turn off the water supply valve to the maximum level and visually inspect the device itself for leakage of water at the joints.
3. Diagnostics of the installation of the headset itself. To make sure that the valve is in good condition, close it several times and draw water, and then open the plug and drain it. Testing the device will reduce the risk of having any error during the installation of the foot valve.

To extend the operating life of the headset and siphon, especially for models with overflow, avoid clogging the system, and clean all parts once a year with detergent compositions.

Adaptations that seem to perform only aesthetic tasks, in most cases can be very useful in everyday life. The practical component of bottom valves is constantly increasing.Many consumers prefer to experience the effectiveness of an attractive headset. After all, thanks to it, you can comfortably perform everyday tasks and at the same time save money.

For how to install a foot valve, see the following video.