Siphon for washing: design, purpose, do-it-yourself installation features

One of the most important elements of home water supply systems is a siphon for washing. It not only removes used water, eliminating the risks of flooding, but also protects residents from harmful smells of sewers, preventing them from spreading indoors.

In order for the device to cope well with its immediate tasks, you need to choose the model that is most suitable for all parameters, weighing the pros and cons of the presented variations.

The structure and principle of operation of devices

Siphons, regardless of their variety, have approximately the same design and a similar principle of operation. They are a metal or plastic pipe or pipe system, which includes pipes and a tank.

On the one hand, the devices are connected to the drain opening in the sink, on the other hand, they are connected to the sewer system. Used water flows into a siphon, then passes through a pipe and enters a common sewer riser.

The filter screen located at the sink opening protects the system from clogging. A slightly curved shape is attached to the siphon for a reason: a certain volume of fluid is retained at the bend, forming a so-called water seal. It is he who does not allow unpleasant odors to get inside the sewer drain.

It is desirable that the siphon connection screw is made of stainless steel. Plated coated metal rusts too quickly during use

The following items are included in the standard equipment:

• metal grate for draining - the optimal cell diameter is not more than 10 mm;
• inlet / outlet pipe;
• connecting screw with a diameter up to 8 mm;
• housing;
• union nuts;
• sewer bends;
• O-rings for sealing joints.

If the siphon is equipped with an overflow function, then the package includes an additional pipe, which is attached to the overflow hole in the sink.

A water trap in the siphon becomes a reliable barrier that prevents attempts to penetrate into the room odors from the sewer

Some models have special side fittings for connecting hoses of household appliances (washing machines, dishwashers). Products for sinks with two bowls are equipped with a double tap.

What materials are the devices made of?

In the production of siphons, various materials are used. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a suitable device, it is important to make sure that the material from which it is made is quite durable, resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Its service life depends on these characteristics.

Available plastic products

Plastic siphons are the cheapest and most common devices with a simple design and few connections.

Devices are made of PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene. The latter option is preferable, since it lasts longer, has better strength and lower sensitivity to high temperatures.

The range of PVC products includes advanced branched models designed for two-section sinks and adjacent sinks

Due to the smooth and even inner surface, the impurities contained in the water are not deposited on the walls. Some manufacturers apply antibacterial coatings to the cavity to prevent heavy sedimentation of dirt and grease.

Plastic products are very plastic. Most of them are equipped with bends from the folding corrugation, which quickly takes the form necessary for installation.

Durable metal devices

In the manufacture of metal products use brass, bronze, copper, chrome plating. They stand out with a stylish design that perfectly complements the elite interiors.

High-tech bronze products look spectacular and stylish, but for the kitchen they are not entirely practical. They are often chosen for bathrooms

It should be borne in mind that metal pipes require a clear fit during installation, they are difficult to shorten, and maintaining the initial appearance takes a lot of time and effort.

Such devices are more appropriate in bathrooms, where they will be in sight, performing a decorative function.

Varieties of plumbing products

There are several types of siphons used for installation on the sink. Which one is better to choose depends on the budget, the nuances of the location of the sink in relation to the sewer outlet, the requirements for the functional part.

Simple corrugated construction

The most elementary type of device is a folded corrugated tube made of plastic, placed on a movable frame basis. To obtain a water shutter, such a siphon is bent in the desired direction, and the bend area is fixed with plastic clamps.

Corrugated hoses are practical and convenient for custom sinks with minimal installation space. The release has only one connector, which reduces the risk of leaks

Due to the fact that the soft pipe easily changes its position and shape, it can be mounted anywhere. Corrugation is easy to assemble and has a budget price.

Its main drawback is a one-piece design that does not provide for individual prefabricated elements. This complicates the process of cleaning the product, prone to accumulation of fatty deposits. In cases of severe pollution, a regular tube will not work: you will have to tinker a lot, taking the time to completely disassemble the system.

When choosing a corrugated siphon, it should be noted that it is not suitable for work in cold rooms, for example, in a summer kitchen, which is not heated in winter.In addition, the product begins to quickly deform from frequent drains of boiling water into the sink.

Convenient bottle-type appliances

Bottle or flask devices are a type of sink siphons with a rigid construction. In their lower part, a vertical vessel is equipped with an outlet pipe inside that looks like a bottle.

It constantly contains liquid that provides functions effective water lock.

All household waste, particles of dirt, garbage and grease are collected in the nozzle of the flask. In order to remove them, a complete dismantling of the device is not required: just disconnect the pipe by unscrewing the nuts and thoroughly rinse the parts

Compared with corrugation, devices are much more difficult to install and disassemble, but they are much easier to clean from accumulated blockages. You can connect additional equipment to them through splitters and fittings.

A useful feature of the structure of some models of bottle siphon is overflow presencethanks to which the liquid level is controlled and the overflow of the sink is prevented.

Compact flat siphons also are ideal for bottling, ideal for installation in any hard-to-reach place.

Reliable pipe options

Pipe-type plumbing equipment - collapsible and non-collapsible models made in the form of a rigid curved pipe.

The collapsible design consists of pipe sections connected in a specific order. It requires the most accurate comparison of the outlet opening of the sink and the drain sewer. The functions of the water lock are assigned to the curved section of the device in which water is collected.

The water lock in the device is located at a shallow depth. If you rarely use the water supply, liquid evaporates from it, causing unpleasant sewer odors

Siphons can be additionally equipped with overflow devices and sockets, which allows installation on double kitchen sinks. The main advantage of the products is increased strength. At the same time, they are motionless and rather bulky, and this narrows the possibilities of installation in a limited space.

Debris particles in pipe siphons are lowered to the bottom of the structure. Typically, the cleaning procedure is accompanied by characteristic difficulties, apart from advanced models with an easily removable knee.

DIY installation instructions

Connecting the siphon to the sink is a relatively simple task. Anyone can surely cope with it without the help of a plumber master. However, this matter should be approached responsibly, since a negligent attitude leads to a number of negative consequences - leaks under the sink, stench, etc.

Removing an old device

When planning to replace the siphon, you must carefully dismantle the device that has served its purpose before proceeding with installing a new product. Holding it from the bottom, it is necessary to unscrew the screw located in the center of the drain grate with a screwdriver. Then it remains to disconnect the pipe from the sewer pipe.

There is always a certain amount of liquid in the siphon, therefore, having started disassembly, it is advisable to place a basin or bucket under the sink to catch the remains of waste water

In the process of dismantling, many have difficulty disconnecting the screw. Over time, he often tightly clings to the nut. The problem is solved by removing the bottom of the equipment and scrolling the pipe. In advanced cases, you will have to use powerful chemical solvents.

For further work, it is necessary to prepare the sewer bell, having well cleaned its inner surface. It is important to follow safety measures when wearing latex gloves and a petal respirator.

If the pipe is cast iron, you may need a small hammer and a chisel.After cleaning, it is better to cover the mouth of the socket for the duration of the installation procedures with a damp cloth or a suitable stopper in size.

Features of assembly and installation

Before starting the installation, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the instructions of the purchased product in detail, check the availability and verify the integrity of all components. They should not have any cracks, chips, damage.

You also need to prepare a set of tools (screwdriver, silicone sealant, knife, flashlight) and wipe the mounting surfaces dry. The process consists of two main stages - assembly and installation of the device.

It makes sense to decompose individual details of the siphon in advance in the order of the subsequent connection. This helps to correctly and quickly navigate during installation

Actions are performed in the following order:

1. AT drain opening sinks is established protective metal lattice and superimposed flat sealant. At insufficient the depth holes instead gaskets can use small quantity sealant.
2. On the upper side graduation branch pipe is inserted thick rubber cuff, sometimes it glued still on the stage production, after why his press to drain from below.
3. AT hole nets profit long screw. His reliably fix So, so that not scrolling flange with established gasket. If at bought complete no protective metal gratings, branch pipe fastens under the sink plastic nut.
4. Siphon at form flasks, curved tube or corrugations joins to branch pipe. On the his free end carving down put on cape nut. Wide party to her is established conical sealant at 2–3 cm from the edges.
5. AT trumpet on the the necessary length introduced branch pipe and Caution manually drags on nut.
6. On the branch the receiver fasten conical gasket with nut, connecting her to drain opening siphon. Her free branch pipe is inserted at sewer challenge with help dense rubber cuffs. At inconsistencies diameters pipes can use special adapters.
7. If the siphon is equipped with a nozzle for connecting the washer, equipment is connected to it in accordance with leadershipgiven in our recommended article.

After connecting, the siphon is checked for operability. To do this, turn on the water, gradually opening the tap to the maximum. The product will fill with liquid and a water seal will form.

If leaks are detected during the diagnosis, tighten the joints again in problem areas or treat the cracks with sealant

The correctness of the installation performed will confirm the absence of leakage and good fluid flow through the drain hole of the sink without any stagnation. If deficiencies are identified, it is urgently necessary to eliminate them and conduct a check again.

How to care for a siphon?

Any kind of sink drain device needs regular maintenance. It consists in inspection for damage, high-quality cleaning of the product and thorough removal of the resulting blockages.

Accurate operation of the sink, the use of special protective grilles or food shredders increase the interval between cleanings, but still, sooner or later such a need arises

The complexity of the procedure is determined by the material and design. Corrugated siphons are cleaned only after complete disassembly, in the bottle it is enough to unscrew and rinse the flask.

Some devices easily break through a special tube. For the purpose of cleaning use chemical substances home or factory cooking, ready-made compounds such as "Ruff", "Phlox". They should be used carefully, especially for plastic models.

To prevent the siphon from clogging so much, you can periodically spill it with hot water with a handful of citric acid. It is also worth paying attention to the fact of rapid wear of rubber seals. It is better to try to replace them approximately every six months.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video # 1. Structural features of plumbing fixtures for sinks:

Video # 2. How to replace the siphon yourself:

Video # 3. Siphon assembly details for overflow sink:

The self-installation of simple siphons on the sink is quite realistic even for those who have very little experience in plumbing work. The main thing is to be patient, exercise caution and clearly follow the points specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

To connect expensive models, it is more advisable to invite plumbers who have the necessary skills and a professional set of tools.

Please write comments in the block below, ask questions on the topic of the article, post the appropriate photos. Tell us about how you changed the siphon under the kitchen sink with your own hands. It is possible that your information will be extremely useful to site visitors.