Metal siphons: types and tips for choosing

One of the main reasons for renovating a bathroom or kitchen is faulty or outdated plumbing. When buying a new model, considerable attention should be paid to the selection of a siphon through which the water is drained. The sink and bathtub are something that a person uses daily and more than once. It is because of such active operation that all parts fail faster than we would like. And since the task of the siphon is not only to drain water, but also to protect the room from the penetration of unpleasant odors from the sewage system, a failed element cannot be left for a while without replacement.

On sale you can find both all-metal siphons, for example, from stainless steel, and various combinations of metal with plastic. Most often, the body itself is made of brass, cast iron, bronze or steel, and the individual fasteners are made of plastic. The main advantages of metal as a material for plumbing elements lie in several of its qualities.

• High strength. The metal siphon can withstand even strong mechanical stress in the form of shock, compression and tension. This allows you not to worry about its tightness during cleaning, when rearranging objects in the room or when there are large pets or small children in it. Even a corner of a stool or a sharp knife accidentally hitting a steel or brass siphon will not do much harm to it.
• Durability. Plumbing elements made of metal alloys are designed for long-term use. Cast iron, bronze or steel are highly resistant to corrosion that occurs from constant contact with water. And most cleaning agents, except for acidic ones, do not harm this material and do not change its appearance.
• Aesthetics. Of course, cast iron or stainless steel are not very beautiful, but a brass or bronze siphon, not hidden by the cabinet door, can even act as an interesting interior detail. Elements made of non-ferrous metals, such as chrome, look especially beautiful. The chrome-plated siphon has a mirrored surface, and even after several months of active use it looks completely new after a simple wet cleaning.
• Resistant to temperature changesR. Many materials are able to withstand low temperatures without significant consequences, but the same plastic can deform from contact with boiling water. The metal siphon will allow liquid of any temperature to be drained into the kitchen sink, even boiling water or oil.
• Simplicity of design. Unlike the more flexible rubber and plastic siphons, the metal element has no moving or hanging parts. It is rigidly fixed in one place, it is quite easy to assemble and assemble. No special knowledge or tools are required to install it, so anyone can handle it even alone. Unfortunately, this advantage can sometimes turn into a disadvantage. In the event that you need to move the sink to another place, and the siphon needs to be moved or shortened, you will have to completely dismantle it or even buy a new one.
• Fire safety. Metal does not burn, does not melt at the burning temperature of fabric, paper or plastic. Even if something burning falls into the sink, there will be no problems with such a structure.
• Wide price range. In the plumbing market, you can pick up a metal siphon for any wallet. Cast iron products are cheaper, chrome steel or brass more expensive. Bronze elements are premium products. For those who prefer designer solutions and unusual designs, the market can offer siphons even made of precious metals, but such things are piece and are made exclusively to order in private workshops.

By design, siphons are divided into bottle and pipe. Each of them has its own characteristics, each has its own pros and cons.

The device of such a product has one feature. Below the drain level is a small reservoir, which looks like the bottom of a bottle, which fills with fresh water each time it is flushed and holds it. The whole structure consists of a body, a branch and a bell. Its advantages include a longer service life and ease of maintenance. The lower part, which contains water, you can easily unscrew and clean any blockage.

If you accidentally drop a ring or an earring while washing your face into such a drain, it will be easy to get them, since they will fall exactly into that part below the drain and will not be carried away into the sewer by a stream of water. The other side of this dignity is frequent blockages. This is especially true for the kitchen sink, where small pieces of food often fall into the drain.

Such a siphon is a long pipe bent into a structure of a certain shape with several turns. Such turns are called "knees", and the product itself is a reverse or two-turn siphon. Unlike bottle siphons, such siphons are more difficult to install and they retain unpleasant odors worse, since the water barrier in the knee of such a product is smaller than in the bottle one. In addition, they are more difficult to care for, almost complete dismantling is required in order to break through a strong blockage in the pipe. At the same time, blockages in it are formed quite rarely due to a faster flow of water.

The selection of a suitable product must be based on a number of criteria.

Depending on how exactly the sink will be used, and in which room it is located, the type of siphon is also chosen. It is better to put a pipe product on the kitchen sink, and it is better to put a bottle siphon in the bathroom. Most often it is impossible to choose a bottle siphon for a bath or shower cabin, so it is better to purchase a pipe version for them.

The product must be selected so that it can be combined with existing or planned equipment. This also applies to the material from which a particular siphon is made, and its shapes and fastenings.

The type and size of the siphon largely determines the amount of water that it is able to pass through itself per unit of time. The higher and longer it is, the faster the water will drain, and the less the risk of blockages. If the siphon is connected not to one sink, but to several devices, it is worth choosing the largest possible size.

Cast iron is stronger, steel and brass are more durable, and bronze looks the most attractive. Depending on which parameter is more important for the buyer, the choice may be limited solely by his financial capabilities.

According to statistics, the better the reputation of a manufacturer, the more reliable its products are. A quality product should have an attractive appearance without defects. The parts box must be complete with all gaskets, fasteners, and retaining rings. In the event that the package contains only one siphon, and all additional parts have to be purchased on their own, it is better to refuse to purchase. The warranty period will also indicate the high quality of the product.

Among the many companies involved in the production and sale of plumbing fixtures and accessories, there are several proven companies. These are German firms Jimten and Vieda, Czech Ravak and a company from Switzerland called Geberit.

If the siphon is not hidden in the cabinet, and there are no baskets of linen or shelves with cosmetics in front of it, then it immediately catches your eye. In this case, the product should be pleasing to the eye and match the interior of the room in color and style.

For a video review of the chrome siphon, see the video below.