Metal sink siphons: features and benefits

In the process of repairing a bathroom or kitchen when installing new or replacing old plumbing, one of the points to which you need to pay attention is the material from which the drain pipes and accessories are made, including the siphon. This product is responsible for the speed of draining, and its use is associated with a number of inherent difficulties, especially in the kitchen. Among other alternatives, the choice of a metal siphon stands out for a number of operational advantages over plastic counterparts. In addition to the material, when choosing, it is necessary to pay attention to the shape of the siphon, which also affects certain features of the product.

The material used for the manufacture of the siphon imposes a characteristic specificity on the operational features of the product.

• Strength. Metal can withstand significant mechanical stress, which allows you not to fear, for example, damage to the siphon by children in the bathroom or rearranging items under the sink in the kitchen.
• Durability. The alloys used for the manufacture of siphons (cast iron, chrome-plated steel, bronze) are designed for long-term operation for a number of reasons: absence of corrosion, resistance to chemicals in cleaning agents, except for acid-containing ones for ceramics.
• Nice appearance. Chrome plated steel looks great, as does bronze. The cast iron surface is not so aesthetic, but it lends itself well to 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, does not have any dangling or moving elements, it is easy to assemble and assemble, so you can install it yourself.
• Complete fire safety. The 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. Cast iron products are the most budgetary, 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-plated steel and other available alloys, largely depends on the quality of the casting of the parts. Poorly made siphons can have backlash and cracks and, most likely, will not last the full life, so choosing the cheapest options is not worth it. Before buying, carefully study the label, twist the assembled siphon and listen for extraneous sounds.

Metal siphons are made of various alloys with their inherent specificity and various shapes that determine the operational characteristics of products.

There are two main types of metal siphons:

• bottle;
• pipe.

The device assumes the presence of a transition compartment located below the drain level and constantly filled with water, as a result of which odors and other sewage problems are isolated from the apartment. Consists of three main parts: body, bend, bell. Great for the kitchen: Any objects that have fallen into the drain can be removed by unscrewing the bottom lid. The same method is used to clean the product 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 simply and effortlessly clean the product through the technological hole;
• can serve several drains, have a water level control system and other technological solutions.

The classic stainless steel drain, also known as the elbow. In essence, it is 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, providing isolation of the sewage system from the indoor space.

Pipe drains have some specific features.

• Relatively complex installation, especially with ready-made sewer wiring and an installed sink. The shape of the product is static, monolithic, so its ends should initially fall into the drain outlet and the hole in the sink.
• Difficult care. If the drain is dirty, you will have to either use chemical cleaning agents or dismantle the elbow - there are no special service holes in this type.

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 sewage distribution, and so on.

Let's consider them in more detail.

• Appointment. The main thing is the place where the siphon is installed: if it is a kitchen with large volumes of food leftovers and a constant chance of small items falling into the drain, then the bottle siphon is the best choice; if it is a washbasin in the bathroom or a shower stall drain, you can get by with the pipe option - in any case, you need to take into account the specifics of using this drain.
• The specifics of the sewerage wiring. The siphon must be compatible with the equipment that is planned to be installed or is already installed in this unit. This applies to both the material of the product and the shape.
• Bandwidth. It is largely determined not only by the type of siphon, but also by its size (drain diameter and height): the higher the product, the faster the water leaves. This parameter is directly related to the frequency of blockages, the ability to connect accessories and the maximum water pressure in the mixer, which the siphon can serve.

• Material. The choice of possible metals and alloys depends on the required performance and aesthetic qualities of the product.
• Completeness of the product. A very important factor in determining the quality of a product, especially from an unknown supplier. If there is enough of everything in the kit (gaskets, rings, and so on) and the parts fit tightly during assembly, most likely the manufacturer is focused on a solid market segment. In case of incompleteness, 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 are chrome-plated steel, brass and bronze. In addition, the product can be stylized for a specific interior style.
• Manufacturer. Products made by a reputable manufacturer are generally more reliable. Since the siphon is a fairly simple product, an external examination, determination of the material and verification of the integrity of the structure will tell you much more about the product.
• Guarantee period. An indicator that speaks about the quality of the product, first of all, about the material from which the siphon is made.

The market for plumbing products - in particular for siphon manufacturers - is quite extensive. Among the many companies, there are several that have an excellent reputation for high quality products.

• Jimten - a Spanish company specializing in the production of valves, fittings, siphons, sockets and other small sanitary fittings. The products are of good quality and excellent design.
• Viega Is a German company with over 100 years of tradition in the production of sanitary ware.High German quality is combined with an elegant design and well-thought-out shape, which ensures trouble-free and long-term operation of the product. The approximate price of the product is 2000 rubles.

• Handsgrohe Is another German company that produces sanitary ware. The products are distinguished by a large assortment, various design and stylistic performance. The constant implementation of modern technologies and the use of only excellent quality raw materials make Handsgrohe products reliable and functional. The approximate cost is 2400 rubles.
• Ravak Is a Czech manufacturer of modern sanitary ware, which has won the recognition of buyers from different countries for the combination of quality, excellent design and optimal price. Produces both tubular and bottle metal siphons.
• Geberit Is a Swiss company. Produces metal siphons of various shapes and purposes, which are of high quality and convenient design. The products are designed for both domestic and industrial use.

For an overview of the Viega chrome siphon, see the following video.