Siphons for sinks: varieties, sizes and shapes

The sink siphon is one of the main components of the drainage system. At the moment, a wide range of siphons is presented in plumbing stores, but in order to choose the right one, you need to know some of their features.

A siphon is literally a tube that is needed in economic life to ensure the smooth drainage of drains, but thereby preventing the smell of sewage from entering the atmosphere of the kitchen or bathrooms. The principle of operation of the siphon is ensured due to its special structure in the form of a curved tube, due to this curvature, a water plug or the so-called water seal is formed, which provides a mechanism for sealing the room from the sewage system, preventing odors from entering, but freely ensures the drain of liquids into the sewer system.

Knowing the structure of the siphon is necessary not only to understand its work, but also for its further independent replacement, because in addition to natural wear and tear, there may be emergencies when it will be necessary to react quickly, and there will be no time to wait for outside specialized help. To create a barrier between the sewer pipe and the room, in principle, one pipe bent under 1800 is sufficient, such a model was used before, before the discovery of new technologies and the appearance of design ideas in the plumbing design industry.

The generalized structure of the siphon is considered below, of course, depending on different models, there are some peculiarities.

• Removable (protective) mesh - designed for primary filtration of debris, while large parts remain and do not fall into the pipe, preventing blockage. It is located above the unit attached to the sink. If the sink does not provide for the presence of a protective wall, you should think about buying a sink with a colander, which will cope well with this function.
• An overflow pipe or outlet is a different system to prevent the sink / bath from overfilling with water, which is attached to the drain pipe, preventing flooding.
• Rubber gaskets with a thickness of 3 to 5 mm in black or white, due to which a tight connection of the siphon parts is ensured.
• Drainage pipe - located under the sink / washbasin.
• Connecting screw - for fastening all parts.
• Actually, a siphon.
• Sewer outlet.

The construction market provides many varieties of siphons, differing in material, shape, size. All siphons can be divided into two large groups - wet and dry, each of these groups consists of mini-subgroups.

The most common options are the following.

Bottle - its main function is performed due to the water content in its flask, which prevents the flow of sewer gases into the room. This is one of the common options that is found in almost every apartment. Bottle siphons can be of various shapes and square, rectangular, round.

Pros:

• it can be either with one or with two taps, which ensures that not only sinks / sinks are connected to it, but also other devices (washing machine, dishwasher);
• universal in its application, suitable for closed washbasins with a tulip pedestal;
• if jewelry and other things accidentally fall into this type of siphon, you can quickly find them, because they settle at the bottom of the flask, and when disassembling, you can easily get them out;
• the accumulated dirt on the walls of the siphon is well removed by special means.

Tubular - a simple siphon, which is represented by a conventional curved tube more often S-shaped or U-shaped, resembling a corrugated siphon, but instead of corrugation there is a straight, smooth pipe.

Pros:

• easy to operate, if necessary, the curved part can be dismantled and dirt removed;
• the direct-flow type of structure protects well against blockages;
• can be used suspended with open washbasins.

Minuses:

• a water plug forms in a small depression, if you rarely use a sink, then water may evaporate with the release of an unpleasant odor;
• for cleaning it is necessary to completely dismantle.

Corrugated - the simplest type, presented in the form of a plumbing flexible corrugated tube. One end of it is connected to the sink, and the corrugation is directly connected to the sewer pipe, in the middle, with the help of a clamp, the necessary bend is formed, in which water is constantly located (water seal), thereby preventing the release of an unpleasant odor outside.

Pros:

• simplicity in structure ensures easy installation in the future;
• does not require a large space under the sink;
• due to its flexibility, it is possible to position the pipe as it will be convenient, to lengthen or shorten it.

Minuses:

• often, under the influence of high temperatures (boiling water), the corrugation is deformed;
• corrugated siphon has a minus in the form of accumulation of fat and dirt in its folds, which will contribute to the formation of blockages, and there will be a need to change or dismantle with cleaning of parts.

Dry - begins to gain momentum in sales, a feature of the siphon with a dry type water seal is the presence of a rubber tube inside, which, when used, allows water to flow into the sewer. After finishing washing, the tube is lowered and does not let the smell through, while forming an air valve.

Pros:

• since no water remains in it, such a siphon is good for use in unheated rooms, without fear that it will burst;
• due to its structure, it is possible to install in hard-to-reach places both in a vertical position and horizontally;
• does not harbor water, thereby preventing the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms.

Minuses: often only sold in two sizes.

Double siphon - this type of siphon is preferred if there is a double sink in the house, which often helps to save water, which is very important if there is a meter. As with other types, the double siphon has a sump into which foreign bodies can enter and from where they can be easily retrieved.

Siphon of the "click-clack" type - refers to the automatic type, in which the lid is fixed directly to the device, and by simply pressing it, it closes the hole in the drain and water is collected (it is more often used in bathtubs), in case of overflow to prevent flooding, the lid rises on its own and a gap is formed through which water flows out.

The difference between the siphon of an automatic machine and a semiautomatic device is that for the latter, a person needs to press a button to open the hole and drain the water.

A telescopic siphon is an ideal compact invention, consisting of different diameters of pipes, they are often provided assembled, that is, any person without plumbing skills can handle the installation.In addition to its simple design, the siphon can be adjusted in depth and height, make both a shortened and an elongated version, which means that half of the space under the sink or sink will not be occupied by a siphon with the inability to hide the necessary accessories there, and you can confidently put if desired, shelves, drawers and more.

The wall-mounted siphon is the ideal solution for combining an aesthetic look and saving space, it fits close to the side wall. Most often used when installing a washing machine under the sink, while leaving a narrow gap between the washing machine and the wall.

Corner siphon - used in the shower, often made of stainless steel.

Depending on the location in the room, siphons are divided into three types.

1. Hidden siphons - resembles a bottle siphon, while the flask itself is hidden in the wall. The most expensive type and inconvenient to operate, but it saves space under the sink.
2. Open siphons - easy installation, simple and convenient maintenance.
3. Flat siphon - the main reason for use is the need to save space where there is not enough space for a standard drain structure. Most often, the area of ​​its application is open models of water lily sinks, showers, bathrooms. This model resembles a bowl with a wide base, occupying the minimum height between the sink and the underlying structure in the form of a washing machine, shelves and other.

Pros:

• does not take up much space under the washbasin, due to the remaining space, you can install a washing machine, cabinet;
• it is possible to install a siphon in any hard-to-reach place;
• well protects against unpleasant sewer odor;
• water runs off easily, dirt on the walls of the siphon practically does not remain due to its smooth structure of the walls.

Overflow is an additional function for the siphon to prevent flooding. It prevents sinks / baths / washbasins from overflowing, preventing flooding. Through the additional hole, excess water begins to flow into the drain. Depending on its connection with the siphon, the overflow can be either internal or with a built-in bottom valve, for which there is no need for an additional hole in the sink. Often, if the inner person himself does not see him, that is, there is no additional hole on the sink, but due to a special mechanism at the necessary moment it works.

A great tool for dealing with trash cans and clogged sewers. This device will eliminate unpleasant odors in the kitchen.

The siphon can be with a water drain - this is the name of the part through which the drain itself is carried out. It can be either single or double. In the second option, there is an additional structure on the bowl itself, to which it is possible to connect other equipment where a drain is needed.

A siphon detail such as a valve can be:

• bottom;
• reverse;
• airy.

A sewer air valve often needs to be installed when several devices are connected, and there is a possibility that the water seal breaks off and the sewer smell enters the premises. Their purpose is to normalize air pressure drops in pipes. Unlike an air check valve, it simply passes water in one direction, preventing it from going back, while the pressure inside the pipes is not affected.

As an option, a homemade siphon design can be used in summer cottages where you do not stay for a long time and do not need its long service. Although you can not waste time on this, and just buy a washstand.

The production of the siphon comes from a variety of materials, in addition to the difference in this, they are varied in shape and size.

Materials for manufacturing are diverse.Often, siphons are hidden from a person's eyes behind a curbstone or a wall, but there are times when it is impossible to do this, and it is worth coming up with such options in which you do not have to buy an additional detail in the interior.

• Brass - chrome-plated brass products are more often used for glass sinks, where it is necessary to preserve the overall design idea. This model is perfectly combined with other similar metal interior details. However, they require special care to maintain their appearance.

• Non-ferrous metals - mainly on the market there are bronze, nickel-plated and copper siphons. Caring for them is a very painstaking job that requires time and special means. Most often they are used to preserve the overall style of the interior. Copper is the most expensive siphon material, but it is as durable as stainless steel.
• Steel - the main advantage is the strength of the material, over time the siphons do not leak. Basically, they are all plated with chrome, which ensures the durability of the structure. The disadvantage of chrome plating steel is the cost of the siphon, but the quality is ensured if the coating was done correctly. To install such a model, accurate measurements are needed, and the installation work by a plumber. Chrome plated siphons go well with glossy faucets, towel rails and other bathroom fittings.

• Cast iron - preference is given to such a siphon when installing floor-standing toilets.
• Plastic - the most common type of siphon, made of polypropylene, due to which the low price of the product, but not the quality itself. The main advantages of such a siphon, in addition to its low cost, are simplicity and ease of assembly, resistance of the material to chemicals, ease of maintenance, in case of contamination it is possible to clean it with special means. It must be remembered that its damage is possible under the influence of a thermal factor (boiling water).

• Bronze - looks very rich, but in the absence of proper care it spoils its appearance.

The shape of the siphon must be selected if an open type of sink is used in order to maintain an aesthetic appearance. In such cases, it is more often S- or U-shaped, flat, square. In other cases, when the siphon is hidden from view, then it is worth thinking more about quality than form.

Here it is worth starting from the area that you have under the sink. If you are not sure which to take, short or long, there are types where you can adjust the siphon itself: both lengthen and shorten it.

The choice of a siphon should not only consist of cost, it is also necessary to pay attention to the manufacturer. It often happens that the products of well-known companies do not correspond to the expected and vice versa.

Below are several options that will help with the choice.

• Viega - the slogan of this company “Quality is most important. Without quality, everything loses its meaning. " And this is so, their main plus is the high German quality. The products have been on the market for more than 115 years, and since that time a lot has changed, but the main thing always remains with them. Today Viega is the world market leader in the field of sanitary equipment, with more than 10 representatives in different countries of the world.One of the main areas of work is the manufacture of hinged sanitary ware, which not only meets the latest technical characteristics, but also has an excellent design. In the manufacture of their products, they use different materials in the form of stainless steel, copper, bronze, and plastic.
• Alcaplast - the company is based in the Czech Republic, its rating is quite high on the market in Central and Eastern Europe. The main assortment, in addition to creating inlet and outlet mechanisms, is hidden installation systems, various types of siphons for bathtubs, sinks, sinks, shower trays, which will help create comfort in the home.

• Hansgrohe - a leader in the field of design. The founder of the company is one family from Germany, producing high quality products under two brands: Hansgrohe and AXOR. The perfection of form and functionality pleases, and this is the main merit of the company. One of the few who advocate for the protection of the environment, thus producing quite ecological products.
• McAlpine - a company originally from Scotland, one of the first began to produce products for drainage from metal, then began to master the production of plastic. Today, the factory occupies a leading place in the manufacture of structures for drainage, which include: siphons, drains, overflows, sewer pipes and more. Having its own laboratory, it allows the factory to check its products for quality (tightness, withstand different temperatures and aggressive factors, etc.).

• Akvater –The company was founded in Russia in 2008. It started producing siphons since 2011. Within a short period of time it occupies a good place in the sales market.
• Grohe - a product of German quality, due to large exports, occupies one of the leading places in the world market, without losing its quality. By purchasing these products, you can be sure of functionality, uniqueness of forms and reliability.

The choice of a siphon must be approached very carefully. It is necessary to find an excellent balance of quality and cost, if possible. The most frequent questions: how to choose the right drainage system, arise when buying siphons for sinks, washbasins and bathtubs. If an open sink is installed like a glass, stone, overhead ceramic sink on the countertop or made of artificial acrylic stone (which has a small water absorption threshold), then you should choose a bottle or pipe type siphon made of brass or non-ferrous metals, which will support the overall idea of ​​the interior.

One of the reasons why you have to change the siphon is when water begins to drip from the bowl, the hose itself flows, or you hear something gurgling. In this case, it is necessary to check the tightness of the connections, which may be violated due to the outcome of the service of the repair kit. In some cases, it is possible to dismantle the siphon with your own hands, in particular, if it is entirely plastic, if there is a siphon made of a more expensive material like brass, non-ferrous metal, you should seek specialized help.

To disassemble parts, you need to know a few points:

• in the sewage system, the pressure corresponds to atmospheric, due to which it will be easy to disassemble the siphon, especially if it is plastic;
• it is necessary to prepare a bucket and rags to collect liquid from the pipes, which will spill if you unscrew all the elements of the siphon;
• stop the water supply and disassemble the siphon;
• all parts must be cleaned if they are still suitable for further work;
• depending on the cause, it is necessary to eliminate the problem, and this may be: changing the repair kit, removing blockages, cleaning parts, eliminating cracks in the pipe (using glue and cloth), sealing joints, etc.
• if it is no longer possible to repair it, it is worth buying a new siphon; when assembling at home, you need to be guided by the drawing that is attached to the siphon, and already connect it to the sewer according to the scheme.

The most problematic part of the house in relation to blockages is the sink and bathroom, where various particles, grease, and hair settle. In the absence of proper care and regular cleaning, an unpleasant odor in the room is ensured.

There are several ways to clean the siphon.

• Folk remedies. The easiest and most common option is to use baking soda and vinegar. Pour soda into the drain hole and add the reaction catalyst in the form of vinegar, while quickly closing the hole. The fact that the blockage has been removed is clear from the rate of water flowing out.
• Mechanical cleaning (plunger). Due to the plunger, an increased pressure is created in the drain, when you press it quickly a couple of times, water and dirt will come out, thereby the blockage will be eliminated. It must be remembered that the smell with this method will increase during the removal of the blockage.
• Chemicals. Means specially designed to combat blockages. It is necessary to pay attention to the composition, because often ready-made products have a negative effect on the pipes, they can release vapors of substances that are unfavorable for the respiratory tract.
• Dismantling.

So that the purchase of a siphon does not disappoint you in the future, and it lasts a long time, you need to know some points, and approach the purchase wisely, keeping in mind the advice of experts.

• Availability of a warranty period - the longer it is, the more confidence that the drain will work, because thereby the manufacturer is confident in the quality of his products.
• It is necessary to know exactly the diameter of the inlet and outlet pipes, as well as the length of the required pipe: if it is too long, this is not a big deal, but if it is short, you will have to buy another set.
• Strictly select a siphon depending on the purpose, because there are features of use: for sinks in the kitchen, where grease sticks and other particles attach to it, which will lead to a blockage, or it will be a sink in the bathroom.
• Availability of a quality certificate.

• It is necessary to immediately decide whether additional equipment will be connected in the form of a washing / dishwasher. If yes, then it is better to choose a siphon with an additional outlet or a special tee that will facilitate installation, and not the overflow sleeve, which was previously used.
• The choice of material is already at the discretion of the buyer, there are from the most common, such as plastic, to expensive ones - brass, copper. Do not think that cheap material will not be of high quality.
• The color can be different: black, gold, white and others, this is a question of the interior.

• You should definitely pay attention to the quality of the gaskets. The color does not play a special role, white and black are more often used, but they have the same quality, just the latter on white siphons will be noticeable.
• It is worth paying attention to the quality of the fasteners, partly due to them, the duration of the use of the siphon is ensured. More resistant to high humidity stainless steel fasteners.
• In addition to quality, it is worth looking at whether all the details specified by the manufacturer are available.

• When using a siphon, it is better to prevent the formation of a blockage than to get rid of it later. To help solve this problem, an ordinary grate will come to the drain hole, which will retain large debris. It is advisable to carry out preventive cleaning once a week, it can be hot water (undesirable if the siphon is corrugated), ordinary soda with vinegar, or you can buy a special product in the store.
• If possible, it is worth giving preference to smooth-walled systems.
• If the pipes are at a slight slope, you should think about buying a siphon with a check valve, which will prevent the backflow of liquid and get rid of the unpleasant odor.

How to assemble a siphon, see the next video.