Selecting and installing a siphon for a kitchen sink (basin)

When trying to equip kitchens with fashionable sets and modern appliances, you should not neglect a small device installed under the sink called a siphon. Siphon for the sink will avoid some unpleasant moments when using the drainage system. So, what this device is and how it works, let’s consider in the article.

Siphon is called a system of pipes that creates a water plug between the sink and the sewer. This design allows you to avoid the entry of unpleasant odors from the sewer network into the room, and also collects in the sump of the debris from the sink, which prevents clogging of the drainage system.

The role of the siphon can play and pipe, bent in a special way, also creating a water plug. On sale, the siphon can go in a set with the sink, but more often it has to be purchased separately.

Why do you need a siphon

The kitchen sink (sink) is connected to the central or local sewerage system. Some homeowners and apartment owners connect the drainage hole directly to the pipe system that drains the impurities. For this purpose, a corrugated pipe is usually used, which is easily bent in the desired direction. However, if you do not create a hydroseal, the “aroma” from the sewage system will enter the kitchen. The main purpose of the siphon is to block unpleasant odors from the sewer system.

Manufacturers produce quality products that are characterized by:

• reliability;
• durability;
• durability, exceeding the service life of the mixer;
• resistance to chemical compositions, high temperatures and mechanical effects;
• simple installation, which allows a person without experience to install a siphon in the kitchen;
• versatility of use.

How it works

The principle of operation of the siphon is based on its design feature. In the lower part of the device, called a reservoir or sump, there is constantly water coming from the bowl of the sink. At this moment, there is high pressure in the drain – this leads to the displacement of the “old” liquid.

When the water supply stops, the pressure in the trap equalizes. As a result, some of the liquid remains in the curved part. This water plug prevents unpleasant odors from the sewer system from entering the room.

The siphon fulfills another important role. Since it is installed after the kitchen sink, it is able to trap some debris. It accumulates in the sump and is easily removed by partial disassembly when removing the tank – this procedure the homeowner can carry out independently, without the involvement of a professional plumber. Preventing the direct entry of waste into the sewer system will avoid its clogging.

General device of the device

Different manufacturers produce sewer traps, structurally do not differ much from each other. To the main parts, the so-called elbow for the kitchen sink, includes:

1. Decorative grate with small holes on the drain, preventing the penetration of large waste into the sewer system. To install it, a rubber gasket is included to seal the joint between the grate and the sink.
2. A spigot for connecting the drain and the filter grate. The part is fastened with a corrosion-resistant metal bolt and nut.
3. Siphon with lower removable reservoir for cleaning in case of clogging – it allows you not to completely disassemble the elbow-shaped device.

In the design of modern siphons (not only for the sink in the kitchen, but also for the washbasin in the bathroom with or without overflow) there are necessarily present fixing rings with gaskets for connecting the individual parts of the device. The set also includes a corrugated tube for connecting the outlet of the siphon tank and the entrance of the sewer.

Manufacturers create and produce different models, so their designs differ somewhat in device and different numbers of parts.

Material of manufacture

Manufacturers produce plastic or metal drains. The metal used for manufacturing is usually brass, bronze or stainless steel. Products in this design are excellent for an open arrangement, as they will become one of the elements of the decor of the kitchen room. However, they are much more expensive than plastic constructions.

A common disadvantage is the accumulation of contaminants on the inner surface of the odor trap. This leads to a gradual reduction in the cross-section of the device. If you do not perform regular maintenance, its clogging will occur. However, the adhesion of dirt and grease to plastic is less than to metal.

Modern drainage structures made of metal are purchased if a set of expensive sanitary ware is installed and an exclusive interior is created. Installation of a metal trap under the sink is often performed by professionals, because the sealing of the joints between its individual parts is carried out using rubber seals and fum-tape.

In houses of old construction you can see cast-iron traps – these are real rarities and are no longer produced.

Basically, plastic drain pipes for the sink are installed. They are practical designs that effectively fulfill their purpose. If necessary, they can always be replaced or cleaned. After all, they are inexpensive and are made with a smooth inner surface, on which grease does not accumulate, and other contaminants do not linger. Therefore, plugs rarely form in structures made of plastic. Such products are also characterized by low weight.

Plastic is a material that is resistant to corrosion and not bad temperature indicators. Manufacturers use polyethylene or polypropylene for manufacturing. Damage a quality device can only be damaged by significant mechanical impact.

Siphon is also called “sump for the sink”. Plastic drain is a constructor, because it can be disassembled and assembled in a certain sequence. If necessary, there is always an opportunity to replace a separately taken part or tighten one of the nuts, if there is a leak.

Dimensions

There is not much space under the sink, so the size of the design is limited. In most cases, this size of the siphon is sufficient. For effective operation of the device, you also need to take into account its flow capacity. Do not forget about the distance between the outlet from the siphon and the inlet of the sewage system. As a rule, the maximum height of the structure does not exceed 250 mm.

To put a siphon on the sink in the kitchen, when the diameter of the drain and the sewer pipe have the same size is not a problem. However, when there are differences in the diameters of the pipes, it is necessary to think in advance about their connection. In this case, various collars and spigots of their conjugation are used. For example, a tee internal double pipe for 50 mm, will allow you to connect a sink 50 * 40 and a washing machine 50 * 25 with sealing sleeves.

Common types

Manufacturers produce several types of siphons for the sink. They are chosen depending on the specifics of the installation location.

Corrugated drain

The tube in the form of a corrugation is convenient to use when the drain hole of the sink has a non-standard location. This device is also used if it is planned to install additional equipment or some necessary items under the sink. During its connection to the sink, it is necessary to pay attention to the amount of water in the curved place. It should be enough to create a reliable water lock, which guarantees reliable protection from the penetration of odors from the sewer system.

The drain in the form of a corrugated tube is not an ideal design, because on the ribs of the product accelerated accumulation of dirt.

Structurally, the corrugated siphon consists of the following elements:

• spigot with a grid and coupling nut;
• corrugated tube.

In addition, a pipe fixing may be required.

The corrugated drain is installed in a matter of minutes. First, we fix the outlet pipe with a grid on the sink. Fixation is performed using the gasket and screw included in the kit. Then one end of the corrugation is inserted into the spigot and secured with a nut, and the other side is inserted into the sewer pipe. If cleaning is necessary, the corrugated hose is disconnected from the spigot and the sewer. It is then flushed or replaced with a new one.

Bottle drain

Bottle traps are installed most often. They are well suited if it is necessary to drain dirty water and other impurities from several sinks. In this case, the installation of the required number of special branches is performed.

The design of the bottle drain consists of the following elements:

• a grid made of metal or plastic;
• receiving spigot;
• bottle container;
• spigot for discharging sewage into the sewerage system;
• adapter part, which allows you to connect the siphon with the sewer system.

Bottle drain is a completely rigid product. If necessary, the design is supplemented with a corrugation for a more convenient connection to the sewer system. Cleaning of the bottle drain is performed by unscrewing the lower part of the container in the form of a bottle and removing accumulated dirt.

Pipe drain

This type of trap is installed not only on sinks, but also on bathtubs. It has a completely rigid design – externally similar to the letters S and U.

Since many modern kitchens have dishwashers, the pipe trap can be with an additional outlet.

There are models of pipe traps with a break in the flow of the stream. Such siphons are not attached to the sink – after installation there is a gap between the siphon and the sink. It is necessary for germs from the sewer system can not get into the sink. They are used in children’s preschool institutions and catering outlets.

Flat drain

This is a small siphon under the sink, where the size is crucial. Usually used when a “washing machine” or dishwasher is installed under the sink. There are models with a break in the flow of the jet.

In addition to small dimensions, the distinctive feature of the flat drain is also a rigid design. Such traps are rarely clogged. If there is a need to perform a complete cleaning, the grid is unscrewed, and then the whole structure is removed from the sink.

With overflow

When the sink has protection from overflow, then a siphon with an overflow is installed under it. In the design of the product there is an additional spigot, to which a tube of small diameter is connected from the overflow hole in the upper part of the sink. This design does not allow the sink to overflow with water and reduces the risk of flooding the room and neighbors living on the floor below.

There are also drains with one or two branches on the neck. They are used if there is a need for additional connection of a dishwasher or washing machine.

Basic rules of choice

To ensure effective drainage of used water in the kitchen, you need to correctly select a siphon. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the following recommendations:

1. You need to buy a set at once. It, in addition to the trap, should contain all the necessary accessories for its connection to the sewer system. If the parts are bought separately, there is a probability that it will not be possible to assemble a single design from them.
2. It is necessary to measure the free space under the sink in advance. If it is minimal, you should give preference to a short siphon.
3. With a closed installation, there is no need to buy an expensive siphon in a designer design. It is better to buy a less beautiful product of proper quality, but at a lower price. After all, no one will see it, and it will not spoil the interior of the kitchen.
4. With an open arrangement of the siphon for the sink, it makes sense to buy a product in a decorative design.

In the package of each device always has an instruction manual – it should be carefully studied before installation. It is also necessary to pay attention to the absence of damage on the siphon, the quality of the threads, sealing elements and plugs.

Nuances of installation

To install the siphon on the sink, an experienced person needs to spend a few minutes. If you can not do it so quickly – it’s okay. First you need to prepare tools and consumables. The maximum that you may need is:

• screwdriver;
• gas wrench;
• sealant.

As a rule, when installing products made of plastic, only a screwdriver with a flat slot is enough.

If it is necessary to change the siphon, the old product is first dismantled. This procedure begins with the installation of a basin or other container under the drain to prevent water from getting on the floor. First, all the parts of the plastic trap are removed. Then the protective grid is removed by unscrewing the screw. If you dismantle the metal drain, you will have to use a gas wrench.

Finally, the inner part of the drain hole in the sewer riser is cleaned of dirt. To do this, you can use a rag or paper towel.

How to properly assemble the drain

At the beginning of the process, you need to check the availability of all parts. To do this, we study the attached instructions, and lay out all the elements, for example, on the table.

Often the assembly of the bottle drain is performed. Its assembly is carried out in the following sequence:

• The individual parts of the bulb are connected after installing a gasket of a small thickness. The sealing element is obliged to be well pressed against the part from all sides.
• The nut is fastened to the corrugated pipe.
• The cone-shaped gasket is put on the corrugated pipe. The sharp part of the sealing element is closer to the edge.
• The corrugated tube is inserted into the bulb outlet and secured by tightening the nut.
• A second nut and gasket are fixed on the other part with the grille.
• The two separate parts of the trap are connected by tightening the nut.

At the end of the process, the drain is fixed under the sink. If necessary, you can use silicone sealant to increase the tightness of all the joints of the trap. It is recommended not to apply much force when tightening the nuts.

The nuts must be tightened by hand! Do not use wrenches!

Installing the new device

The assembled drainage structure is fixed to the sink as follows:

• under the grate and on the top of the trap are placed gaskets in the form of rings;
• the assembled drainage element is pressed from below against the opening in the sink, and the grate is installed on the top of the bowl side;
• the screw is tightened;
• nut and sealing ring are put on the spigot;
• the siphon is put on and the nut is tightened;
• the hose is screwed to the siphon;
• the other end of the hose is connected to the sewage system.

If necessary, an adapter is additionally used if the parts have different diameters at the junction. At the end of the installation process, the operability of the drain is checked by filling it with water and checking for leaks.

Manufacturers

Here the choice is simply huge, from cheap Chinese goods, to expensive branded. The choice for each situation is individual and is based on the place of installation of the device, what work will perform and financial capabilities.

Some manufacturers:

• Akvater – a Russian company, is quite well-known and has its own sales market.
• AlcaPLAST – products of this company, a compromise of price and quality.
• Hansgrohe – a brand from Germany, a leader in quality and design.

Conclusion

Any sink in the kitchen should be equipped with a siphon, if you do not want unpleasant odors to appear in the room. Modern drains also prevent the penetration of harmful bacteria from the sewage system.

To save money, it is recommended to install plastic traps – they perfectly cope with their purpose. Now you can buy both domestic and imported siphon at a reasonable price.

A good option is the installation of a product with a cup-sump. Such a design will allow you to quickly perform cleaning of the sanitary device. Using pipe traps for the kitchen is also a great option.

If possible, do not use a corrugated pipe – because of the ribs, it unnecessarily holds inside contaminants. To learn how to use a corrugated pipe instead of a corrugated pipe, see the video below.