For the implementation of the simplest sanitary measures, it is not necessary to call a specialist, ask for leave from work and spend money to pay for services. For example, installing a siphon in the kitchen is a simple procedure that even a woman can handle.
If you select the device correctly, study the instructions for it and remember a few generally accepted rules, the process of cleaning, replacing or installing the siphon will pass quickly and without unpleasant surprises.
Kitchen siphon designs
The question of buying or replacing a siphon arises when the old model fails, as well as for reasons not related to the device itself.
Suppose, along with the purchase of a new kitchen set, you have to change the sink, and the design of the new sink requires a different configuration of the device. Consider what types of siphons are offered by modern manufacturers.
We remind you that the kitchen siphon is a device that connects the sink with the sewer pipe, which prevents the entry of unpleasant odors into the room and facilitates the process of eliminating blockages
There are many options for classifying devices for creating a water trap under the sink, but all types can be combined into two large categories:
- bottle;
- the knee.
Knee, in turn, are divided into rigid or elastic (corrugated), and absolutely any type can have a more complex structure if it is connected to a sink with overflow. It is also worth mentioning about a flat siphon (relevant for installation under the shower cabin) and double - for installation under double sinks.
Along with economical plastic models, metal siphons are also used - brass, copper, steel or bronze. Their installation is relevant for styling a room when the area under the sink is fully open
A bottle model is ideal for the kitchen, however, if there is a shortage of free space or for other reasons, knee-shaped (U-shaped and S-shaped) are also used. It is more rational to install the latter types for plumbing fixtures with a minimum of free space - for example, under bathtubs.
Before installing a sink siphon in the kitchen, you need to decide on the model. We present several options, one of which may be useful to you.
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The advantage of this type in its simple design and quick disassembly / assembly, if it is necessary to eliminate clogging or just to carry out preventive cleaning
In fact, this is a curved pipe, in the bend of which enough water accumulates to form a reliable water seal
In fact, these are two different devices, however, during installation, you need to consider their placement in pairs
An additional elastic pipe leads to a special hole in the sink - to prevent flooding in the event of a clogged drain hole
Due to its elasticity and the ability to stretch to the required length, the corrugation is often used where it is impossible to establish a rigid model
A twin sink is not uncommon in a modern kitchen. To increase the free space in the cabinet, one siphon is used for two sinks
It is used if it is necessary to connect several plumbing fixtures or arrange the bends for connection in an uncomfortable place
In other words, a ladder with a dry hydrolock. This type is convenient for saving space, but installing it in the kitchen, where there is a high risk of clogging, is irrational
Option 1 - Bottle Siphon
Option 2 - Knee Siphon
Option 3 - siphon with chopper
Option 4 - overflow siphon
Option 5 - Corrugated Pipe
Option 6 - Double Bottle Siphon
Option 7 - Double Knee Siphon
Option 8 - Flat Siphon
Thus, when choosing a new device, it is necessary to focus on the amount of free space under the sink, technical characteristics (reliability of the material and gaskets, maneuverability), the ability to disassemble for maintenance, and if the siphon is not masked in the cabinet, then the appearance.
Assembly and installation instructions
Models are assembled in different ways: some must first be assembled and then hermetically connected to the drain hole of the sink and the sewer pipe, others are partially assembled during the installation of the sink. Consider the assembly and installation options for popular types.
Steps for installing a bottle siphon
When purchasing a device in a store, pay attention to the fact that there are 2 types of plastic models:
- inexpensive, consisting of 10 (or more) parts;
- branded, with integrated gaskets.
The second type is distinguished by the use of high-quality polymers - both plastic for the body and material for the o-rings. Its cost is higher, but it will last longer.
In addition, it is much easier to assemble: it consists of only 3 parts, which are easy to connect and adjust. A conventional device has at least 10 parts that must be installed in the right places without confusing the seals with each other.
The process of installing a siphon for a kitchen sink must begin after the sewage system is completely laid and furniture is installed, in other words, in the last turn.
Sometimes one of the parts - the drain - is mounted when installing the sink. As long as there is access to the back of the sink, it is easier to tighten the mounting bolt. However, the design of bottle models is so simple and straightforward that they can be fixed at the sink at any time.
Consider how to collect a siphon for washing in sequence. For example, take an inexpensive model that consists of many elements. First, unpack the kit, check whether all the parts are in place.
It is important that the tubes and the bottle part are smooth and airtight, the corrugation is flexible, and the gaskets are tight, without flaws. Then we follow the photo instructions:
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We take a thin flat gasket, suitable in diameter, and gently pull it without distortions to the place of the threaded connection of the "glass"
The cover - the second element of the plastic “glass” - is tightly wound by means of a threaded connection so that the gaskets are not visible
We take a branch pipe that connects the bottle element to the drain hole of the sink, and put on it a plastic nut
In the same way we put on a conical laying. An important point: we install the gasket with the extended end to the drain
We insert the nozzle into the upper hole of the bottle element, twist and gently tighten the union plastic nut
On the corrugated tube, as well as on the nozzle, first we put on the flare nut, then a gasket suitable for the diameter
We insert the corrugated tube into the side hole of the "glass", tightly twist the union plastic nut
We mount the blue large gasket under the sink, between the nozzle and the sink, and fix the white gasket and metal drain in the form of a grate from above, securing with a long screw
Step 1 - installing the gasket on the “glass”
Step 2 - screwing the lid of the "glass"
Step 3 - Putting on the union nut
Step 4 - putting on the cone gasket on the nozzle
Step 5 - connecting the “glass” and the nozzle
Step 6 - Putting on the nut and gasket on the corrugation
Step 7 - connecting the “glass” and the corrugation
Step 8 - Distributing the remaining parts
The assembly is completed, it remains to install a siphon under the sink. It is positioned so that the pipe is directed to the drain hole, and the corrugated pipe is toward the sewer socket. The bottle part should be at the bottom, it is in it that a water lock is formed.
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Stage 1 - installation of a metal grate
Stage 2 - installation of the neck under the sink
Stage 3 - screwing the siphon to the neck
Stage 4 - tightening all union nuts
The device is installed, the drain hole is framed, it remains to insert the corrugated pipe into the sewer - usually this is a wide pipe. To ensure the tightness of the connection, we use adapters and sealant.
How to install a model with overflow
Overfilling is a convenient invention that avoids flooding the kitchen, if suddenly the drain hole is clogged, and the water threatens to splash out of the sink filled to the brim on the floor.
Outside on the sink you can see several small holes or one large one. In the second case, a decorative part is installed on the outside, covering this hole.
The overflow hole is usually located on the side - either on the wall of the sink on the side of the wall, or on the bridge between the two sinks
The overflow device itself is an additional corrugated (less often - rigid) tube that is fixed on the back of the sink, just opposite the overflow hole, and is inserted into the siphon nozzle with the second end.
Mounting on the sink is carried out by a screw, tight connection with the nozzle occurs by tightening the plastic union nut.
When installing the overflow, as with the installation of any sewer elements, it is important to tightly connect all the fragments and be sure to use a sealant. Here a dense rubber or plastic ring is fixed under the socket fixed on the back of the sink. It can have a round, oval or rectangular shape.
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Step 1 - preparing the overflow hole
Step 2 - preparation of the decorative lattice element
Step 3 - installation of a decorative element
Step 4 - installation of corrugation for overflow
After installing the device with an overflow, it is necessary to check it for leaks: close the drain hole tightly, draw a full sink of water and observe how the liquid enters the siphon through the overflow. If there are no leaks, the device is installed correctly. In the opposite case, it is worth checking once again the presence of gaskets and tightening the union nuts more tightly.
How to assemble and install the overflow drain under the kitchen sink is described in detail in our article.
Siphon connection to the sewerage
There are several ways to connect a siphon to a sewer pipe. Their choice depends on the design of the device with a water lock, and on the location of the outlet of the sewer. The easiest way is when the installation of a kitchen sink is a stage of repair work: then even with the sewage system, the most appropriate wiring is considered.
However, siphons are replaced more often than major repairs are made. This is due to damage to the device, and with the replacement of furniture. Therefore, to come up with the best way to collect a siphon for a sink and connect it to the drain of the sewer, sometimes you have to "on the go."
Corrugation often acts as a connecting element, however it is much more reliable and more expedient to mount a smooth rigid element. Moreover, a short pipe is much better than a long one - so the probability of clogging is reduced to zero
Corrugated pipe is good because, due to its elasticity and mobility, it can be placed anywhere, and if necessary, extended to the desired length. However, the plumbing corrugation has a weak point - it wears out much faster than a rigid element.
In addition, due to its softness, the pipe sags, thereby causing blockages. The ribbed inner surface of the pipe is also prone to accumulate contamination, due to which the material is elongated and loses its shape.
If there is a possibility (with a successful location of the sewer outlet), you can independently replace the corrugated part with an ordinary pipe section for internal sewage, cut to the desired length.
You can get acquainted with the replacement option using the photo gallery:
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Corrugated pipe from siphon kit
Plastic rigid pipe D 40 mm
Hard pipe trimming and installation
Mounting adapter sleeve 50/40 mm
The smooth inner surface of the rigid pipe is a guarantee of protection against sagging and frequent blockages, which are characteristic of a corrugated counterpart.
The specifics of installing a surface-mounted sink and the features of connecting a siphon to it are described in detail in our recommended article.
Videos are a great opportunity to consolidate knowledge about the assembly and installation of siphons, as well as learn how to independently practice the installation of plumbing equipment, avoiding common mistakes.
Video tutorial on replacing an old, failed kitchen sink siphon:
Non-standard installation of a siphon connected to a drain hole of a corrugated pipe:
Assembly and tips for the proper installation of an inexpensive overflow siphon:
As you can see, the assembly of simple models does not take much time and does not require special knowledge. When replacing an old siphon, the dismantling of worn-out equipment takes more effort.
If you have no questions about installing a drainage device for a kitchen sink, you can do all the work yourself. To solve more complex tasks of connecting the device, it is better to turn to a plumber.
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