Connection of a sink (sink) in the kitchen or a washbasin in the bathroom is carried out using a siphon. Today, in sanitary ware stores, you can buy a ready-made siphon complete with a corrugated polyethylene hose that connects to the sewer line. Installation of the siphon is quite simple. After attaching the siphon to the sink, which depends on its specific design, the corrugated hose is connected to the drain of the sewer line, sealing the connection with a sealant or using a special rubber cuff – an adapter.
The siphon is located under the kitchen sink and connected to the drain hole. The device is needed to push large debris particles out of the flow that could cause a pipe clog. This method of cleaning will not get rid of blockages completely, but there is a certain benefit. In addition, it prevents the penetration of unpleasant odors and harmful bacteria from the drain pipe. Before we talk about how to assemble a siphon for a kitchen sink, let’s understand what types there are and how it all works.
How it is arranged
The material used is plastic — polyethylene or polypropylene, or metal — chromed steel, copper, brass, bronze. The material does not rust and is not destroyed under the influence of moisture and an aggressive environment. Plastic products are the cheapest. They are easy to use and absolutely reliable. If you choose a body made of polymers, it is better to give preference to polypropylene, since it is less flexible and less prone to deformation under the influence of hot water. Metal costs more. The high price is justified by the absence of deformations, stiffness of the joints and a long service life. Mass in this case does not play a role.
The variety of forms and technical solutions is a little confusing at first, but the task and the principle of operation are the same. The device is a hydraulic shutter — a downwardly curved pipe or other container in which a certain amount of water is constantly located, which does not allow odors from the sewer to penetrate.
From an engineering point of view, the device can be classified as follows:
tubular — is a curved tube made of metal. It is collective and solid. In the latter case, there should be an inspection hatch in the lower part at the bend to remove grease and large particles of debris;
Corrugated is a type of tubular. It does not have inspection holes, and it is difficult to clean it, since the corrugated hose has an uneven surface, and deposits easily accumulate in the folds;
bottle-shaped or flask-shaped differs in the presence of a flask, creates a water seal. The flask (bottle, glass) has a bottom that is easily unscrewed, which makes cleaning much more convenient compared to the first option. It can be of two types. In the first case, the hydraulic valve works thanks to the tube inside the case, in the second – thanks to the partition;
flat – instead of a flask, it has a wide flat nozzle-separator installed in it. It is used in cases where it is necessary to save space under the sink, for example, if a washing machine is located there.
There are also models for double sinks, in which two taps are connected to one body. There are varieties with one and two additional outlets that provide drainage from the washing machine and dishwasher. The drain-overflow system protects the sink from overflowing. All these devices can work only with bottle cases: both plastic and metal. The connection to the sewer pipe and to the outlet, where water enters from the bowl, is carried out in the same way in all cases, so all the nuances of the installation can be considered not with the example of a bulb-shaped device.
A set of parts and tools
To understand how the siphon is attached to the sink in the kitchen, you should understand the set of parts that make it up. Most often, the following products are delivered in a set:
- a grid covering the drain hole of the sink;
- rubber gaskets;
- outlet pipe;
- nuts and screws for connecting the sink and the body;
- corps;
- drain pipe;
- nut for connection to the sewer pipe.
The parts included in the siphon kit are standard and suitable for any modern sinks.
Of the tools, only a screwdriver will be needed. You may have to use a sealant, but such a need does not arise often, since global manufacturers produce sanitary ware and parts for it according to the standard, so that all products fit together.
Installation of a siphon under the sink in the kitchen
You should start by checking whether all the parts are in place. Their list is in the instructions, and even if an unscrupulous manufacturer did not complete the set, the instructions will contain a complete list of all components. In addition, having studied the algorithm of actions in advance, it will be much easier to work.
At this stage, it will not hurt to check the quality of the components, especially if the set was inexpensive. Defects include sharp edges, burrs that can damage the gaskets. It is better to cut them with a knife. Irregularities are the reason that the prefabricated elements do not fit tightly to each other, allowing water to seep out.
Installation is carried out from top to bottom in the following order
- A protective grid is attached to the drain hole in the bowl. It usually comes with two gaskets. If their thickness is less than 4 mm, it makes sense to purchase more massive ones. White is placed on the front side of the bowl, black – on the bottom. Through these gaskets, a branch pipe is connected to it. It is attached to the grill using a metal screw located in its center. The screw is tightened with a screwdriver tightly, but so as not to break the thread. In some models, the gaskets are already pasted. There are also modifications in which fastening is carried out without screws using a plastic nut that is put on from below.
- A bulb is inserted into the pipe – a tightening nut with a diameter of 32 mm is put on the newly screwed tube with the thread down, then a conical gasket. Its wide side should face the nut. At the same time, the height of the housing is adjustable within significant limits. If you raise it all the way, it may be difficult to drain. If lowered too low, there is a risk of the bulb falling. When the height is adjusted, the nut is tightened. You will not need tools for this – this operation requires almost no effort.
- A cover is screwed to the body from below, which performs the function of an inspection hatch. In case of contamination, it is removed and cleaned.
- A nozzle nut is put on the drain hole of the flask. The other side of it with the pulled black seal on the end is placed in the sewer pipe. Sealant is needed to prevent the penetration of odors from sewers and wastewater when it is contaminated.
- It is necessary to make sure that all connections are airtight. To do this, water should be supplied under a small pressure, having previously placed the bucket. If there is no leakage, the pressure can be increased.
In the process of assembling the siphon under the sink in the kitchen during kitchen remodeling in sacramento, it is important not to tighten the plastic nuts too much, otherwise the rubber gaskets in them will be crushed, which will reduce their service life. If they are not tightened, the drop in the strength of the connections will gradually increase until after some time the entire structure collapses with all the corresponding consequences.
It is not necessary to use a sealant in a regular kit. Firstly, there is no need for it, and secondly, if you have to install another kit, the sealant will have to be removed to add density to the joint, and it is not so easy to do.
If you need to put a new pipe on the old sink, you will have to get rid of the old one. After several years of service, it sticks to the surface. When dismantling, it is better to first remove the lower part, then unscrew the screw. It is important not to force events – otherwise you can bend the sink. The plastic tube must be gradually loosened, and then it will fall off by itself. Before attaching a new one, the surface should be cleaned of plaque.
A non-standard option
In those rare cases, when system elements do not connect well with each other, it is better to try to find a replacement for them. It is not always possible to do this, and then a hacksaw, a set of wrenches, sealant and sealing tape come to the rescue. This technology can be used at all stages up to connecting the siphon to the sewer.
To make your task easier, it is better to remove the sink. During the work, it is advisable to plug the sewer pipe with an unnecessary rag.
You should start work only after completing all measurements. If the tube is too long, you can cut it with a simple hacksaw. It is important not to forget to clean the edges from burrs with sandpaper.
There are situations when the reliability of the connection is questionable, and then you cannot do without a sealant. They cover the threads immediately before installation. If a gasket is used, it is carefully coated with a thick layer, with the expectation that all gaps will be closed with a sealing compound. The same method is used if the grate does not quite fit the bowl.
Metal joints must not be rusty in any case. It is better to use hemp to seal threaded joints.
