Types of siphons for sinks

A siphon is a plumbing element or a set of parts connected to each other that connects the sink to the sewer pipe and ensures the drainage of used water. In addition, its design prevents the penetration of “odors” from the drain into the living space.

What varieties are there?

In plumbing stores you can find siphons made of various materials.

The most popular is plastic: it is not susceptible to corrosion, is easy to disassemble and assemble, and is inexpensive. Its only drawback is its sensitivity to water temperatures above 90˚C, that is, pouring boiling water in large quantities into the sink is not worth it - polypropylene can become deformed as a result.

Metal - chrome-plated brass, copper, bronze, nickel and steel - more durable raw materials, although much more expensive. Indispensable for siphons located in a prominent place, looks good paired with a mixer made of a similar material.

Siphon models differ in size and variety of additional options.

With overflow

This is the most popular modification, the function of which is to prevent a flood in the apartment if there is a blockage or the drain hole is closed. An additional “hole” in the upper part of the sink, from which a narrow corrugation goes to the elbow, opens an alternative path for liquids into the drain pipe.

With valve

The bottom valve in the sink blocks the drain and holds water in it. Mechanical opens and closes by pressing. The automatic one is driven by a special lever, most often located behind the mixer. When you press it, a metal rod embedded in the top of the siphon pushes the plug out of the drain hole.

The design helps save resources and money on utility bills. Men use it, for example, to rinse the blade while shaving, and women use it to wash small items or wash dishes and food.

With bend

The siphon is equipped with one or two insert holes, which are located in its upper part above the outlet pipe. The modification provides the ability to connect drain hoses from other equipment, for example, a dishwasher and/or washing machine.

With disposer

In other words, with food waste shredder. It is a small electrical appliance under the sink that, when turned on, works like a juicer. Grinds food remains to a creamy consistency, such as:

• vegetables and fruits;
• flour products;
• small bones and shells;
• thin paper.

In its processed form, the entire resulting mass is easily washed down the drain, which prevents clogging and, accordingly, stagnation of water and sewage.

Design differences

The simplest modification is a corrugated siphon. One end of it is connected to the sink, the other to the drain. The water seal is formed by the user using the desired bend of the product, fixed in the right places with a clamp. The simplicity and plasticity of the design allows it to be adapted to any space, even the smallest.However, dirt accumulates faster in the folds, which is difficult to remove, given the intolerance of thin material to boiling water.

Tubular - solid (like the previous one), but smooth specimen. It has an S- or U-shape, which prevents stench from entering the kitchen if used constantly. Easy to use, there are models with an additional outlet.

Bottle - with a flask of a wide variety of shapes – the most common, present in most apartments. “Returns” valuables that accidentally fell into the drain hole. It is assembled like a construction set, easy to clean, but it is static and takes up more space. For double washing, such siphons are available with two upper pipes.

Depending on the location in the room

If you don't see a siphon under the sink - it is hidden, that is, walled up in the wall. Its advantages are aesthetics and saving space under the sink, the disadvantages are the cost of installation and problems with repair and cleaning. Although there are varieties with removable covers that provide access to drain lines.

For open siphons, all components are available for sanitation and replacement, and they can always be hidden in a cabinet or behind a pedestal. Not so long ago, a smaller version with a flat shape appeared on the plumbing market. The design is adjacent to the bottom of the sink and is therefore hardly noticeable.

Siphons for sinks in the bathroom and kitchen

They differ because they perform different functions.

A siphon is more suitable for a kitchen sink:

• tubular, or better yet bottled, which can be disassembled and cleaned of waste and grease at any time;
• with water pump;
• with an additional outlet, especially if the kitchen has a dishwasher and washing machine.

The washbasin in the bathroom experiences less “stress”, so you can use:

• corrugation;
• flat siphon.

By the way! The valve and overflow are useful in both cases.

By choosing the right siphon, you will ensure good, trouble-free operation of your bathroom or kitchen sink. And once you spend once on a copy with a set of additional functions, you will forget about blockages, floods and large water bills for a long time.