Why do you need a siphon under the sink?

No sewerage system can operate without its main element - wastewater intake. Popularly, a set of pipes, curved pipes and other components of drain fittings is called a regular siphon. You can install it without calling a plumber, the main thing is to correctly assemble the structure and seal the joints.

Types of siphon designs

Most often, manufacturers choose polypropylene (a durable plastic that can withstand extremely low or high temperatures) or metal. If we talk about design, today the market offers hundreds of models that will suit a certain style not only of the sink itself, but also of the room.

As an example, we can highlight several current areas:

• corrugated devices - the model is extremely simple, the set contains a corrugated pipe with a special bend, an outlet with an adapter is attached to the drain part, ensuring sealing. The most important thing is that this type is installed in limited space due to its compact volume;
• bottle analogue - those who lived under the USSR will immediately remember the main characteristics of this type. Modern systems already come complete with a special siphon. Now there will be no problems with cleaning, since you just need to unscrew the bowl, rinse it and put it back. Installation will not take more than 5 minutes;
• pipe system - not suitable for the kitchen; it is mainly installed in the bathroom. It looks like a bent pipe that creates a water jam. If there is a blockage, experts recommend simply removing the elbow and flushing. The siphon is very small and is additionally equipped with an overflow for the sink.

Important! The pipe system is not installed in the kitchen; due to the size of the siphon, citizens often encounter blockages.

How the device works

For those who are familiar with the basics of physics, the operation of an ordinary siphon will not seem like something fantastic. He needed to drain water from the sink to the drain. If you simply install a single drain pipe, you may encounter a huge number of problems. For example, the general sewer system will regularly become clogged, as leftover food, small items, etc. will simply get stuck. As practice has shown, residents of the first floors suffer from this.

For your information, we can highlight several tasks that only a high-quality siphon can solve:

• anti-clogging. Large particles that manage to break through the mesh in the sink fall into the bowl, where they settle;
• ensuring quality water flow. If you simply install a single pipe, then the remaining fat and slag will settle on the walls. After just a few weeks, it will be easier to dismantle and throw away than to clean. The siphon provides a flow that does not allow particles to remain on the walls, creating the so-called “suction effect”;
• the most important task is water dispenser. It ensures that gas and unpleasant odors do not enter the room through the sink opening. This is achieved using simple physics - the difference in the height of the pipe and the bottom.

In simple words, a special bowl and the difference between the height of the pipe creates a small accumulation of water. Experts call this a “water jam.” It stops the entry of unpleasant air outside the siphon, forming a protective “plug”. Regardless of the design model, everyone operates according to the same principle.

Functions of drain fittings

Its main function is ensuring filtration of large residues. Rough “straining” catches large pieces of food and large particles in the form of stones and other deposits.

The second task is “transportation" of runoff to the sewer system. Additionally, the absence of air is ensured, which often negatively affects the seal.

Manufacturers additionally equip drain fittings removable trash net, which is very convenient for housewives, or a special overflow so that the sink does not fill to the brim.

Installation features

The simplest option is immediately purchase a complete set with a siphon. The kit already includes seals and all the necessary elements for assembly. Before you buy it, you need to decide on the location. For the kitchen, it is advisable to choose a large bowl, since food residues easily clog a small structure, which leads to leaks.

Experts identify several fundamental rules for installation:

• The seal must fit evenly to all parts of the siphon. If there is a deviation, it will break the seal. It will not appear during a test run, but after a long wash of dishes the bottom will be wet;
• using plumber's tape. Many manufacturers assure that the seals and the thread itself will be enough to avoid leaks. But this is far from true.Any time you need to connect several parts of the siphon, it is advisable to additionally use tape. Any plastic tends to expand when heated, and the appearance of gaps is inevitable.

Following even these simple rules will help you install the siphon correctly. As practice shows, for installation you only need a screwdriver, with which you install the mesh inside the sink. Many kits contain detailed installation instructions.