How to properly assemble a bath siphon

The bathtub siphon sometimes needs to be disassembled, washed and cleaned of accumulated dirt, which can cause blockages and become a source of unpleasant odors. This is where knowledge about its structure comes in handy. In essence, there are no difficulties, but there are some subtleties.

Types of bath siphons

All existing models can be classified according to their design features. The most popular are tubular ones, variants with a flask, corrugated siphons, as well as flat models.

Tubular siphon

This option is also called knee. Its main part is a pipe, which is made of plastic or metal. It is placed between the bathroom drain and the sewer hole. As the water flows, it falls, then rises along the second bend. This water creates a kind of barrier to unpleasant odors. Such siphons are large in size and quite difficult to maintain. They are cleaned only when a major blockage occurs.

Siphon equipped with a flask

The device, which has a flask, looks like a bottle, which is why it received its name. At the bottom there is a sump that allows you to easily remove various contaminants from it. To clean it, you need to remove the cover located at the bottom of the sump. At the very bottom of the flask there is a water seal. An outlet pipe is located in the center, usually corrugated.This is the most convenient option in terms of maintenance. Usually blockages are eliminated by removing and washing it.

Flat siphon model

No different from the usual one, except for its appearance. It has the same drains and branches. Essentially, it is a flat plastic pipe. The main part is located horizontally, but this does not exclude the creation of a water seal. Convenient to use in small spaces. It is not difficult to maintain. To clean, you need to unscrew some elements.

Corrugated siphon

This is a curved corrugated pipe. In the bend, which looks like the Latin letter “C”, there is a water seal. It is attached to the drain hole with a clamp. Although this design is quite movable, if it becomes clogged, it is much easier to install a new siphon than to try to clean the old one.

How to assemble a regular siphon correctly

When we go to the store to buy a new siphon, we receive a set of individual elements packed in a plastic bag. Well, if you take an expensive model, then the packaging will be branded and made of cardboard. This does not change the essence - assembly should be carried out according to the instructions supplied by the manufacturer. We proceed in order:

• take a chain with a plug attached and connect it to the cover plate on the overflow hole;
• we check whether there is any debris left at the places where the neck is installed; if necessary, we remove the remains of the old gasket;
• insert a new gasket into the drain pipe and bring it to the drain hole.

All seals made of rubber are made to be conical. Try not to mix them up when you install them: point the wide part towards the nut, and point the narrow part towards the neck.

From the inside of the bathtub we insert the grate into the drain hole; the grate also has a rubber seal.We check how evenly the gaskets lie and secure them with a screw connection. Older models have a threaded plug. This plug is simply screwed into the pipe.

Attention! When tightening connections, do not try to apply much force. This can damage the rather fragile plastic elements, and if you need to adjust the siphon, you will have to loosen everything again.

The overflow drain is installed in the same way. Using a corrugation, it is connected to the siphon. Don't forget to put the cone-shaped washer and nuts on the hose in advance.

Reference. When installing the siphon, use silicone sealants. After they are completely dry, you can check the assembly for leaks.

Attach a removable elbow to the main drain hole. It creates a water seal inside itself and prevents unpleasant sewer “odors” from entering the room. In addition, various impurities collect in it. This means that it will need to be cleaned from time to time.

We put the adapter on the back of the knee. This part will connect to the sewer. We fasten both parts with plastic nuts, not forgetting to first install cone-shaped spacers under them.

Installation features of other models

In addition to plastic siphons, you can find non-separable metal models on store shelves. You can buy a fully automatic siphon or a semi-automatic one.

The main thing you should pay attention to when installing such devices is the exact angle at which the siphon pipe enters the sewer hole. It needs to be made as small as possible.

This is necessary to prevent water leakage, which will not be eliminated by any sealing agent.In particularly severe cases, you will need to go shopping and buy additional items. The siphon is mounted on the sealant, while the threaded connection is gradually tightened.

Semi-automatic models are no different in installation, except for additional control elements. They are easy to install thanks to the instructions that come with the kit.

Fully automated siphons, especially if they have an electronic control unit, are quite complex devices. Their installation must be carried out by specialists from the selling company or developer. Of course, you can try and install everything yourself, but in this case the warranty on them will be void.