A bath siphon is a plumbing device that is necessary to connect equipment to the sewer network of a house. Currently, many different types of devices are sold in stores, which causes some difficulties when choosing a product. To independently solve the problem of choice, you need to familiarize yourself not only with the types of design, but also with other important parameters.
Varieties of bath siphons
All siphons can be divided according to several main parameters:
- by design;
- by material of manufacture;
- by manufacturer.
Bath Siphon Designs
The siphon under the bath can be:
- bottle type. The design is based on a special compartment in the form of a flask (bottle), in which debris particles accumulate and a water seal is formed, which prevents unpleasant sewer odors from entering the living space. Bottle siphons have large overall dimensions, therefore, they are recommended for installation if there is sufficient space under the bathroom. The main advantage of flask-type devices is the possibility of equipment without completely dismantling the device;
- pipe type. A pipe siphon consists of sections of rigid pipes connected in a specific sequence. Pipe siphons are smaller than bottle-type devices. The main design flaw is the lack of the ability to quickly clean the equipment;
- flat type. The main part of the structure, in which a water seal is formed and particles clogging the sewage system, settle, is made in a horizontal direction, which facilitates the installation of equipment in a confined space. To clean the device, it is enough to partially dismantle the equipment;
- corrugated. The corrugated siphon is the simplest design, consisting of a “drain-overflow” device and a soft one that can accept any position of the pipe. The main disadvantages of the device are the rapid contamination caused by the rough inner surface of the equipment and the difficulty in connecting the overflow.
The bath siphon must be equipped with an overflow function, which protects the plumbing fixture from overflow and flooding of the bathroom.
The design of any type of siphon provides for the possibility of connecting the device to the drain hole of the bath and connecting it to the overflow. According to the method of water discharge, siphons are divided into the following types:
- hand-held devices. Drain holes can be opened and closed by hand. All siphons shown in the figures above are of this type;
- semi-automatic devices. The semiautomatic siphon is equipped with a built-in plug with an additional cable, which opens and closes when the plug or handle is turned outside the bathroom. The handle can be turned in two directions. In the first position, the main drain from the bath will be opened, and in the second position, the entire load will be transferred to the overflow hole;
- automatic devices. The automatic siphon is a more complex design. The device is able to regulate the water level in the bathroom by itself. To drain the water, you need to press the drain cover with your hand or foot. This system is called click-clack.
Materials used for the manufacture of siphons
For the manufacture of siphons are used:
- plastic. Plastic devices are durable and low cost. It is optimal to install such equipment on a bath with a protective screen, since the appearance of the device is not aesthetic;
- metal: brass, bronze, chrome steel and so on. Metal siphons are suitable for acrylic bathtubs especially installed in the center of the bathroom. Devices, having an elegant and neat appearance, can serve as additional elements of room decor;
- cast iron. Cast iron siphons are designed exclusively for bathtubs made of the same material. Currently, they are practically not used, since they are distinguished by their large weight and size, and also require high installation accuracy.
If the siphon is not visible to users, then it is enough to install a plastic device.
Bath Siphon Manufacturers
The best bath siphon is a quality device manufactured in compliance with all rules and regulations. It is more advisable to purchase siphons from well-known manufacturers capable of guaranteeing the quality and long service life of products. These companies include:
- Geberit (Switzerland). The company, which began its activities in 1874, has remained the leader in the sanitary ware market to this day. The employees of the organization are constantly developing and implementing the latest devices necessary for a high standard of living of consumers. Products from the manufacturer are quite expensive, but they have a high level of quality.
- Ani plast (Russia). The company is a leading Russian manufacturer of plastic sanitary ware. The products manufactured by the company are annually certified and tested for quality. Products are of low cost.
- Viega (Germany). The quality of the products is controlled at all stages of production, starting with the supply of materials. All siphons are certified. The cost of the products is quite high, but the economic costs are justified by the long service life.
The video provides an overview of the semi-automatic siphon from Viega.
Siphon selection criteria
What is the best bath siphon? When choosing a device, it is recommended to be guided by the following rules:
- the siphon must be suitable for the size of the bath. This rule should be especially taken into account when choosing a metal product. If the bathtub was made to order, then the equipment of standard sizes may not fit. Before purchasing, it is recommended to measure the diameter of the drain holes and the distance from the drain to the overflow;
- the device should not fit too tightly. If there is a short distance under the bathroom, then it is more expedient to acquire structures of small overall dimensions;
- the need to connect additional equipment. Siphons are required to be installed when connecting any plumbing device (bidet, sink, washbasin), as well as a dishwasher. In order not to place several siphons of the same type in the bathroom, which will reduce the space of the room, you can install one siphon equipped with additional inlets;
- product price. With a limited budget, it is recommended to purchase plastic siphons from Ani Plast. If the funds allow, then it is better to purchase devices of German or Swiss production.
Cost and manufacturer should not be the main parameters when selecting a siphon. It is much more important that the device matches the size of the bathtub, meets the design requirements and suits the consumer.
- when buying a siphon, you need to pay attention to the completeness of the device (the kit must include all the elements necessary for connection) and the presence (absence) of dents, chips and other types of deformation on the siphon. Any flaw in the manufacture of the siphon can serve as a prerequisite for a reduction in the service life.
The siphon is selected according to all the parameters discussed above. You cannot take as a basis only one any factor. It is recommended to pay attention to automatic and semi-automatic siphons, which greatly simplify the procedure for using plumbing equipment.