The plumbing system comes equipped with the essential small component known as a siphon. Under the sink or bathtub, the siphon provides odour blockage to the sewer system while assisting with smooth water drainage.
The selection process for new siphon replacements becomes complicated because of old unit failures or scheduled changes.
Choosing a suitable siphon constitutes your next step. Tools are available to help you prevent mistakes in selection between size and type.ย
Why is a siphon important?
A siphon is not just a tube. A siphon functions as a protective barrier since the water inside its curved section acts to keep sewage odours from leaking into the house.
Problems linked to slow drainage, flooding, and odour issues develop when a siphon leaks and clogs or does not install correctly.
The selection of an appropriate siphon demands serious attention. A siphon must accept sink and bathtub openings and operate under pressure without causing trouble for homeowners.
Separating from installation is a process that becomes challenging for beginner installers.ย Superior Plumbing and Heating offer sink installation and sink repairย https://superiorplumbing.ca/ย
Types of siphons: Which one should you choose?
There are different siphons, and each has its advantages. Knowing the main types will help you avoid getting confused .
- Bottle siphons are the most common type. They look like bottles with spouts. They are easy to cleanโjust unscrew the bottom and remove the dirt. They are suitable for sinks in the kitchen or bathroom where there is a lot of small debris.
- Corrugated siphons. This is a flexible tube that can be bent as you like. It is convenient if there is little space or the pipes are unusually placed. But it is more difficult to clean – the corrugation clogs faster, and dirt accumulates in the folds.
- Overflow siphons have an additional hole to drain water if the sink or bathtub overflows. They are ideal for bathtubs or sinks with an overflow hole. However, the installation requires precision to ensure that everything matches.ย
Each type has its characteristics. The bottle type is reliable and simple, the corrugated type is flexible, and the overflow type is safe for large volumes of water. The choice depends on where the siphon will be placed and how often it will be used.
Itโs important not only to maintain the siphon but also to replace the riser when necessary to ensure the plumbing system functions effectively.
How do you choose a siphon by size and function?
For the siphon to work, it must be suitable in size and function. The first is the diameter of the connection.
For sinks, the standard size is 32 mm or 40 mm, and for bathtubsโ50 mm. Before buying, you need to check the hole in your plumbing. If you take the wrong size, the siphon will either not fit or leak.
The second is the throughput. For the kitchen, where a lot of water and grease are drained, you need to siphon it with a wider pipe so it does not clog. A simpler option will suffice in the bathroom, with only a washbasin.
The third is the overflow function. If the sink or bathtub has an overflow hole, the siphon must have a corresponding outlet; otherwise, the water will go to the floor when it overflows.
The material also matters. Plastic siphons are cheaper and lighter, but metal siphons (e.g., stainless steel) are stronger and look better.
A compact siphon is enough for a small sink, and a stronger and wider one is needed for a large bathtub. The exact choice depends on the plumbing and room conditions.
Why is installing a siphon more complicated than it seems?
At first glance, installing a siphon looks simple: screw it to the sink, connect it to the pipe, and you’re done. But in practice, it’s not so easy.
First, you need to assemble the parts correctly. The siphon has gaskets, nuts, and rings – if you mix up or under-tighten something, water will leak.
Secondly, you need tightness. Even a small gap between the siphon and the pipe means that odours or water will find a way out.
Third, there are surprises with pipes. The sewage system may be non-standard in old houses – the siphon won’t fit without adapters.
Or the pipe may be clogged or cracked, and then replacing the siphon won’t help – you’ll have to look deeper. Without tools and experience, this quickly turns into a headache. Self-installation is possible but risky.
Why is it better to invite specialists?
Specialists have advantages when it comes to installing a siphon. They know how to choose the right siphon and install it without mistakes.
They have the toolsโwrenches, sealants, and sometimes equipment to test the pipes. If something goes wrongโfor example, an old pipe breaks or an adapter is neededโthe technician will fix it right away.
Another reason is the warranty. If a professional installs a siphon, you can be sure that it won’t leak in a week.
And if you do it yourself and break it, you’ll have to pay twice – for a new siphon and for calling a repairer to fix it.
It is almost impossible to do without a specialist in complicated cases, such as overflow siphons or non-standard pipes. So, calling a plumber is not just a convenience but a smart choice.
How do you prepare for the installation?
If you still want to try it, first check what you have. You need to buy a siphon by checking the size in the store.
You will also need a wrench, screwdriver, and possibly sealant. Before you start, drain the water from the old siphon and put a bucket down so you don’t flood the floor.
But if the pipes are old or the situation looks confusing, it’s better not to take any chancesโcall a specialist.
You need to take care of the siphon to make it last a long time. Do not drain grease or large debrisโit clogs the pipes.
Once a month, rinse with hot water or baking soda and vinegar to get rid of fine dirt. If the siphon is bottled, it is easy to unscrew and clean. But if leaks or odours exist, don’t delayโcall a technician.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sink or bathtub siphon is easy if you know the types and choose the right size and function.
Bottle, corrugated or overflow – each has its place. Installation seems simple, but without experience, it’s easy to make mistakes, from leaks to problems with pipes.
Although it is possible to do small actions yourself, it is better to invite specialists – they will install the siphon quickly, reliably and without surprises.
Don’t experiment where you can lose time and money – leave the plumbing to professionals.
