The siphon placed under the sink is an essential element for the proper drainage of water from the sink bowl. There are several types of siphons available on the market, differing in dimensions and construction, but the installation method is quite similar for all.
Self-installation should not pose significant problems for anyone. Instructions on how to properly connect the siphon can probably be found on its packaging - they are also available online in the form of short instructional videos.
What is a Siphon Actually Needed For?
Some people occasionally wonder about the necessity of installing a siphon. After all, the sink drain can just as well be connected to the sewage system using a simple connection pipe. However, it turns out that it is not that simple, and the presence of a siphon in devices such as a sink or washbasin is indispensable.
The siphon connects to the drain located at the bottom of the sink bowl and to the overflow hole, thus allowing for the effective disposal of water after washing and protecting the room from flooding.
However, its task is not only to drain water. Thanks to its construction, siphons are always to some extent filled with water, which effectively blocks unpleasant odors from seeping in from the sewage system. In the case of a connection using ordinary pipes, which would be empty after draining the water from the sink, all unpleasant smells from the sewage would seep into your home.
What is Included in the Siphon Installation Kit?
The siphon is not a particularly complicated device, but it is worth familiarizing yourself with its various elements, which will facilitate its installation. Here is a list of siphon components included in a standard kit:
- drain pipe along with a bend;
- body, i.e., the bottom drain cup with a strainer and a stopper;
- upper overflow strainer along with a pipe;
- set of nuts and gaskets;
- screw and washer (for adjusting the siphon's automatic strainer);
- ordinary or automatic stopper.
You will need the following tools for siphon installation:
- wrench;
- screwdriver;
- socket wrench;
- teflon tape;
- bowl - place it under the siphon before loosening any fittings;
- plastic cutting saw – useful in case you need to shorten pipes;
- sanding paper to smooth out cut parts.
For experienced DIYers, installing a siphon will take very little time. If you are doing it for the first time, follow the instructions provided below.
Siphon Installation – Let's Get Started
If you plan to install the siphon yourself, the first step is to check whether you have all the necessary elements: piping, nuts, gaskets, and tools. Next, if you are replacing an old siphon with a new one, unscrew the fittings located at the bottom of the sink and the end fitting of the siphon – disconnect everything from the rest of the installation. It is worth remembering to place a container, dish, or bowl to catch water, as it is present both in the drain pipe and in the bend.
If you are just setting up the entire sewage installation, check the sink to ensure it is securely mounted and that you have all the necessary installation components at hand. Now you can measure whether the pipes connecting the sink to the drain have the appropriate length, whether the overflow can be connected without obstruction, and most importantly, whether the entire siphon will fit comfortably under the sink.
How to Install a Siphon for a Sink – Step by Step Instructions
When everything is prepared, you can proceed with the installation of the siphon for the sink. Before you start, empty the sink bowl, remove any dishes, and drain the water from it.
- Install the strainer - place the steel strainer in the sink drain, pressing it down, and secure it with a nut.
- Seal the drain - place a gasket under the steel strainer and wrap teflon tape around the sink drain thread.
- Secure the drain cup in the sink hole, tightening it with a screwdriver and seal the connection with teflon tape.
- Install the siphon - position the siphon body under the sink and connect it to the sewage pipe, ensuring it is as close as possible to the wall, which will give you enough space in the cabinet under the sink.
- Optionally – connect the dishwasher hose - if you have a dishwasher, connect the dishwasher hose to the appropriate branch on the siphon leading to the drain hole.
- If you haven't done so yet, connect the faucet hoses to hot and cold water.
- Check for leaks:
- close the strainer with a knob; if it is a manual siphon, you can do this by pressing the strainer,
- fill the entire bowl with water,
- then open the strainer and allow the water to flow into the drain, thus checking the tightness of the entire installation.
Check if all connections are tight during water flow. If necessary, tighten the nuts or use additional teflon tape.
If you have an automatic siphon, after completing the first step you need to:
- Place the stopper in the hole.
- Then attach the automatic drain link from below the sink - check if the screw in the drain strainer is adjusted so that by turning the knob, the drain hole can be freely opened and closed.
- Now connect the upper overflow pipe to the lower drain.
If the pipes are too long, you will need to shorten them. You must then cut them to the appropriate length - be careful not to cut the pipes too short, making them difficult to fit comfortably. Special attention should be paid during installation to ensure that the gaskets are secured in the right places. This way, water will not leak outside the system.
As you can see, the entire "operation" is quite simple and should not cause difficulties, even if you are installing a siphon for the first time.