As they say, if little things determine the consciousness of everyday life, then the washstand determines... I don’t know what. But it definitely makes life more convenient with him. I don’t have a stationary washbasin on my site, but the construction guys took theirs. So somehow I got ready and went shopping in search. I didn’t really like everything I saw on sale, which is why this article appeared here.
Method number 1: nail in cork
The simplest and most obvious, of course. We make a hole in the center of a plastic bottle cap, insert a nail with the head inward, and screw the cap on.
Problems: water leaks, the nail rusts. And besides, there is a problem common to all washbasins with a rod: while you press from below, water flows, but your hands are busy and you can’t wash them, and when you let go, your hands are freed and you can wash them, but the water no longer flows :).
Method number 2: hole in the cork
We make it in a bottle cap triangle side cutout. Then, by turning the lid, the water will flow out; by turning it back, the tap closes. Original and simple.
Problems? Read a funny story from one forum:
“I built a washstand from a 5-liter bottle according to the recipe described: you turn the lid slightly and a thin stream flows. The unit hung on the corner of the gazebo, dug a shallow hole below and poured a bucket and a half of ASG into it. Everything worked perfectly while I was busy putting the dacha in order. And then relatives began to arrive...
The mother was the first to come across: she wanted it to flow better and she turned it off more - the lid flies off, all the water goes down at once! I explain that you need to unscrew less. An hour later, the mother-in-law comes up to the washstand... Well, you understand. He explained the same thing, although not so calmly. And then the wife goes to wash her hands... and not once, but twice within an hour! Considering that the day is just beginning, and the water is imported and there is almost no water, my educational speech begins to resemble a motorcycle without a muffler.
And then the washbasin attracts the children's attention. Usually you can’t force them to wash their hands, but this is under a normal tap. Well, I make a special step for them from a large block of wood. Voila! Children unscrew the lid in the same way two times in a row! I can’t bring myself to scold children... The next day I go to the store and buy an ordinary 3-liter plastic washbasin. I hung it in the same place..."
Method number 3: tap in the neck of the bottle
Almost similar to the first two. We take a faucet from a washing machine, for example, a couple of turns of electrical tape, and we’re done.
Method number 4: faucet in a plastic container
Instead of a bottle, we simply take a five-liter plastic container, drill and cut a hole at the bottom, and insert a purchased faucet. Voila. All that's left is to come up with a drain :)
Method number 5: tap into a regular bucket
Whoever likes it. On the plus side, it’s easier to decorate a bucket (see video below).
Method No. 6: pin + cork + bottle
We make several holes in the cap of a large plastic bottle plus 1 in the center. Insert the pin into the center. We attach a handle to the bottom. Inside we insert a rubber plug attached to the pin. Kind of like a drain plug in a bathroom or a faucet from a chemist's heating pad.
Method number 7: “for advanced”
Take a 5 liter bottle. Cut a 10x8 cm hole in its bottom.
We take a steel rod 18 cm long and 5 mm in diameter. Using a hacksaw, we cut the upper end of the rod along the axis. We separate the ends of the rod with a screwdriver. At the opposite end we cut an M5 thread. On the rod we make two transverse cuts 1 mm deep at a distance of 65 mm from the end. We attach a washer and a fixing bracket made of wire with a diameter of 3 mm to the rod. We insert a pressure spring with a diameter of 10 mm into the bracket. Its height is 15 mm greater than the height of the bracket. We put a rubber gasket with a diameter of 10 mm on the rod up to the support washer. Place a rubber washer on the bottom. Drill a hole in the center of the lid. We assemble everything: we attach the bracket with the equipment to the roof with two self-tapping screws, and screw the cap from a tube of toothpaste onto the lower end of the rod. We cover the metal parts with enamel to prevent them from rusting, and place them in a tank to dry. All…
Method No. 8: washbasin from a kettle
What could be simpler? We hung the kettle, put a basin underneath - that's all.
Video on making washbasins with your own hands
Method No. 9: designer washbasin made from buckets
A master class on creating a washbasin from a galvanized bucket and faucet, as well as a washbasin from a larger bucket, a colander and a siphon. The buckets are beautifully covered with film, so they called it a “designer washbasin for the dacha” :)
Tsugunov Anton Valerievich
Reading time: 5 minutes
The siphon performs important functions: thanks to the water stopper, it prevents odors from the sewer from entering the room and protects the pipes from frequent blockages. If the drain system is worn out or faulty, replacing it does not need to be put off until later. Changing the siphon under the sink yourself is not difficult; it does not require special skills or complex tools, the main thing is to know how to do it correctly.
Types of siphons
Before replacing the siphon, you will have to select and purchase a new product. First, let's get acquainted with the varieties of this device.
According to the principle of operation, siphons used in a kitchen sink or a bathroom sink are divided into the following:
- Bottle type with a submerged tube (the water stopper is created by two cylinders, one of which is inserted into the other). It is used more often than other types due to the ability to remove accumulated dirt by unscrewing the plug from below.
- Bottle with two partitions.
- Pipe. This product looks like a pipe bent in the shape of the letter “S” or “U”, due to the bending of which a water seal is created.
- . It is a plastic corrugation, bent and fixed in the desired position with a clamp.
Previously, drainage devices were made of steel and cast iron, but now practical and inexpensive plastic is most often used for siphons and other plumbing equipment. It is not subject to corrosion, does not rot and does not retain dirt. Plastic tolerates cleaning well using cables and chemicals.
The cheapest products are made of polyethylene and PVC, their service life does not exceed 6 years. Siphons made of polypropylene and ABS plastic will last more than 10 years.
How to choose a drain device?
The product has a simple design and is easy to disassemble to check for defects. It should be free of defects on the surface and in the threaded connections. The gaskets are elastic and lubricated with silicone sealant.
- It is more difficult to select a pipe drain, since it has a rigid structure: its pipes must be precisely aligned with the holes of the sink and sewer bed.
- If there are problems with free space or inconvenient placement of pipes, it will save the situation.
- For a kitchen sink, it is better to choose a drain with smooth walls, since the corrugations quickly become clogged with dirt.
- If there is absolutely no space under the sink, you should choose a special one.
To install the drain device, you need to purchase odorless silicone sealant. Acidic compounds will not work.
Siphon replacement
The process of replacing a siphon under a sink consists of the following steps:
- Removing the old drain. The work is done over a bucket. A rag is prepared in advance and should be used to immediately cover the hole in the sewer pipe to avoid an unpleasant odor.
- After dismantling, any remaining contaminants are removed and the sewer pipe is cleaned.
- Threaded connections on the siphon body are checked for burrs. If there are any, they are carefully cut off with a knife. You also need to make sure that all gaskets are in place.
- The sink drain grate is lined and installed with a gasket or sealant to prevent leakage.
- A thick gasket is placed on the outlet of the sink, after which it is placed at the bottom center of the sink drain hole. A screw is inserted into the central hole and screwed with a screwdriver so that the drain grid and outlet are pressed tightly against the sink.
- The flask of the device is assembled. A rubber gasket should be installed on the bottom and the cover should be screwed on. A union nut and a cone-shaped gasket are put on the outlet of the sink. The upper part of the siphon is placed on it, after which the outlet union nut is screwed to it. Such a connection is reliable and airtight. It is often used in non-pressure systems. An exhaust pipe is connected to the flask.
- The sewer pipe should be dried and a cuff lubricated with sealant should be installed in it.
- The drain end of the outlet pipe is adjusted to size, then inserted into the sewer pipe, where it is sealed with a cuff.
- Water is supplied to the sink for some time to check the tightness of the connections.
Siphon repair
If the drainage device begins to leak, there may be several reasons for the malfunction:
- poor-quality installation - incorrect joining of connections, skewed threads, not fully tightened union nuts, use of unsuitable gaskets;
- blockage;
- wear of seals - over time, gaskets harden and shrink, so they begin to leak water;
- damage - cracks or chips.
For repairs, it is necessary to install a container from below to drain the liquid.
- If the assembly quality is unsatisfactory, the product simply needs to be disassembled and reassembled correctly.
- If the lower part of the siphon is clogged, you need to unscrew it, then clean the sewer with a cable or wire.
- In the place where the drain is leaking, replace the rubber seal with a new one, lubricated with Vaseline or liquid soap. In this case, the joints are treated with sealant.
Advice from a plumber: if it is not possible to buy new gaskets, the old seals should be generously lubricated with sealant or silicone glue and installed in place. Water can be released after the material has hardened. This connection will last for several more years.
If we look under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom, we will definitely see an interesting device that is located under the drain hole. This is a plumbing siphon. Sooner or later, any siphon begins to require attention - cleaning, repair or replacement. How to do it yourself?
simplest plumbing siphon for a sink it can simply be a U-shaped tube with a side outlet into the sewer. Under the bathtub there is also a curved U-shaped tube of a flat shape (flat because there is not enough space under the bathtub) - the bathtub siphon. The siphon plays a very important role - water does not flow out of the U-shaped elbow completely, but remains standing there, forming the so-called water seal(hydraulic seal) - a water plug that prevents sewer “odors” from entering the room. Siphons are now made of plastic, but in old buildings you can also find cast iron siphons(usually where sewer pipes are cast iron). Cast iron siphons were made in the form of a curved pipe (tubular) and were non-separable. Sometimes they had a removable bolted cover or screw plug for cleaning.
Slightly more complex siphons in the shape of a plastic cup with screw caps on top and bottom and with a side extension at the top of the glass, which is connected to the sewer pipe. Siphons in the shape of a glass perform the same function - protection from unpleasant odors, since there is a partition inside the glass that does not reach the bottom. This design is similar to a U-shaped tube; there is always water in the glass at the level of the drain hole (excess water goes down the drain when filled), and creates a water seal. In addition to protecting against odors, the glass-shaped siphon also provides sump function- accumulates dirt and other washable items. So if you accidentally washed a gold chain down the sink, you can be sure that it lies at the bottom of the siphon and will not go anywhere.
Thus, tubular siphons usually placed in bathrooms, that is, where only dirty soapy water is practically washed off, and glass siphons- in the kitchen, where food waste and fats are washed off in addition to water. Accordingly, such siphons require periodic disassembly and cleaning. That is, if water began to flow poorly from the kitchen sink, and cleaning it with a plunger did not help, it is time to work on the sink siphon.
The second case when you have to deal with the siphon is if it starts drip water. In this case, the siphon must be disassembled to check the condition of the rubber seals. Some prefer replace the entire plastic siphon, it is inexpensive today. There are very convenient kits for sale for sink or bathtub drainage equipment - a drain funnel with a corresponding siphon and all gaskets.
What do you need to know when starting to disassemble the siphon for the first time?
1. Since the pressure in the sewer system is always equal to atmospheric pressure, and water in the sewer flows by gravity, disassembling and removing the siphon does not present any difficulties and does not even require tools (if we are talking about plastic siphons and plastic sewer drain pipes). Siphons are held on sewer pipes due to friction - the rubber rings of the seals are pressed with nuts, which are tightened by hand, when compressed, they spread out to the sides and tightly cover the smooth pipe. Even without unscrewing the nuts, the siphon can be removed from the pipe by applying some force and slightly shaking and twisting it. This design would not be suitable for water supply networks; in a water supply system the water is under pressure, but for sewerage it is quite suitable.
Old cast-iron siphons cannot be disassembled, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to remove the lid from them so easily; the threads of the bolts are probably so stuck that no force can remove it. You can try cutting the bolts and replacing them with new ones during reassembly. The lower threaded plug for cleaning in a cast iron siphon can usually only be drilled out, but this is labor-intensive and tantamount to damaging the siphon. Therefore, it is better to simply use old cast iron siphons and pipes before entering the riser replace with modern plastic ones. All parts for this are commercially available and inexpensive. Moreover, the installation of plastic sewer parts today does not require welding, cementing joints and other labor-intensive operations; the parts are sealed with ready-made rubber rings (do not forget to moisten the rings and ends of the pipes with soapy water to facilitate assembly). The only thing that remains is to cut the pipe to the required size, which can be done perfectly with a grinder or a hacksaw. And, most importantly, do not make a mistake in choosing the diameter of the pipes.
2. Since there is always water in the siphon, and not of the first freshness and purity, before disassembling it is necessary put under the siphon a suitable dish for slops, and put on rubber gloves on your hands. After removing the siphon, first empty the dirty water from it by tilting it over the vessel. And, of course, do not forget that a sink with the siphon removed cannot be used so that water from the drain does not flow onto the floor. Sometimes some people forget this, and, having removed the siphon, they immediately begin to rinse it over the sink, and stop only when dirty water begins to flood their feet.
3. After removing the siphon and draining the water from it, you need to unscrew the bottom part of the siphon and proceed to its cleaning and rinsing. This can be done with a brush (an old toothbrush is a good idea) and with cleaning products. The nuts that clamp the rubber seal on the pipes need to be unscrewed, the gaskets removed and, best of all, the gaskets replaced with new ones. You can also use old gaskets, covering them with silicone sealant before installation.
Silicone sealant is an excellent means of sealing old gaskets, the only inconvenience is that you need to wait some time before using it so that the sealant can polymerize. Cured silicone sealant is transparent, resembles soft rubber and does not stick parts together, allowing them to be disassembled later.
4. Having installed the gaskets, the cleaned and washed siphon is assembled in the reverse order and installed on the drain and sewer pipes, after which the clamping nuts are tightened. After installation, the siphon is checked for leaks. If a sealant was used, then after assembly you need to wait for the time specified in the instructions for the sealant.
If the siphon is heavily dirty or damaged, then instead of cleaning and restoring it, it is more advisable to throw away the old one and install a new one, purchased at a hardware store.
Siphons should also be taken care of if you leave your house or apartment for a long time. Gradually the water in the water seal will evaporate, and the smell from the sewer will begin to penetrate into the apartment. This is what explains the specific “uninhabited” smell of abandoned premises. To avoid this, you need to periodically (once every 2-3 weeks) visit your home and fill the siphons, draining the water in the bathtub and sinks for a few seconds.
If this is not possible, then siphons can be filled non-evaporating liquid, for example, vegetable oil. For modern plastic siphons, 150-300 grams of oil is enough; for old cast iron siphons, up to 0.5 liters may be required. This type of oil seal can operate for several years. After re-opening the premises, the siphons will need to be washed with hot water and some kind of fat-breaking detergent.
If the siphon under the sink is leaking, then this is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Otherwise, there is a high probability of flooding of the living space located on the lower floors. A siphon is a plumbing element designed to prevent air from entering a room from the sewer system.
This device is installed under the bathtub, washbasin and kitchen sink. The principle of operation of the siphon is that the water in its body prevents sewer gases from escaping from the pipeline. That is why the air in the kitchen and bathrooms is always clean and fresh. The appearance of moisture on the floor and an unpleasant odor from the sink indicate that the drainage system is leaking.
There may be several reasons for this phenomenon. Despite the fact that the drain system has a rather complex structure, you can fix it yourself, without resorting to the services of on-call technicians. Plus, when the sewer is leaking, every minute counts. Let's consider what to do if a leaking siphon is detected.
Today, siphons made of plastic and metal are used in the sewer system. Plastic devices consist of several parts. Their connection is made using union nuts, rubber gaskets and cuffs. There is no need to use tools for assembly; all actions are performed by hand.
Steel siphons can be found quite rarely today, except in old houses. They are durable and reliable. The steel pipe in the bathroom is attached to them with bolts, and sheet rubber gaskets are installed between the drain fragments.
If the drainage system is leaking, the reasons for this may be the following:
If the siphon is leaking, it can be completely replaced or repaired. Installing a new device does not always give the desired results. You can acquire a defect or make mistakes during assembly. Fixing an emergency can take much less time than getting ready and going to the hardware store. In addition, working with your own hands allows you to save a certain amount of money, which can be spent on other purposes.
In order to determine the causes of the leak, the siphon must be inspected and disassembled. This work does not require any tools, since connection and disassembly is carried out solely by hand force. Using different keys can only aggravate the situation, since under their pressure the plastic can burst. This also applies to metal siphons. When assembling them, steel bolts are used, which over years of operation become tightly attached to the nuts and body of the product.
If you discover a leak in the drain system, you need to do the following:
- Pour strong detergent into the drain hole. After some time, rinse the sink drainage system with boiling water. This technique will allow you to remove dirt, plaque, food waste and all fat deposits from the pipes and siphon, which will greatly facilitate further work.
- Prepare a bucket and rags to collect liquid that will inevitably spill when disassembling the siphon. In order not to breathe sewer gases, you need to buy a plug that is the same size as the drain pipe. Modern plastic systems use pipes with a diameter of 50 mm. Prepare liquid soap to lubricate the rubber cuff.
After disassembling the drain, you need to wash all its parts in hot water and soap. The use of acid and acetone is not recommended, as these liquids can destroy metal, plastic and rubber. Cleaned parts are wiped and dried. After this, you can begin repairing the siphon.
Do not rush to throw away this product, even if its damage seems catastrophic. In any pantry you can find supplies to quickly close gaps in the shortest possible time.
Depending on the nature of the damage to the drain system, the following actions can be performed:
- Restoring the tightness of gaskets. The best option is to replace them completely. As a rule, such products can be purchased at any plumbing store. It is recommended to lubricate new gaskets with Vaseline or liquid soap to make them easier to fit into place. If for some reason there is no opportunity to purchase new linings, then this is not a problem. Old gaskets can be generously lubricated with sealant, silicone glue or liquid nails. After this they are installed in place. You can use the drain after polymerization of the sealed material. Such repairs are guaranteed to last for several years of operation of the siphon.
When the integrity of the edges is damaged, you can use cold welding. However, this method is not reliable as the plastic may crumble further. There is only one way out: purchase a new siphon and install it according to all the rules specified in the instructions.
To prevent the siphon from starting to leak at the most inopportune moment, it must be serviced regularly. This should be done at least once a year. When cleaning the siphon, all parts should be inspected for damage and signs of wear. The gaskets should be lubricated with silicone grease or replaced with new ones.
Assembly should be carried out carefully, avoiding distortions. If you are away from your apartment for a long time, you need to pour vegetable oil into the drain hole to prevent the rubber parts from drying out. In addition, this will prevent odors from the sewer from entering the room, since the water from the siphon quickly evaporates.
Plumbing problems require prompt repairs. In this article you will find some tips that will help you learn how to fix siphon leaks as quickly and efficiently as possible.
It should be borne in mind that the serviceability and durability of such plumbing equipment as a siphon under a sink or sink largely depends on proper installation.
You can install the siphon yourself, but in this case no one will guarantee its long service life. However, if you turn to professionals for installation, you will be able to receive not only competently and efficiently installed plumbing equipment, but also a guarantee in case of any malfunctions.
Before moving on to how to eliminate a siphon leak, you should pay attention to the issue of its correct installation. After all, it depends on this whether any problems with plumbing will arise in the future or not. First of all, immediately after purchasing the product, it should be assembled. During the assembly process, it is necessary to check that all screws, gaskets and other parts that should be supplied with the product are present.
After checking all plastic and rubber elements for strength and integrity, you can begin installing the equipment.
In order to minimize the risk of leaks during operation of the siphon, all gaskets and connecting elements of the structure should be lubricated with a special silicone-based sealant.
In order to ensure good fastening and avoid leaks, the siphon is mounted to the sink drain with thick gaskets. When installing them, check that the gasket fits tightly into the gap and does not move or get pressed.
Also, when installing a siphon, you should use a corrugated pipe. A drain socket is inserted into it and secured using a wing nut with the obligatory use of a gasket.
To prevent sewer leakage, it is necessary to use a rubber seal, and only after that connect the socket of the corrugated pipe.
Don't forget to check the quality of the connections and their tightness. To do this, you should perform a test run of water and see if there are any holes or moisture seeping through.
Use double rubber pads to secure the outlet lip. In addition, do not forget to treat the gaskets with silicone sealant. It is recommended to use a flat gasket for the overflow pipe in the area of the clamp. If installed correctly and firmly, this gasket can be installed without sealant.
How to eliminate siphon leaks and also get rid of unpleasant odors from the sewer?
There are several most common causes of siphon leakage problems. Removing them in general is not particularly difficult, but repairs must be carried out as carefully as possible so as not to damage the fragile plastic elements of the product.
- If a leak appears in the area where the siphon is connected to the sink, you should coat the fasteners with red lead putty.
- A leak from the bottom plug, if it has no mechanical damage, can be eliminated by simply tightening it tighter.
Often, to repair a siphon you have to disassemble it. When reassembling it, do not forget to clean all parts and also remove any remaining old sealant. Following these simple rules will make all fastenings stronger and more reliable.
