Siphon for a shower cabin with a low base: an important element of the drainage system

The siphon is an intermediate link between the shower tray and the sewage system. It not only removes waste water from the plumbing fixture, but also acts as a hydraulic seal, preventing the penetration of unpleasant odors from the sewer network into the room. In order to choose the right siphon for a shower cabin with a low pallet, you should study the product varieties and their technical characteristics.

Modern models of shower traps can decorate the bathroom

What is a siphon for: product device

Before considering the shutter device, you should understand the question of why a siphon is needed. This element of drainage fittings is installed on all plumbing fixtures. The product is multifunctional. The main purpose of the siphon is to ensure the unimpeded drainage of waste water from the plumbing fixture into the sewer network.

The trap for low pallets has a special shape and dimensions

The siphon design includes a water seal that prevents musty odors from entering the bathroom from the sewer. The shutter also collects debris that ends up in the wastewater. Siphons are presented in a wide variety of species, but all products have a universal device. The only distinctive difference is in the geometry, size and material of manufacture of the composite elements.

As you can see in numerous photos, the siphon consists of the following elements:

• body;
• drain grate;
• sealing gum;
• a branch pipe for connecting the valve to the drain pipe, which can be straight or made at an angle;
• a glass of a water seal;
• water seal;
• plastic or cardboard safety valve;
• self-sealing gasket, which is put on the branch pipe on the body;
• washer and nut.

The body of the siphon for the shower tray is predominantly made of plastic. Inside it is the filling. It is attached to the pallet with stainless steel studs. The drain grate is attached to the upper part of the water seal cup using special hooks, which excludes its spontaneous displacement. It is made of stainless alloys.To ensure the sealing of the joints between the pallet and the body, and the pallet and the grid, sealing rubber bands are installed.

Mounting dimensions for shower trap

Helpful advice! More reliable sealing is provided by ribbed gaskets, which have a positive effect on the durability of the siphon, since they require the use of little effort when assembling structural elements.

Types of waste for shower cabins

Based on the design, there are such types of siphons:

• bottle;
• corrugated;
• pipe;
• dry.

Bottle siphons look like a flask or bottle, where the upper part is connected to the drain in the pallet, and the lower part is connected to the drain pipe. A design feature is the elevation of the outlet pipe above the inlet pipe, due to which a water seal is formed. At the bottom of the bottle, garbage settles and accumulates, which does not enter the sewer network, but is removed periodically mechanically by unscrewing and rinsing the bottom of the product.

Bottle siphons are of two types: with one pipe that is immersed in water, and with two communicating chambers, which are separated by a partition. The main advantages of such gates are simplicity of design, durability, easy cleaning from dirt.

Low shower tray with fitted odor trap

Note! Such siphons are intended for shower cabins with a high tray or low devices located on special podiums.

Corrugated siphons are very popular. Their main advantage is the elasticity and flexibility of the design. Thanks to this, the corrugation for the shower stall can be given any shape, which makes the product universal and suitable for all shower stalls. This product is easy and quick to install. Also, the advantages include the low price of a siphon for a shower cabin.

The main disadvantage is the small wall thickness, which reduces its durability. At the time of installation, the product is given a U- or S-shape. This contributes to the creation of significant tension, which will lead to rapid damage to the integrity of the case. Corrugated siphons need frequent preventive cleaning due to the design feature of the product. Its inner surface consists of a large number of folds, in which contaminants accumulate along with waste water.

Important! The bend of the corrugated siphon must be made in such a way that the water completely covers the pipe opening.

Corrugated shower trap

Characteristics of pipe and dry valves

The siphons are U- or S-shaped. The construction is made of hard plastic. A water blockage forms at the pipe bend. The smooth inner surface of the products eliminates the accumulation of deposits on the walls of the valve, which is drained directly into the drain. These siphons are small in size, making them ideal for low pallets.

A relatively new version of the closure product is a siphon for a shower tray with a dry seal, which allows complete drainage of waste water without retaining it in the device body. The role of the water lock is played by a silicone membrane, which is made in the form of a polymer tube. Under the action of the pressure of water, it straightens out, allowing the flow, and comes to its original position in the absence of a drain. This design eliminates the likelihood of spontaneous backflow of water into the plumbing fixture in the event of a clogged sewer pipeline.

The dry seal is compact and can be used under the lowest pallets. This feature saves space and greatly simplifies the installation of the product. This is the most relevant option when arranging a drain for a shower cabin without a pallet.

The dry seal is characterized by durability and reliability, resistance to temperature extremes. Such a shutter does not dry out and does not freeze, so it can be used in any room, including one that has constant heating. This is ideal for baths and saunas, when the need to preserve the shutter product during low temperatures is eliminated. Due to the lack of a large number of parts and bends in the design, such a valve is not prone to accumulation of dirt in the internal cavity, which greatly simplifies its operation and eliminates the need for frequent revisions. The disadvantage of a dry siphon is its high cost.

Flat siphon for pallet with dry seal

Note! The dry seal functions normally in the vicinity of a warm floor, which is able to dry all moisture from traditional siphons with a water seal, thereby having a negative effect on the normal operation of the device.

There are also siphons with overflow, which are additionally equipped with a connecting pipe. This option of shut-off valves is used in case of an overflow in the pallet structure. These siphons are most often of the corrugated type, which allows you to change the position of the overflow depending on the type of shower stall.

Classification of siphons for shower trays according to the way of closing the drain

The shower tray can be used not only for its intended purpose. It can be a small child's bath or a container for soaking laundry. In these cases, it is necessary to ensure the retention of some volume of water. To do this, there are several options for locking the shower tray drain.

The easiest way to control the drain is to use a plug to close the outlet. This option is used for siphons that are not equipped with special shut-off valves, which are less and less common in modern shower stalls.

Shower trap with CLICK-CLACK system

An improved drain locking system is an outlet with an automatic bottom valve that closes the opening by acting on a lever that is connected to the flap. It is located near the mixer and is purchased with it, which makes it easier to operate the outlet, eliminating the need to contact with contaminated water, bend over or perform other manipulations.

The third option for controlling the drain is the click-clack button, which is included in the complete set of valves. Pressing it once with your foot will completely block the drain hole. Repeated exposure will allow water to flow freely into the sewer system. The siphon in the shower cabin with a click-clack button is the most reliable, convenient to use, easy to install and durable option. In addition, this water outlet system has an attractive design. The disadvantage of this option is the high cost of the product.

How to choose the right siphon for a shower cabin with a low base

When choosing a siphon for a shower cabin, you should focus not only on the design and principle of operation of the device. The decisive factors are geometrical dimensions, throughput, productivity, labor intensity of installation and durability of the device. The installation height of the siphon is selected based on the design features and the installation option for the shower tray. For plumbing devices that are located on a certain hill, the size range of the gates increases.

Modern drain holes are neat and stylish

The height of the siphon varies from 8 to 20 cm. The shutter diameter can be 52, 62 and 90 mm. It is selected based on the size of the outlet in the pallet, which must match. You should not select a siphon with a diameter of 52 mm for a large hole.Despite the fact that during installation you will have to use additional measures to seal the connection, it will not differ in increased reliability and durability. Also, the size of the siphon should not exceed the diameter of the waste pipe. In this case, it will not be possible to achieve the desired throughput of the shutter, which will cause some inconvenience and the need for constant monitoring of the water level in the sump.

Note! Drain pipes with a diameter of 52 and 62 mm ensure normal drainage of water from the sump, the level of which does not exceed 12 cm. For greater depth, a water outlet with a diameter of 90 mm is used.

An important technical characteristic of the siphon is its throughput, which determines the amount of water flowing into the sewer system per unit of time. The average value is 30 l / min. The throughput directly depends on how the shower stall works, and is often indicated in the instructions for the device.

Note! To ensure a stable flow of waste water and to prevent flooding of the pallet, it is necessary to use drainage fittings with an appropriate throughput. The latter is selected based on the performance of the mixer.

The average capacity of the siphons is 30 liters of water per minute

Useful tips when choosing a shower drain

When choosing a shower tray drain, you should pay attention to the decorative grill. The best option is a product made of stainless steel. If other alloys were used to create it, it is worth choosing models with a double chrome coating, which is resistant to mechanical damage and the effects of various chemicals. You should not purchase nickel-plated plastic products, which quickly wear off the decorative coating.

When choosing a siphon, an important point is the ease of cleaning the product from blockages. This is especially true for low pallets without an overflow system. The best in this case are self-cleaning models, which are distinguished by special shapes and the presence of bends in the structure, which eliminates the possibility of accumulation of dirt inside the product. They also feature stable operation of the shutters with a mesh to delay small debris. And siphons equipped with a control hole will allow you not to think about the question of how to clean the drain of the shower cabin.

Before buying a shutter, you should also pay attention to the quality of the material of manufacture. The drainage fittings are located under the sump, therefore they experience minimal loads. Products fail as a result of natural aging of the plastic. Siphons made of high-quality plastic are characterized by strong intermolecular bonds, and low-quality cheap products are characterized by fragility and fragility. The duration of the product's life is also influenced by the number of components. The more there are, the lower the reliability of the device. The drain fittings should be easily and quickly disassembled and assembled by hand. Installation of the device should be carried out using the minimum set of tools.

Easy disassembly of the structure will facilitate subsequent care and cleaning of the product

Which siphon is best for a shower cabin: an overview of popular models

One of the best models is the TECE shower tray siphon from the German manufacturer, which gives a 10-year product warranty. The gate height is 6-9.5 cm. The siphon's capacity does not exceed 42 l / min.

Also of good quality is the Viega siphon for a shower cabin with a water seal, made of high-strength plastic. The decorative grille is made of alloy steel sheet. The valve has a flow rate of 38.4 l / min.

A good option is the Geberit Swiss siphon with a 10-year warranty. The shutter is made of modified plastic. The siphon is height adjustable. The diameter of the item is 5-6 cm.

Related article:

Sewer trap: an important element of plumbing equipment

Description of the device. Varieties of siphons, depending on the design. Materials for manufacturing. Siphon installation. Troubleshooting.

The siphon with a water seal AlcaPlast from a Czech manufacturer is made of modified plastic. The direction for water discharge can be straight, lateral or sloped. Produced with a diameter of 5-6 cm.

The Radaway siphon is available in different diameters. The model is adjustable in height up to 2.5 cm. The shutter element has a self-cleaning function, which simplifies its operation.

The Cezares siphon from the Italian company is made of impact-resistant plastic. The height of the shutter is 10 cm. The model is available in diameters of 5, 6 and 9 cm. The shutter for the shower stall with a low base is equipped with a decorative grill with a double chrome finish. The throughput does not exceed 33 l / min. The shutter is available with a direct or lateral direction of water discharge.

A siphon without a Unicorn water seal from a domestic manufacturer is distinguished by a good price-quality ratio. The height of the product is 6.5-8.5 cm. The throughput does not exceed 32 l / min.

Siphon made of modified plastic from Geberit

The sequence of installation of the shower tray

When installing a shower tray, you can use a ready-made container or mount a structure in the form of a podium made of concrete tiled with tiles. The first option is more popular, since it is less laborious. To equip the podium, you should first study the question of how to make a shower tray, information about which can be found on the Internet.

The place for installing the pallet must be completely free of debris and dust. The bottom row of wall tiles is laid after the installation of the shower drain. The section of the wall near the pallet and 10-15 cm above it should be covered with a layer of waterproofing mixture, using a roller or brush. The number of layers is determined by the state of the surface, but there should be at least two of them.

The legs are attached to a low pallet. To do this, turn it over and place it on cardboard to avoid scratches. The legs are fixed with self-tapping screws of the required length, which are included in the kit for the pallet. They are designed with a margin of safety and reliability for a given design, so there is no need to replace them with more durable products.

Important! The feet should be positioned so that they do not come into contact with the sewer pipe.

Shower tray installation process

The pallet is installed in a prepared place. Further, its position is adjusted by scrolling the special screws on the legs. The accuracy of the installation is checked using a building level in two directions: along and across the pallet. At the end of the adjustment, tighten the locknuts, which exclude the moment of spontaneous unscrewing of the threaded connection.

Next, insert a pencil into the drain hole and draw a circle on the floor. Lines are drawn along the bottom edge of the shelves. The pallet is removed to another location. With the help of a ruler, you need to clearly highlight the lines for the side support elements. Next, you need to mark the location of the dowels. To do this, attach fixing elements to the marking, the upper part of which should be strictly along the line.

According to the markings, holes are drilled under the dowels with a depth of 1-2 cm more than the length of the plastic nozzles. Next, the structure is fastened. A waterproofing strip is fixed to two adjacent sides of the pallet using double-sided tape.

Installing a siphon when installing a shower tray

Remove the siphon elements from the packaging. If the device is being installed for the first time, it is recommended to study the instructions in detail and pre-assemble the product.

Installation of a siphon for a shower can be done independently

A nut and a rubber seal should be put on the branch pipe connecting the valve to the drain pipe. The assembled unit is inserted into the branch on the body, followed by tightening the nut. In order not to damage the rubber seal, it is recommended to lubricate it with soapy water or industrial oil.

Then the siphon is installed in the place marked on the floor. The pipe is measured, which will be connected to the sewer network. If the plastic pipe and branch pipe will be at an angle, an elbow should be used, which is fixed in the direction of the sewer outlet. To ensure the tightness and reliability of all connections, sealing rubber bands are used.

Important! The slope of the drain pipe must be at least 2 cm per 1 m.

The next step is to install the pallet, which should fit snugly against the wall and be firmly positioned on the floor. Its bottom board is fixed to the terminals on the walls. Then a rubber gasket is placed on the siphon body. A layer of sealant should be applied to its surface. The device body is pressed with one hand against the bottom of the pallet. A metal ring is laid on top, which is fixed with bolts. They should be clamped alternately to avoid distortions.

Next, the knee of the siphon is mounted in the direction of the entrance to the sewer. Through a corrugated pipe, the shower stall is connected to the sewer. Suitable adapters are used if necessary. After the installation of the siphon, all connections are checked for leaks and that there is no smell from the shower. For this, water is poured into the drain. The final stage is the installation of a decorative drain grate.

Installation of a water seal for a shower drain

How to use the siphon: cleaning and care recommendations

Siphons are easy to use. For trouble-free and durable operation, the valve must be periodically cleaned of accumulated dirt. To do this, you need to know how to clean the drain in the shower. The first step is to remove the decorative grille, remove the water seal from the glass, which should be cleaned of contamination. Deposits are also removed from the interior of the siphon. It is recommended that the valve be cleaned twice a year using household chemicals that are intended for plastic products.

Important! The siphon should not be blown out with compressed air, as the increased pressure can depressurize the connections.

Even the highest quality and most expensive equipment cannot last forever. The siphon is no exception. It usually wears out much earlier than problems begin to occur with the shower stall. And then the question arises, how to change the siphon in the shower.

The first step is to remove the shower tray decorative grill, which is often fastened with a latch. To do this, press the screen and wait for the clip to open. Before dismantling the old siphon, shut off the water supply. Next, the knee is disconnected from the input to the sewer. Then it is unscrewed from the shower tray using an adjustable wrench. If an overflow is installed, it must be disconnected. At the end, all the components of the drain are removed.

To clean and flush the siphon, you first need to unscrew the nozzle on the drain hole

The shower trap is a necessary shutter element that ensures the normal and uninterrupted operation of the plumbing fixture. It is presented in a wide variety of species. Therefore, before choosing a specific model, you should consider its technical characteristics and suitability for low pallets. By observing the above recommendations for the installation and maintenance of the device, you can achieve a durable operation of the shower.