Drain-overflow for the bathroom: automatic, semi-automatic. How to choose and install?

We do not often think about how the most basic and usual things in the house are working, until we face a repair issueor the replacement of this thing. However, having understood the principle of operation of this or that equipment, we will be able not only to easily choose the most suitable option among dozens represented in stores, but also to extend its service life on its own.

Today we will consider a drain-overflow system for a bath, learn about its structure, the principle of action and the available varieties.

Drain-overflow or piping is a system that allows the drainage of water from the bathroom into the sewage system and protects the bath from overfilling. In other words, the drain-overflow consists of two holes - in the bottom and the wall of the tub, which are connected with each other and with a drainage system by means of a system of pipes and hoses. More details about the various modifications of drains-overflows we will discuss below.

system The traditional overflow has been observed in our apartments for many decades. This system allows filling the bath with water, closing the drain plug on the chain. It consists of the following elements:

• The drainage neck is installed in the opening at the bottom of the tank and is connected to the rest of the network by means of a direct tap for water;
• The overflow neck is installed in the hole on the wall of the bathtub and connected to the water mains by a side drainage;
• The siphon is a curved pipe that acts as a shutter and prevents unpleasant smells from entering the room;
• Connection hose is a corrugated tube that serves to drain water from overflow into the siphon;
• Pouring pipe - discharges water from the siphon into the sewer.

This is a standard set of elements, of which the traditional drain-overflow system consists. Any person who does not have special knowledge in the field of sanitary engineering can assemble and disassemble such a structure. The most common procedure, which sooner or later will have to be carried out by almost every owner of the traditional drain-overflow is the replacement of the connecting parts of the structure, in other words - the sealing gaskets.

A later modification of the traditional overflow drain is the semi-automatic system. From their predecessor, these systems have retained a drain siphon and drain pipes, but otherwise the design has undergone some changes. It consists of:

• Control unit - a system that allows you to raise and lower the plug. It can be a button, a swivel ring, a handle or a valve;
• plugs , which serves as a valve;
• The Cable, which controls the plug.

Impact on the control unit: pressing the button and turning the valve, activates the cable, when tensioning or loosening, the plug is raised or lowered. In this design, the overflow hole is hidden behind the control unit. External, visible elements of drains-overflows often have a beautiful and stylish design, which necessarily will bring a certain amount of aesthetics. Another advantage of this design is that lifting and lowering the cork is very convenient, so for this it does not even have to bend over the bathroom and wet your hands.

The disadvantage of this system is its very relative reliability. If you save and buy an inexpensive model, then it will not last long, so it's better to choose a more expensive product or use the traditional overflow and overflow system.

The automatic drainage system for a bathroom in structure and principle of operation differs little from the constructions considered above. The main innovation is a special, automated valve plug .This plug is equipped with a spring with a lock. When pressed, the stopper goes down and clogs the drain hole of the bath. When pressed again, it rises and the water drains. Often the baths for bathing children are automatically drained. The presence of a button-valve allows you to empty the bath without turning it over.

The automatic system is the most ergonomic of all .Control can be carried out not only by hands, but also by feet. In addition, the visible part of this design occupies very little space. Buttons are produced in a variety of designs - among them you can find brass, stylized antique, or chrome, in the style of high-tech.

The downside of the automatic drainage system is that replacing the valve button is a big challenge. If it fails, you will have to replace the entire drain-overflow system completely. However, this problem can be avoided if you purchase the device from a reliable, proven manufacturer, working only with high-quality materials. About what materials are used in the manufacture of drains-overflows for a bath, we'll talk in the next section.

For the manufacture of drains, overflow for a bath, plumbing plastic or metal is usually used.

Plastic option is always cheaper, but not always less quality. So, plastic is less susceptible to corrosion, which can cause water and impurities present in it. In addition, plastic overflow drainage is very easy to install.

The lack of plastic models can be considered not quite aesthetic appearance. Meanwhile, if a screen is provided for the bath, the bulk of the structure will remain invisible, so there is no need to worry about what impression the guests will make on the "insides" of your bath.

In addition to plastic models, the market offers variants of drainage and overflow systems, made of black or non-ferrous metal. Metal structures look very elegant and, at the same time, solid. They are indispensable if you have a bath that does not require a closing screen.

The most beautiful plum-overflows are produced from an alloy of nonferrous metals - bronze, copper and brass. On top of the product is applied an additional coating, which determines its color - chrome, nickel and others. Metal structures are more expensive, but also more durable and durable than plastic ones.

It's no secret that the best quality sanitary ware, like many other product groups, is produced in Europe. The drain-overflow system is no exception, so when buying it, special attention should be given to European manufacturers.

In the field of production of automatic drainage and overflow systems, the first steps were taken by the German company Kaiser. To date, the overflow from this manufacturer will cost you 2000-2500 rubles.

The Swiss company Geberit , which produces high-quality sanitary ware, including metal drainage and overflow systems, has also proved very successful. The drainage design of this firm costs about 2000-4000 rubles, depending on the material from which it is made. As the products of this company you can be sure, as it provides a 10-year warranty on your products.

The company "Grohe", also German, produces quality plums-overflows. The products of this company are quite expensive. So, plastic drain-overflow on the average costs 5000-6000 rubles.

The Italian company "Vega" and Czech "Alcaplast" are good plum-overflow systems made of plastic. The products of these companies can be purchased for 2000-3000 rubles.

Installation of a drain-overflow is a responsible matter, since the quality of the work performed will largely depend on the tightness of the bath. However, despite the apparent complexity of the task, it is quite possible for a layman to cope with the installation of a drain-overflow to the bathtub.

First, connect the tee to the drain hole, remember to lay the gasket and fix it with a screw. Then attach the siphon to the tap of the tee, fix the structure with a nut and tighten with a conical rubber cuff. Next, take the overflow neck and attach it to the siphon drain, going to the side. At the end, attach the spout to the siphon and take it to the sewer. Do not forget about the gaskets at each stage!

Overflow systems do not require any special maintenance. If you have a semi-automatic or automatic system, from time to time treat the outer metal parts with glass wipers or special cleaning agents to maintain the original shine. Internal parts of the structure should be inspected periodically for leaks. In case of depressurization, it is usually sufficient to change the gaskets or tighten the connection.

The main reason for the troubles associated with the drain-overflow system is the clogging of the siphon. This happens if a lot of hair or dirt accumulates in the sink. In this situation, usually helps vatuz or homemade device, consisting of a wire and a thin brush. You can also try various chemical agents to remove blockages that contain alkali. These funds can also be used to prevent the occurrence of blockages.

Now you know a little more about the principle of the operation of the drain-overflow system for bathtubs and its varieties. We hope that our article will help you not to become confused in the store and make the right choice!