How to install a drain in the bathroom with your own hands - detailed instructions. What is the best overflow for a bathtub? Automatic or semi-automatic Drain overflow for a cast-iron bath semi-automatic

Modern human housing is equipped with a mass of equipment, without which it is difficult to imagine life. These include and. This is not just a container in which we carry out morning and evening procedures, but a complex set of elements that ensure the circulation of fluid. It is equipped not only with the main functional parts, but also has security features. For example, protection against overflow, which allows you to avoid flooding your own and your neighbor's if more liquid enters the bath.

Simple drain

Like other equipment, the drain-overflow was originally mechanical and had an elementary design for installation and dismantling, which did not require special skills. It includes such components:

• the drain neck is designed to equip the lower opening of the container and connect it to the outlet;

• the overflow neck is built into the narrow side panel of the bath and connected to the side outlet, which ensures that excess enters the system;
• siphon(siphon) - a fragment to which the above parts are connected. Its main task is to transport liquid to the sewer and prevent the return of odor to the room thanks to a curved device;
• the hose connecting the overflow and the siphon is designed to transport water from the first to the second;

• a tube designed to move fluid from a siphon directly into the sewer.

This design is still found in modern apartments. But the most common was another - semi-automatic.

Drain-overflow semi-automatic

To date, the most common is the advanced semi-automatic system. It is more practical and convenient. Like previous models, it includes a siphon and tubes for draining fluid. In addition, it includes:

1. a control unit designed to raise and lower the cork is a button, a rotary ring, a handle or a valve designed to switch the cork to the “open” and “close” positions;
2. valve - a plug connected to the mechanism;
3. cable connecting the valve and control;

Semi-automatic drain-overflow begins to perform its functions after pressing the button or turning the valve on the control unit, behind which is hidden a cable that raises and lowers the lid.

As a rule, to create a more aesthetic and harmonious picture, the external parts of the system are decorated decorative panels. But there are also models in which the cable runs from the outside of the overflow hose. This solution is not so aesthetically pleasing, but at the same time it allows, if necessary, to easily repair or replace this part.

Important! In the event that the cable passes inside the overflow hose, the design has a more attractive appearance, but if it breaks, it cannot be repaired, its complete replacement is required.

About quality

• One of the main advantages of a semi-automatic drain-overflow is the absence of hand contact with the liquid when it is activated. This is very important, because the water in the tank may be too high or, on the contrary, low temperature.
• But semi-automatic draining also has disadvantages. These include the unreliability of certain models. As a rule, this applies to cheaper dubious products, the service life of which is short-lived.

Advice! Remember that non-ferrous metal cannot be cheaper than plastic. And if you meet similar products, you should not give preference to it, since this is most likely a marriage.

Such a responsible matter as choosing a bathtub should be treated with careful preparation, and all the nuances of the upcoming installation should be taken into account. In addition to the bath itself, legs and other details are purchased in the kit. Special attention should be paid to the drain-overflow system, which will be discussed in this article.

What it is?

Few domestic consumers are unfamiliar with the good old siphon along with a stopper on a chain. This, in fact, is the basic design of the drain-overflow system. Now these systems are being automated more and more, and now it is possible to drain the water without pulling out the cork with one's own hands.

Today, many types of similar structures are sold in plumbing stores. Most often, they are attached immediately to the bath, but it is best to purchase it separately on your own.

Structural features

The bathtub drain-overflow system is divided into two types according to the type of design: automatic and semi-automatic.

The siphon machine is quite easy to use. It has a different name - "click-clack" and is launched by simply pressing the cork at the bottom. After that, the drain opens, with a subsequent press, it closes. The main part of such a mechanism is a spring attached to the cork. The whole structure is located in such a way that it is very convenient to drain the water while lying down only by pressing the foot after the bath procedure.

Turning to the topic of a semi-automatic siphon, it is important to note that, unlike an automatic machine, it is not so prone to breakdowns and, in the event of a malfunction, a reasonable and timely repair of the mechanism will fix everything. In this case, the design of the machine will have to be completely changed to a new one.

Semi-automatic drain-overflow is also started manually. A special swivel head closes the hole on the wall of the bath, and it is also connected to the drain mechanism. They are connected by a cable mechanism, which allows opening the drain mechanism when unscrewing the head on the bath wall. The main disadvantage of these designs is the jamming of the mechanism.

The main difference between these two designs is the price. Which option suits you best is just a matter of taste and comfort.

The device of mechanisms, their advantages and disadvantages

Let's analyze the device of each design in more detail. As noted earlier, the good old black cork in the bathroom can be replaced by either an automatic siphon or a semi-automatic drain-overflow or, as it is also called, a bath piping.

If the principle of operation of the siphon of the machine is quite clear, then the design of the semi-automatic is somewhat more complicated. A cork (swivel head) with a plastic or chrome-plated plastic cover closes the hole on the bath wall. Another plug with the same chrome cap is on the drain hole. These two plugs are interconnected by a cable drive.0

The bottom plug is a pin with a hat that closes due to its weight. The bottom plug opens by turning the top one half a turn. The whole structure works thanks to a cable drive that transmits momentum.

At their discretion, buyers can purchase plastic plugs or chrome-plated plugs for greater durability.

The semi-automatic drain-overflow system has significant drawbacks, which most often consist in breakdowns of various parts of the mechanism. Over time, the cable with the drive begins to stick, the plug may fall too deep into the drain hole, it also happens that the pin is shortened, and its length becomes unsuitable for its further use.

All these small malfunctions are easily repaired, it will be enough to disassemble the structure and adjust it yourself. Therefore, it is logical to assume that the cable on the outside will be easier to repair than the cable inside.

An electronically controlled siphon, in addition to being more expensive than a semi-automatic, will also be difficult to repair. Most of the time it will need to be replaced if it breaks.

Another important point is that designs with a water seal are always preferable to models without it. A water seal is a special curved piece of pipe that accumulates water in itself. The water is changed every time the bath is used. Thanks to this, unpleasant odors from the sewer do not pass through the pipe into the bathroom of the dwelling. As a rule, today almost all models are equipped with a water seal with the release of liquid in the form of a strangely curved pipe.

Whatever your choice, you are unlikely to want to go back to the cork with an elastic band.

Manufacturing materials

Such systems can be made from various materials. As a result, models can have different costs and have different characteristics. Most often, manufacturers choose those materials, the processing of which has been debugged for centuries, for the most part avoiding the use of new technologies. A striking example of this is the manufacture of this sanitary ware from various metal alloys.

Several traditional materials are often used to make a siphon.

• Brass, bronze. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, while bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Such models always have a high price, but they are also of good quality. A brass or copper siphon is used when decorating a bathroom in a special old style.

Such systems are very resistant, unpretentious in operation, durable, able to withstand high temperatures. If at the same time chrome is used for spraying, then the structure acquires a pleasant metallic color, and its service life is even longer.

Separately, it is worth noting the difference between brass and bronze. The main difference is that bronze can be in contact with water for a long time, while brass cannot, for this it will need to be processed in the form of various coatings.

• The most common option is cast iron.(alloy of iron and carbon). This alloy has been traditionally used for several centuries for the manufacture of various sanitary equipment. One of the striking advantages of cast iron is its strength, but its extreme tendency to corrosion is considered a disadvantage.

Despite the fact that various plumbing fixtures are most often made of cast iron, installing such a bath siphon is a rarity. Such a siphon is usually installed only in a cast-iron bath.

Such structures made of cast iron quickly become overgrown with various deposits, are difficult to clean and cannot be repaired. If such problems occur, they must be replaced. The bulky dimensions of the structure and the small space under the bathroom can complicate this process.

• Plastic. Gained wide popularity in the modern market. The production of such models is not too expensive, and, therefore, the price for them is also not too high. They are resistant to corrosion and to aggressive chemical compositions in the form of powders, detergents, chlorine bleaches.

Of the obvious shortcomings, there is one significant one - it is subject to regular replacement, as it becomes thinner over time, thereby becoming unusable.

How to assemble and install?

At the final stage, you need to close the drain hole, fill the bathtub with water. Then, when the water flows through the drain pipe, carefully examine the entire structure for holes. You can lay a dry cloth or paper on the surface under the system. Drops on it will immediately show the result.

As a rule, different designs have their own special installation requirements, therefore, following the attached instructions, you can correctly install one or another type of siphon.

Manufacturers and reviews

Waste and overflow systems from Viega and Geberit have proven themselves as products of average quality and average price category. Their systems are made of copper, brass or chrome. According to buyers, Viega systems are slightly better in quality than Geberit.

A luxury product is the Abelone drain-overflow machine. The material of manufacture is copper with various coatings. Such a system can withstand up to 50,000 opening and closing cycles. Such a pleasure costs a little more than a semiautomatic device 3200-3500 rubles. The model received high marks, but is not as popular as semi-automatic.

The installation of a new bath is accompanied by the replacement of plumbing and. They also install a new siphon with a drain-overflow system for the bath - a necessary element that will protect the room from flooding.

Bathtub overflow drain

Drain overflow for a bath or sink, in a simple way - the strapping is a design that redirects excess water into the sewer that enters the bath or sink, preventing it from overflowing. The device of this drain system is almost the same for both a bathtub and a sink or kitchen sink. Mounting the trim on the bath is a little more difficult, so we will consider this particular option, and we will consider the option of installing a siphon on a sink or sink in more detail in another review.

Structurally, the overflow drain for the bath consists of:
- siphon with water seal;
- two gratings - at the outlet and at the overflow receiver;
- drain tube
- outlet for connection to the sewerage;

The set of devices with an additional bath spout includes hoses for connecting to the water supply. It can be installed on bathtubs of any sample, the holes for it were prepared initially by the manufacturer.

For bathtubs with individual design and construction features, overflow drain can be supplied as a set.

Attention! Draining overflow can not always cope with the pressure of water that is poured into the bath. If water flows in faster than it leaves, then flooding is inevitable.

Depending on the principle of operation, the drain-overflow can be of several types:

• ordinary (consists of a corrugated tube connected to a siphon, the intake opening is closed with a simple plug);
• auto;
• semi-automatic;
• bath spout with overflow system.

Production material

The choice of material for making the strapping is more dependent on the personal preferences of the owner of the bath.

Conventionally, all materials can be divided into three groups:

1. Plastic or polypropylene. The most commonly used material. The choice in favor of such models is made when a screen is installed on the bath, which hides all plumbing wiring.

The advantages of strapping made of polypropylene include:
- no corrosion and plaque formation on the inner surface;
- ease of installation and dismantling. In their design there is a corrugated pipe, so the length can be simply adjusted;
- low price. Of all types of strapping, this one is the cheapest, while in terms of service life it is in no way inferior to its counterparts.

Important! Despite its good performance, the overflow drain can be damaged or clogged. Therefore, when installing the screen, it is necessary to leave access to it in case of unforeseen repairs.

2. Ferrous metal. It does not have a very presentable appearance, therefore, to use it, it is also desirable to cover the bath with a screen. But, this disadvantage is justified by its reliability and long service life.

3. Non-ferrous metal (copper, bronze, brass). The strapping of such materials is often chrome-plated and has a rather attractive appearance. Due to its rather high cost, it is also used as a decorative element - for bathtubs that do not provide for a screen. For example, on beautiful carved legs or irregular shape.

Advantages of non-ferrous metal models:
- high corrosion resistance (especially for copper);
- attractive appearance;
— reliability and long service life.

Disadvantages - a more complicated installation process than, for example, polypropylene.

Types of strapping

Automatic strapping system

The work of any strapping is based on the same principle, which means that they have almost the same design.

The automatic drain overflow for the bath is distinguished by the design of the plug, which is equipped with the outlet opening. Pressing it leads to either the opening of the drain hole, or to the closure. This design (click - clack) allows you to take a bath, simply by adjusting the water level - by raising its level with your foot, opening the cork and lowering the required amount.

It has an automatic system and its drawbacks - if you choose it not on the principle of quality, but on the lowest price, there is a high probability that the automatic plug will fail. At the same time, you will have to change the entire drain overflow for the bath.

Of the materials for the manufacture of such a system, it is better to choose bronze or brass, since, for example, polypropylene will quickly require replacement.

Bath siphon - automatic and semi-automatic

Semi-automatic strapping system

The semi-automatic drain overflow for the bath has a design similar to the automatic one. But to drain the water, it does not use a cork, but a special connecting cable.

The peculiarity of such systems is that the water is drained by turning the cover of the hole, located not at the bottom, but on the wall of the bathroom. The lid is connected with a plug by a connecting cable and, when turned, closes or opens the water drain.

The design of this cover may be different - handle, valve, lever, etc., depending on the design of the entire device.

Important! The connecting cable can run inside the drain hose or next to it. When choosing the first option, it should be remembered that if the cable is damaged, it is necessary to change the entire drain system.

The convenience and practicality of the semiautomatic device lies in the fact that when using it, there is no need to put your hands into the water to drain the water.

Bath spout with drain-overflow-fill system

A bathtub spout included in the overflow drain system is a rather rarely used option, but at the same time convenient in some cases.

A bathtub spout is used when it is not possible or desirable to install a conventional faucet. In this case, the pipe is fed directly to the overflow hole, through which water enters. That is, the work is carried out in two modes - filling and draining.

Such a spout for a bath is guaranteed not to allow flooding of the room, since when overflowing with water, the water drain at the bottom of the bath is automatically triggered.

Another design option - when water is supplied to the bottom hole of the bath, this allows you to draw water almost silently.

Installing a bath spout and connecting it to the water supply is quite difficult on your own, so the help of a specialist may be required.

Installation of a drain-overflow for a bathroom

Installing the strapping system yourself is quite easy, even without special skills. These works are carried out after the bath is installed in its place and securely fixed.

Installation is carried out in several stages:
- installation begins from the bottom of the structure - a drain grate is installed, a siphon is attached to it - a tee that leads to the sewer, directly to the bathtub and to the upper drain hole;

Important: Do not forget to lubricate the attachment parts (drain grate and siphon) to the drain hole with silicone.

- a grate and a tube are installed in the upper drain hole;
- a corner is installed that combines the drain and overflow hole.

During the assembly of the entire structure, it is imperative to monitor the reliability of the sealing of all joints. The harness kit comes with sealing gaskets, but for reliability, all connections can be additionally treated with silicone sealant.

To determine which model of the device is suitable in a particular case, first you need to understand the features of the work, consider various modifications of the equipment. Thus, choosing from a range of manufacturers will not be a test for you. The right approach will allow you to find the answer to the question: “Which bathroom drain-overflow is better?”.

1. Operating principle

The piping (or drain-overflow) organizes the drainage of water from the bathroom tank into the sewer pipe. The device consists of several hoses and tubes that are interconnected, with a sewer system and two bath openings. The upper opening of the tank does not allow overflow of water, the lower one is responsible for draining.

If all components are installed correctly, the likelihood of overflowing the bath is reduced to a minimum, but there must be a measure in everything. Sometimes water fills the bowl faster than it drains, in which case you can fill the floor in the room.

2. Types and differences of devices

2.1 Standard variant

Completeness of the model:

• Pipe (siphon). Serves as a shutter from the ingress of unwanted odors into the apartment;
• Neck for overflow;
• Drain neck;
• A tube connecting the siphon to the sewer system;
• Corrugated hose, through which water is overflowed into the siphon.

Such a device is considered traditional. In order to fill the bath, close the bottom hole with a stopper.

During operation, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the seals and replace them in time.

Price range for standard models: from 10 to 25 $.

2.2 Drain-overflow semi-automatic

This system is more advanced than the traditional one. The drain-overflow consists of tubes and hoses that drain water, a siphon, necks, but there are differences. The semi-automatic is supplemented with the following elements:

• Plug-valve;
• A special cable that is responsible for controlling the cork;
• The mechanism by which the cork is lowered and raised. This function can be performed by a rotary ring, a button, a valve, or a handle.

The mechanism of action is quite simple: when the cable is pulled, the valve rises, due to the weakening - it falls. In order for the cable to start moving, it is necessary to turn the valve, or press a special button. In the semi-automatic device, the overflow hole is hidden behind the control unit. The advantages of the drain-overflow also include the design and ease of use of the structure.

The disadvantage of a semi-automatic system is the degree of reliability. It is better to purchase an expensive modification, or opt for a standard sample.

Prices for semi-automatic devices: from 20 to 55 $.

2.3 Automatic option

A distinctive feature of this mechanism is a valve, the impact on which is automated. In order for the cork to close the drain hole in the bowl, you must press it. The spring is compressed and lowers the valve, due to the retainer, the position is maintained. In order to drain the water, you need to press the button.
Advantages:

• Drainage can be controlled by feet;
• Compact size of the visible part;
• Large assortment of buttons. Chrome elements are suitable for high-tech style, brass buttons perfectly complement the vintage design.

Automatic drainage is often found in models of baby baths. Such a device simplifies operation, the tank does not need to be turned over to remove water.

The disadvantage of this version of the drain-overflow for the bathroom is the difficulty in replacing the button. If the valve breaks down, you have to purchase a new system. That is why experts recommend purchasing the most reliable automation.

Prices range from $60 to $280 on average.

3. Types and features of materials

The main condition when choosing a material is corrosion resistance. These options include:

• Ferrous metal is a reliable material. The main disadvantage is the appearance of the device. Currently, they are trying to choose more modern options;
• Plastic for plumbing fixtures (polypropylene). White color, laconic form, long operation. Polypropylene is inferior to metal in terms of strength, so there is a risk of product breakage. A simple drain-overflow design may not be appropriate if the decoration of the room involves the use of expensive materials and equipment;

• Bronze, brass or copper. Often, these non-ferrous metals are not used without a protective layer. Details located in the visibility zone can be coated with nickel or chromium (by electroplating). The use of nickel is preferable, this material is characterized by long-term operation. The visual difference of nickel is the blue tint of the details;

In order to determine the type of metal, you should pay attention to the holes in the top and bottom of the bath. The copper color casts red, the strength characteristics of copper are inferior to other materials. Brass is stronger than copper and has a light yellow tint. The bronze base is the strongest in this category, comparable in stability to ferrous metal. Bronze is characterized by a dark brown tone, the main components of the alloy are zinc and copper.
Non-ferrous metals are an excellent option for the production of plumbing fixtures. Thanks to its resistance to corrosive effects, the parts are easily connected along the thread.

Be careful not to damage the protective coating of the base. Even a small scratch will provoke the destruction of the entire layer in the shortest possible time. The reason for this effect is a chemical process between metals.

4. Mounting

You can do the installation of a drain-overflow on your own, while it is important not to forget that the tightness of the bath in the future depends on the quality of work. However, with all the responsibility, the installation of the system can be completely carried out by a non-professional, you just need to heed the advice of specialists.

• Follow a certain sequence in work;
• Use special seals for handling joints;
• When twisting the parts, be careful not to strip the thread;
• All elements must be tightened one quarter of a full turn after they are twisted by hand;
• In the event that it is not possible to tighten the connection, it is necessary to check whether the nut is even.

Installation begins after the bowl is fixed on the support. The bath must be level and fixed. It is also necessary to leave a height gap between the floor and the tank (from 150 mm or more).

Correct sequence:

• The lower opening of the bath is connected to a tee. In this case, it is necessary to process the connection with a sealant and fix the elements with a screw;
• Next, attach the siphon and fix it with a tee outlet with a nut. A rubber cuff can be used as a seal here;
• The overflow neck is connected to a side curved tube (siphon);
• The process ends with the connection of the siphon to the sewer pipe. To do this, use a special spout pipe;
• In the process of each connection, you should remember about laying the seal.

After completing the installation, you need to check the bath for leaks. The bowl is filled with water, then you need to carefully look at all the joints and connections. If drops appear on the surface, tighten the elements more tightly and reseal with sealant.

Siphon installation video:

There are no strict rules for the operation of a drain-overflow. Consider some tips for caring for this system:

• For automatic and semi-automatic devices, it is necessary to periodically process parts to maintain the shine of the metal. Such care is carried out with the help of windshield wipers, or special tools;
• Regularly organize inspections to identify possible leaks;
• If the sealing is broken, you can replace the sealant material, or tighten the junction of the elements additionally;
• Siphon clogging is considered one of the most common problems in the operation of this system. Cleaning is carried out with a small brush attached to a wire or with a plunger;
• An alternative to mechanical cleaning is chemical exposure with special tools. The alkali in the composition of such products helps to neutralize the blockage, due to the splitting effect;
• These measures can be applied not only with a blockage problem. The best way to prevent such a problem is to periodically prevent the system.

Some everyday things have become so familiar that we often stop noticing them. For example, a bathtub overflow drain is a standard plumbing fixture that the user remembers only if the neighbors downstairs complain that they are flooded. Meanwhile, the proper functioning of water flows and the timely provision of a water seal depend on how high-quality and durable the bath drain turns out to be. Such a shutter has a hygienic effect: it is a natural barrier to the path of sewer odors into the room.

But which drain-overflow in the bathroom is better, how to choose a drain and what to look for? You need to know about all this, as well as about the technology of self-replacing an accessory.

Drain: device and types of device

Considering the device, you can not ignore the siphon. This accessory solves everyday problems such as an unpleasant smell from the bath and properly circulating water. Not a single bathroom drain is complete without a siphon, the device of which is not complicated. So, the bathroom drain scheme begins with a siphon, which consists of 4 parts:

1. The neck is mounted in the bottom hole of the bath and is a branch pipe with an extension (there is a built-in nut inside) and the upper “bowl”. The bottom of the bath is, as it were, sandwiched between two components of the siphon, connected by a metal screw.

Important! Ensuring the tightness of the connection with a rubber seal is a guarantee that the ceiling of your neighbors from below will always remain dry.

1. A neck or an overflow for a bathtub - has a outlet not of a direct, but of a lateral type. This system is designed to remove excess water in case of uncontrolled filling of the bath bowl;
2. A siphon is a pipe that has a curved shape, in which there is always a certain amount of water. As a rule, the siphon is always removed and it is the water seal that prevents the penetration of unpleasant odors from the sewer into the apartment.

Advice! The volume of water accumulation in the siphon is an important part of the entire system. With a small volume, automatic suction is possible and the smell of sewerage in the bathroom is ensured. This happens especially often if there is less than 300-400 ml of water and the ventilation of the bathroom is not well enough. When choosing a drain-overflow for the bathroom, it is better to give preference to the design of the siphon, where the bowl is deep enough.

1. The corrugated hose acts as a connector and diverts water from the overflow into the siphon. As a rule, the water pressure in this area is small, so the hose can be put on the nozzles without the use of crimping structures;
2. Each drain system for the bathroom is equipped with a pipe for connecting the siphon to the sewer pipes. The branch pipe can be rigid or soft corrugated. Rigid is more reliable in operation, and corrugated is much more convenient to mount.

Advice! If the bathroom overflow or the entire system needs to be replaced, please note that the corrugated pipe is adjustable in length.

These are all the main parts that modern siphon designs have. Assembling the entire system, as well as installing a drain under the bathroom, is not difficult. It is worth watching the video tutorials presented on the sites or contacting a professional plumber.

Advice! The types of connection of individual parts can be of several types. Most often there is a flat or conical seal gasket. But in any case, the connection process is carried out with a union nut.

A feature of cone-type gaskets is installation with a pointed edge from the nut. The thinner side of the gasket should go inside the opposite element and nothing else. By installing the gasket in reverse, you will provide yourself with leaks, fragile sealing and calling a professional, for which you will have to pay money. The bathtub drain and overflow system is not complicated, but replacement and installation requires some knowledge.

On sale there are several varieties of siphons. The bathroom drain system can be equipped with both a conventional siphon with a stopper, and an automatic or semi-automatic type overflow and drain design. The difference lies in the system for opening the cork lock, which is carried out by turning the lever with which the overflow is equipped.

The convenience of the latter is that you do not need to make unnecessary movements to pull out the cork, it is enough to turn the round lever located under the upper edge of the bathtub. As for simple siphons, the main design differences are as follows:

• different shape of pipes: round, rectangular;
• an element for connecting to a sewer drain in the form of a corrugation or a rigid pipe;
• way of sealing the connecting elements: gaskets in the form of a cone or ordinary straight lines.

Drain-overflow system: a little more

Detailed diagram of a standard drain-overflow device

The drain-overflow device is a simple device that looks like a pipe, where one end is connected to a round hole under the upper side of the bath, and the second is lowered much lower and pushed into the sewer water pipe. Such a drain device in the bathroom floor does not take much time and is suitable for all bathrooms. And as it is already becoming clear, the upper part of the pipe is called an overflow, and the lower part is called a drain, but there is another concept practiced by plumbers: a drain-overflow bathroom piping. Such a system is completely closed and never leaks (unless the sewer pipe is clogged). You can see the details of the system in the photo below.

Advice! Remember, no matter what material the system is made of, the purpose is the same - saving the house from the flood.

Drain system: what is it made of

The main raw materials for the manufacture of structures are: non-ferrous metals, copper, brass, bronze. This is practical, raw materials are not afraid of alkalis and acids, are not subject to corrosion and are not deformed under the influence of hot water. How to distinguish when buying? In appearance:

• red tint - copper product;
• yellowish tone - brass drain. It is an alloy of copper and zinc powder;
• yellow with a brown tone (pronounced) - bronze. The most durable composition, which is a combination of tin and copper.

Advice! Plumbing of expensive systems has chrome parts. And the best for production is considered the opposite - a cheaper, black alloy. The service life is more than 10 years, but timely care is necessary: ​​cleaning, painting.

The appearance of polymers allowed to expand the range of pipes and other plumbing equipment. Manufacturers also offer polypropylene structures. For example, a durable plastic water drain system, an acrylic bathtub is a durable and affordable combination that will appeal to almost all buyers. It is very important that plastic can be cut with a knife, which makes installation especially convenient and buying by the meter, without having to remember the dimensions.

If you prefer expensive materials and do not want to spoil an exclusive repair with affordable pipes, the drain-overflow device in the bathroom can be made of non-ferrous metal. Corrosion resistant, materials practically do not deteriorate over time and all washer connections are easily accessible for disassembly. But it is worth remembering that any parts of the structure require care: all chrome parts must be washed with a soft sponge, without the use of an abrasive. The slightest scratch will eventually ruin the nickel-plated protective film and the coating will “wash off”.

Semi-automatic or automatic drain-overflow system: what is it?

The standard design of the bathtub drain has an opening closed with a simple plastic grate. Semi-automatic drain-overflow, like the machine, is equipped with a chrome grill and plug. The handle, fixed on the cover of the overflow hole, has an attached cable that catches the plug with the other end. In order to open the cork, you do not need to bend down, just turn the handle. Because of the mechanical impact, the design is called a semiautomatic device.

Advice! Installation of a semiautomatic device on a plastic product is not recommended, the design will not last long.

Automatic drain-overflow differs in the presence of a self-opening and closing stopper. The inconvenience is that you have to "dive" into the bath if you need to open the hole and drain the water, since the cork works by pressing and is located at the bottom of the bath. Therefore, professional plumbers, when installing a drain in the bath and carrying out other work, advise installing a semi-automatic device.

These details are necessary to understand why the slope of the bath drain is needed (so that the water leaves), what level of bath drain to build in this or that case, and what the piping is in general. When choosing plumbing, do not forget about the proper sealing of all structures and the simplicity of the system: the simpler, the less chance of breakage. This means that there will be no leaks and problems with the neighbors' ceilings.