Bottom valve: intended use, device + instruction on replacement

Europeans show miracles of ingenuity when it comes to saving. One of these devices is the bottom valve, which allows you to spend much less water and not overpay for utility providers. The product has an ingeniously simple design, and at the same time it is very practical and convenient to use.

Although the device first appeared in England, our compatriots also praised it and use it more and more often.

We offer to understand the design and principle of operation of the plugs, their advantages and disadvantages. Answers to these questions are detailed in the article. In addition, we provided tips for choosing a bottom valve and prepared step-by-step instructions for installing it.

Convenient saving with bottom valve

These are small locking devices that are installed in the drain holes of sinks to retain water. Initially, they were intended for water supply systems in which hot and cold water is drawn from different taps. So it is customary to equip bathrooms in some European countries.

We perform this function different types of mixerstherefore, shut-off valves for sinks have found another application. They are used if you need to wash, shave, manually wash children's clothes or underwear.

Devices eliminate the need to pour running water or type it into a basin. Simply lower the valve and literally in a minute the sink will be dialed.

For the device to work, you need to press the cover. The mechanism spring will unclench and slide the plug over the sink drain

There are two main types of valves:

1. With mixer. Devices are included. Their installation is provided for by the model of a plumbing fixture. To control the operation of such a bottom valve, a small lever is used, which is located behind the crane or on the side of it.
2. Push open. These models are sold separately from mixers. They are less popular than the first type of device.Often they are bought by people who are already used to using a locking product, but the old one is worn out and needs to be replaced.

Adaptations would hardly find wide application in the post-Soviet space if they were not included in the package of some models of mixers. The benefits of using them quickly became apparent, and now shut-off valves for sinks are in demand among customers.

Another plus: for installation, you do not need to make any drastic changes to the water supply or sewage systems.

Most of the structural details are located under the sink: connecting rod, threaded connection and siphon. They do not catch the eye and do not spoil the interior

Designs can be with or without overflow. Outwardly they differ little, but the difference in functions is noticeable.

The valves of the first type are safe: if the pressure of the water suddenly increases or the owner leaves for a minute, the excess liquid will drain into the sewer, and not onto the floor.

It is better to purchase a model with overflow. This will protect the bathroom from the flood if the valve wears out and ceases to function

If the device is without overflow, the slightest negligence can turn into trouble.

Device and principle of operation

Lever (automatic) models consist of several functional elements:

1. Bung. This is the valve that closes the drain hole in the sink.
2. Lever arm control (spoke). With its help, the cork is raised and lowered. This is convenient - you do not have to lower your hand into a sink filled with water.
3. Kernel. It connects the control lever and the plug.
4. Thread. The device is screwed to the siphon using a threaded connection.
5. Siphon. The entire assembly is an integral structure for controlling the discharge of water.

Push Open valves are push mechanisms in which the plug is controlled by a spring.

The design is simpler than a lever, but less convenient in operation. To press the cork, you have to lower your hand into the water. This seems unpleasant to many people, especially if dirty things were washed or washed in the sink.

Click-clack system models are very compact and beautiful. Some design valves are real works of art, but they are quite functional.

A significant advantage of Push Open models is their aesthetic appearance. The compact cork at the bottom of the sink looks much more attractive than a complex design with a lever. Outside, only a round lid is visible, the colors of brass, bronze or chrome.

Pros and Cons of Using a Valve

The use of new hydraulic locking devices has several advantages.

1. Economic benefit. Due to the increase in utility tariffs, many had to think about cutting costs. The cost of devices ranges from 500-2000 r, depending on the model and manufacturer. This is a low fee for reducing bill amounts.
2. Easy operation. The valve is controlled with one finger. To lower or raise it, no effort is required. It is accessible even to children.
3. Ergonomic shape. The device is convenient, easy to clean from contamination.
4. Beautiful design. A neat metal or ceramic lid looks much nicer than a hole in the sink. She also wins in comparison with the usual plastic cork.
5. Secure mount. Traditional plugs for bathtubs and sinks are tied to plumbing with a fishing line, which can break off at any time. Metal chains somewhat improve the situation, but they are also not quite reliable, and they also make noise when used.
6. Odor protection. Unpleasant aromas in the bathroom do not always appear due to the fault of users, and cleaning them does not eliminate.

It can be difficult to deal with stench, but it is necessary, since sewage gases include substances hazardous to health - hydrogen sulfide, ammonia. By plugging the drain, you can simply get rid of the problem.

The bottom plugs do not have serious flaws, but a couple of nuances are worth considering. It will take time to get used to the features of using the mechanism: you need to monitor the water level when entering the sink.

Design can play a decisive role when buying plumbing. Click-clack system models can be selected by style and color

There are annoying moments in the use of spring mechanisms - lowering your hands in dirty, too hot or cold water. And in lever ones - the inconvenience of cleaning parts located under the sink and behind the mixer.

What are the criteria for stubs?

First of all, you should determine the price. You need to understand well what the buyer gets for his money - the quality of materials and workmanship, design or additional convenience.

An important selection criterion is the quality of the metal and the threaded connection. To understand how reliable the selected model, you need to make sure the strength of the material. It is advisable to check how the stub is assembled-disassembled

Consider several design features on which price depends:

• the presence of overflow;
• type of management;
• design;
• brand.

The model should be selected, focusing on type of sink. If it does not provide for the possibility of removing excess water, install a bottom valve without overflow. The option is to replace the siphon with a more practical one.

As for the management mechanism, it is necessary to clearly define the goals. If water is collected in the sink for hand washing, then after use it is unlikely to be too dirty. Problems with lowering the hand to the spring valve will not occur.

But if you plan to wash dirty shoes or oily items, it is better to give way to natural disgust and buy a lever device.

Design affects the cost of the product. Given the variation in prices, the overpayment for the beautiful design of the bottom valve is not so great. Therefore, do not deny yourself the pleasure of putting a beautiful stub on the sink

The role of the brand is difficult to overestimate when choosing fittings. The reputation of the brand is not only advertising, but also an indicator of the real quality of the goods. Before buying, it is advisable to read user reviews, take into account their claims to different manufacturers.

The bottom shut-off valve is a small part, but it can deliver unpleasant minutes if it quickly fails. It’s better to pay a couple hundred rubles more and buy a reliable beautiful plug that will last several years without breakdowns.

Detailed installation instructions

The bottom valve, which is included with the mixer, is installed in stages. To install it, you need the simplest tools and plumbing sealant, which is used to seal joints during the installation of plumbing. All work can be done independently.

The only caveat: in the standard set, all tools with sharp edges that can damage the coating of the sink. It is advisable to prepare gaskets in advance and press metal elements through them to protect the plumbing.

Stage 1 - preparatory work

The lever and hoses through the hole lead down under the sink. Typically, mixers are equipped with flexible tubes. If the model comes with rigid hoses, they will have to be bent on their own.

It is important to carry out the work very carefully so as not to damage the walls of the pipes, otherwise they will quickly rot and leak.

It is extremely undesirable to file products, because shavings can easily get into the crane mechanism. During operation, problems will arise that will lead to premature abrasion and wear of parts.

If it is impossible to do without cutting hard tubes, after finishing work, you need to thoroughly rinse all the structural elements with a powerful jet of running water.

To ensure that the mixer is securely attached to the sink, it is seated on a sealant. You should choose a moisture-resistant composition with antiseptics (sanitary) to prevent the appearance of fungus and mold

The crane is secured with a compression nut. If there is any doubt about the reliability of the installation, you can use sealant as an additional way of fixing.

Stage 2 - assembly and connection of parts

Using nuts with rubber gaskets, the hoses are connected to the supply pipes. It is necessary to trace the shape of the bend. If it turned out in the form of the letter U, everything is fine: the water will pass freely.

But the S-shaped bend is undesirable. Extra obstacles will create conditions for an uneven increase in pressure in the system, which within a year or two will lead to leaks at the joints.

Any model must include a plastic knitting pin connector. When buying a valve, make sure that the part is available. If you have to buy it separately, there may be difficulties with sizing

The shut-off valve is placed in the drain hole of the sink and the spokes are assembled. They are laid crosswise using a special plastic connector.

The clamp itself is twisted with a screwdriver. The result is a simple but reliable cross-shaped design.

Stage 3 - installation of the lever and siphon

The needle must be connected to the lever and attached to the ear of the device, as shown in the diagram below.

After completing this work, you should immediately make sure that when moving up and down, the lever easily raises and lowers the spoke. Sometimes you have to adjust the mount (+)

It remains only to bring down the corrugation and fasten siphon. It is important that the plug tightly closes the drain hole, so immediately check the build quality of the system.

It is necessary to open the tap and observe how the plumbing works for 3-5 minutes.

Sink with bottom valve, but without overflow hole can be improved. To do this, just buy and install the correct siphon (+)

If the water passes well into the sewer, and the joints remain dry, everything is in order. If signs of leaks appear, tighten the nuts.

If even after this, the joints are wet, you will have to completely disassemble the system and redo the work, since the installation is clearly performed incorrectly. Sealing tape can correct the situation, but hardly for long.

Stage 4 - Checking for Leakage

The work can be considered completed if the siphon does not leak, and the shutoff valve tightly closes the drain hole. They check it this way: lower the plug, collect the maximum amount of water in the sink and leave it for half an hour or an hour.

An unpressurized plug will not be of much use. If water quickly leaves the sink into the sewer, it is better to redo the work - disassemble the valve and reassemble

The indicator of the correct operation of the device is a constant level. It is better not to rely on your own eye and make a marker on the sink.

If after an hour the water remains at the same level, the shut-off valve is mounted perfectly. Minor changes - an occasion to check the tightness of the lid to the bottom of the sink.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Bottom plugs are still rarely used, so difficulties can arise with their selection, installation and replacement. We offer videos to help prevent problems.

Detailed video tutorial on installing the bottom valve:

AlcaPlast brand click-clack system devices:

Video review of the Nicoll SAS L2264 model:

Valve review of the Italian brand Webert:

Each of the buyers of bottom valves has their own goals. It is convenient for someone to wash in a sink filled with warm water, while someone prefers to wash or wash small things. Conception of convenience also vary significantly.

To eliminate the error, before buying you need to clearly understand how the device will be used. If you need to install a new plug instead of a worn one, you should choose the same model.

Is there anything to supplement, or have questions about choosing a bottom valve for a washbasin or sink? You can leave comments on the publication, participate in discussions and share your own experience using such devices.The contact form is located in the lower block.