Drain overflow for the bath: operating principle, installation diagram and installation rules

The arrangement of a hygienic room hides a lot of subtleties and nuances. This is not only about the purchase and installation of plumbing and fittings, but also about the appearance of almost imperceptible, but important devices. One of such devices is a drain-overflow for a bathtub, which you should familiarize yourself with the operating and installation features.

In the article we presented, the principle of the operation of the drain with overflow is described in detail, the varieties used in everyday life are analyzed. We will tell you all about the selection criteria and the leading manufacturers in the segment. Our recommendations for care and maintenance will help to avoid problems and extend the working life.

Varieties and principle of operation of equipment

Drain-overflow discharges used liquid and prevents overfilling of the bowl during uncontrolled water supply. The structure has two openings - at the bottom and in the wall of the bath. Hoses connected to each other connected to a sewage drain are brought to them.

Features of mechanical devices

On sale there are three options for drain-overflow systems. The difference between the two lies in the method of removing the plug plugging the drain hole. If you are planning to buy a bath overflow and doubt about which is better to choose, you should pay attention to the model of your bathing tank and its location in the room.

The simplest type of device is determined by the traditional design found in almost every apartment. It has no moving components and levers. Water is collected at the closure of the cork, and descends at the opening.

Mechanical products rarely break and last for a long time. The cork is attached to the drain grate on the chain, removed and put into the opening manually

Products in this category differ in the type of connection to the sewage system, the sealing of joints, and the shape of the pipe. Devices include the following elements:

1. Drain neck. It is installed in the hole made in the bottom. It consists of a chrome funnel that “catches” large particles of debris, and an expanding nozzle with a built-in nut. Parts are joined by a reinforced metal screw. An O-ring made of rubber is responsible for impermeability.
2. Overflow neck. It is inserted into the wall of the bath. The design is similar to a drain, but adjoins the general network contour through a lateral, but not a direct, drainage system.
3. Siphon. An arched removable pipe designed to act as a water seal. It blocks attempts of unpleasant sewer odors to penetrate the bathroom. Connects mechanisms with each other and with the sewer network. Available in a variety of configurations. Optimal models are those with a deep shutter that holds at least 300 ml of liquid.
4. Connecting corrugated tube. Drains water entering the overflow to a siphon. It is connected to other component pipes.
5. Auxiliary branch pipe - soft or hard. Provides drainage from a siphon to a sewer pipe.

The kit also includes fittings that increase the tightness of the system. These are flat and conical gaskets used with a union nut. The conical products are mounted from the nut with a sharp edge so that the thin part goes inside the opposite element.

Devices not equipped with mechanisms are produced in universal sizes and are designed for bathtubs with an average distance from the overflow center to the drain hole, not exceeding 57.5 centimeters

Advantages of manual strapping: budget price, simple assembly / installation algorithm, rare breakdowns, reliability. Among the shortcomings, the rapid wear of the seals should be noted.

Characteristic features of semi-automatic devices

A later modification of the traditional design is a semi-automatic system. It contains the largest number of components. It is supplemented by a control unit for raising / lowering the plug, a shutter valve, a cable that controls its position.

The control unit is implemented in the form of a handle, valve, rotary ring, button. You can influence it by turning the lever 90 degrees or by pressing a button without leaning to the bottom of the bath. Thus, the closing rod rises and falls, opening or closing the valve

The system is driven by pulling and loosening the auxiliary cable located inside or outside the overflow pipe. The first option looks more aesthetic, but it is much more difficult to repair.

Advantages of semiautomatic devices:

• convenience of closing the drain (without the need to bend over, wet your hands);
• comfortable management and operation;
• stylish design.

The disadvantages of the device include a complex structure with a mass of movable and connecting components and the risk of cable jamming over time. In semi-automatic systems, overflow openings are hidden behind the control unit. Visible details perform a decorative function in the interior thanks to a thoughtful design.

What are the benefits of automatic overflow drains?

A distinctive feature of automatic systems is a complex structure with a click-clack button-valve equipped with a lock and an integrated spring.

In automatic systems, the impact on the button, as in mechanical ones, is carried out manually (or by pressing the heel of the foot while in the shower). When pressed, the cork lowers, closing the drain opening. If you repeat the manipulation again, it rises, starting to drain the water

Buttons are made in elegant design styles hi-tech, modern, retro. They are made from brass and copper, coated with chrome or nickel.

Advantages of automated fixtures:

• ergonomics and presentable appearance;
• compactness;
• convenient descent of water.

There are also many shortcomings: the high cost of the proposals, the vulnerability of the spring holding the valve, difficulties in replacing the button, a painstaking installation, often requiring professional intervention.

The drain-machine can be endowed with functionality for the collection of water. It is considered if it is impossible to rationally place a mixer in the bathroom.

The scheme includes pipes for the connection, which are connected to the overflow hole. The bowl is filled through the upper connector, which eliminates flooding, as the flow automatically stops when there is an excess of water.

In addition to the usual types of harnesses, there are separate products adapted to the characteristics of specific bath models

What are drainage systems made of?

In the manufacture of devices, materials are used that are resistant to corrosion, alkaline and acidic substances, and hot water. In the last century, when the assortment of plumbing equipment was rather narrow, drain systems were made mainly of ferrous metal.

Although this material quickly loses its original aesthetics, it regularly serves for a long time, bravely withstanding high pressure and temperature extremes. Despite its advantages, now manufacturers still prefer non-ferrous metals and plastic.

Plastic bindings are attractive at an affordable price. They are appropriate in bathtubs equipped with decorative screen. Their universal dimensions adapt to non-standard sewer outlets and drains.

Plastic products are light in weight, easy to assemble, do not give in to deformations when moisture and impurities contained in it interact

Significantly ahead of plastic in terms of strength, period of service and design, metal objects. The most common items are brass, bronze, copper. Chrome or nickel is applied to the gratings of the drain holes and certain parts in them using electroplating techniques.

Subject to timely cleaning of devices with disassembly of washer connections, unlike plastic, they are unlikely to fail even after decades.

You can understand which metal the structure is made of by carefully examining the pipe holding the drain and overflow openings. Copper is recognizable by its reddish hue, ductility and softness. Brass is a durable yellow alloy of zinc and copper. Bronze is a fairly hard dark brown material including copper and tin.

In classic and retro interiors, bronze and brass bindings look great. They look very elegant and neat, which is especially valuable when the bath is in the center of the room

Key selection criteria

When choosing a device, customers are guided by personal requirements and wishes. It is no less fundamentally recommended to evaluate the product you like, taking into account other serious criteria.

For instance:

1. Price category. With a small budget, optimal plastic equipment with manual discharge. A more expensive device with automatic / semi-automatic mechanisms is suitable for those who are looking for a solution with an original style and a convenient modern design.
2. Material. The quality index of propylene is a dense shell, brass is a perfectly smooth surface, cast iron is the absence of the slightest cracks, since they cannot be repaired.
3. Additional options. Siphons can have several inlets for connecting other consumers besides the bath. They can not be operated by closing with a nut. In the future, this thoughtful step will give a chance to save on branching the drain under the sink, washing machine and dishwasher.
4. Diameter matching - at the siphon and sewer pipe. If the cross sections are incompatible, you need to pick up rubber or plastic adapters.
5. Completeness. Any system must include all connection elements, o-rings, gaskets for pipes and overflows, excluding leaks.

Another criterion, which is far from the last one, is the manufacturer of sanitary fittings. The service life and serviceability of the selected drain-overflow system depend on it.

Rating of the best manufacturers

In order not to get into trouble and not to suffer with a problem product of dubious quality, you should purchase goods from well-known and trusted European companies. They produce equipment in accordance with generally accepted international standards and norms.

Geberit. High-quality Swiss brand with a wide range in medium price standards. The products are easy to operate and adapt well to custom sizes.

Most designs have an adjustment plug near the overflow hole that opens the drain plug

Alcaplast. One of the largest manufacturers of sanitary ware in Eastern and Central Europe. The Czech brand produces devices with a special design and simple design that stably and silently perform their functional tasks throughout the entire service life, regardless of the effects of aggressive environmental factors.

Kaiser. A manufacturer from Germany that makes fittings for modern bathtubs. The company's products allow you to adjust the length of the siphon in a wide range, which makes it easy to install it, including in deep models of bowls.

Viega. A German company that has established itself in the market as a manufacturer of safe sanitary products of the highest quality, which can last about half a century. They successfully combined design and engineering ideas.

The assortment includes drain-overflow systems with different shapes, materials, color variations. They are characterized by a relatively low price and easy installation.

Many Viega models have a water intake function. They are convenient for rooms in which there is not enough space for installing the mixer

Hansgrohe. Another representative of sound German quality. The company's strapping is reliable, efficient, and stands out by its complex high-tech structure. In interiors, they are valued for functionality and excellent decorative performance.

Rules for installation work

Having experience installing a mechanical type drain in the bathroom, a semi-automatic circuit is not needed - it is almost identical. Even without the skills to master it you can do it yourself, but for a start it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the instructions and documents that are attached to the kit.

Manufacturer's recommendations for mounting bath ties must be observed with accuracy. Otherwise, the device may not work or malfunction. They are not advised to take up automatic systems: after installation, without the participation of a specialist, the warranty for the device ceases to apply.

At the first stage, the old siphon is removed, if any, the inside of the nozzle and the adjoining area are thoroughly cleaned. Then the bottom overflow is installed. A sealing cuff is put on the outlet, after which it is attached to the drain opening.

Before installing a drain-overflow, it does not hurt to make sure that the bath is correctly, stably and evenly and that the gap from the drain to the floor is at least 15 centimeters

Another gasket is superimposed on the inside of the hole, the cover with the grill is screwed and fixed with a screw. Cone-type cuffs lie with a thick edge to the nut, narrow - to the neck.

After checking the connection, the screw is tightened with a screwdriver. A similar method is used to mount the upper overflow.

It is quite difficult to tie under the bath. Most likely, you will have to take an uncomfortable position to get to the right places. To fasten the inner and outer part of the drain structure, it is advisable to work with a partner

The next stage is the fastening of the overflow with a drain.For this, it is more convenient to use a flexible corrugated hose that extends to a size that easily enters the pipe. Each joint is crimped with a gasket nut.

Next, a glass is installed to form water seal. Places for gaskets are pre-cleaned from defects with a file. The shutter is also connected with a flare nut with a flat or conical seal.

At the end, the siphon outlet is connected to the sewer by a drain pipe. This is done through the sealing sleeve or directly into the socket. To avoid leaks resulting from cuff wear, they are treated with silicone grease.

When mounting, do not exert excessive physical effort. Because of this, the strapping elements may burst, and you will have to buy new parts

When installation work is completed, you need to check the build quality by covering the drain with a stopper and opening the water. The floor under the bath is covered with paper, the drain and joints are inspected. When leaks are detected, the nuts are tightened.

Care and maintenance tips

All overflow and overflow systems need proper care. This is the only way to preserve their original condition and performance, to ensure durability and high efficiency. Devices must be inspected regularly to make sure that there are no mechanical damage or leaks.

Also, do not forget about additional activities:

• to prevent the accumulation of deposits and scale every three months, the siphon is washed with hot water with the addition of citric acid or suitable chemical oxidizing agents;
• approximately every six months, thinned rubber pads that have lost their elastic properties are replaced;
• the water shutter is periodically cleaned, collecting various contaminants and garbage.

If chips and cracks are found during visual inspection, the siphon must be replaced. Such malfunctions provoke flooding of the premises and cannot be repaired.

With the intricacies of installing a conventional siphon on the bath will introduce next article, the contents of which we advise you to read.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The principles of operation of automatic systems in video:

In the video, an overview of the semi-automatic overflow:

The competent choice of the overflow-overflow system guarantees the full, comfortable and high-quality functioning of the bath. It is not difficult to cope with its installation, the main thing is to assemble the parts correctly and tighten the adjoining zones properly. If nevertheless there are incomprehensible problems, it is always better to contact professionals.

Would you like to share the experience gained during your own installation of a drain-overflow? Do you have information that may be useful to site visitors? Please write comments in the block below, post a photo on the topic of the article, ask questions.