Bottom valve. What is it and what are its advantages?

mentality and sink

Hearing the words "bottom valve" for the first time, not every person will be able to immediately realize what it is. And this is an invention of the British, who did not think of coming up with a mixer or who considered this convenience a very unaffordable luxury. Despite the fact that it may be comfortable to wash or wash your hair in a sink puddle.

It is difficult for a Slav to realize this, because he performs every washing of his face with renewed water. As a rule, a modified shell with us is a tribute to fashion or simple human curiosity. And because the valve is included in the set of many mixer models, then why not install it, especially since the sparkling circle looks more beautiful than the drain hole.

It is fair to admit that in many cases the bottom valve is possibly very ergonomic - wash trifles, splash the kids, steam up the hands before a cosmetic procedure, or cool the wild little head at the end of the holiday. But in the kitchen sink and bathroom, a water damper will undoubtedly be a more useful and economical device.

The detail itself does not carry an extraordinary semantic load and, therefore, does not require important transformations in the installation of the mixer-sink-drain chain for a sink with a bottom valve. The device is installed / removed in a matter of 60 seconds, which makes it very easy to clean.

Note! Over time, valve wear can lead to leaks, therefore, in order not to flood neighbors, you need to have a sink with an overflow.

Convenient economy with a bottom valve

These are small locking devices that are installed in the drain holes of sinks to retain water. They were originally intended for water supply systems in which hot and cold water is drawn from different taps. This is the way to equip bathrooms in some European countries.
We have this function performed by different types of mixers, so the shut-off valves for sinks have found a different application. They are used if you need to wash, shave, hand wash children's clothes or linen.

The devices eliminate the need to pour running water or draw it into a basin. It is enough just to lower the valve - and in just a minute the sink will be filled.

For the device to work, you need to press the cover. The spring of the mechanism will unclamp and move the plug covering the drain hole of the sink

There are two main types of valves:

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

The devices would hardly be widely used in the post-Soviet space if they were not included in the package of some mixer models. The benefits of using them quickly became apparent, and now sink shut-off valves are in demand among customers.

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

Most of the structural parts are located under the sink: connecting rod, threaded joint and siphon. They are not striking and do not spoil the interior.

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

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

It is better to purchase a model with an overflow. This will save the bathroom from a flood if the valve wears out and stops performing its functions.

If the fixture does not overflow, the slightest carelessness can turn into trouble.

Types of bottom locking devices

The valves are available in 2 types:

mechanical (spring) - Click-Clack, which are adjusted with one finger press on the cover of the device;

automatic, controlled by levers.

The lever system consists of narrow iron rods, the main connection of which is under the sink. The lever with which the person will specifically "work" is located in the slot in the back or side of the mixer body.

The essence of the bottom valve

The water seal device is suitable for any sink - corner, washbasin, pedestal.

The price of valves can range from 900 to 4000 rubles or more and depends on several parameters:

material (brass, brass, ceramics);
type of coating - chrome, colored;
type of cartridge responsible for mixing warm / cold water. Italian Newform cartridges are capable of withstanding water hammer up to 35 atm;
manufacturer.

The operation of the hydraulic seal is ergonomic and pleasant for several reasons:

ergonomic and easy one-finger control;
from the outside, an attractive appearance that has nothing to do with the former classic corks made of rubber and plastic;
easy cleaning due to the ergonomic shape;
reliable fastening in the drain hole, excluding the possibility of getting lost, before the plugs were attached to a fishing line or chain;
protection from unpleasant odors from the drain hole - you never know what can happen;
keep your jewelry from traveling into the bowels of sewer pipes;
saving water.

Some annoyance can be caused by:

to spring models, opening / closing which it is necessary to lower your hand into unclean water;
inconvenience of cleaning the levers under the sink;
and the hole in the mixer, which is located behind - out of sight.

What is a foot valve

This product was invented in England. Due to the high prices for utilities, the bottom valve is designed to prevent water from flowing out at all. However, there is another explanation for the invention of the device in question: many residents of England do not use mixers and install two separate taps. That is why, in order to get the water at the right temperature, you need to mix it in the sink.

To open or close the valve, there is a special lever located on the mixer or tap. Therefore, you can draw the required level of water into the sink and, if necessary, drain it by pressing a button.

Ravak bottom valves in Minsk are sold together with taps, and in the event of a breakdown, it can be purchased separately. Many will say that there is no need for it, and if you need to perform such an operation, it will be enough to use a plug. However, it is not very convenient, as it seems at first glance, and the aesthetic appearance will suffer significantly.

Among the advantages of using bottom valves, the following should be noted:

Significantly reduces water consumption, which leads to a decrease in utility costs.
Ease of use. Just press one button to prevent water from flowing out of the sink.
Aesthetic look. No unnecessary items (plastic or rubber plugs) are needed near the sink, and the button is virtually invisible.
Cleaning the valve does not require special tools and is easy to remove.

Installation of a shut-off device for water

A full siphon equipped with an outlet pipe that connects to the drain at the bottom of the sink allows the washbasin faucet to be fitted with a bottom valve. A semi-siphon for a sink with a waste water valve, which does not have an outlet, allows the installation of an optional Click-Clack system valve.

Note! In order not to scratch the chrome-plated surfaces, use tools with sponges. If these are not available, it is possible to use gaskets made of cardboard, copper or brass.

Because the hydraulic seal is often supplied with a mixer, consideration of installation work will include the installation of both of these units.

A valve lever and flexible hoses extend from the mixer - all this is displayed in the hole at the bottom.

The faucet body is fastened with a compression nut over the corresponding hole on the sink pedestal... Rubber grommets must be placed on both sides of the mounting hole.

Note! If the supply is made with solid tubes, it will probably be necessary to bend them with your own hands, which requires a certain skill. If the tubes need to be shortened, then during grinding and cutting, the shavings can get inside and break the operation of the crane - it will not turn. It will be helpful to wash the insides and dismantle the "aerator" with a strong stream of water.

Connect the hoses to the hot / cold water connections with rubber nuts... A U-shaped pipe bend is allowed, an S-shaped bend is unacceptable, due to the fact that the movement of the water flow is impeded and the pressure increases, which adversely affects the connection points.
Place the odor trap in the recess of the drain hole.
Fold the knitting needles (levers) of the device crosswise and secure with a special plastic cross.

One end of the spoke connects to the lever and to the valve eye... Moving up and down, the lever will move the spoke, which will allow the valve to move.

Connect the siphon or corrugation from the bottom.
Lead the hose to the drain pipe.
Test the assembled system as required by the instructions... First, let the water flow in a simple way, and then try the valve: close it, fill the sink and drain.
If leakage is found, tighten the screw connections.... It cannot be ruled out that a sealing tape will come in handy in these places.
If all the joints are dry, you have the opportunity to congratulate yourself.

Pros and cons of using a valve

The use of new hydraulic locking devices has several advantages.

Economic benefit. Due to the rise in utility tariffs, many had to think about cutting costs. The cost of devices ranges from 500-2000 rubles, depending on the model and manufacturer. This is a small fee for reducing bills.
Ease of operation. The valve is operated with one finger. It doesn't take effort to bring it down or up. Even children can do it.
Ergonomic shape. The device is convenient, easy to clean from dirt.
Beautiful design. A neat metal or ceramic lid looks much nicer than a hole in a sink. It also wins in comparison with the usual plastic stopper.
Reliable fastening. Traditional plugs for bathtubs and sinks are tied to plumbing with a line that can break at any time. Metal chains improve the situation somewhat, but they are also not entirely reliable, moreover, they make noise when used.
Odor protection. Unpleasant odors in the bathroom do not always appear due to the fault of users, and cleaning does not eliminate them.

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

The bottom plugs have no serious drawbacks, but a couple of nuances are worth considering.It will take time to get used to the peculiarities of using the mechanism: you need to monitor the water level when typing in the sink.

Design can play a decisive role when buying plumbing fixtures. Models of the click-clack system can be selected by style and color

There are also annoying moments in the use of spring mechanisms - lowering your hand into dirty, too hot or cold water. And in the lever ones, it is inconvenient to clean the parts located under the sink and behind the mixer.

Summarizing

At first glance, unnecessary devices for bathrooms, showers or sinks can actually be irreplaceable. Providing comfort, they instantly become design elements and create a calm atmosphere. And the practical use of such innovations as, for example, the bottom valve, will expand as you get used to the European "trick". Due to the fact that if people are economical in Europe, then in the Russian Federation they are creative.

Any theory must be supported by a deed and the video in this article can be a practical guide for you on installing a bottom valve.

Views

Bottom valves are divided into the following main types:

Mechanical. The Click-Clack system uses a spring to open or close a valve. Just one press on the cover of the product is enough.
Automatic. The valve is adjusted using a small lever. The automatic system consists of small metal rods, the working part of which is located directly under the washbasin. A person acts on the lever located in the mixer body.

A wide variety of valves are available today depending on design and color. It can be modern, antique or stylized in bronze, with a smooth or chrome finish.

Related article: What is the best way to handle wood?

Installation

Nowadays, models of semi-automatic type bottom valves are popular, which are controlled by a button or lever on the mixer.

It is better if all this design is purchased in a set, then you do not have to rack your brains about compatibility.

Installation in most cases does not cause problems. It is carried out after the tap is installed on the washbasin, the pipes for supplying hot and cold water are connected. The assembly is quick and easy:

At this, the work can be considered finished, but it is imperative to check the performance. To do this, you need to open the water and check if the water supply is leaking somewhere. Then try to close the bottom valve and fill the sink with water, up to overflow.

If even after that there are no smudges, then everything is installed correctly, you can safely use it.

It should be remembered that different types of mechanisms are designed for models of sinks equipped with an overflow hole and not having one.

This is due to the fact that the overflow pipe is located in the same place where the control gate of the shut-off mechanism usually passes.

The control button itself or the lever can be located either on the back of the mixer or on the side.

The first option is more attractive from the aesthetic point of view, the second is more practical and more convenient. You can put the mechanism even if the washbasin has been in use for a long time. To do this, you need to find a compatible model, and during installation, carefully wipe and degrease the seat.

For maintenance, in most cases, it is not necessary to disassemble the entire structure - the mechanism is cleaned from above.