Siphones

Selecting a Siphon or Waste Trap

A siphon, often called a waste trap, helps carry wastewater away while retaining a water seal that blocks drain odours from entering the room. Selecting the correct type is important for reliable drainage, access for cleaning, and a neat connection beneath the fixture. This range is intended for bathroom and kitchen applications where dimensions and compatibility have been confirmed.

Before buying, identify the fixture type, waste-outlet diameter, wall or floor connection, available space, and required adjustment range. Bottle traps are compact and visually tidy beneath exposed basins. Tubular or P-trap designs can suit other layouts and often provide more adjustment. Flexible parts can solve limited alignment issues, but a correctly planned rigid connection is generally easier to maintain over time. For exposed installations, also match the trap finish to the tap, waste, and other visible metalwork.

Installation checks

• Match the inlet to the basin or sink waste fitting.
• Match the outlet to the wall or floor drain connection.
• Allow enough space to remove and clean the trap.
• Keep seals correctly seated and avoid over-tightening plastic nuts.
• Test every joint for leaks after installation.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a drain smell even when a trap is installed?
The water seal may have dried out, a joint may be leaking, or the trap may be poorly vented. Refill it and have the connection checked if the smell returns.

How often should a siphon be cleaned?
Clean it when drainage slows or debris collects. Regular gentle cleaning is preferable to harsh chemicals that may damage seals or finishes.