During the operation of the split system, condensate is released. Under normal conditions, the fluid outlet tube goes outside. Sometimes it is not possible to mount a normal output. In this case, the siphon for the air conditioner will help.
Purpose of the device
A siphon for draining condensate from an air conditioner is a special device that allows you to connect a liquid outlet pipe to a sewer. The main condition for the effectiveness of the system is a water seal, i.e. the liquid and smell must pass in only one direction.
The unit solves 3 most important tasks: removing condensate directly into the sewer; protection against the spread of odor from the sewer; ensuring aesthetics (the liquid from the operation of the split system does not drip onto the walls and the ground).
A water seal in such devices is formed due to a special knee, in which there is always water. Water does not allow the smell from the sewer to pass.
With the constant removal of condensate, this fluid does not stagnate in the knee. To increase work efficiency, a number of models are complemented by locking mechanisms in the form of balls and valves. These mechanisms allow the liquid to pass on its way to the sewer, but do not allow the odor to pass in the opposite direction.
Device classification
Two main classifications are used:
- by design features;
- according to the method of liquid withdrawal.
According to the design features, the siphon for air conditioners can be of 4 types:
Water seal device
It has an arched shape. Two tubes are interconnected by a special element in the form of a knee. The knee plays the role of a hydraulic locking mechanism. This type of siphon is simple and popular, but has a number of disadvantages: large size; an excellent environment for the development of fungus and bacteria that can spread to the air conditioner itself; with rare use, the water in the unit dries up and an unpleasant odor spreads from the siphons.
Unit with water seal and odor-locking mechanism
It is similar in design to the first type, but has a small valve in the form of a ball that limits the spread of odor from the body. The valve freely passes condensate from the split system, but does not allow liquid and smell to pass from the sewer. Such models are complemented by devices for collecting dirt and cleaning pipes.
Flush-mounted box device
The entire condensate outlet system is located in a square (rectangular) plastic box. 2 tubes are connected to the box: from the drainage system and into the sewer. Elbow with ball odor locking device is located in the box. The device works on the principle of a float when water enters the siphon, the ball that blocks the hole in the sewer pops up. As soon as the water leaves the device, the ball, under the weight of its weight, closes the hole again.
The siphon is designed in such a way that, if necessary, it can be easily removed from the box for cleaning and replacement.
dry aggregate
It is used in cases where it is not possible to install a conventional condensate outlet. The siphon is equipped with a compressed rubber tube, which perfectly restrains the spread of odor. It passes condensate on the drip principle: the valve opens when the liquid passes and contracts again.
Such a dry siphon is used complete with a straight adapter and a funnel.
According to the method of withdrawing liquid, the siphon for draining the air conditioner can be of 3 types:
- with vertical outlet;
- with horizontal outlet;
- combined type.
Siphon for air conditioners is mounted in two ways. If possible, the device is hidden in the wall. For this, a special niche is made. If there is no possibility to hide the unit, it is mounted open way, along the wall.
At the moment, Austrian siphons hl are the most popular.
They are equipped with self-cleaning parts, which prolongs their effective life and also facilitates maintenance.
1. The body of the siphon is mounted in a recess in the wall strictly vertically so that the inscription ”UP” is on top. The vertical distance from the air conditioner outlet to the siphon must be at least 250 mm.
3. Before sealing the pipelines, carry out hydraulic tests in accordance with clause 4.15 of SNiP 3.05.01-85 "internal sanitary systems".
4. The front cover of the siphon must be closed to avoid scratches during finishing.
5. After testing and finishing the wall, the top of the junction box is cut flush with the wall surface along the recessed ribs.
6. The lid is then cut off at the nearest recess in the ribs and snapped closed to the bottom of the junction box.
Features of installation on top of the wall (for example, in a sewer shaft):
1. The siphon is mounted directly on the wall. It can be installed both in the mounting box and without it. Access to the installation site is required for further maintenance of the siphon. The vertical distance from the air conditioner outlet to the siphon must be at least 250 mm.
2. Pipes are connected to the inlet and outlet.
Connecting to sewer drainage from air conditioners
CM. YAKUSHIN, technical representative of HL Hutterer & Lechner GmbH.
And immediately we will start talking about air conditioners, and not even about the air conditioners themselves, but about: where and how do we dump condensate? I think it's not a secret that the facades of our buildings are mutilated by outdoor units of split systems, and water is pouring on the heads of passers-by, and the stronger the heat, the more water is poured. If you can not pour this water on the head of passers-by, then where to put her?
The first question is "where?"
Naturally - down the drain. But sewerage is domestic and storm (internal drains). And here a lot of problems arise, because. even experts do not always know where to dump condensate from air conditioners and fan coil units.
Ignorance of the answer to this question is due, as often happens, to the fact that designers are engaged in the design of air conditioning and cooling systems. OV(heating, ventilation), and the design of sewerage systems - specialists VK(water supply, sewerage) or, according to the "newfangled", specialists viv(water supply and sanitation).
Both those and others are guided by their regulatory documents, in which there are practically no regulations for resolving issues that arise at the junction of two specialties!
So, the most common mistake is connecting drainage from air conditioners and fan coil units to storm sewers. For VK designers, one of the main documents is SNiP (Building Norms and Rules) 2.04.01–85 * “Internal water supply and sewerage of buildings”, which contains Note 2 to clause 20.2, namely:
«… It is not allowed to drain water from internal drains to domestic sewerage and connect sanitary appliances to the system of internal drains... ". This requirement is mandatory and has its own explanation - internal drains must be pressure, i.e. must be able to withstand the hydrostatic head of the water. Therefore, in SNiP 3.05.01–85 “Internal sanitary appliances”, regulations are prescribed for hydraulic testing of internal drains, namely clause 4.15 “... Testing of internal drains should be carried out by filling them with water to the level of the highest drain funnel. The duration of the test shall be at least 10 minutes. Gutters are considered to have passed the test if no leaks are found during the inspection, and the water level in the risers has not dropped.…».
I think it is not necessary to explain what will happen when the drainage from air conditioners or fan coil units is connected to the internal drainage system. In January 2005, the new building of the Moscow State University Library in Moscow was commissioned. Even at the construction stage in the summer, when work on interior decoration was carried out, there was a flood of rainwater in the premises on all floors where air conditioners were installed.
Ignorance by installers of SNiP or neglect to fulfill their requirements is found everywhere. Now this is all the more relevant, because. the licensing of construction works has been cancelled. Conclusion - drainage from air conditioners and fan coil units is connected only to the domestic sewer system .
The second question is "how?"
There is no direct indication of HOW in our regulatory documents, but ... In SNiP 2.04.01–85 * there is clause 17.11 “... The connection to the sewer network with a “jet break” of at least 20 mm from the top of the intake funnel should be provided for: technological equipment for the preparation and processing of food products; equipment and sanitary appliances for washing dishes installed in public and industrial buildings; downpipes of pools…».
It seems to be not directly related to the topic under discussion. But let's think about why they are connected in this way. technological equipment, downpipes of pools, and why is a “jet break” needed? It should be remembered that experts from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation took part in the development of the Construction Norms and Rules (SNiP). Therefore, the SNiP takes into account the requirements of the Sanitary Rules and Norms (SanPiN), and the meaning of these requirements can be summarized in the following words:
- in no way polluted effluents from the sewer must not fall, firstly, into sanitary ware bowl(sink), which may contain food products that are not subjected to heat treatment (vegetables, fruits), or dishes, or cutlery, secondly, into the water of the pools in which we bathe;
- in no way should polluted air from the sewer pipelines enter the ventilation system or conditioning building!
It is necessary to fulfill these requirements of SanPiN strictly!
Example 1: the ingress of fecal effluents from leaky external sewerage networks into the centralized water supply system of buildings (also leaky, due to the use of steel pipes that are not at all resistant to corrosion), called secondary pollution, leads to outbreaks of hepatitis A!
Example 2: July 27, 1976 in Philadelphia at the American Legion Veterans Conference, a mysterious disease suddenly struck 221 participants (34 of them died) - this case caused a real panic in the United States, and the cause of the disease was identified only on January 18, 1977, when a previously unknown bacterium was discovered "legionella" (Legionella pneumophila), - as it turned out, this bacterium multiplied in the central air conditioning system installed in the building where the conference was held.
It should be noted that in Europe and America, drainage from air conditioning systems is connected to domestic sewage without a “break in the jet” only through a water seal. All sanitary appliances are equipped with a water seal to prevent the ingress of polluted air from sewer pipelines into rooms where people can be.
The water seal can be represented as a U-shaped tube - one branch of the water seal is always somehow connected to the sewer pipelines, the other branch of the water seal always communicates with the atmosphere, so the water from the water seal evaporates freely. If the device is not used (do not drain water into it), then within 20-30 days the water from the water seal evaporates and polluted air freely enters the air conditioning system.
findings
- Drainage from air conditioners and fan coil units is connected only to the system household sewerage and only with jet break. To do this, you can use, for example, drip funnels HL 20 together with siphon HL 136.3 or HL 21 .
- Siphons for connecting drainage from air conditioners and fan coil units must necessarily have an odor-blocking valve or a device for feeding the siphon with water. In the cold season, air conditioners do not work to cool the air, and condensate does not form. But if in a siphon long time water does not get in - the water seal dries up (thus the obstacle for sewer gases disappears).
To connect the drainage, you can use special siphons, for example:
HL 21
- drip funnel for air conditioners with a water seal 60 mm high and a mechanical odor-locking device that comes into action during the drying phase of the water seal;
HL 136 (.3) (N)- siphon for air conditioners with a water seal 60 mm high and a mechanical odor-locking device that comes into action during the drying phase of the water seal;
HL 136.2- siphon for air conditioners with a water seal of increased height (115–330 mm) and a fitting for its replenishment;
HL 138
- a siphon for air conditioners with a water seal 60 mm high and a mechanical odor locking device that comes into action during the drying phase of the water seal, for concealed installation.
Everything written above about connecting drainage from air conditioners to the sewerage system also applies to water treatment plants. For example, in the installation instructions for an American household installation (five-stage filter) for water purification with reverse osmosis"Atoll" shows the connection of the drainage tube with a special clamp to the siphon pipe of the kitchen sink.
Below is a photograph of a disassembled siphon after a year of operation of this filter. It should be mentioned that the discharge of drainage into the sewerage was carried out by us with a “jet break” through dropping funnel HL 20. I think it's enough to see once what we are asking you to protect yourself from.
In ventilation systems used in residential and public buildings and structures, the central air conditioner is the main element. It, in most cases, has a floor version, and it is impossible to remove condensate from under it using a siphon. Therefore, the water is drained to the floor, and a ladder is installed in the floor, connected to the household sewerage system - this is a classic "jet break". But the problem of drying out of the water seal remains relevant.
For example, in 2003 in Hong Kong, the spread of the SARS virus, as established by a special commission, occurred through the plumbing drain of one of the apartments in a residential building. The drain's water seal dried up and the virus, along with polluted air from the sewer, entered the living quarters of this apartment, and spread throughout the house through the exhaust ventilation.
To solve the problems associated with the drying of the water seal at the drains, you can use ladders with the so-called "dry" siphon , i.e. even in a dry state, a “dry” siphon reliably locks sewer gases in pipelines, preventing them from entering the living quarters and the ventilation system of the building. Drains with a "dry" siphon can have either a horizontal or vertical outlet, different types of gratings, different dimensions and throughput (from 0.43 to 0.8 l / s)!
The most interesting, in our opinion, is a drain with a "dry" siphon HL90Pr . This drain with a horizontal outlet ∅ 40/50 mm has the smallest installation height - only 69 mm!
Condensation forms during the operation of the air conditioner. To collect moisture, the design of the indoor unit provides a special tray. Condensate is removed by a drain hose. According to the rules, climate control equipment for water discharge must be connected to the sewer system. A siphon with a water seal prevents the penetration of unpleasant odors into the apartment.
Purpose of the device
Leading the drain hose outside through a hole in the wall is the easiest way to drain condensate. A flexible tube 80 cm long serves to drain the formed moisture. A simple and affordable option has its drawbacks: it is prohibited by SNiP, drops fall on passers-by, in winter time drain pipe is blocked. In a private house, blurring of the blind area is added. The best way out is to connect the air conditioner to the sewer. An indispensable condition for competent installation is the installation of a siphon with an odor locking device. It passes liquid in one direction, prevents the penetration of not only smell, but also dangerous gases into the room.
The principle of operation of the siphon
A conventional siphon with a water seal has a U-shape. Water remains in the elbow connecting the inlet and outlet pipes, which is a barrier to the exit of sewer odors. When using plumbing fixtures, the water in the water seal often changes, the level does not have time to decrease. In the case of an air conditioner, the flow of moisture is uneven, if the equipment is not working, then the condensate does not drain. The water seal dries up, in the absence of a water barrier, gases penetrate into the room.
Helps prevent bad situations check valve to drain the air conditioner. The device blocks air and sewage drains, and condensate passes freely. The locking mechanism is an ABS ball or a spring diaphragm.
When the unit is filled with water, the float rises, opening the outlet to the sewer. After leaving the liquid under its own weight falls, blocking the hole.
Types of siphons
Devices are classified according to two criteria: design and method of removing moisture.
Arc-shaped model with water seal
The standard version is bulky. The height of the water seal should be in the range of 140-320 mm. Branch pipes are made transparent for visual control. Outlet diameter 40 mm. It is possible to connect to feed the water seal washing machine. The model is recommended for high pressure or vacuum in the drainage pipeline. Among the minuses of the unit: large size, favorable environment for the development of bacteria, the likelihood of drying out.
Design with a water seal and an odor-locking mechanism
Compact version for concealed and surface mounting. The unit is provided with a water lock and an odor-locking mechanism in the form of an ABS ball. When the level of the water seal drops, the shut-off valve closes the outlet pipe. The model is equipped with a cleaning - a chamber for collecting dirt. The entrance to the siphon is vertical or horizontal, pipe DN32. Outlet horizontal DN40.
Flush mounting system
Concealed trap with vertical connection
The siphon assembly for draining the air conditioner into the sewer is hidden in a plastic box. The body of the unit is installed in the wall. The type of placement is vertical, the height of the water seal is 50 mm. Case size 100x100x60 mm. Two tubes are connected to the box - the inlet pipe and the outlet to the sewer. Connection of drainage hoses of three diameters is possible: 20, 26, 32 mm. A transparent cassette with a water seal and an odor-locking device is placed inside the case. The valve opens when condensate passes and lowers when the water drains. The cassette is replaceable, it is independently removed and cleaned of dirt.
The kit includes a construction plug and a decorative cover with spring clips. When choosing the installation site, the requirement is taken into account - the minimum distance between the outlet pipe of the split system and the siphon is 2 m. To service the unit, it is enough to remove the decorative cover.
dry aggregate
Using a water seal is a simple and cheap solution to the problem of blocking unpleasant sewer odors. Without regular renewal of the water barrier, its benefits disappear.
A dry water trap for an air conditioner is a design with a membrane, a pendulum valve or a tube that acts as a check valve.
The most common option is an elastic molecular memory tube. In the normal state, it is closed and locks sewer gases. During the passage of water, the tube opens, then returns to its original shape. Advantages of dry shutter:
- compact size;
- due to the smooth surface of the membrane or tube, the device does not clog;
- serves as a reliable barrier to the spread of odor from the sewer;
- does not freeze in winter;
- the absence of knees ensures high throughput;
- allow vertical and horizontal mounting.
A dry siphon is used not only for draining air conditioners, it is installed under bathtubs and sinks in the country.
The second point of classification is the method of condensate outlet:
- vertical release;
- horizontal release;
- combined option.
How to choose a siphon for draining condensate from an air conditioner
Siphons installed to drain condensate differ in size and design. When choosing a model, several criteria are taken into account:
- Condensate outlet diameter. The size of the drain hose must match the siphon inlet.
- The free space for mounting the device is estimated. Dimensions of the model may not fit in the allotted area.
- For built-in siphons, the depth of the mounting niche in which the unit is installed is estimated.
- The throughput of the node must correspond to the amount of condensate. The required information is indicated in the characteristics of the devices. A siphon with a low capacity is not suitable for air conditioners with a large amount of condensate.
- Rubber seals at the inlet and outlet of the unit ensure the tightness of the connection. When placing the siphon under the sun's rays, ultraviolet will quickly render them unusable. In such a situation, concealed installation is necessary.
Installation of the drainage system
A flexible hose is laid from the drain hole of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. To accommodate it, a strobe breaks through the wall.
The line should not make sharp turns, they prevent a uniform flow of fluid. Let's say the angle is 45°.
To ensure that condensate is drained by gravity, the hoses are laid with a slope of 1-2 cm per 1 m of length. Hoses must not sag.
A siphon with a water seal is installed before entering the sewer pipe, which cuts off unpleasant odors. Installation is carried out using compression nuts. The direction of flow is marked on the body of the unit. The arrow helps identify entry and exit. The connection to the sewer network is carried out with a jet break. After installation, the system is tested.
Main manufacturers
Hutterer & Lechner
The leader in the production of siphons for air conditioning systems is the Austrian company Hutterer & Lechner (HL). Products are of high quality and simple design. The technology of equipping the units with a water seal and a locking ball valve prevents the appearance of unpleasant odors. The company offers siphons of various models:
- HL 136.2 - siphon with water seal;
- HL 138 - built-in system;
- HL 136 N is a unit with a water seal and a ball odor lock.
Vecamo
The Italian company Vecamo offers a siphon for air conditioning, which is mounted on the wall, providing free access to the inlet and outlet. The kit includes connectors designed for drainage hoses of various diameters. The transparent plastic case provides an opportunity of control over a condition of internal part.
McAlpine
McAlpine's MacValve self-closing drain valve or dry trap is available in two installation sizes: 32mm and 40mm. A polymer tube is installed in a compact plastic case, which acts as an odor-locking device. Vertical mounting is recommended, but horizontal mounting is acceptable. In the first case, the throughput is 1.58-275 l / s, in the second it is lower - 0.7-1.7 l / s.
A siphon is one of the essential elements for connecting plumbing equipment to sewer networks. It constantly contains a small amount of water, a water seal - it is simply necessary for sewage, because. prevents the spread of negative odors. To pick up a siphon, it is worth understanding this issue, right?
We will talk about how the water seal performs the duties assigned to it. The information presented to your attention will help you easily determine the optimal types of device for you personally. Reliable information will provide an opportunity to evaluate the practical aspects and make an informed purchase.
The article describes the design differences of various models with the utmost precision and describes the specifics of the installation. Step-by-step instructions, photographic images and a video guide will help independent masters in their work.
Wherever the sewer network is located the hydraulic lock, its purpose remains the same:
- block water hammer to reduce the load on sewer devices and pipes;
- prevent the penetration of unpleasant specific odors into the living quarters.
If the water seal (or siphon) is chosen correctly, a favorable atmosphere reigns in the house, and the sewer network goes without repair for a long time.
Hydraulic seal designs different types differ, but all of them in one way or another are pipes with bends of a certain shape, sometimes equipped with additional dead-end or dynamic devices.
One of the most important conditions for the functioning of a water seal is the constant presence of water in its cavity, which plays the role of a barrier against the penetration of gases and unpleasant odors.
The water screen is permanently in the siphon. If you do not use the device (kitchen sink or toilet) for a long time, the water will evaporate, and over time it will still appear in the bathroom or kitchen.
The same will happen when you flush for the first time after a long absence. But with constant use, the volume of water in the water seal is constantly updated, which prevents stagnation, respectively, and the appearance of an unpleasant "aroma".
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