A dry drain valve is a device that prevents unpleasant odors from entering the sewer system into the premises. Most recently, water locks were considered the most common, but every year the requirements for plumbing equipment are growing and new devices appear, with more advanced characteristics.

Dry drain valve

A dry shutter is a device that prevents the escape of gases from the sewer into the room, but does not require water in the siphon

Differences of dry sewer gates from hydraulic (water)

In order to connect a wash basin, bathtub or other plumbing fixture to the sewer network, a variety of siphon configurations are used. The principle of operation of a dry shutter cardinally differs from a hydraulic model. The water lock for sewage is in the form of a curved tube that is filled with water. It is water that performs the barrier function and prevents sewage gases from entering the room.

However, the water type of the device has a significant drawback - the water in the U-shaped pipe can evaporate, which will open the way for sewer gases. Thus, this shutter needs constant replenishment with water. In addition, due to the design features, such a siphon is not suitable for arranging a shower ladder or bathhouse.

A dry device is structurally significantly different from a hydraulic one. Such a device operates according to the "nipple" system. This device is made in the form of a polymer tube, the material for the shutter body is most often polypropylene (PP). At the ends of such a pipe there is a thread.

Dry drain valve

A dry shutter does not require constant maintenance of a certain water level in the system

The internal structure of dry models implies the presence of a special membrane that acts as a check valve. Therefore, such a shutter (unlike a hydraulic one) also performs regulatory work - it does not allow water in the system to move in the opposite direction. This function is especially important for plumbing fixtures, which are located on the lower floors of multi-storey buildings.

Important! Dry closures are strictly forbidden to be installed in kitchen sinks where dishes are washed. In such a system, the shutter will last very little.

Unlike the water type, the dry shutter does not need frequent checks and maintaining the water level in the system. It is more functional and can work both autonomously and in conjunction with a water fixture.

Main advantages

Any device has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider the main advantages of a dry shutter:

  • such a device does not need frequent checks;
  • due to the fact that the dry model does not require water to perform its functions, it can also be installed in unheated rooms;
  • the polymeric materials from which dry models are made have excellent performance characteristics and comply with modern technical requirements;
  • such devices are very convenient and compact;
  • have good resistance to mechanical stress (unlike the water model, such a shutter is quite difficult to disrupt);
  • regulate the movement of the medium in the system;
  • have good resistance to blockages;
  • their installation can be carried out horizontally and vertically (water devices are installed only vertically);
  • exclude the accumulation and stagnation of water, so the development of a bacterial flora harmful to human health is unlikely;
  • have excellent sound insulation performance.
  • very durable.
Dry drain valve

Such gates, unlike water, can be installed horizontally

Types of Dry Shutters

Dry shutters, like any other device, have varieties. Each of them has its own distinctive characteristics, which affect the operational characteristics. Consider the main models of this device:

Membrane Such a device is the simplest and most common of all options. The working process is due to the spring-loaded membrane, which opens under the influence of a fluid flow and water flows freely into the sewer system. When the flow is blocked, the membrane takes its initial position, as a result of which a reliable and tight barrier is formed.

Helpful information! If you want to connect a dishwasher or washing machine to the siphon, you must purchase a model that has the ability to connect the handset to the side of the device.

Float. This type of shutter is quite capable of making at home. By design features, such a shutter is considered a combination of water and dry types. It includes a ladder with a vertical outlet, equipped with a float valve. When assembling such a device at home, tennis balls of a suitable diameter are used.

The principle of operation of such a device is quite simple: if the water seal is filled with water, then the float valve is in a floating position and does not interfere with the outflow of liquid into the sewer. When the water leaves, the float valve lowers and seals the tube lumen.

Dry drain valve

A swing valve closes the flow thanks to a valve that moves under the influence of water

Pendulum dry. It is supplied with a valve, which necessarily has one attachment point. When a fluid stream enters the valve surface, it deviates from its axis and opens the fluid path. The return to the opposite position occurs under the influence of gravitational forces.

Molecular memory gates. Such devices are considered high-tech and their cost is much higher than other models. Due to the molecular memory of the material, their elements always return to their desired position, sealing the structure.

What to consider when choosing a dry shutter?

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a shutter model for each specific case, you need to pay attention to a number of factors. The main conditions that are considered when choosing a shutter:

  1. A very important indicator for choosing a suitable dry shutter for sewage is the number of drains that will pass through the device. For example, a dry shutter with a passage diameter of 50 mm is perfect for a washbasin. For showers or baths, shutters with higher throughput are needed. In this case, you can purchase a device with a passage diameter of 100 mm.
  2. The second condition that you should pay attention to is the height of the device. Horizontal bends usually have a height of 7 to 10 cm, and vertical ones need more free space (about 15–18 cm). Therefore, if you want to install the device in cramped conditions, the horizontal option is ideal.
Dry drain valve

The type of dry shutter is selected depending on the type of sewerage and plumbing device

Helpful information! When buying such a device, you need to pay attention to the little things.It is advisable to check the operability of the device. This can be done very easily - just pass a small amount of water through it.

Do not forget about the appearance of the device. Shower drains, which include dry locks, can be equipped with a grill of any configuration. There are a lot of design decisions in this case. This allows you to turn the device into a decoration that pleases the eye.

How to make a dry shutter at home?

To make this device with your own hands you will need a plastic ball and a gasket. The diameter of the ball should be slightly larger than the drain hole. The plastic ball must be placed on the drain hole. Then it should be fixed at the edges. The ball must be firmly fixed. To do this, it is recommended to put a gasket on the pipe - it will securely fix the ball in the pipe. The height of the wall above the level of the sewer must be at least 5 cm. During the operation of the system, the ball pops up and water freely flows into the sewer. During inactivity of the structure, the ball will lie on the drain hole, and block the path of sewer gases.

Dry siphon installation

In order to independently mount a dry siphon, you need to study the stages of its installation. If you follow certain rules and be very careful, installing this design will not cause difficulties. The most common problem after self-installing a water seal is leakage. If you are not confident in your own strengths, it is recommended to call a wizard who will conduct a quality installation of the device. First you need to figure out which siphon should be purchased. If you already have the necessary siphon, then you should clearly follow the instructions and do not rush.

Important! When buying a dry shutter, it is necessary to measure the diameter of the drain hole in order to choose a suitable device for it. If the washbasin is equipped with two drain holes, you need to purchase the appropriate model of the siphon.

Installation of such a device is very simple. Consider the main steps:

  1. First, check the device. Gaskets and sealing elements should be aligned evenly.
  2. At the second stage, a rubber o-ring must be placed between the sink and the siphon. This ring seals the joint.
  3. We install a siphon and apply a sealing sealant to the joints, which will make the seams more reliable and reduce the chance of leakage of the structure.

Dry siphons for sewage are very reliable devices, do not require frequent checks and are resistant to blockages. To select and install such a device, you must adhere to the rules and tips outlined in this article. You need to seriously approach the choice of such a device and then the result will pleasantly surprise you - you will get a reliable and durable device that will last for more than one year.