Removing the siphon from the shower tray valve: easy steps to replace it
Practical guide to removing the siphon from the shower tray valve
Proper maintenance of a shower tray's drainage system is essential to ensure its proper functioning and avoid problems such as blockages, unpleasant odors, or water leaks.
In this sense, knowing how to remove the trap and valve from the shower tray is a simple task that, with the right tools and steps, anyone can do. The trap acts as an odor barrier and retains residue, while the valve regulates the flow of water to the pipes.
Learning how to remove the trap and valve from your shower tray for cleaning will not only extend their lifespan but also prevent costly shower tray repairs in the future. In this article, we'll explain this process in a practical and detailed way, step by step.
What is the siphon and valve of a shower tray?
To know how to remove the siphon and the valve from the shower tray, we must first know what each of them is for.
- The siphon acts as a reservoir that retains a small amount of water, forming an odor barrier .
- The valve regulates the flow of water and connects the siphon directly to the shower tray drain.
Reasons to remove the siphon and valve
There are several situations that may require us to remove the siphon and valve from the shower tray:
- Debris buildup : Over time, soap scum, hair, and other debris can clog the siphon, reducing water flow.
- Bad odors : Removing the siphon and the valve from the shower tray is necessary if the siphon does not fulfill its function or the seals fail, unpleasant odors may arise.
- Water leaks : Deterioration of the O-rings or a poor seal can cause leaks in the shower tray.
- Periodic maintenance : By frequently removing the siphon and valve from the shower tray, we prevent future problems, ensuring an efficient drainage system.
- Replacement due to wear : Over time, parts may deteriorate and require replacement with new ones.
Necessary tools and materials
Before you begin the process of removing the trap and valve from the shower tray, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:
- Adjustable wrench or pliers : necessary to loosen nuts and disassemble the siphon easily.
- Flat and Phillips screwdrivers : These different screwdrivers will help you remove screws from the valve or top grille.
- Protective gloves : protect your hands when handling wet and dirty parts.
- Bucket and absorbent cloths : prevent wastewater from staining the floor or causing splashing.
- Non-abrasive cleaning products : Ideal for cleaning parts once they have been disassembled.
Preparing the workspace
Before removing the trap and valve from the shower tray, it is essential to properly prepare the work space:
- Turn off the water supply if necessary : although it is not usually mandatory, doing so prevents unforeseen events in the event of accidental leaks.
- Remove nearby objects : Clear the area around the shower to work more comfortably.
- Place drop cloths or plastic on the floor : this will protect the floor from possible water or dirt spills.
- Prepare the bucket and tools : have all the necessary tools on hand to make the process faster and more organized.
Location of the siphon in the drainage system
To remove the trap and valve from the shower tray, you must locate the two parts. The trap is usually located under the shower tray and connected directly to the valve. Depending on the type of installation, it can be:
- Visible : in systems where the siphon is accessible from the bottom of the shower tray.
- Built-in : in more modern installations, the siphon is hidden, making it necessary to remove the valve to access it.
To identify its location, first remove the grate or cover from the shower tray drain. This will allow you to see the valve and access the trap.
Step-by-step disassembly of the siphon
Once you have located the siphon, follow these steps to properly disassemble it:
- Removing the drain grate or cover : Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the grate in place.
- Loosen the siphon nuts : Using a wrench or adjustable pliers, loosen the nuts that connect the siphon to the valve and drain.
- Removing the siphon : Gently pull the siphon out and place it in a bucket to avoid spilling residual water.
- Check for blockages : Check the trap for hair, soap, or other debris. Clean it if necessary.
Access to the drain valve
Once the siphon is removed, it's time to access the valve:
- Removing the valve cover or grill : Use a screwdriver to remove any fasteners holding the grill in place.
- Clean the area around the valve : Remove any accumulated debris to prevent it from falling into the pipes when disassembling it.
Disassembling the step-by-step valve
To properly remove the valve , follow these steps:
- Unscrew the valve : Use the appropriate screwdriver to loosen the screws that secure the valve to the shower tray.
- Loosen the bottom nut : If the valve is connected with a bottom nut, use a wrench to carefully loosen it.
- Removing the valve : Gently pull the valve away from the shower tray. Check the condition of the O-rings and replace them if they are damaged.
- Clean the valve : Once removed, clean the valve with non-abrasive products to remove any dirt and debris.
How to properly clean and maintain the siphon and valve
Once you've learned how to remove the trap and valve from the shower tray, follow these steps to clean and maintain the trap and valve:
- Remove accumulated residue : Manually remove hair, soap, and other residue.
- Deep cleaning : Use warm water and non-abrasive products to clean the parts without damaging them.
- Check the O-rings : Check if the seals are worn or deformed and replace them if necessary.
- Complete drying : Make sure to dry all parts thoroughly before reinstalling them to avoid moisture problems.
With this in-depth analysis, you're sure to understand how to remove the trap and valve from your shower tray, so you can do it yourself without any complications when necessary.
If you'd like to get started with this process thanks to our guide, you can take a look at some of our products, such as the Wirquin valve or the Schluter drain .