A bathtub is a device that includes a bathing frame and special drain communications. Drain performs the function of removing excess or used fluid. It is in absolutely every bath but has a different design depending on its design and type. The drain, as a rule, is located at the bottom, and the drain overflow is in the upper part of the narrow part of the bath. They have the same design, and their main function is to get rid of the water in the bath in time. Each overflow drain bathtub has its characteristics, and you can learn more about its varieties at the link https://www.onrec.com/news/news-archive/do-freestanding-tubs-have-an-overflow-drain.
Installing a drain in an ordinary bath will not take much time if the main water communications have already been prepared. The thing is that the water must go downhill, otherwise, it will linger in the bath. To do this, the device must be installed at an angle, like the sewer pipe to which it is connected.
Overflow function
The concept of a bath drain system is a special device that overflows water if the main drain is blocked or the volume of liquid exceeds the required dimensions. As long as the drain is installed in the right place, it will grind off the water and prevent it from leaving the tub. The device works like this:
- for a certain time, water flows through the main drain;
- when it is plugged with a mechanical plug or closed with another object, the liquid accumulates and needs to go somewhere;
- water reaches the level of the overflow plug, which allows it to safely drain into the common drain.
In any case, water from the overflow enters the general drain, only through an additional plug, and flows through a pipe that is hidden in the bath structure. Overflow is recommended for all types of baths, but there are devices in which it is not provided. This increases the risk that sooner or later the water will go beyond the desired level and the room will be flooded.
Overflow design
To understand how an overflow works and how to care for it, it is important to know its design. It is an additional system of pipes, plugs, and valves. There is a hole in the bathtub in which this valve must be installed, which in the future will allow excess water to pass through. Installing an overflow is a little more complicated than a conventional drain, but it gives maximum protection against water leakage.
As soon as the liquid reaches the maximum allowable level, the valve automatically opens under pressure and water flows through an additional pipe directly into the sewer drain. If you open both the drain and the overflow in parallel, then first of all the water will go from below, because it is closer to the sewer.
If the overflow is installed in the bath, then its condition must be monitored and the components changed in time. Since all this is associated with water, there is a place for leaks and corrosion. That is why you should regularly check the system and its integrity. The main causes of overflow failure:
- Blockages. All kinds of objects, wool, hair, and soap, which clog it, constantly fall into the bath overflow drain. It is important to clean the drain promptly so that there are no stagnations, and the water passes freely into the sewer.
- A leak. Poor sealing, failed gaskets, and rust on the structure can cause water to leak from the most unexpected places. In this case, you can resort to local repairs, replacement of individual components, or the entire overflow system. This will help avoid leaks.
Overflow drains are one system, they are interconnected by a hose. One part is installed at the bottom, and the second – on the wall. Water from the top valve enters the hose, after which it moves to the sewer through the bottom. Both components must be serviceable, and clean, to avoid leaks and achieve optimal fluid flow.
You can install the overflow with your own hands, especially if the bathtub has legs and is not freestanding. In other cases, it is recommended to call a specialist who will skillfully fix the device without damaging the bathtub frame. Installation is very fast if there is no need to use the method of hidden communication.
Overflow care
In addition to the fact that it is important to monitor the condition of the structure, it requires careful maintenance. An overflow is an indispensable thing for those who do not have time to monitor the water level, as well as for those who like to splash in a full bath. The overflow drain will automatically open the way for excess water and at the same time, it will be possible to avoid leaks.
The installation of the structure needs to select high-quality materials and carefully fix them in place. It is necessary to make sure that the overflow device is installed according to the rules and performs its main function. Timely cleaning of the drain, as well as preventing the formation of blockages, will allow you to use the device for a long time without unnecessary problems and troubles.
There are two main types of overflows – traditional and integral. The first is installed on the inner and outer walls, collects excess water, and redirects it to a regular drain. Integral overflow by design resembles an overflow in a sink. There is a hole along the tub that collects excess water, allowing excess water to drain off.
The purpose of the overflow is to prevent overflow with water. The design itself, although designed to collect and drain excess water, is better to prevent this process and not bring it to it. You also need to remember that the overflow can be overflowing due to blockages, so you should carefully monitor its condition. It is recommended to refrain from using aggressive detergents, so as not to complicate the situation with the passage of water through the overflow.