Cleaning the siphon – how to do it effectively, hygienically and sustainably

Who hasn't experienced this? The drain or siphon in the sink or basin is clogged. This means the water can't drain properly and it smells unpleasant. Conversely, a clean siphon ensures smooth drainage – quite literally. Only when the drainpipe is clear can bad odors and blockages be permanently prevented. A high-quality siphon and its regular cleaning are therefore essential for good bathroom and kitchen hygiene. In this article, you'll learn what to look out for, how to best clean your household siphons, and how to prevent blockages – from simple home remedies to disassembling the drainpipe.

Discover our first-class product range, because sanitary technology from Armatron guarantees comfort, hygiene and function – in everyday private life, as well as in professional and public areas.

Why is it important to clean the siphon?

The siphon, often also called a trap, is the curved section of pipe located directly below a sink, kitchen sink, shower, or bathtub. Its characteristic shape ensures that small amounts of water always remain in the pipe. This so-called water seal prevents unpleasant odors from the sewer system from entering the laundry room, kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms. A siphon is therefore an essential component of every plumbing system – often invisible, but always indispensable. Over time, however, hair, skin particles, grease, soap scum, food residue, dirt, and limescale can accumulate inside the siphon. This can lead to blockages, unpleasant odors, gurgling noises, or, in the worst case, a complete blockage. To prevent these problems, regular cleaning is essential. Careful and thorough cleaning not only saves money on costly repairs but also ensures hygiene and extends the lifespan of the entire system. Click here to see our siphon range .

Step-by-step instructions: How to properly clean your siphon

• Preparation: Place a bucket under the siphon to catch any escaping water and debris. Have an old towel or rag ready. You can wear rubber gloves if needed.
• Disassembly: Loosen the siphon at both ends. For plastic models, this is best done by hand; for metal models, use pipe wrenches. Carefully unscrew the union nuts by hand or with water pump pliers. Older or very dirty siphons may require a little more force. It's best to place a small cloth between the union nuts and the pliers to prevent damage to the nuts. Then remove the siphon.
• Cleaning: First, remove any debris such as hair, soap scum, or grease deposits. For heavy soiling, soak the siphon in a bucket of hot water with dish soap. Then, pull an old cleaning cloth through the siphon to remove any remaining residue. Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterward. For stubborn encrustations, vinegar, a dish brush, or baking soda can also be used as environmentally friendly cleaning agents.
• Check the seals: Inspect all seals for cracks or wear. Leaks are usually caused by brittle sealing rings – these are easily replaced. Clean intact parts with a soft brush under warm water and avoid harsh chemicals.
• Installation: Reinstall the siphon and tighten the nuts by hand. Turn the tap on slightly and test for leaks. Readjust if necessary.

Remove minor blockages mechanically

If the water drains poorly or not at all, there's a tried-and-tested remedy: the plunger, also known as a suction cup. This means that before you reach for pipe wrenches and other tools, you might be able to find a quick and easy solution. Here's how it works: If present, close the overflow of the sink or basin. A wet washcloth works well for this – it increases the suction needed to clear blockages. Then, run some warm, soapy water down the drain and place the plunger over the drain so that it's completely covered. The rubber lip of the plunger must be firmly in place all the way around. Now, quickly pump the plunger up and down using the wooden handle. The suction in the drain will dislodge the blockage. Flush with water. Only if this method of drain cleaning doesn't work should the siphon be disassembled and cleaned or replaced.

Prevention is better than cure: How to prevent a blocked siphon.

The motto should always be: The best measures are those that aren't needed. And that's relatively easy to achieve, because with a few simple steps you can significantly reduce the build-up of deposits in the siphon and prevent blockages. Here's what you should pay attention to:

• Never pour food scraps or oils down the drain – because grease settles in the pipes and hardens over time, leading to further deposits.
• Use strainers over your drains to prevent hair, larger particles, or other debris from entering the drain and thus the siphon. It's best to use these handy little helpers everywhere: in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, etc.
• Regularly flush the drains with hot water. This not only dissolves soap scum and grease, preventing build-up, but also contributes to hygiene by flushing away germs and the like.
• Occasionally use common household remedies such as vinegar, vinegar essence, citric acid or baking soda, which will effectively clean the drain and siphon.
• For the sake of the environment, you should avoid using chemical cleaners, as these substances are very aggressive and can attack seals, plastic parts, and the entire system, causing long-term damage. If you do use them, do so sparingly.

By following these simple rules, you can avoid costly interventions and maintain the full functionality of your wastewater system. If you require further information, please contact us using the form on our website.

Siphon systems from Armatron – clever, durable, high-quality

Behind every Armatron product lies the ambition to perfectly harmonize functionality, quality, and technology. Our siphon systems consistently meet the highest standards and are also exceptionally easy to maintain. First-class materials such as chrome-plated brass, as used in this siphon, are employed. 1 ¼ inch robust plastic, as used in this white model or in our high-quality siphon made of highly polished V4A stainless steel, ensures a long service life – even with daily use and heavy wear. All our models are precision-manufactured and compatible with common connection systems. We are happy to support you with expert advice and also offer customized solutions for special requirements, such as barrier-free installations or spatially challenging projects. Whether for new construction, renovation, or replacement, whether for a private apartment or a public facility: With Armatron, you choose products that impress with uncompromising quality and modern, well-designed features.