A siphon is a plumbing fixture that uses atmospheric pressure to drain water from a sink or tub. It can also be used to prevent sewer gases from entering your home.
The first step in connecting the siphon to the sink is to make sure the hose end of the device is inside your bucket. Some people use a clamp to secure the hose in place. If you do, make sure to keep it in the same spot for every water change.
Connecting the Faucet to the Siphon Adaptor
The faucet adapter that comes with the siphon should have male threads on each end. This will fit a faucet with a single hole. You can find one at a hardware store or you can order it online from Python. It’s important to get a brass model because plastic models can be susceptible to stripping.
Once you have your faucet adaptor, you can attach it to the siphon and turn it on. It’s a simple process, but you need to follow certain safety precautions.
You should never connect your siphon to a spigot outside your house. This could result in unsanitary water being sucked into your home’s drinking and bathing supply.
If you want to avoid this, install an anti-siphon faucet or valve in your home. These are designed to meet federal housing codes and will prevent contaminated water from entering your house.
Besides protecting your health, this also helps you comply with local plumbing codes. If you’re in the process of building or renovating your home, contact a professional plumber to ensure your new fixtures meet local standards.
How to Use an Aquarium Siphon
If you have a gravel tank, you may need to clean it regularly with an aquarium siphon. These devices are easy to use and suck up debris and excess water. They are usually cheaper than buying a vacuum cleaner and are able to reach a wider range of tanks.
How to Start an Aquarium Siphon
The easiest way to start a siphon is by filling the tube with water and keeping it at a diagonal angle, so that the opening of the hose is pointed upwards. Then, raise the hose up above the aquarium rim until water begins to flow through it and into your bucket. You can do this several times before removing the tube, but make sure to cover the opening of the hose with your hand to stop the suction and keep dirty water from falling back into your aquarium.
Another option is to periodically crimp the hose, which causes the heavier substrate to fall out and light debris to remain in the hose and get sucked up by the siphon. Doing this helps prevent the hose from sucking up too much fish waste, which can cause an unpleasant smell in your house.