How to choose and install the corrugator for the toilet bowl

Corfra for the toilet is a plastic elastic pipe "in the fold", which is stretched to the required length. It is used to connect sanitary equipment to sewage pipes.

Some time ago, instead of a corrugated pipe to connect the toilet bowl to the sewer outlet used a complex system of sockets, elbows and spigots, mostly made of cast iron. This approach was characterized by great strength and durability, but over time has shown its disadvantages. First, the surface of cast iron is far from smooth, so dirt, grease and small debris gradually accumulated inside the system, leading to clogs. Secondly, if the bathroom was repaired, then the change in height of the floor and wall level led to the need to buy new elements of attachment so that the design was more reliable and tight.

Today in stores you can find several types of corrugations for the toilet bowl. They differ in three main characteristics:

• Soft or hard. Soft corrugation is suitable for toilet bowls with any type of outlet - horizontal, oblique or vertical, as it is much more elastic. Installation of such a corrugation is easier than the installation of rigid, but the rigid corrugation is more resistant to wear and tear.
• Reinforced or unreinforced. Reinforced corrugation is reinforced by a thin wire, which strengthens the rigidity of the final design. It costs more than unreinforced, but its service life is longer.
• Short or long. On sale there are corrugations for the toilet bowl in lengths from 20 to 50 cm. The length should be chosen based on the distance between the toilet bowl and the branch pipe, but be sure to leave a reserve in order to avoid leaks.

It is not always necessary to install a corrugated pipe, in some cases you can easily do without it, leaving the previous system of connection to the sewer.

However, in the following two situations, the use of corrugated pipe is the most appropriate way to connect the toilet bowl to the drainage system:

• The toilet bowl is installed with an offset in relation to the socket of the sewer. This happens when the level of the floor was changed during the repair.
• The type of outlet of the new toilet does not match the type of outlet of the previous one, under which the sewer is installed. For example, if you buy an imported toilet in an apartment Khrushchev construction, which has not changed the engineering systems for a long time.

The use of corrugation for the toilet has both advantages and disadvantages. Consider both sides of this phenomenon.

So, the advantages of using corrugated pipes:

• Installation of corrugated pipes will not be difficult even for those who are just starting to take their first steps in the field of plumbing works.
• In difficult cases of connection without corrugated pipe can not do, as it is the most plastic of all the proposed options.
• The corrugated pipe can be seen as a temporary connection option that can be quickly dismantled.
• If the type of outlet of the toilet does not coincide with the socket sewer, then the corrugated pipe easily solves this problem.

The disadvantages of this method of connection are as follows:

• Thin walls can pierce a sharp object caught in the sewer. In addition, temperature changes (for example, if you pour boiling water into the toilet) can deform the plastic.
• The service life of corrugated pipes is less than metal counterparts.
• Corrugated pipe does not look as beautiful as chrome-plated metal pipes. However, with some skill of the master, it can be installed so that it will be almost completely hidden from view.
• If the corrugation is stretched too far and not secured, it will sag in the middle. In the place of sagging, water and debris will accumulate, which will sooner or later lead to a clog.

If the listed disadvantages of corrugated pipes outweigh in your eyes all their advantages, you can show a little worldly skill and try to solve the problem of connecting the toilet to the sewer in another way. Of course, this applies only to problematic situations, since you can usually get by with standard methods.

Situation 1. Installed a toilet bowl with an oblique type of outlet, which is higher than the socket sewer. To solve this problem, you need a short pipe made of PVC or polyethylene. The pipe needs to be cut if necessary.

• First method: Connect the pipe to the toilet on one side and the sewer faucet on the other. Seal the connection with sealing rubber sleeves of the appropriate diameter.
• The second way: Over a gas burner, heat the pipe until the plastic softens. Then quickly pull it over the toilet bowl outlet. Place the toilet bowl on the floor. Connect the other end of the pipe to the sewer spigot and secure the connection with cement mortar or sealant.

Situation 2. You need to connect a toilet bowl with a straight type of outlet to an oblique pipe. This problem can be solved by installing a special plastic corner. On sale there are two versions of such corners - 90 and 45 degrees. The corner is connected to the toilet bowl with a rubber sleeve, and to the sewer, as in the previous case, with a cement mixture or sealant.

In order not to make a mistake with the choice of corrugated pipe for the toilet, before going to the store, measure all the necessary distances and dimensions and sketch a schematic drawing of the connection. This will help the salesman to select the right equipment for you. Along with the pipe, buy a matching color plumbing sealantTo design turned out not only reliable, but also aesthetically pleasing. The length of the pipe depends on the distance between the toilet bowl and sewer outlet, but it is better to leave a margin of a few centimeters.

Beginning installation with the preparatory work. If the sewer faucet and toilet outlet are not new, they should be cleaned of accumulations of dirt, slime and debris. Do not forget to remove the remains of construction materials. Cleaned surfaces should be wiped dry. If you are installing a new toilet, try to make the distance between him and the exit sewer as small as possible.

Let's proceed with installation. To begin with, look carefully at the corrugated pipe you bought: at one end of it there are external sealing rings, and at the other - the internal membranes. The end with the rings should be inserted into the sewer pipe. The end with the membranes - put it on top of the toilet outlet, the mount is rubber, so it pulls well. Treat all connections with sealant

• Do not stretch the corrugator before you install it on the toilet. You can do this only immediately before you start the installation work. If you stretch it too much, it will be difficult to return it to its original state.
• Do not use the corrugated pipe as an additional shelf for various household items. If you put a heavy object on it, it may burst.
• When buying corrugated pipe, pay attention to the thickness of the walls: The more it is, the longer the product will last. In addition, try to buy the products of European manufacturers. They cost more, but its quality is significantly higher than that of domestic and Chinese counterparts.
• If you are a happy owner of your own house, then you should seriously consider the need for plastic corrugated pipe. The fact is that Mice, rats and other small rodents find plastic a very tasty product. If these uninvited guests are spotted in your home, then you better opt for metal pipes.

Corrugated pipe for the toilet can be a real salvation in difficult situations related to the inconsistency of the parameters of the connected equipment. Like any other modern technical solution, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Use a light and flexible corrugation or use a more cumbersome, before and more durable methods of connection - it's up to you to decide. But whatever your decision, we hope that our article has helped you make the right choice.