You may have seen a popular “home trick” on the Internet or in the bathroom, which recommends putting an ordinary office rubber band (or a mesh held by a rubber band) on a drain or siphon.
However, this trick has two different levels — one practical (user) and the other plumbing (functional). Here are all the reasons and benefits why people use this idea:
- Hair and dirt trap (Internet “lifehack”)
The most common reason why people put a rubber band on a drain grate (or attach a small mesh to it) is to protect against clogging.
Hair and lint trap: Hair in the bathroom is the main enemy of siphons. The rubber band wrapped around the drain grate catches hair and dirt before they can flow into the pipe.
Easy cleaning: Instead of disassembling a smelly siphon or using aggressive chemicals, simply pull off the rubber band with the captured waste and throw it in the trash.
Protection against loss of valuables: A stronger mesh held by the rubber band will prevent your ring, earring or other small object from slipping into the drain.
- Plumbing significance: Rubber siphon seal
If it is not an “improvement” from social networks, but a rubber ring (seal) inside the connecting parts of the siphon, this is an absolutely key component.
Zero leakage (Watertightness): The plastic threads of the siphon without a rubber band will never seal 100%. The rubber seal will fill microscopic gaps and prevent water from dripping under the sink.
Odour barrier: The siphon creates a so-called hydrolock, which blocks odours from the sewer. A properly fitted rubber band ensures that odours and sewer gases do not escape through the threaded joints into the room.
Protecting plastic from bursting: The rubber band acts as a shock absorber. When tightening the siphon nuts, it prevents the plastic parts from being pulled too far and bursting.
- Holding the seal during installation
A handy plumber’s trick: When installing a siphon in a tight space under the sink, the rubber seal often slips off the inclined pipe.
Gently securing it with a thin rubber band will help you keep the seal exactly in place while you screw on and tighten the union nut.
Pay attention to the flow rate: If you use an office rubber band on the drain as a hair catcher, replace it regularly. Accumulated dirt can significantly slow down the water flow, or the rubber band will break down over time due to the effects of warm water and soap and end up in the siphon itself.