The organization of comfortable life in the countryside often begins with the creation of a full-fledged kitchen, where the central element becomes the main element of the building. sink. Unlike a city apartment, where communications are stable, a country house requires a special approach to plumbing due to temperature changes and seasonal use. Properly selected sink solves not only hygienic tasks, but also serves as the basis for storing inventory, hiding unsightly hoses and siphons.
Many land owners make the mistake of trying to adapt urban furniture to outdoor or semi-average conditions, which leads to a rapid failure of materials. MDF water-resistant Stainless steel or stainless steel are not just marketing terms, but a necessity to extend the life of the headset. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of choice, from the type of bowl to the organization of draining in freezing soil.
The modern market offers many solutions, but not all of them are suitable for the realities of the Russian climate. A critical parameter is the ability of materials to withstand multiple cycles of freezing and thawing without loss of tightness and strength. Ignoring this factor can lead to the fact that after the first winter the structure will have to be thrown away.
Criteria for the selection of materials for street operation
The first thing to pay attention to when buying is the material of the case and countertop. The suburban environment is aggressive: high humidity, dust, insects and sudden changes in temperature require the use of specialized coatings. Regular laminated chipboard rises quickly even with short-term contact with water, so water-resistant This is the minimum acceptable standard.
For countertops, options made of artificial stone or composite materials are ideal. They are not afraid of moisture, they are easy to wash and resistant to ultraviolet light. Natural stone is also good, but can be too heavy for light frame structures. metallic bases from stainless-steel AISI 304 is considered the most durable, as it is completely inert to water.
The facade parts of the turf should also be protected. Plastic, aluminum or special moisture-resistant films are the best friends of the summer resident. Wooden facades require constant processing with oil or varnish, which creates unnecessary hassle in seasonal living conditions.
- 🌲 Wood-polymer composite It does not rot, does not require painting, imitates the structure of the tree.
- 🛡️ Stainless steel - absolute water resistance, hygiene, modern appearance.
- 💎 Artificial stone - high strength, variety of designs, resistance to scratches.
- 🧪 Dense plastic Budget option, light weight, full resistance to corrosion.
When choosing between aesthetics and practicality, always lean to the side. Beautiful, but short-lived washing in the country will become a problem after a year of operation.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a sink outside, make sure that all metal fasteners (bolts, screws, hinges) are made of galvanized steel or have an anti-corrosion coating. Ordinary ferrous metal will rust in one season, which will lead to the loosening of the structure.
Types of bowls and their functional purpose
The configuration of the sink itself directly affects usability. For the cottage, where you often have to wash large baking pans, pots after cooking jam or vegetables from the garden, size matters. Standard urban models of 40x40 cm may be too tight. The best choice will be single-bowl with a wide wing or an additional side for drying.
The depth of the bowl is another important parameter. Too small a sink will lead to water splashing, which is undesirable in a wooden floor or limited space. The recommended depth is between 18 and 20 cm. This allows you to comfortably wash dishes and collect water in large containers without the risk of overflow.
The material of the bowl also dictates its own care rules. Ceramic The sinks are beautiful, but heavy and fragile when hit by a heavy object. Stainless steel practical, but can be noisy when a jet of water falls. Composite materials (granite crumbs) combine strength and noise absorption, but require the use of special detergents to not lose color.
Secrets of care for composite sinks
Composite sinks are sensitive to aggressive chemistry. Do not use products high in chlorine or acids to clean lime plaque. This can lead to the appearance of whitish spots. For daily cleaning, a soft sponge and soap solution are enough, and for disinfection - a soda solution.
If you plan to connect a dishwasher in the future, choose a model with the option of installing an additional tap or a sleeping hole right away. This will save you the need to change the entire design later.
Features of installation and connection of communications
Installation bait-bail It has its own technical features related to the organization of water supply and drainage. Unlike an apartment where everything is hidden in the walls, in the country often have to mount open systems or use storage tanks. The tube shall have a sufficient internal volume to accommodate the pumping station or filters, unless they are placed in a separate technical compartment.
When installing, it is important to ensure reliable sealing of the joints between the sink and the countertop. Use a silicone sealant with antifungal supplements. Even a microscopic slit will become a place of moisture accumulation, which will inevitably lead to swelling of the ends of the countertop made of wood materials.
Sequence of sealing:1. Degrease the ends of the cutout in the countertop.
2. Apply a layer of sealant on the end and on the lower side of the sink.
3. Set up a sink and press it tightly.
4. Remove excess sealant with a wet cloth before drying.
Mounting the wash to the countertop is carried out using special clamps. Do not drag them, especially if the countertop is made of thin metal or plastic, as this can cause deformation of the surface.
☑️ Checking before water start
Protecting the system from freezing in winter
The biggest problem with the plumbing is the frost. If the house is not heated in winter, the water in the pipes, siphon and the bowl itself freezes, expands and breaks communications. There are several proven ways to protect the system. The most reliable is the complete drain of water from the system after the end of the season.
To do this, at the bottom point of the water circuit (usually in front of the pump or at the outlet of the tank) is installed. drain-faucet. Before closing the cottage, the crane is opened, and by gravity or under pressure of the compressor, the remaining water is removed. The siphon under the sink also needs to be dismantled or blown, as there is always water in its water gate.
If the drain is organized into a septic tank or drainage pit, make sure that the outlet pipe has a sufficient slope and does not have areas where water can stagnate. Use of the heating-cable On the area of the pipe facing the street, will help prevent the formation of ice stoppers during the transition period.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave water in flexible feed hoses for the winter. Even if they are made of elastic materials, the ice plug can damage the threaded joints or the structure of the hose itself, leading to leakage in the spring.
Organization of drain: septic tank, drainage or storage
Where to put dirty water is a question no less important than its supply. Simple draining to the ground under the cabinet is strictly prohibited, as this leads to contamination of the site and the appearance of an unpleasant smell. The most common options for organizing water disposal:
| Type of plum | Description | Difficulty of installation | Environmental friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cesspool | Concrete rings or a container without a bottom | Medium | Low (risk of groundwater contamination) |
| Septic | Multi-stage wastewater treatment | Tall. | Tall. |
| Storage capacity | Pressurized pump tank | Low. | Medium (requires pumping) |
| drainage ditch | A pipe with a perforation in the rubble | Low. | Medium (for gray drains only) |
For sink Most often, drainage systems or individual small septic tanks are used, since the volume of drains from washing dishes and hands is relatively small. It is important to use fat collectors if you plan to wash heavily contaminated utensils in the sink so as not to clog the drainage system.
When installing pipes, observe the angle of inclination of at least 2-3 cm per linear meter. This will ensure the flow and prevent the formation of blockages. The use of corrugated pipes for hidden installation is undesirable, since garbage quickly accumulates in the folds.
The optimal solution for a small cottage is a combination of a fat trap under the sink and a drainage pipe going into a compost pit or a filter well.
Additional equipment and ergonomics
Comfort in the country kitchen depends not only on the availability of water, but also on the ease of use of space. The cabinet under the sink is an ideal place for placing filtration systems. Flow filters or reverse osmosis systems often have oversized modules that take up space on the countertop, but fit perfectly inside the cabinet.
The organization of storage of cleaning products, sponges and sponges should also be thought out. Use drawers or hinged organizers on the doors of the cabinet. This will keep the work area free. If there are children in the country, provide for a blocking of access to chemistry.
Lighting the work area is often forgotten, but an important element. Installing LED tape under a hinged cabinet or visor above the sink will make it much easier to wash dishes in the evening. For summer conditions, choose lamps with a protection class not lower IP44.
- 🧼 Soap dispenser The built-in option will save space on the side of the sink.
- 🗑️ Garbage container - it is better to choose models with a mount on the door of the cabinet.
- 🔌 Socket with a lid - necessary for connecting a waste shredder or charging gadgets.
- 💡 Touch switch - allows you to turn on the light without touching the switch with wet hands.
Don't forget the ventilation. If the sink is in an enclosed room or arbor, good air circulation will prevent mold from appearing on the wooden elements of the cabinet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I leave water in the system if I come to the country only on weekends?
No, it's risky. Even at a plus temperature during the day, at night, the water in an unheated room can freeze. It is better to install an automatic drain or each time completely block the supply and drain the remaining water from the tap and siphon.
What height of the sink installation is considered optimal for giving?
The standard height of the working surface is 85-90 cm from the floor. However, for the cottage, where you often have to wash large volumes of vegetables in buckets, sometimes make the sink a little lower or use removable stands to avoid straining the back.
How to protect water pipes from rodents?
Rodents often gnaw plastic pipes and insulation. Use metal shells in the passageways of pipes through walls and floors. Also effective use of special repellents or ultrasonic devices in the winter.
What is the best way to wash a composite wash so that it does not lose color?
Use soft sponges and neutral detergents. Avoid abrasive powders and chlorine-containing bleach. To remove lime plaque, it is better to use special means for composites or a weak solution of citric acid.
Do I need to keep the slack on the street?
Insulation of the cabinet will not protect the water in the pipes from freezing, but will save the material of the furniture itself from temperature changes and condensation. Use a foil insulation, but be sure to leave ventilation gaps so that moisture does not accumulate inside.