It should be borne in mind that when choosing a faucet for a washstand, one should not focus only on the price. There is an opinion that the more expensive, the better. In fact, among the plumbing models on the market, you can choose a quality product at a quite low price. The main thing is to know what to look for in order to choose a good mixer, what I will tell you and
. The characteristics of the quality mixer
. The manufacturer
The most famous and reliable products are German( GROHE, HANSGROHE, LCM, RODDEX) and Swedish( OSGARD) production. Well-established brands Damixa( Denmark) and Ottone Meloda( Great Britain).There are many other quality mixers from different manufacturers. But Chinese products should not be purchased. Although their cost is low, but the service life is quite small.
Type of water dispensing control
The most common mixers are single-lever and valve, although there are models with touch controls. In the case of valves, a weak point is a seal. If it is made of rubber, it quickly fails. There are two reasons: intensive use and hardness of water. Ceramic is afraid of mechanical impurities( dirty water), so for it you need to install a filter on the water pipe. Determine the type of seal( gasket) is not difficult. If the valve turns on a full circle and more - it's rubber. If the turn is limited - ceramics.
Sensory are convenient in that the water is only in the case if you bring your hand to the "spout" of the mixer. Therefore, the problem of "forgot to turn off the tap" simply does not exist. However, if you need to get a lot of water into the tank, then all the time you have to hold your hand in the vicinity of the sensor, or place an object near the sensor. Frankly, I had experience using a sensor mixer, and it safely gave way to the classic lever - nothing more convenient and simple has not yet been invented.
Mixer material
For some reason, brass is considered the best, nevertheless, the plastic is not worse. The fact is that any product, regardless of the material, has a certain coating( nickel, chrome, enamel, silver, etc.).But first place professionals give bronze. It is more resistant to moisture, and therefore - more durable. Although in recent years, produce products made of ceramics, granite. But this is already a matter of taste and material possibilities.
Cartridge and rod
It has another name - shut-off valve. It can be either plate or ball. For the first type of water purification filter is mandatory. For a ball cartridge the condition of reliable operation is regular operation. If such a mixer is not used for a long time, then the lever will "stick";
The stem is the attachment of the mixer handle. If it is made of plastic, it will not last long.
Well, such things as design, installation site and so on, choose your own taste. The main thing is that the mixer should serve for a long time and do not cause trouble in the form of leaks, so I recommend - do not skimp on this item, it will cost more in the future.
