Bathroom mixer with shower which to choose

Sooner or later, but surely there comes a time when owners of apartments have to change their plumbing, which has served its time or, in their opinion, morally and technically outdated, not meeting the increased requirements for functionality or even external appearance. One of the questions that are most often asked at the same time is "a mixer for a bathroom with a shower which one to choose."

This question is not as simple as it might seem from the beginning. It was easy with this case still years 20 ÷ 25 back - you go to the store, and if you're lucky, you buy, what is there, and that's already pleased! But the modern assortment of plumbing devices offered to the consumer can even confound the - only if you understand the device, classification, materials of manufacture and other issues at least a little.

And the appearance of the crane, which, of course, is very important, yet should not become the decisive criterion for selection. Practice shows that the is attracted to

by the to a lesser degree of quality in questionable manufacturers.

Types of mixers in the place of installation

If the new mixer is installed in the place of the dismounted, then, of course, the choice of models in their location is not very broad. But in the case when it is planned to overhaul the bathroom interior with the laying of new utilities and the replacement of all sanitary equipment, hosts appear "spacious" in terms of selecting for the most optimal sample.

1. The is the most widely used and most often used in bathroom conditions is a mixer with wall mounting, with connection to pipes, hidden decorative trim. If the pipes are not planned to be "retracted" into the wall, the mixer can be mounted to vertically arranged open risers of cold and hot water supply.

• "Classic" pipe, in open or open position, the simplest type of connection is using ¾-in nuts, using rubber( silicone) gaskets to the horizontal nozzles. For accurate alignment of the pipe and mixer axes and for the transition from ½ to ¾ ", eccentrics are generally used.

To avoid leaving the mounting point in view, the decorative caps are pre-screwed onto the eccentric threads. Further installation - accurately set the interaxle distance( shtihmas) and carefully, without distortion, tighten the union nuts.

1 - the protruding threaded part of the eccentric 3/4 ".

2 - decorative hood.

3 - the union nut of the mixer.

4 - sealing gasket.

By simplicity of installation such mixers are not equal, therefore, probably, and are the most common .In addition, models with a similar connection scheme are among the most inexpensive for the price.

• If there is a desire to introduce novelty into the interior of the bathroom, you can also purchase a wall-mounted mixer, the connection points of which are completely hidden from the field of view by the mono housing of the device. The principle of connection in this case does not change much, but the installation itself will require more effort, accuracy and ingenuity, compulsory following the instructions developed by the manufacturer. But these "zamorochki" are justified by a very original kind of such devices.

• It is quite expensive and difficult to install it on its own, when only the controls are on the wall, the shower and the shower head with a hose assembled according to the monobloc principle or separated by by separate elements according to .

adjustment elements on the wall. These mixers are a set of parts and assemblies intended for external installation and for installation in the thickness of a wall structure. Provides rigid or flexible piping from water pipes to the regulating unit and from it - for spout and shower. Quality blocks of the internal installation are protected by special cases, which are not afraid of installation of on mortars.

Such devices are very expensive, and to install them independently requires a lot of experience in plumbing, and in general, and in decorative and finishing works.

2. The next type of mixer installation is on the bath itself. Of course, comes or baths with specially designed mounting areas with holes , or acrylic or fiberglass, on which you can drill neat holes for further installation. Several variants are also possible here.

• One of the simplest options - one hole is used, and the mixer itself is very similar to its "counterparts", which are installed in washbasins or kitchen sinks.

bath The principle of installation and connection here also does not differ much from the mixers installed on the sinks.

• Another option - a kind of " retro-style ".In the installation holes of the bathroom are installed decorative pipes, supplying hot and cold water, and directly to them is connected the mixer itself.

. Of course, the stanchions themselves are an integral part of the mixer set, made with the same style. Often they have very bizarre forms, emphasizing the unusualness of the created ensemble. Wiring to these mixers is carried out from below, under the bathroom, and most often for this flexible hoses are used.

• For bathrooms designed in a modern style, mixer controls, spout and shower can be placed on a horizontal platform on the side of the bathroom.

bath. Installation of similar devices should not cause any special difficulties for the owner, who is familiar with the basics of plumbing technologies. The kit is always accompanied by a detailed instruction with an assembly drawing, such as, for example, as shown in the figure:

Connection example of a four-position mixer with bath installation:

1 - mixing unit with single-lever control valve cartridge type.

2 - flow switch " spout - shower".

3 - cascade type spout.

4 - shower head, which is located in a special glass( item 5).

6 and 7 - flexible connection from the water supply network.

8 and 9 - flexible connections that connect the main components of the mixer.

Flexible hoses 6 to 9 are not usually supplied, they are purchased separately depending on the installation. But these are the most common water hoses with ½ inch connectors. It is always possible to arrange the mixer elements on the bath in a convenient location at the right distance one from the of the other.

10 - flexible connection with an adapter for connecting the shower hose.

11 - sliding shower hose, passed through the glass( item 5). In the non-working position is hidden under the bathroom.

Install such a mixer, with care and with the use of quality components - should not be difficult.

can handle. In some models, instead of a flexible connection between nodes, the rigid is used. This will require the most accurate selection of the mixer for the available holes in the bath, or increased accuracy when marking, if jacks for installation will be drilled by yourself.

units. Another is one version when installing the mixer on the bath - all the controls are placed on one horizontal panel located on the side.

. Due to the fact that the such a design turns out to be quite massive, and the load falls on a localized area, very often such mixers have their own racks that abut the floor. On the side of the bath the window is cut out, in which the mixer is mounted, the acrylic or fiberglass wall itself does not experience any weight loads.

mounting racks In addition, also opens the one possibility of installing a mixer - not on the bath itself, but against it, from the front or side. The design itself will be easy to cover with decorative trim, for example, by assembling a box and lining with its ceramic tiles.

3. Following the fashion trend to install a bathtub not in the "classic" place - near the wall, but in the center of the room( with sufficient space), designers have developed special models of mixers that are installed on the floor.

This is certainly a rare case of application in everyday practice. The cost of such models is high, they require special piping of water pipes hidden beneath the floor surface.

However, the demand for mixers of this kind is still stable, and the product lines are represented by products in both the retro-style ( for example , shown in the figure above) and innovative, modernist design.

The main types of mixers are considered. Now we should get acquainted with their components and components.

Controls

Any mixer for a bath with a shower involves mixing the water from the hot and cold pipelines to the required temperature, as well as the possibility of switching of the mixed flow to the spill or to the shower head.

Adjustment of cold and hot water supply

Two-valve flow mixing system

Once such a system was, in principle, the only one. And , despite the fact that has more advanced approaches to mixing streams, this scheme successfully competes with them. Moreover, it is used in all mixers made in retro-style .

The standard layout is two faucets with flywheels located to the left and right of the spout .Each valve regulates its flow - cold or hot water, and the mixing itself occurs already in a separate chamber of the plumbing fixture.

The similar scheme differs simplicity of the device, easily lends itself to repair. Adjusting the water temperature is not difficult in itself, but the simultaneous regulation of both the flow rate and the degree of heating is quite difficult. However, for systems with autonomous running water heaters( for example, gas columns) it is recommended to use just such a scheme.

As shut-off and adjusting mechanisms are used cranes-axle boxes. With external similarity and with the same seating thread for installation in the mixer, they can vary significantly.

Crane-axle with rubber gasket, which blocks the flow of water. The rotation of the flywheel through the worm gear is converted into the forward movement of the rod with the valve placed on the end, on which there is a round rubber gasket. From full opening to closing, it may take several turns.

Advantages of this crane - the simplicity of construction, the ability to replace the gasket, undemanding to the purity of water. Of the shortcomings, there is a sufficiently rapid wear of the sealant, the appearing play in the mechanical transmission of rotation. There is also another one feature that will be felt at high temperatures - imbalance of the exposed heating level. The fact is that that the rubber di cd and strong heating changes the linear dimensions, thickens and increases radially, thereby breaking the exposed clearance for the passage of water . It is possible that that in the process of washing the will have to adjust repeatedly.

Completely different device and principle of operation for a faucet with ceramic valve. itself valve is two tightly ground it to another plate with cut out in them "windows".Rotation of the plates relative to each other leads to a change in the area of ​​the lumen to its complete closure. The operating cycle of such a crane can be limited to one turn, half or even a quarter.

Such cranes are very convenient, they allow you to accurately set the intensity of the flow through them, which will not change with a temperature drop. The disadvantage is the increased sensitivity to contamination of water - the solid inclusions between the ceramic plates can very quickly lead to their deterioration and failure. If it is decided to install such boxes, you should also think about the reliable filtering system. By the way, mechanical water treatment will be useful to any type of mixer.

Replacement of a failed box is a simple task for any owner. The cost of their is also low - this in many ways predetermines the wide popularity of mixers of such a scheme.

Single lever control

The most popular among consumers are mixers, equipped with one lever for simultaneous regulation and flow intensity, and temperature.

The lever moves in two planes, and the regulation and mixing of flows is carried out in a special cartridge.

Inside the cartridge are also located two ceramic plates with windows . The principle of operation is shown in the diagram below:

The cartridge lever is shown in dotted lines.

• On the fragment "a" - the lever is lowered, and the associated plate completely blocks the flow of water and from hot, and from cold supply.
• When the lever is lifted in the center position( fragment "b"), the windows for accessing the mixing chamber from both feeds are opened, the with the pass area equal to the left and right. The height of the lift of the lever will correspond to the opening width of the of the flow channels, i.e., the flow rate is regulated
• . Moving the lever to the left or to the right( fragment "c") increases the free passage area for one of the feeds, its closure. The total cross-section of the water flow does not change in principle. So the adjusts the water temperature at the outlet.

A slightly different scheme can be used - the cartridge consists not of ground plates, but is a hollow sphere with windows for ingress of water into it, moving relative to the holes on the feed.

A quality cartridge can last long enough. When choosing, it is worth paying attention to what the valve is made of. There are products not with ceramics, but with polymer plates, and, despite the manufacturers' assurances, their service life is much less. The cheapness of the product in this case does not in any way justify the need for frequent replacement.

The arrangement of the mixer itself with one lever( joystick) can be very diverse. The developers offer models with the upper, and the front, and with the lateral arrangement of the lever, but the principle of the operation with the does not change.

Mixers with built-in thermostat

If can be used, you can purchase a mixer whose water temperature is controlled by a thermostat circuit.

Usually on such devices are located two flywheels, equipped with locking system. On one side the handwheel sets the exact water temperature at the output of the - for this purpose, an appropriate scale is plotted on the on it .On the other side of the mixer is structured regulator flow intensity - it can vary in different models smoothly or stepwise.

Advantages of mixers of this type are obvious:

• Guaranteed total safety for the host water procedures. Even if there is very hot water in the water pipe, in the boiler or at the outlet of the flow heater, there is no risk of scalding - the water from the from from the from the or the shower head will go to the water at a predetermined temperature.
• Water consumption becomes much more economical. The regulation device will give out the necessary pressure at the outlet, independent of the level of pressure in the pipes. In addition, such a mixer will also save in terms of energy consumption for heating water - there will always be spent exclusively the necessary of its quantity.
• Many of the models are equipped with safety devices, clearly and quickly reacting to the for possible changes in the input - pressure drops or even a shutdown.

The drawback of these mixers is one - you need to be ready for the convenience of laying out a fairly "round" amount.

The most modern are faucets equipped with electronics, which meets and for thermostatic control of outgoing water, and for head, and for switching modes of operation.

These models can be equipped with touch controls, LCD display panels showing the settings and current system parameters. Of course, the cost of such devices is quite impressive.

Switching mechanism "spout - shower "

If you do not take the most "heaped" models in the with with with the mode switching "controlled" by the electronics, then the mixer must have some external control element, having the task redirect mixed water flow from from to the shower and back.

The switching mechanism itself( it is often called the " diverter ", the name " divertor " occurs) can be of several types. Some of them are shown in the figure:

a is a spool type switch. The rotation of the mode change lever is transmitted by the eccentric shaft . Then, in its turn, moves to the extreme positions of the spool valve, on both sides of which there are plugs with rubber seals. Thus, one is densely closed from the outputs of the mixer - either a shower or a spout.

Advantages of this mechanism - simplicity, reliability , it's easy to go by yourself, replace worn parts.

The disadvantage is a sufficiently rapid wear of the rubber gaskets, after which the unwanted starts the bypass of the water. In addition, there are cases of breakdown and jamming of the eccentric mechanism.

b - diverter with ball-shaped crane. The ball, connected with the axis of the flywheel, is located in the environment of tightly fitting polymeric gaskets. In the the body of the ball has a channel which, depending on the switch position, connects the output from the mixing chamber then with the shower, then with the spill .

The system is very simple and is reliable .In it there is simply nothing to break, and the term of its service is limited only by the gradual deterioration of plastic pads. But such divers are usually integrated in the case, and in case of failure, as a rule, they entail the replacement of the entire mixer.

in - switch cartridge type. The design is somewhat similar to the cartridge of the single-lever mixer - two grounded ceramic plates with windows, position which and determines the direction of the water flow.

Such switches are famous for the very light , soft stroke, with the duration of the trouble-free use. The cartridge is located in the body of the mixer, and in case of signs of wear of the plates, it is easy to replace it with a new one.

Extremely widespread were the switches of the exhaust action principle .

In their casing, a poppet valve is used, connected by a rod with a pull handle( button)."By default" the valve under the influence of the spring is held in a position interrupting the outlet to the shower, leaving the free path of the path in the spout.

If you pull off the button, the valve will change position by closing the spout and opening the in the stroke in the connection hose of the shower hose. The valve is held in this position behind the account of the water head. If the head drops or completely stops, the spring will return the valve plate to its original position, detach the output into the spout. It is very convenient from the point of view that if someone from the water procedures forgot to switch the diverter , then there is no risk of getting a "water charge" for the brow from hanging on the wall of the shower head.

Often the pressure in the water supply network is not enough to keep the switch in the "shower" position. The developers of the mixers provide for this possibility - the button can be fixed in the extended position, turning the axis about 90 degrees to the left or to the right.

Such switches are simple in the device, inexpensive, but it is often problematic to find a replacement or Repair kit for a specific mixer model, if the device is integrated into its housing.

Based on what was said about the flow switches above, it's worthwhile to dwell on as yet one of their features. Look at the picture below. It would seem that on it three almost identical mixer. However, they drastically differ in the location of the .

switch a - the switch is integrated in the housing with the mixer. Such a scheme is considered to be the most reliable, since leaks are virtually eliminated. Another one advantage is the compactness of the entire device. The diverter can be positioned as shown, or can be placed on a fixed spill , which, in principle, is structurally part of the enclosure.

The disadvantage of such a scheme: if failed the switch, repair is very difficult ( if , of course, is not an cartridge), and in some cases is not possible .Thus, the failure of one node may result in the replacement of the entire mixer.

b - the switch is a separate unit, which accommodates the between the mixer body and the movable spill .Advantages - high versatility, because the size of the thread is usually such diverter fit most models of this type. An outage mechanism is just a minor annoyance, since to acquire a switch and replace it with such an arrangement is a couple of trifles.

The shortcomings are obvious. First, an extra junction appears, that is, a vulnerable place. Secondly, when using the shower, dynamic forces through the hose are transferred to this mating of the body, switch and spillage of , which leads to its kneading of the unit and the appearance of leaks. And thirdly, seriously increases the height of the entire mixer assembly, which is quite inconvenient. Nevertheless, , because of its high maintainability, the scheme has the widest popularity.

in - this option is most likely a tribute to the " vintage " rather than a rational approach. It is unlikely that it will be convenient to use a shower that is connected by a hose directly to the movable spout , yes is still so that the point of force application forms a lever in relation to the rotation axis of the "gander".And how much in that case will the seals and threaded connections between the case and the spout of serve? As you can see, even from the picture, any breakage of such a switch will make it necessary to look for a new spout. True, nothing will prevent the owner from switching to option "b".

Design spout

Long rotary spillage while remain at the peak of popularity. They are convenient in that it is possible for the to move the location of the from a falling jet, especially in those cases, when it is required to collect water in the bucket , basin, or if the in the bath is maintained by washing and rinsing.

Once, in the conduct of mass urban housing construction, a typical arrangement was a scheme in which the washbasin sink was located at the tip of the bathtub, somewhat towering over the edge and blocking it. Here from there and went the design of mixers with a long curved spout , which could be turned either for use in a bathtub or for washing.

Today, most owners prefer to put individual devices at each point of the , but, nevertheless, this design shows an enviable survivability.

When choosing a similar mixer, it is necessary to take into account the length of the spout , the sector of its rotation. A rotating assembly is always a weak point, so you should pay special attention to its quality.

Similar drawbacks are missing mixers with a fixed short spout , which is essentially a continuation of the case. Yes, the jet is always directed to the same point, but for the reception of the bath is quite enough. But the device itself is much more compact, lighter, is more reliable than in operation.

Designer design of fixed spills can be very different - from retro-style to the most unusual modern forms.

A completely separate niche is occupied by spilling out the of the so-called "cascaded" type. The water flows out of them like a beautiful waterfall. At the same time, 's consumption is significantly higher than with using conventional spills.

It looks, of course, very original. And how to evaluate the practicality of this spill from the point of view of everyday use - the question is certainly controversial.

Design of the shower head and connecting

hose Undoubtedly, the most important elements of the entire bathroom faucet kit are the shower and the hose or pipe that leads it. Consider these accessories in more detail.

The simplest option is watering cans that simply break the water flow into many thin jets, and have no other functions. It is interesting that such souls are encountered less often - they are gradually replaced by more modern multifunctional models.

Nevertheless, , many such a simple design is quite enough. And designers of the companies of manufacturers, for the sake of consumers, produce ordinary watering cans in the most diverse execution.

However, the choosy buyer prefer to choose a shower head with switching of operating modes. In the simplest models of this type, there are two modes, for example, conventional, soft with aeration flow, and rigid massage jets.

Models are produced and with a lot more available modes - the only question is how often they will be used in practice.

The material of manufacture of leks is plastic or metal. Polymeric watering cans are cheaper, but the quality is lower, they can crack at inaccurate treatment. On the other hand - their it will not be a pity to replace from time to time. Metal watering cans are more durable, but also more heavy , and if they accidentally fall on the enameled surface of the bath, its can be damaged.

The most important attribute is the hose connecting the watering can with the mixer( diverter ).

The usual inexpensive hoses in spiral metal braid with rubber or plastic tube inside are extremely short-lived. From continuous use, the braid begins to disperse, sharp edges are rubbed t t felling, and the hose can be safely thrown away. Another one minus the metal braid - it abrasively acts on the bath - especially from this acrylic model suffers.

Such hoses are gradually replaced by silicone, which can have a metallized, nylon, foil inner or outer reinforcing braid .Such hoses serve for a very long time, look very attractive, do not require special care - unlike metal, they do not have on the trace from the lime .And if you really want to have a metallized surface, it's better to choose braid silicone hose " herringbone " - it looks beautiful and will not be demolished.

The length of the hose is very important. The choice should be made based on the actual size of the bath, the growth of people who will take water procedures. However, too long hoses will also become an inconvenience. Optimum is considered - about 1,5 ÷ 1,6 meters.

As a rule, all hoses are completely standardized by threaded connections and to the mixer and to the shower head, so it will not work if you replace it in case of wear and tear. By the way, the junction points are, perhaps, the most vulnerable places, since they constantly experience the stress on twisting( especially the "hose-lake" node).To avoid a quick breakdown, it is worth looking for a modern hose model, in the which has a swivel - plastic sliding bearing, , which the without any damage allows the shower head to turn on all 360 ° relative to the connecting fitting.

It is worthwhile to pay attention when choosing the convenience of the bracket for the shower head. On some mixer models it is located directly on the case, the other - is included in the kit kit for I are placing on the wall. Often there are special racks that allow you to install the shower at the correct height, adjusting the angle of its inclination simultaneously for comfortable acceptance of procedures.

shower head These racks can be in the kit as well as bath tubs and can be purchased separately.

Several models stand alone mixers, which combine a shower on a flexible hose, and a stationary sprinkler.

Very convenient - you can always arrange a "tropical rain" mode. In such models, an additional switch is provided that redirects the flow either to a flexible hose or to a stationary pipe, the fixed to the on the wall.

Mixer construction material and external coating

Which would model or was itself a mixer, the most important is the material of its manufacture. Alas, in this issue, many are indiscriminate, for which sometimes you have to pay for the purchase of a new device.

• Silumin - an alloy of aluminum and silicon additives, has only one advantage - cheap. Although this, like would, and metal, but extremely porous and fragile. Some parts of the silumin can easily be broken by the effort of the fingers. In addition, silumin not is protected by from oxygen corrosion, and its brittleness and brittleness are constantly increasing.

However, , such mixers are actively and quite successfully "make-up" for quality products, especially the producers of our "great eastern neighbor".But no matter how the beautiful device looked, from the purchase of silumin mixer refuse right away - for a long time it will not serve .

• Well in the daily practice show products made of stainless steel. As a rule, they all have high-quality chrome plated coating. The only drawback is the excessive massiveness of the mixer.
• The best metals for all plumbing products are copper alloys. Brass or bronze mixers are not susceptible to corrosion, the most severe withstand thermal and mechanical stresses, do not have any negative chemical effect on water. And according to , the 's long-term operation does not have competitors at all. Naturally, all this will be fair if really high-quality metal is used.
• Ceramic materials can be used for the manufacture of individual mixer units. It looks very cool, especially if the bathroom is framed in retro-style .However, it should be remembered that ceramics are afraid of blows, and it should be treated with extreme caution in order to avoid chipping of the surface or formation of cracks.

• There are mixers in which a large number of external body parts are made of high-strength ABS plastic. As a rule, these are modern models with thermostatic control. In the "classical" versions of the mixers, the leading manufacturers do not use polymers for the manufacture of casings.

So, it's best to purchase a mixer made of brass or bronze.

• Bronze is usually not "hidden" behind by any exterior coating - its noble color itself is a decoration of the mixer. It can have a mirror polish, imitating even gold, or be matte, wrapped with patina.
• Brass mixers are usually coated with a decorative coating. It can be chrome-nickel spraying - from mirror-shiny to matte, pure silver color or with an interesting toning filling for various kinds of metals.

• For fans of non-standard approach to the design of the bathroom interior, models with a highly resistant, persistent polymer colored enamel coating are offered.

• uses their bathtubs, made of their composites, imitating natural stone - granite, marble and , . They can also be matched with a mixer having a similar exterior design.

In a word, and for the external design of the faucets the choice is wide enough. But even if some model really liked, immediately acquiring without recourse - you need to take into account some recommendations.

Useful tips for choosing a mixer for bathroom

• First of all, if given the opportunity, you should purchase products of famous brands.

No questions about manufacturing quality are usually caused by the mixers of German companies Grös , Nansa Hansgrohe , the Danish Damixa , the Italian Mamoli and Carlo FrattiniVisentin , the Russian Aquatic , the French Herbeau and Jacob Delafon , the Swedish Gustavsberg , the Finnish Oras , the Spanish Teka , the American IdealStandard » and« Supergrif », the Swiss « Geberit »

If the manufacturer's name does not speak about than , then it would be reasonable to give a search query on the Internet, and then carefully read the company's website, and is better - read real, not fictitious reviews about the products on the forums.

But if suddenly the name is clearly "masked" for a well-known brand, for example, the mixer " Tekо ", "Herbean" , "Mammoli" or " Grеhe " - should immediately say decisive "no".And do not listen to the seller's assurances that this product is manufactured under license - no self-respecting manufacturer will allow the to distort its name. This is an unconditional fake , no matter how brilliant and beautiful it did not look .

• Never get such a plumbing from your hands, from casual sellers in the market - with a very high likelihood of you'll run on a low-quality counterfeit.
• In any normal salon must produce documents confirming the authenticity of the product, mark the date of sale with which the will begin the warranty period is counted. It should not be neglected - the mixer can be quite expensive, and the leading manufacturers give good guarantees for several years. It always pays special attention to the issues of quality and reputation, therefore when the device fails, you can calculate for replacement for claims or for damages.
• Be sure to check the completeness of the delivery - everything must exactly match the product passport.

We hope that the given by in the article provided the reader with sufficient information on the choice of a bathroom faucet. Choose according to catalogs model, corresponding to the tastes, the desired functionality, the style of bathroom design and personal financial opportunities, and go to the salon for purchase.

Video: how to choose a bathroom faucet?