About such plumbing equipment as a hygienic shower, few people know yet - a bidet is much more popular. But this device has one serious drawback. These are the overall dimensions. Installation of a bidet is possible only in fairly large bathrooms. Installation of a hygienic shower is also possible in small rooms. Even more - this equipment is mounted directly next to the toilet. There are models that can be built into the toilet. Thus, it easily turns into a full-fledged complex for hygiene procedures.
Let's take a closer look at these devices. Today we will find out what types they are, we will study the features of installation, as well as products of different brands.
Pros of installing hygienic showers in bathrooms
Water procedures are an important part of hygiene procedures. This also includes going to the toilet. That is why it is difficult to find a toilet in expensive five-star hotels that does not have a bidet.
It should be noted that the bidet is the best of what is, forpersonal hygiene. However, it is impossible to install it near the toilet in a typical residential building toilet due to its size. Therefore, for lovers of water procedures, installing a hygienic shower will help solve this problem.
In bathrooms with a bath and a toilet, at first glance, there is no need for a bidet, since the shower or bath is located almost next to the toilet. But thanks to the hygienic shower, you won’t have to move around the bathroom once again. If the toilet is separate and there is not enough space in it (as it was in Soviet high-rise buildings), then installing a hygienic shower is what needs to be done first.
This equipment saves space. It also significantly saves time for the implementation of procedures. A hygienic shower can seriously save money. The cost of these solutions is much lower than even the most affordable bidet.
The shower makes it easier to clean the bathroom - with it you can quickly clean the cat tray or baby pots. For mothers with small children, installing a hygienic shower also helps to solve a lot of problems - child care is greatly simplified. It will also be easier to carry out water procedures for the elderly or with disabilities.
With some shower models, there is even no need to use toilet paper. Plumbing fixtures can partially function as a bidet.
Features of faucets
Structurally, a faucet with a hygienic shower is no different from the designtraditional. The exception is a hose and a watering can. The latter is fixed on the wall or the toilet tank - this makes it possible to carry out water procedures more comfortably. It should be noted that the mixer can be used separately from the shower. Water in the shower comes only when you press the button on the watering can.
Classification
This equipment is divided into types according to the features of operation:
- Bidet toilet.
- Bidet cover.
- Wall mounted hygienic shower.
- Showers with thermostat and sink.
All of them have their own characteristics and differences. Below we will look at each type in more detail.
Bidet toilet
This device includes a built-in nozzle on the toilet.
It must be located on the body of the device, or on a special retractable fitting. In order to ensure the supply of water, you need to mount a separate hose, as well as a mixer. It can be purchased separately or as part of a hygienic shower set.
Bidet cover
This design is a toilet lid that already has a built-in shower. Among the advantages are high mobility. The system is suitable for all kinds and types of toilet bowls. Such a built-in hygienic shower in the cover can be taken with you when moving to a new home. Usually the bidet cover is electrically operated, which is very convenient for operation.
Manufacturers can equip similar designs with additional options - for example, a hairdryer, water heating.
Wall mounted hygienic shower
Forarrangement of this system, you should first purchase and install a special type of mixer, where there is no spout. In addition, this solution differs from the usual ones by the presence of a shower head with a special shut-off valve. The size of the watering can is much smaller than a conventional shower.
When installing, consider the need to supply both cold and hot water. When mounting on an already installed toilet, it is better to use a tee, which has access to the cold water pipe, to the shower and immediately to the toilet.
It is not uncommon to find a hygienic shower with a thermostat and wall-mounted heater. Due to the presence of a thermostat, it is enough to set the water temperature once and then never adjust.
The set of such equipment includes a wall holder. It is hung at a short distance from the mixer for ease of use.
There are two kinds of such devices. This is an open design and hidden. In the case of an open shower, the mixer is located on the wall. A hose with a shower head is connected to it. Seals in the form of gaskets are installed between the watering can and the mixing hose.
Installing a hidden shower involves a partial dismantling of the wall. This is necessary in order to bring water to the device. Usually it is necessary to punch a niche in the wall. In the case of choosing just such a design, it is necessary to install a special type of mixer - hot and cold water are connected to it. Then the niche is trimmed and decorated. The lever for operating the concealed hygienic shower is displayed inhole, and then a hose and a watering can are connected to it.
Reviews from many people indicate that the hidden option is very convenient to use and does not impair the overall interior design. But it is better to install such a system during repairs. No one wants to ditch the wall with the existing finish in the toilet. Especially if expensive tiles with a unique pattern were used.
Thermostat showers
We have already partially considered hygienic showers with a thermostat. But such an element can be installed not only on wall-mounted, but also on other types of devices. The element is built directly into the watering can. Such a shower can be equipped with a hose and holder, as well as a special mixer.
Sink shower
This design is installed in large areas. This is a separate sink, which is already equipped with a mixer for a hygienic shower. The latter is already equipped with a watering can and a matching hose.
The disadvantage of this design is that the shut-off valve is not completely turned off. When the work with the shower is finished, it is also necessary to turn off the water supply on the mixer. If the equipment is equipped with a spout, then it will be impossible to forget about the need to shut off the water. When the liquid is dispensed, it will flow into the sink.
Plus this system in an additional washbasin, where you can wash your hands after the process directly in the toilet.
Installation features
The installation process and its features depend on the specific type of equipment. To install some types maymajor repairs will be needed (for example, if we consider a hidden shower). Other designs are easily installed without the need to make niches in the walls and somehow change the wiring in the water supply.
Installing a shower toilet
This design is mounted in the same way as a conventional toilet. But it is necessary to carry out an additional supply of water and install a mixer. The connection process can be carried out in three ways:
- The first method involves connecting a cold pipe first to a ball valve, and then to a sufficiently flexible hose.
- The second method requires the installation of two pipes to a concealed faucet. In this case, hot water will come out of the nozzle.
- The third option is to connect two pipes directly to the thermostat and set the water at the desired temperature on it.
These designs may be floor-standing, and there may not be any difference from a traditional toilet. Suspended structures are also distinguished.
Installing the bidet cover
Let's look at how the built-in hygienic shower is installed. To upgrade the toilet with such a device, the shut-off valve is first closed, thereby blocking the flow of water into the tank. It is recommended to drain all the liquid from the latter. Next, remove the water supply hose to the toilet tank.
Then remove the old cover and install a hose that will connect the tee to the tank. Next, insert the bolt into a special plug, and then into the plate. Then all this is connected to the main part of the system. The main part is installed in place, and the bolts are mounted in the hole on the toilet and tightened. It remains only to connect the system to an already connected tee and check how water is supplied. When installing, it is important to ensure the tightness of all connections. However, do not over-tighten the nuts. For additional sealing, experts recommend using fum tape.
Installing the wall structure
Installation of a wall-mounted hygienic shower is done by hand. However, you should fully comply with the recommendations that the manufacturer detailed in the instructions. There is no need to use special tools for installation work. As for the complete set of the device, depending on the model, it includes a watering can, a hose, a mounting plate, a rail holder and installation instructions.
If the equipment will be mounted on pipes, then a hygienic shower faucet with one fitting or hose outlet is suitable. At one end, the hose is connected to the mixer, the second is attached to the watering can. Then the latter is inserted into the wall holder. In order to operate the shower as long as possible, do not forget to turn off the water after each use. If you ignore this step, then the hose and shut-off valve located in the watering can will be constantly under pressure. Soon they will not withstand working in such conditions and deform.
If you are sure that the water will constantly shut off, you should not install a shut-off button. However, in this case, all operations will have to be done manually onmixer, which is not very convenient. But this approach will eliminate the risk of leaks.
To make a wall-mounted shower, manufacturers use stainless steel alloys that have been pre-processed. The watering can is made of plastic with a thin chrome coating. But there are also metal products. The watering can consists of rubber nozzles. They are needed to create a directed jet, as well as to protect against splashing. The hose is most often also made of plastic, and it may have metal inserts to protect it from kinks.
Installation of the structure with a sink
The installation process is no different from installing a sink. But the mixer must have a spout and an outlet for the shower. If the washbasin is already installed, it is very easy to replace the faucet. In small rooms, the sink is placed above the toilet bowl. Often, such structures are installed in the corners.
The design of the mixer is a lever, a spout, and an additional outlet for connecting a hose. The principle of operation is very simple. When the faucet is opened, the water moves through the spout to the top of the sink. If you press the shower handle, the liquid will flow into the toilet.
Review of popular models
Hansgrohe hygienic shower models are especially popular among consumers. Manufacturers such as Grohe, Ideal Standard also have a good reputation. As for the cost of the kits, the price ranges from 5 to 14 thousand rubles.
Hansgrohe's hygienic shower range includesa large selection of models for concealed mounting, wall models. This is a reliable manufacturer that produces high-quality sanitary ware. Millions of people use mixers from this company. Feedback on this German plumbing is only positive.
If you need more budget solutions, then you can pay attention to the products of SmartSant, Vidima, Lemark, Bravat. The cost of sets starts from 2, 5 thousand rubles. These are less productive options, but they are not inferior in quality to Hansgrohe.
Conclusion
The hygienic shower is considered relatively young equipment among other generations of plumbing fixtures. But despite the low popularity, he is gaining popularity among consumers. This equipment is simple and easy to use. These appliances make a great addition to any bathroom style.