Modern plumbing is characterized by an attractive design, and most importantly - it does not take up much space, which allows it to be placed in bathrooms and bathrooms of any size. If earlier the pipelines of the mixer were visible, today installation in a hidden way is possible. Built-in shower and bath faucets are ergonomic devices that do their job perfectly while remaining virtually invisible.
Design Features
The built-in faucet, as a rule, consists of two main elements: the main unit, mounted in the wall, and a panel with control levers. Each product can be purchased separately, allowing you to choose the design of the decorative panel to match your bathroom decor.
Most interesting is the main mixer unit. It is thanks to him that the flow of water is controlled. ATIn most cases, the block is presented in the form of a plastic cylinder, complete with threads and a brass head with four holes. Each element has its own purpose:
- Water entering the showerhead.
- Feeding mixed liquid to the mixer spout.
- Cold water supply.
- Hot water supply.
Let's look at the main advantages of built-in wall faucets.
Compact
Naturally, for small and not very small baths, this device will be the best solution. And most importantly - the complete absence of protruding parts. The built-in faucet takes up little space, and a flat panel with a lever or control valves will leave room for bath accessories or small household items.
Reliability
Manufacturers pay special attention to the quality and reliability of built-in faucets. And it is not surprising, because the installation of this equipment is carried out in the wall structure with the expectation of many years, thus completing the recently completed repairs. After all, its failure implies a violation of the integrity of the coating.
Comfort in use
Built-in shower faucets will turn water treatments into a pleasant and easy experience. You will no longer be afraid of a bad turn and break the protruding part in the shower cabin or, even worse, injure yourself. In this case, a couple of simple turns or clicks are enough - and the water flow will be adjusted in the right direction.
Design
It's foolish to deny that the built-in faucet looks very stylish. The conciseness of the design, in which there are no unnecessary details, will decorate the bathroom like a designer installation. Using such a device is a pleasure.
Economy
When trying to adjust the required temperature regime at a time, we spend 5 liters of liquid and 7 seconds of time. This problem is most relevant for apartments equipped with metering devices. Installing a built-in mixer-thermostat will help to correct this situation.
Special Purpose
In some situations, only a mixer of this type may be suitable, it is important to remember this. For example, the need for a rain shower function, which requires this equipment.
Shower mixer
Built-in shower faucets are structurally different from traditional devices and are installed mainly in cabins.
This model does not provide a spout, which is logical in principle - it is not required for a shower box, a shower head with a hose is enough. As a result, this type of faucet is equipped with one inlet (to which the shower hose is connected) and two outlets (to which water is supplied, cold and hot).
There are also built-in hygienic type shower faucets that are installed next to the toilet, they allowcompletely replace the bidet. As a rule, the complete set provides for a mixer for concealed installation and a shower head with a hose, which are installed in the wall structure. These models also do not have a spout.
Bath faucet
The built-in bath faucet implies a rather unusual installation option - its installation is carried out directly on the side of the bath, in the most convenient place, and this is its undeniable advantage. In addition, this model is characterized by a number of undeniable advantages:
- The ability to hide the hose from the shower head behind the side of the bathtub and pull it out as needed.
- Frees up wall space that can be used to install a shelf to store bathroom supplies.
- Significantly reduces the time of taking a bath, due to the fact that this device provides an optimal mode of water supply.
The built-in bath faucet can be of two types, differing in the installation method. Equipment for external installation is a monolithic block, which is fixed on the edge of the bath. In this case, the water mixing unit is hidden under the rim of the bath. Flush-mounted devices allow you to leave only the spout and control panel on the surface, everything else is hidden under the bathtub.
Devices with a thermostat
With modern production technology, concealed faucets can be equipped with a variety of intelligent functions, bringingadded comfort to our lives.
One of these innovations, which needs to be discussed in more detail, is the thermostat or automatic temperature controller. This element allows you to maintain a given temperature regime of water regularly.
After starting the water supply, automatic temperature control takes place, which takes literally a fraction of a second.
Some models of built-in faucets have the ability to connect a thermostat, which can be purchased separately.
Installation
To install a built-in bathroom faucet, you need to create a recess in the wall. As a rule, its diameter is 120-150 mm, and its depth is 85-110 mm. For these purposes, a hammer drill with a nozzle for concrete is used.
Strobes are made for pipelines. But before you do this, you should choose the place of installation of the spout and watering can. Gates are laid from the intended points to the main mixer unit. It is important to note that the pipes in this design, which divert water, should not intersect with water pipes.
It is also necessary to lay strobes for the pipeline through which water is supplied to the mixer, they should be started punching from the floor. But if you plan to sheathe the walls with drywall, there is no need for strobing.
The built-in bathroom faucet is permanently connected to the pipeline, since all detachable connections are reliable elements. Due to the fact that the threaded connections and the central blockmounted in the wall, installation requirements are increased. All connections must be as reliable as possible.
To ensure that the built-in mixer lasts as long as possible, there are no breakdowns during operation, it is recommended to pay special attention to the material of pipelines that are mounted in the wall. It is not recommended to use metal-plastic pipes, as they use threaded connections and press fittings. It is recommended to give preference to polypropylene and copper products. Naturally, their installation is characterized by some complexity, but as a result, the design will be more reliable.
Top Manufacturers
Plumbing from European manufacturers is traditionally considered the best on the market, concealed faucets are no exception:
- Italian-made plumbing fixtures have gained great popularity: Jacuzzi, Albatros, Teuco.
- German built-in faucets have a good reputation: Hansa, Ideai Standart, Grohe, Kludi, Hoesch, Duravit.
- Good quality flush-mounted devices are produced by companies in France, Denmark and Finland: Jacob Delafon, Damixa, Oras.
