Modern apartments and new buildings are equipped with modernized faucets. Unlike the old style, the upgraded bath and shower faucets supply mixed water. The flow is regulated by a special knob, which makes it easier to use. One light press is enough to turn on the device. The temperature changes as the knob is turned. From a standard plumbing device, the faucet has become an integral element of decor. In addition to functional characteristics, it must fit into the interior of the room, look aesthetically pleasing and attractive. Every year, faucets that differ in shape and color solutions appear in stores, so it is difficult to choose the right option.
How to choose a faucet
When buying a plumbing fixture, pay attention to its purpose, strength, determine where it is best to use it. Bath and shower faucets are available separately. One device will not cope with the double load and will become unusable. The durability of the mixer depends on the materials used for the manufacture and on the strength of the structure. Because the device in the houseoften used, functional characteristics should be on top. The faucet is easy to adjust, easy to operate, and has three or four external openings.
It is difficult for an inexperienced buyer to understand the intricacies and features of the mixer. The range and variety of manufacturers make it difficult to choose plumbing fixtures.
When buying, the presence of a shower holder, switch and spout is taken into account. In order not to change an expensive device every year, consider:
- control system;
- a kind of bath faucet, shower with spout;
- device material;
- installation details;
- manufacturer.
It is important not to make a mistake with the choice, to choose the mixer that meets the requirements and preferences.
Main selection principles
When going for a new faucet, decide in advance on the selection criteria:
- Price. The cost of the device depends on the country of manufacture. Foreign faucets are twice as expensive as domestic ones, they look more elegant and fit different interior styles. Faucets from Russian manufacturers are not so original, but they are not inferior in design strength.
- Installing the faucet. Decide where to place the faucet: on the side of the bathtub with shower or on the wall. Wall structures require attention, pipe damage will cause water leakage. Then you need to remove the tile to get to the communications.
- Mixer height. If you already have a sink, then the choice of faucet depends on the height of the counter. A low faucet will interfere with manipulation.
According to external parameters, mixers are divided into the following groups:
- Retro mixers. Despite the rapid emergence of new plumbing fixtures, classic faucets continue to be bought. Antique styling, golden color, technical characteristics make faucets popular and in demand. Prices for retro devices are low, but individual models are more expensive.
- The ultra-modern models of bath and shower faucets surprise with variety, elegance and functionality. At first glance, the design is complex, but if you look at the nuances, everything will become clear and simple. Interesting forms of products harmoniously fit into the interior. Modern models turn on themselves, regulate the temperature, monitor the amount of water, are equipped with thermostats and pressure compensators.
When choosing a mixer, inspect the parts, turn the levers, make sure that the device is in good condition and reliable. If you want to save money, it is easy to stumble upon a fake, imitation of models of popular brands is common, so it does not hurt to be careful.
Types of faucets
Models of bathroom faucets with a shower are divided into three categories by design, principle of operation, by the presence of additional parts.
Single lever
The design of a single-lever mixer consists of a body and a plate that acts as a lever. Mixers are divided into metal, plastic and ceramic. Single-lever are divided into ball and cartridgemixers. The basis of the ball valve is a ball with holes for water. This design is called a mixing chamber, the water flow is regulated by a special rod.
Cartridge
The cartridge faucet is equipped with a cartridge with ceramic plates instead of a ball. With the help of a lever-manipulator, the structure is put into action. Single-lever faucets quickly regulate the water temperature. One drawback is the wear of the seals, you will also need filters to clean the water from sand.
Two-valve classic faucets
Two-valve faucet sales show steady growth, and faucets themselves are one of the first places in the sanitary ware market in terms of product demand. The cost makes the device affordable and affordable. Mixers with two valves are divided into two types. The first - with a locking element in the form of a soft gasket, the second - ceramic plates. Faucets with soft padding are cheaper, easy to use and regulate the water temperature. The disadvantage of soft pads is sudden wear. Ceramic plates are reliable and durable compared to gaskets. Faucets with ceramic gaskets are quick and easy to operate.
Cascading
Cascade mixer is characterized by:
- attractiveness;
- functionality;
- style;
- ease of use;
- modern design.
This faucet belongs to embedded structures. When mounting the device, there is no need to hide the pipes. Thisfeature facilitates repair work in the event of a breakdown. Features a cascading bathroom faucet shower diverter and shower hose outlet.
Faucets are characterized by disadvantages and advantages, therefore, take the choice of device with all seriousness and responsibility.
How a thermostatic faucet works
One type of faucet is a thermostatic device. Simple design, easy to use, easy to adjust the desired temperature. The device is cylindrical in shape with a pair of temperature regulators, inside the design there is a ceramic cartridge, it differs in the way it works.
The bath faucet with thermostatic shower sets the desired temperature. When mounting the mixer, carefully monitor the hoses so as not to confuse cold water with hot.
To avoid problems in the future, studying the advantages and disadvantages of a mixer with a thermostat will help. Using the mixer is easy, just by pressing the levers or buttons. In this case, there is no need to regulate the temperature for a long time, which will significantly save water. Cons plumbing design - high price and complex repairs. When the water pressure drops, the faucet stops working.
Installation of a thermostatic bath shower with faucet is simple and in most cases occurs without the need to call a plumber to install plumbing at home.
Types of thermostatic faucets
Thermostatic mixers differ in the way they are regulated and are divided into two groups:
- Mechanical. Reliable and economicalmechanism equipped with valves.
- Electronic. An expensive model is equipped with a sensor or buttons, it is possible to control the remote control. The information is displayed on the built-in screen. The main disadvantage is that it does not work without a network adapter.
The faucets with a thermostat for a bathroom with a shower are divided into universal and narrowly focused. Universal ones are suitable for various plumbing fixtures, and narrowly targeted ones are suitable for sinks, kitchens, and baths. Faucets are mounted in different ways, in an open and hidden way. The open method involves placing the structure on the bath. With the closed method, the mixer is mounted in a special box or in the wall.
Sensor spout, bath faucet and rain shower
What is this? A novelty in sanitary ware, sensory bath faucet with shower. This is a modern advanced design, without buttons and valves. The flow of water is regulated using infrared rays or ultrasonic motion sensors. You just have to raise your hands, the water will immediately flow. The mixer is hypersensitive, some models are equipped with a control panel.
The sensor faucet features the following features:
- security;
- economy;
- convenience.
To choose a worthwhile option, follow the recommendations of the masters and listen to the recommendations of consultants. Determine if the sensitivity and temperature of the product can be adjusted. It is important to have additional features. The price of the mixer also depends on this. Also, the price is affected by the size of the device, the manufacturer,the material from which the faucet was made.
Installation of the sensor faucet starts from the body part. When the housing is installed, the mixer is connected to the water supply. Before mounting the structure, shut off the water supply.
Another novelty is the rain shower for the bathroom. It differs from a conventional mixer by the presence of watering cans. The structures vary in size and shape. Have a therapeutic effect.
Universal faucets for small bathrooms
A small bath is characterized by close installation of plumbing fixtures. In such circumstances, it is worth choosing a bathroom faucet with a shower with a long spout, which makes it possible to use the faucet in the sink and in the bath at the same time.
Switching the shower faucet - bath will save space in the bathroom and get rid of unnecessary hoses and accessories. The freed up space can be used to good use by mounting hanging shelves or hooks for washcloths, thereby expanding the usable space of the room. Shower mixers - bath are distinguished by the switching mechanism:
- ball;
- cork;
- eccentric;
- cartridge.
The bathtub faucet with spout and shower features design features. The length of the spout is different, in addition, it can be fixed and swivel. The mode switch is present on each instrument, but has a different mode of operation.
Materials of production
For the manufacture of bath faucets with a spout and a shower, a variety ofmaterials. Metal faucets made of brass or bronze are more common. These materials do not deteriorate under the influence of liquid. Metal structures are strong and reliable not only from the outside, but the internal elements are durable, despite the influence of mineral deposits. Mixers made of aluminum and silicon are considered unreliable. They are sloppy in appearance, fragile, often break.
Polymer mixers are cheaper than metal appliances, they are light, resistant to external adverse substances. The polymer construction does not heat up, and this is an important factor, especially when there are children in the house. Despite its advantages, the polymer mixer is short-lived, and its service life depends on the quality of the material.
Ceramic bath faucet, shower with long spout similar to the previous options. Outwardly beautiful and pleasant, easy to use. Unfortunately, a sharp change in the temperature regime leads to damage to the case, splits and cracks will appear. A ceramic faucet requires special care and careful use.
They produce metal and polymer mixers with chrome and enamel coating. The surface of chrome and enamel protects the body from external mechanical influences and from corrosion.
Study the characteristics of metals that affect life to determine the best faucet for your needs. Distinctive features of each of the metals:
- An alloy of zinc and copper is considered reliable and environmentally friendly.
- Alloy of aluminum and silicon is the cheapest, service life from1 year to 2 years.
- Steel mixer is expensive, the price is justified by long service life, reliability and stability.
- Customers with exquisite taste prefer ceramic and stone faucets. For expensive interiors - a great option. In this case, the buyer pays for beauty, not reliability.
- Plastic faucets look untidy, polymer elements in the design often break.
To purchase a quality product, buy bath faucets with a spout and a shower in specialized stores with positive reviews, warranty documents, recommendation papers for care and use.
Design and installation features
Faucets differ in the way they are attached.
For a knowledgeable person, the installation of a bath shower structure with a mixer is not difficult. Plumbing fixture mounts are as follows:
- Stand mounting. This option is suitable when the bath is far from the wall. The rack is neat, there are no unnecessary elements, all communications are hidden in the body of the structure.
- Installation in the floor is used infrequently. Expensive faucet installation, made to order for special projects.
- In-wall installation hides ugly design details. The appliance is located in the wall, which gives the bathroom an aesthetic look. The installation method has disadvantages: the installation is long and laborious, and to eliminate the breakdown, you will have to destroy the wall.
- Wall mounting –common solution. The device is fixed on the wall with special fasteners. When installing a bath and shower faucet with a long spout, make sure that water does not leak onto the floor.
- Installation on board the bathtub. The method is popular, convenient, does not require the help of a master, and installation is easy to do on your own. Faucet attachments are suitable for bathtubs with special openings.
How to mount a do-it-yourself spout
Self-assembly requires special skills. Each owner can quite realistically cope without the help of a master. Note that plumbing services are not cheap, and the cost of work is determined by the type of product and the functionality of the system. To install the faucet without assistance, you need:
- Turn off the water supply by turning the faucet on the riser.
- Remove the plugs from the pipes.
- Install brass partitions - this is the basis for fastening the structure.
- Fix the reflector on the adapter.
- Mount the mixer.
- Next, the rack and the shower disc are screwed on.
- A shower hose is attached to the finished appliance.
Proper installation will extend the service life and prevent flooding in a house or apartment, which, unfortunately, is a common occurrence even in the modern world.
Rating of faucet manufacturers based on their reviews
Based on the studied customer reviews and based on the opinions of friends and acquaintances (close circle), a number of competitive representatives of the sanitary ware market segment are distinguished. Among themboth domestic and foreign manufacturers. You will get acquainted with some of them right now, having read the material to the end.
The rating of companies is formed precisely on the basis of feedback from buyers and potential customers who already have an opinion about the product. Therefore, when choosing a mixer, it is important to pay attention to such a factor as the rating of the product according to the recommendations of buyers, craftsmen, experts.
Based on the information received, 6 leading manufacturers were identified and a rating was formed.
The reliability and durability of the mixer depends on the manufacturer. These are the qualities that you should pay attention to in the first place. Today, a number of companies have formed on the sales market that have recommended their products. These include:
- Grohe is a German manufacturer. The company was founded in the 1930s, but still holds leadership positions today. Large assortment, high quality, innovative solutions, modern equipment. Grohe bath and shower faucets are reliable, attractive, cutting-edge and stylish design. The company is represented on the market by touch, two-valve and single-lever models.
- Hansgrohe is another German representative of plumbing fixtures. Sophisticated look, cost-effective, wide range of quality products, customized design.
- Finnish manufacturers are represented by Oras. Products are made of quality materials, excellent technical characteristics, high functionality.
- Roka is a Spanish company. Produces modern and high-quality faucetswith a unique design. The main feature is an affordable price, safety and reliability.
- Bulgarian brand Vidima. Vidima is European quality, low cost, range of functional devices.
- Jacob Delafon. French tenderness and sophistication, quality and durability of faucets. The company offers appliances for the kitchen, bath, bidet, as well as a rain shower for the bath with a mixer.
As can be seen from the characteristics listed in the description for each brand, each of the brands presented is the best of its kind. To make the right choice and not doubt reliability, consider the functional features of the product and the location of the spout in the future. This will help you avoid common problems associated with buying and choosing a bath and shower faucet.
Having found out the nuances of installation and selection, you can safely proceed to action. The main thing is to carry out the work carefully and consistently, if in doubt - it is better to contact the master so as not to damage the structural elements. By choosing the right mixer, you will be satisfied with the end result.
