Today, most houses and apartments are equipped with classic single-lever and two-valve faucets. However, as you know, when using them, it can be quite difficult to adjust the water temperature before the water procedure and maintain the desired heat balance during its implementation. But now more advanced plumbing fixtures have appeared on the plumbing market that allow you to solve these two problems without any problems - these are self-regulating bath faucets with a thermostatic shower.
Appointment of thermostatic faucet
Outwardly, these mixers are similar to conventional ones, and their work is based on the use of the physical laws of thermal expansion of substances. Their main task is to instantly respond to changes in the level of water heating and bring the temperature and pressure parameters to the set values.
Mix device with thermostat
Any thermostatic bath and shower faucet consists of the following parts:
- Case. The shape of the body resembles a cylinder with two outlets, to which cold and hot water is connected.
- Pressure regulator. This is the so-called bushing, which is mounted in the left end of the cylindrical body and has built-in ceramic discs.
- Thermostatic cartridge. Its function is to maintain a given temperature regime, since it is here that contrasting water flows mix and the temperature is regulated. Due to the presence of a limiter, the water temperature will not be higher than 38 degrees. This option is very convenient and especially useful for families with small children as it helps to avoid burns.
Design of thermostatic cartridge
Since the thermostatic cartridge is the most important part of the faucet, it is worth dwelling on its device in more detail.
The design of the cartridge is quite simple and has a fairly long service life. It consists of a body, a rod with a spring and a bushing with small radial holes. The main element of the cartridge is a thermostatic element. It is a cylindrical capsule or cartridge, consisting of fixed and movable parts. As a fixed part can be:
- beeswax (or other polymer with similar properties);
- bimetallic rings or plates.
Bathroom faucet with thermostatic shower: how it works
As mentioned above, the operation of a thermostatic mixer is based on the physical property of the expansion of bodies and is as follows.
Wax, which is filled with a special cavity of the case, expands or decreases in volume with a change in temperature. This causes the movement of the movable part of the capsule (rod) in the longitudinal direction. Then this movement is transferred to the damper responsible for the flow of hot and cold water. In order to prevent the damper from being squeezed in case of a large pressure difference in the pipelines, the design is equipped with a water flow check valve. A special protection is also provided, which will not allow the water temperature to rise above 80 degrees. It is a fuse mounted on an adjusting screw. If the supply of cold or hot water stops abruptly, the fuse will shut off the water, blocking the flow to the watering can. When the cold water supply is restored, the mixing process will automatically resume. Thanks to this device, the risk of burns is eliminated.
Types of thermostatic faucets
There are two types of thermostatic faucets in the sanitary ware market:
- mechanical,
- electronic.
Mechanical models are equipped with conventional regulators. These can be valves, handles or levers.
Automatic bathroom faucetswith a thermostatic shower equipped with a liquid crystal screen that shows the temperature of the water. Such a device receives energy from batteries or a network adapter, and it is controlled by buttons or sensors. Some more advanced models can work remotely by responding to infrared sensor signals.
Temperature controlled faucets can be produced specifically for installation in the kitchen, bath, shower or bidet. There are also universal models, but there are not many of them.
Equipment is mounted using both open and hidden methods, which depends on the preferences of each individual owner.
Pros and cons of thermostatic faucets
Any thermostatic faucet has a whole host of benefits.
Firstly, the thermostatic shower faucet is cost effective. The system of precise adjustment of the water supply makes it possible to make water consumption more economical. By eliminating the need to pre-adjust the flow temperature, water consumption is reduced. This is especially important for those apartments where there are electric boilers.
Second, the thermostatic faucet is safe. Water supply control will prevent cases when a stream of hot or cold water falls on a person. In this case, the water supply will turn off automatically. In addition, this advantage is especially important for those people who use storage water heaters, the temperature of which can reach up to 80 degrees. Mixer withthermostat will greatly reduce the risk of burns.
And thirdly, bathroom faucets with thermostatic showers and long spouts are comfortable. Fast response allows the mixer to instantly adapt to changes in temperature and pressure drops in general communications. Pressure and temperature regulators will keep the set parameters unchanged.
As for the disadvantages, perhaps the main one is the high price. True, this is not repulsive to many, since a thermostatic faucet quickly pays for itself due to practicality, safety and convenience.
Bathroom faucets with thermostatic shower: reviews
Thermostatic faucets receive a lot of positive feedback from consumers. Owners of private houses with an autonomous water supply system note the convenience of these devices. They say that you can adjust the temperature even in the installation, and after that it remains only to turn one knob.
For the owners of apartments, who also own the device, another factor is also important. They write that due to frequent pressure fluctuations in the network, the pressure is weak or completely turned off. And in a family with children, this device provides quite a lot of safety.
Producers
The production of thermostatic mixers in our country has not yet been established. Among foreign manufacturers, we can single out the German companies Grone and Hansgrohe, the Finnish company Oras. These thermostatic shower and bath faucets are independently researched as the best in performance.
Conclusion
Bathroom faucets with thermostatic shower are designed for comfort and safety. Especially their installation is recommended for families with small children and the elderly. They are also preferably used where there is a large difference in pipe pressure, which makes it difficult to adjust the mixing of water to a comfortable temperature.
In the modern market of sanitary equipment, you can find products with any design, various options and installation methods. Purchasing a thermostatic faucet will allow you to create a pleasant experience in the bathroom according to your needs.
