Cast-iron plumbing had no competitors until a certain time. After all, this material has high rates of strength and reliability. The only thing that can confuse the buyer is the weight of the cast-iron bathtub.
Before purchasing, you need to consider some parameters. For example, the shape and size of the product. However, the main factor influencing the choice is weight. After all, the convenience of transportation and installation depends on it.
In Soviet times, a cast-iron bathtub was very popular. The typical dimensions of the product at that time were 150x70 cm and 170x70. The weight of Soviet cast-iron bathtubs was their main disadvantage. At the moment, this figure is much less, which is associated with modern manufacturing technology.
Classification
Let's consider the classification of Soviet iron products based on the values of width and length.
Model 140x70 cm is most often installed in small spaces. The maximum weight of such a bath is 80 kilograms, and the capacity is 150 liters. However, this option is not suitable for an adult who wants to enjoy lying inwarm water. After all, here you can only take a sitting position.
The following model is suitable for a standard room. The weight of a cast-iron bath 150x70 is 95 kilograms.
It is quite rare to find products with dimensions of 160x70 cm. To take a bath, it is enough to collect about 170 water. In this case, the mass is 100 kilograms.
A more modern bathroom layout calls for an elongated design. That is why a product with dimensions of 170x70 cm is ideal for such a room. And what is the weight of a cast-iron bath 170 cm? This parameter is 119 kilograms, and the capacity is up to 180 liters.
Big bathtubs are often made to order. The size of this design is 200x70 cm. This model is only suitable for large areas.
If we compare Soviet baths with modern products, then their mass has become much less. For example, the weight of a domestic-made cast-iron bathtub of 150 cm is 20 kilograms more than that of a modern model. However, weight reduction is most often associated with savings on materials. This leads to a decrease in heat capacity and strength.
Modifications
There are several basic modifications of Soviet fonts. For example, corner structures are produced only at large enterprises. After all, manufacturing requires additional capacity.
Oval fonts are most often made on special legs. Such models are not adjacent to the wall.
The standard option is a rectangular bathtub withtypical sizes. It has rounded corners inside the bowl and is highly resistant.
Features
Soviet products, in addition to dimensions, have additional features. Particularly the coverage. After all, the quality of enamel affects the duration of operation and appearance during this period. The standard value for the thickness of the enamel coating is one millimeter. In addition, the inner side of the product is absolutely smooth, without cracks and chips.
Reliable design has the correct geometric shape. Also, there are no jagged edges, corners and bends. Safe operation is ensured by the installation of special armrests and handles. In addition, additional treatment of the bathroom with a special solution prevents corrosion.
The choice of colors is quite modest. Only now there are technologies that allow to realize any idea. During the Soviet period, the white model was the most common option.
Which material is better?
During the Soviet era, cast iron was a popular material for the production of bathtubs. However, now they are made from various raw materials. In addition to cast iron, steel and acrylic are used. Each option has positive and negative sides. For example, steel is a fairly ductile material, which makes it possible to manufacture a bathtub of any configuration. The surface of cast iron is often porous,which leads to the accumulation of dirt and the appearance of rust. This disadvantage is absent in steel models.
The weight of a cast-iron bathtub is much larger than a steel bathtub, so it can be installed alone. However, due to the small mass, the structure is unstable and needs to be supported. The last one is usually the wall. Unlike a cast iron bath, this model heats up and cools down quickly.
Acrylic hot tub is made from a flexible synthetic material. Such raw materials are absolutely safe and hygienic. However, acrylic construction is often not rigid enough. This indicator is regulated by the number of reinforcing layers. Therefore, to evenly distribute the loads, the bottom and sides of the bathtub are additionally reinforced.
The advantage of this model is the ability to maintain temperature for a long time. For example, a cast iron bath cools down by one degree after five minutes. While in an acrylic bathroom, such changes occur only after half an hour.
However, the acrylic font is easily damaged. Experts do not recommend using various chemicals to clean the product. It is better to give preference to special tools that are designed specifically for such surfaces. By the way, small defects can be eliminated by polishing. Tools for this procedure are sold in hardware stores.
Producers
Relatively recentlyspecialized departments could not surprise with a wide range. At that time there were two manufacturers. Moreover, domestic and foreign manufacturers differed not only in cost.
The weight of a Soviet-made cast-iron bathtub 170 cm exceeds its foreign counterpart by almost twenty-five kilograms. However, this is not a significant disadvantage. After all, such a difference is due to a decrease in quality and thermal conductivity.
In addition, the depth of imported models is only thirty-five centimeters. This is often not enough for the average person.
Domestic products are more durable, but the choice of bath shape is small. Whether business foreign. The variety of design solutions, additional accessories and coatings is amazing and significantly increases the cost of construction.
Dignity
Soviet cast-iron bathtubs have a number of advantages. In particular, the font is quite easy to care for. At the same time, the coating retains its original appearance for a long time. The use of household chemicals and temperature fluctuations are acceptable here.
Manufacturers always give a long warranty for such a bath. It can be operated for 25 years. The significant weight of the cast iron bath 170x70 eliminates most of the vibrations. For a person, they are almost invisible, but have a negative impact on the tightness of the joints.
Flaws
The large mass of the structure is its main disadvantage. For example, the weight of a 150x70 cast iron bath can be more than 100 kilograms. This creates certaindifficulties in transportation. Therefore, you will have to use the services of several assistants, which leads to additional costs.
The disadvantages of such a product include an insufficient variety of forms. Pig-iron fonts are made rectangular or oval. This is due to the laborious casting process. Relatively recently, structures have appeared that have an angular configuration. However, the cost of this option is quite high.
Installation
Installation should begin with the placement of the bath in the room. It must be turned over in advance in order to secure the parts of the legs. To do this, you will need brackets and a set of tools. Next, the siphon and drain system are installed. In this case, the structure should be located at a certain slope to the drain hole. You can adjust its position using the support part and the building level.
The points of contact between the structure and the wall should be treated with a special protective compound. This must be done to ensure the tightness of the joints. Do not forget about the installation of a water shutter mechanism. After that, you can proceed to fixing the outlet pipe.
In addition, it is necessary to provide grounding. After all, cast iron is a conductor of electricity. Before use, it is better to fill the bathtub with several liters of cold water. Only after that you can fully enjoy the water procedures.
Conclusion
For some, the weight of a 170x70 cast-iron bathroom can be an advantage, for someone a serious drawback. It all depends on the preferences and wishes of users. Therefore, it is worth considering some details in advance, because the bath is most often used for more than a dozen years.
