Everyone loves a refreshing shower or a relaxing bath. But for sure, most of the inhabitants do not even suspect that they use such a thing as a divertor several times a day. What is it and what is its purpose, what options exist - the answers to all these questions will be found below.
Device assignment
Divertor is a part in a faucet that allows you to adjust the flow of the jet by changing the position of the internal mechanism, a kind of link between the cartridge, in which hot and cold water is mixed, and the faucet. That is, to put it simply, a divertor is a mixer switch that directs water through one or another pipe. They are equipped with absolutely all shower faucets. They can also be installed in in-line water filters or when dishwashers are connected to sinks.
Diverter materials are usually identical to those of the faucet itself - brass with chrome, enamel, nickel or stainless plating, as well as expensive models with ceramic plates.
When choosing a mixer material, it is worth evaluatingthe expected load, because the enamel version can chip, and an allergic reaction is possible from contact with nickel surfaces. Stainless steel coated faucets work best, but due to the nature of the coating, any streaks, drips and fingerprints are immediately visible.
Installation Methods
There are 2 options for installing diverters:
- The mechanism is built into the faucet body. Used in bathroom plumbing, switches water to a watering can or spout through a tap.
- Presented as a separate item included in the kit. Used to connect dishwashers or washing machines to kitchen sinks.
For any installation option, the part can be purchased separately.
And you should also know that there are models that can work exclusively in two positions - the direction of the jet is fixed either along one pipe or the other. And there are three-position options, they provide a choice - either switching direction, or a one-time supply of water in both directions at once.
Types of device
Continuing the search for an answer to the question "divertor - what is it", it is worth considering the main types of shower switches. The type of diverter directly affects its usability, wear resistance and service life.
Lever, or flag, divertor. Outwardly, it is easy to recognize by the handle, which must be moved from side to side to change the direction of the water in the shower and back. Used in two-handedfaucets
The leverage mechanism is based on a crank that pushes the keg inside the mixer up or down, depending on the switch of the handle.
Plumbing with a device of this type is in the lowest price category, because the mechanism quickly fails due to wear of the rubber cuffs. And also limescale quickly constrains the movement of the keg and either makes it difficult to move the lever, or leads to partial blocking of the tap.
2. Exhaust diverter. What it is? This type of part is fixed inside a one-handed faucet, the principle of its operation is based on pulling a button to move the water pressure to the shower head. The mechanism consists of a stem and rubber cuffs.
As a rule, the button remains in the up position due to water pressure, but some models have an additional locking handle that will help out at a low pressure level. To do this, turn the elongated button by 900. Often, users are unaware of this convenient feature and experience inconvenience when the water drops.
When the water is turned off, the shower switch returns to its original position, the divertor lowers the button with a spring.
Divertors of this type are equipped with most faucets in modern plumbing.
3. Push-button (push) diverter. The principle of operation of the mechanism is similar to the exhaust device, but differs in that in the initial position the button remains at the top, if you need to switch to the shower, you need to press the button. The convenience isthat pushing is easier than pulling the lever up.
On the plus side is a stronger mechanism than a lever switch. But at the same time, both push-button and exhaust diverters are quite susceptible to limescale, which blocks the stem. Due to the poor quality of tap water, the rubber cuffs quickly shrink and deform, leading to dripping from the tap or from the showerhead.
Ceramic Diverter Mixer
A relative novelty in the world of sanitary ware is the ceramic diverter. Outwardly, it can be a two-handed or one-handed mixer with a rotating lever. The faucet, as in other models, can be made of chrome steel, but for the switch, the manufacturer replaced the brass parts in the cartridge with ceramic plates.
Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic diverter
Thanks to the inclusion of ceramics in the design, it was possible to significantly increase the life of the device up to 300 thousand switches, which is enough for more than 50 years of daily use. The ceramic diverter is designed for increased loads, including those with strong water hammer. The stroke of the handle is smooth, the angle of rotation is 1800.
The disadvantages may include the need to manually return the lever to its original position. If this is not done, then the next time you turn on the water will go out of the pipe on which the rotary sleeve is installed. And surprises in the form of a cold shower at an unexpected moment are not to everyone's liking.
Another factor is the cost of divertormixers. But given their longevity, it is worth considering this issue philosophically.
Summing up, we can say that the answer to the question: "Divertor - what is it?" - found. And also found answers to questions about the purpose, types of devices and classification of switches. Choosing a bathroom faucet is not an easy task, you need to approach it based on the knowledge gained.
