The thermostatic water faucet is a convenient device that is gaining more and more fans in our country. The level of domestic comfort is increased by the constant temperature of the water supplied for washing dishes, bathing procedures and for other purposes. The thermostatic faucet is quite simple, and comes in a variety of options, but any of them will be a welcome purchase in every home.
Why you need a thermostatic faucet
Hot water has to be used daily, and just as often there is a need to regulate the temperature and water pressure. A mixer with a special device solves two problems at once: once you set the parameters, you don’t have to return to this issue anymore - water will be supplied from the tap at the specified degrees.
The water pressure in our taps “fails”, it can be weak or too strong, the thermostatic device successfully solves this problem too. Turning and fixing the thermostat lever will eliminate the need to arrange a test drive of the current state of the water pressure in the pipes every time. As a result, the user receives a new level of qualityof life and saves energy resources both in the global sense and in terms of reducing the cost of housing and communal services.
What is a thermostat
The thermostatic mixer device consists of several components:
- Temperature limiter. Triggered when water is supplied at a temperature higher than comfortable.
- Temperature scale. Records indicators.
- Thermal regulator. It regulates the balance of hot and cold flow to obtain water at a given temperature.
- Water pressure regulator.
Thermostatic faucet for the shower and any other water supply device has the main element - the thermostat. It is a limiter consisting of one copper and one paraffin rod.
How it works
The principle of operation of a thermostatic shower faucet is based on regulating the pressure of cold and hot water. A thermoelement is located in the body of the device, the task of which is to monitor the temperature indicators of the supplied water.
As soon as the temperature exceeds the fixed value, there is an increase in the supply of cold water. With a decrease in temperature, the pressure of hot water increases. The recognition process takes a fraction of a second, so the changes are invisible. When the pressure fluctuates in the water supply system (hot / cold), the pressure of the jet from the mixer will change. The absence of hot or cold water in the pipes leads to blocking the flow from the tap.
How to use
Thermostatic mixer from the most primitive to the most technologically advanced has two regulators, one is responsible for the water pressure, the second for the temperature. In mass production, thermal mixers with two levers are more common. The design of the product is very different - from traditional valves to buttons, the most "advanced" are equipped with touch sensors and a liquid crystal display, which reflects the temperature and water pressure.
It is recommended to start adjusting the thermostatic shower faucet by fixing the water temperature, and then adjust the pressure. It does not matter at all when the indicators will be set: before turning on the water or during water procedures. By fixing the numbers in advance, you can count on comfort without distractions and savings at the start.
Pros and cons
A faucet with temperature and water pressure control, like any device, has pros and cons.
Dignity:
- Constant supply water temperature. Changes in water pressure (hot/cold) are not felt.
- Blocking a thread in an emergency. The complete absence of cold water serves as a signal to cut off the hot flow, there is no risk of getting burned.
- Economy. No overspending on temperature and pressure settings.
Flaws:
- High price.
- Difficulties with maintenance and repair. Not in every city you can find a manufacturer's service center to carry outpreventive maintenance or repair within the warranty period.
Species by purpose
Desired of maximum customer satisfaction, companies create devices that bring comfort in every place where water is required. Common types of thermostatic faucets:
- Thermostatic shower faucet. A characteristic feature is the absence of a spout for pouring water.
- The faucet with a thermal device for a shower cabin. It also does not have a place for pouring water, it is built into the communications system by means of connecting pipes.
- Thermostatic bath faucet. Two types are produced - with wall mounting and built into the side of the bath. In their shape they resemble an elongated cylinder with regulators at the ends. This type of thermostatic faucet has a standard spout spout. Most often, it regulates the supply of water both directly when it is set in a bath, and for shower procedures. Usage type translation is done by a normal switch.
- For the sink. It has a vertical configuration, a spout for water, a lever / valve for opening. Can be mounted on the wall or directly on the sink.
There are specialized devices for bidets, hygienic showers, kitchen sinks, but the principle of operation is the same for all.
Models
According to the design, thermal mixers are produced mechanical and electronic. In the mechanical model, the device is configured using valves or levers. For domestic communications, this typethe mixer is more reliable, since supply failures, pressure surges in pipes and uneven heating of water are common. The design of the device is diverse and solved in different styles: from vintage models to minimalist ones.
Electronic models are more sensitive to adverse conditions, but more informative. The data is displayed on a small screen, it is possible to set several work programs, for example, for each family member a separate mode or turning on the water supply at a certain time. Some models are even able to analyze the water. Operation depends on battery or direct connection to the mains. The problem of the electronic thermal mixer, in addition to its cost, is the difficulty in professional maintenance and the availability of service centers.
Mounting Features
Thermostatic shower or bath faucet is more popular than those designed for the kitchen. Installation in the bathroom requires compliance with the basic conditions:
- The thermostat has strictly defined hot and cold water entry points, which are marked according to European standards. Incorrect connection will cause malfunctions and eventually breakage.
- When installing on the water supply system of the times of the USSR, it should be taken into account that cold water is on the left, and hot water is supplied on the right, in the EU countries it is vice versa. Therefore, before installing a thermostatic shower or bath faucet, it is necessary to rewirewater distribution system. This rule does not apply to vertical thermostats, in which case it is enough to swap the flexible hoses.
Also, it is not superfluous to install filters at the water entry points to the apartment before installing the equipment. This will help keep the device intact longer, and ensure the he alth of all family members.
Thermostats from Grohe
The German brand is one of the leaders in the production of high-quality thermostats. Grohe faucets have a number of advantages that make the company a leader in consumer preferences:
- Quality and reliable technology.
- Modern design.
- Compact size.
- Resistance of the coating to mechanical damage.
- Long service life.
- Smooth operation.
- Economy of water consumption up to 50% due to EcoButton technology.
- Equipped with TurboStat technology to respond quickly to the slightest fluctuation in temperature.
Grohe thermostatic faucets are leaders in popularity in the target audience and have a 5-year warranty period, which indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the quality of the device.
Other manufacturers
The FAR thermostatic faucet has a laconic look in comparison with the design finds of other manufacturers, but in terms of characteristics it will give odds to many. Thermal mixers from this manufacturer are more familiar to professionals, since the company produces sanitary fittings, devices forheating systems, etc.
The TERMO-FAR thermostatic faucets are connected to the system at two points of hot and cold water inlet, a mixed flow is fed into the pipe at the outlet. The thermostatic sensor is located in the sphere of influence of two water flows and is built into a housing equipped with two valves, it mechanically changes the ratio of cold and hot water supply. The temperature control range is adjustable from 25°C to 65°C, while the maximum water temperature can reach 95°C. According to consumer reviews, one of the most reliable and easy-to-repair devices.
The Armatura thermostatic shower faucet is produced by the Polish factory KFA. The device is in demand in our open spaces, it has an acceptable cost and easy installation. It has a sufficient margin of safety and retains an attractive appearance for a long time.
Reviews
Many buyers left their opinions about such a device as a thermostatic faucet. Reviews talk about the benefits of using it, they note the comfort of a constant temperature and pressure, which could not be achieved with an ordinary mixer. Those with children growing up in the family talk about safety: a child can frequently open and close taps, which can lead to either scalding or hypothermia. By purchasing a thermostat with an additional protection function, you can be sure that a child's hand will not turn the temperature control knob to a critical state. For some buyers, this opportunity turned out to be an advantage inpurchase and fully justified itself.
Negative feedback was given to individual manufacturers whose products were short-lived and quickly failed. There were also difficulties in connecting Western technology with domestic pipes and water. The filters built into the water supply systems quickly became clogged, and the faucets themselves required additional fittings for installation.
Many have noted the difficulty of repairing thermostats, and often with the unavailability of the service. Most of the negative reviews come down to the opinion that it is worth buying such equipment from manufacturers with an established reputation, extensive experience in the production of such devices.
