One day, due to a malfunction of old plumbing, or, for example, during renovation, a problem arises: how to choose a faucet for the bathroom. In retail outlets specializing in the sale of plumbing fixtures, there is a wide range of similar devices of various types, manufacturers and price categories. It is quite difficult to make a choice without being a specialist in this field and not wanting to delve into the intricacies of the functioning of mixers. However, everyone wants to purchase a high-quality model that is suitable for their bathroom. Let's figure out which bath mixer is better to choose.
Control principle
The first question that the buyer faces is: what type of mixer should he choose: single-lever or double-valve? Or spend money and install a thermostat?
Two-valve
The faucet has two levers: for cold and for hot water. The flow is adjusted by turning these switches. There are two types of crane boxes possible here.
Worm-type – a rubber shut-off collar; when the valve is turned, the rod extends, shutting off the water. This is the simplest and most reliable mechanism. The repair consists mainly of replacing the rubber gasket. But you will have to do this often, as it wears out quickly.
Among the disadvantages, it is necessary to note the inconvenience of operation: in order to set the desired temperature, you need to suffer a lot by turning the valves several turns. Also, such mechanisms exhibit instability in the settings. This occurs due to changes in the properties of rubber during heating and cooling.
Ceramic - the design involves the presence of two ceramic plates with holes, while one of them is stationary. During the adjustment process, the movable plate moves, increasing or decreasing the gap between the holes, thus changing the parameters of the incoming liquid.
This is a durable system that is easy to use: you only need to turn the valves by 90 or 180 ℃. When installing this option, the correct solution would be to immediately install a pre-filter to remove coarse particles. If sand gets between the plates, it will cause damage and the need to replace the axlebox will arise. And it's not cheap.
Single lever
A single lever is used to control temperature and pressure. Rotating up and down and left and right allows you to instantly and accurately adjust the optimal settings.
The liquid is mixed in a special cartridge, the internal structure of which is similar to that of axle-box ceramic models. Inside there are two ceramic plates with windows. Temperature and pressure vary depending on the size of the combined lumen.
Sometimes cartridges with polymer plates are available for sale. They are cheaper and have a much shorter service life than their ceramic counterparts.
Thermostatic
Rare and expensive type. The user sets the desired settings in advance, and when the tap is turned on, water is supplied at the desired temperature. At the same time, significant savings are noted because water is not wasted.
You can control such a device using flywheels with modes. The most advanced ones are equipped with a display and touch panel for settings.
In addition to being expensive, such devices have a number of disadvantages:
- electronics are sensitive to high humidity and therefore fail quite quickly;
- Due to the low distribution, it is very difficult to find spare parts.
Equipment
When choosing a bathroom faucet, you need to pay attention to additional equipment. It varies depending on the type of device. Bathroom faucet models can be supplemented with the following equipment:
- Filter. Purifies water from impurities: lime, sand, small particles. Its design is removable, so cleaning or replacing the filter is easy.
- Aerator. A special nozzle that is attached to the end of the spout. With its help, water is mixed with air. The output is a soft, pleasant stream. In addition, the aerator reduces the amount of splashes. This allows you to save up to 10% water.
- Watering can. The pull-out spout is designed for showering. The watering can is equipped with a special holder for ease of use.
- Switch. Used to switch the flow to the washing machine.
- Thermostat. Constantly maintains the set pressure and flow temperature. Protects against sudden supply of too hot or ice water. An economical, convenient and safe device, which has only 1 drawback - high price.
- Eco mode. Allows you to save water consumption due to two built-in devices: an aerator and a limiter.
- Bottom valve. Another name is a drain set. Purpose – to lock the bottom hole in the sink. The bottom valve is relevant in Europe, where the issue of water conservation is acute. In modern models, the drain set can be connected to the mixer. After this, the plug closes and opens by simply pressing the lever.
- Quick installation system. With its help, the bathtub mixer is quickly and without any problems installed in the hole provided for it. Installation is done by simply tightening the device with a hex wrench. No additional work is carried out under the mixer.
- Swivel spout. The gander rotates 180⁰, so the flow can be easily directed into both the sink and the bathtub.
- Check valve. It supplies water only in one direction and does not allow it to flow in the opposite direction. Needed to stop backflow if water pressure drops. Prevents air pops when the water is turned off.
The video will help you understand in more detail the types of bathtub faucets, their advantages and disadvantages, technical characteristics, as well as the features of choosing the appropriate model:
Mounting type
It would be wise to think through this parameter even before the repairs begin, because it determines how communications will be laid. If you are simply replacing an old mixer with a new one, then similar fasteners are a prerequisite for installing new equipment.
- On the wall
The most common type of fastening is when the device is attached to cold and hot water supply risers using union nuts. In this case, water supply pipes can be hidden behind decorative trim or placed in front of the wall.
This is the easiest design to connect and repair. But here, too, there are models with installation that requires considerable effort: this is an option when only control points are within sight, and all other components are built into the wall.
- On board bath
Most often, for this type, a bathtub with existing holes is used or you have to make them yourself. An acrylic font is most suitable for these purposes.
Such products also differ in appearance: it can be a monoblock, similar to a sink faucet, or a device with elements spaced along the side. In the second case, flexible hoses or a rigid connection are used for installation, which requires special care and precision.
It must be taken into account that to access the structural components you will have to move the bathtub, and this is not always possible.
- To the floor
This type is difficult to install, since the pipes have to be laid under the floor and lead to the installation site of the bathroom. Typically, this option is used in spacious rooms, for free-standing bathtubs.
In addition, such racks are not particularly stable, so it is not so difficult to damage it by tearing it out of its place.
Floor-standing types of faucets
Floor-standing faucets
Floor-standing types of bathroom faucets are extremely rare and are usually used in stylistic design options. This is a common element when decorating a hi-tech bathroom. The product is installed on the floor and has a long bathroom faucet with a high stand. The water supply to such a tap is carried out secretly in the cavity of the screed. These products come with a variety of control options and a variety of designs, mainly supporting the above-mentioned style.
Spout design
After assessing the parameters described above, you should take a closer look at the spout. It can be fixed or rotating relative to the body. The second allows you to save money and install one device for the bath and sink. Of course, if they are in close proximity. Such a spout should be quite long - at least 30 cm.
If you plan to install it only for the bathroom, then it is advisable to buy a faucet with a short spout. It is much more compact, looks neat and, thanks to the one-piece body, lasts longer.
It would also be useful to pay attention to the spout nozzle and what kind of flow is formed at the outlet:
- aerator - creates a stream consisting of a mixture of water and air. This results in savings, but the pressure remains strong;
- cascading - the flow comes out of the tap in the form of a curtain of water; in another way it can also be described as a mini-waterfall. It certainly looks impressive, but resource consumption increases significantly.
Wall mounting type
This is the most common option. It is easy to connect a shower head to such models. Advantages of shower mixers: a wide range of models, the possibility of wall-mounted installation of a device with a long spout (about 30 cm), simple installation/replacement of the tap.
The main requirement for installation is reliable vertical fixation of the pipes. A built-in mixer (double-valve, single-lever) can be installed in a special niche.
This installation method is not suitable for old brick houses, which may have partitions made of gypsum blocks. If you install a built-in cascade mixer, then filling the bathtub with water in the form of a waterfall looks very impressive.
Switching mechanism “spout - shower”
The switching mechanism between spout and shower is:
- push-button – to switch the flow you need to press the button or lift it. Such a system quickly becomes unusable due to weakening of the spring and wear of the valve;
- lever - the mode is adjusted by turning the switch 90 - 120 ℃. This is a fairly reliable mechanism, but in case of failure, it is difficult to find a compatible element;
- ball - to turn on the shower, turn the handle 180 ℃. This is a quality design that lasts a long time. But if it breaks, it is impossible to repair it - you will have to change the mixer.
Connecting hose
One of the weak points of the mixer is the hose connecting the body and the shower head. This is where a leak first forms and the need to replace the part arises. Therefore, you need to take a closer look at its properties. The hose can be:
- plastic - characterized by long service life, but when cooled it loses flexibility. Therefore, if you are used to taking a cool shower, be prepared to meet resistance in the form of a poorly bending hose;
- rubber - most often has a metal braid, which over time begins to diverge and grinds the rubber, which is already losing elasticity due to lime deposits;
- silicone - metallized or foil internal and external braiding protects against damage. Therefore, the connector looks attractive, and at the same time has significantly higher reliability indicators in comparison with the previous version.
To prevent leaks at the hose connection points, select a device that has a swivel installed - a bearing that allows the watering can to rotate 360 degrees relative to the hose without any damage.
Budget faucets - Chinese or domestic?
Not all budget faucets are “disposable”; if you wish, you can choose very reliable devices from them.
Practical advice. If you want to have a reliable device at an affordable price, then buy outdated models. Their design does not meet modern requirements, and therefore manufacturers are reducing the cost.
The most reliable domestic mixers with two taps. The metal is excellent, but the chrome plating is of poor quality. And one common drawback of domestic products is problems with the water switch from the shower to the spout. Why it is made so poorly is a question. From an engineering and technological point of view, this is the simplest device, probably due to the attitude towards the work of workers. Podolsk faucets have a good recommendation.
Domestic bathtub mixers
Mixers produced in Podolsk
Chinese mechanisms can only be purchased when they are used rarely and very carefully. And one last thing. Before purchasing, carefully inspect the device and check for completeness. Turn the valves, inspect the rubber seals, etc.
On-board two-valve mixer made in China
Shower Heads
After pouring, inspect the shower head and its features. It is made of metal or plastic. Plastic ones break faster, but are cheaper. But metal ones are more durable, although you need to pay more for them.
Particular attention should be paid to the nozzles. It is better if they are rubber, since they are easier to clean from limescale and sand.
Most modern watering cans are equipped with several water supply modes. You can adjust the intensity of the pressure and the direction of the jets as you wish.
Material
Its reliability and operating life depend on the material from which the device is made.
- Stainless steel
Shows good performance characteristics, lasts a long time and looks decent. The only disadvantages are excessive massiveness and high price.
- Brass
A popular option because it combines two main advantages: excellent performance and reasonable price. Typically, such models have a decorative coating, and therefore provide the opportunity to choose a faucet that matches the design.
- Bronze
It will cost more than brass, but it is stronger and more reliable. These devices are not hidden under any kind of coating, since bronze itself looks very attractive, especially for decorating a retro bathroom.
- Ceramics
Ceramics are used to decorate individual elements of the mixer: for example, valves, shower heads. This material is fragile and can crack and split upon impact, and it is not cheap. Because of this, it is used quite rarely.
- Silumin
An alloy of aluminum and silicon additives, a very porous and brittle material, and is also susceptible to corrosion. Cheap Chinese devices are usually made from silumin. However, the savings here are questionable: such a crane will not last long.
It is easy to distinguish silumin products by weight. It will be much lighter than its brothers.
How to choose a good bathroom faucet based on material
The faucet body used in the bathroom is usually made of metal. However, other materials are also possible, such as:
- Brass
- the most popular material. It is distinguished by its strength and resistance to corrosion. If a manufacturer wants to make the appearance of a brass bathroom faucet more attractive, it is possible to coat it with another metal, such as nickel. Among other things, a bathtub faucet made of this material can be quite heavy.
- Alloy steel
is used less frequently due to the fact that this expensive material is not particularly practical. The service life of a steel bathtub faucet leaves much to be desired.
- Plastic
and similar materials are needed for the manufacture of small faucet parts, such as handles. To choose the right bathtub faucets, you need to know that the coating of such parts may vary. There is a chrome, nickel or enamel coating, and in expensive designer models - even gold plated. We recommend choosing a bathroom faucet with chrome-plated parts. This material is one of the most durable, does not cause allergies and is practically indestructible.
- Ceramics
may also be a good material for some faucet parts. The main thing is that a high-quality alloy is used in production, otherwise the mixer may break down in the future, for example, due to high temperature.
Coating
As already indicated, bronze items are usually not hidden under any decoration. In this case, the metal can be polished with a mirror shine or matte. In the second case, over time it becomes covered with a noble greenish patina.
But faucets made of brass and stainless steel are often coated. It happens:
- chromed - mirror or matte, silver in color or with a tint that disguises the metal as another material, for example, gold;
- enameled - a polymer layer that allows you to disguise the faucet as ceramic, give it the texture of stone or simply a colored coating (pictured).
Please note that any coating will sooner or later be erased and the “true essence” will appear. Therefore, if you choose products with spraying, then avoid cleaning with abrasive agents and be prepared for the fact that sooner or later the outer layer will begin to wear off anyway.
Enamel devices, among other things, must not be subjected to mechanical shock, otherwise the enamel will become cracked and break off.
Tips for choosing a faucet
Before going to the store, try to decide on the type of mixer, think about what functions are most important to you. This will significantly reduce the time spent searching for the desired model in the store. When choosing a product, inspect it from all sides, check the build quality. Loose parts, scratches on the coating and other defects indicate low quality products. But even if visually everything is in order, you need to make sure that the device meets all technical specifications according to GOST (GOST 25809-96).
GOST 25809-96. Mixers and water taps. File for download
GOST 25809-96
Tips for choosing
The material from which the case is made is of great importance. Brass products are more expensive, but they have a longer service life, but faucets with plastic elements may fail faster. Pay the most attention to the manufacturer: well-known brands value their reputation, so each model undergoes a thorough check. Learn about heated floors in the bathroom under tiles at the link.
Video - Bathroom faucets: the best manufacturers
Manufacturers
The quality and reliability of the mixer is guaranteed by the name of the manufacturer. Self-respecting brands always provide a guarantee for their products, which inspires trust. Among foreign companies it is worth highlighting:
- Grohe (Germany);
- WasserKraft (Germany);
- Jacob Delafon (France);
- Damixa (Denmark);
- Teka (Spain);
- Oras (Finland);
- Gustavsberg (Sweden).
Russian products also deserve attention. The following brands receive positive reviews: Aquatika, Argo, Iddis, Milardo.
Products from famous brands cannot be cheap, and here, more than ever, the rule “the stingy pays twice” is relevant. Therefore, it is better to spend money once and enjoy flawless operation for at least several years than to buy a new faucet every few months.
TOP best faucets
Check out our rating of the best devices. Perhaps you will like something and won’t have to rack your brains for a long time over the choice.
Pay special attention to these two models.
Lemark Partner LM6551C - wall-mounted model, with a long swivel spout for 4,800 rubles. The body is made of brass with chrome plating. This is an easy-to-set up single-lever unit with a ceramic cartridge. The structure itself has a holder for a watering can, so there is no need to install an additional mount on the wall.
Pros:
- high-quality materials and assembly;
- standard landing size – 150 mm;
- The kit contains everything required for installation.
Minuses:
- small watering can;
- there are no modes on the soul.
Gappo G1148 is a popular type today for installation on the side of a bathroom, costing from 11,000 rubles. This is a Chinese product, but it is made very well. The structure is made of brass with a high-quality top layer of white color and chrome-plated parts. A ceramic cartridge is installed inside. The faucet has an open spout, which looks very unusual and impressive.
Pros:
- Beautiful design;
- there is everything you need for installation;
- durable paint on parts.
Minuses:
- non-standard connectors on the hose;
- plastic watering can.
5 more popular options:
- ARGO YORK for RUB 6,758.
- GROHE BauLoop for RUR 6,653.
- OLIVE'S VASCO 27201VS for RUB 3,952.
- Rossinka RS33-32 for 4,530 rubles.
- Rossinka Y40-353 RUR 3,630
Where can I buy
The best place to purchase a faucet is a large plumbing or hardware store. It is possible to order the device via the Internet from the following sellers (the links lead directly to the mixers - open and select):
- Baucenter - there are both the usual wall-mounted and built-in options;
- All Tools – 329 items of different types;
- Leroy Merlin – different types of models available.
Just don't be tempted by cheap products from the markets. Most often these are low-quality goods from the Middle Kingdom or counterfeit brands. In any case, you need to require all accompanying documentation.
