White bathroom faucets: what are there and how to choose?
The selection of white bathroom faucets allows you to achieve external harmony and tranquility in the interior. You just need to know what such devices are. Those who know how to choose them can save a lot of money and avoid many problems.
Peculiarities
White bath mixers fully comply with the canons of the plumbing world. It is this color that is guaranteed to fit into almost any room. It is also appreciated in small rooms, where it is important to visually expand the space. But white faucets in the bathroom are also appropriate where dark tiles and similar furniture are used. This combination will immediately make the room look chic.
Often doubts arise: is it really easy to care for a white mixer. With the right approach, if you clean the surface regularly, it will be kept in good condition without unnecessary problems.
For wiping, soft cloths are moistened with water or use means that are used to clean mirrors. Water droplets cannot be seen on the snow-white edges. As for lime, which will still be deposited, you can remove its deposits with citric acid.
The white basin mixer is available in either a glossy or matt finish. In the first case, the surface will be capricious, and it will need stable care. The price of white sanitary ware is determined not by the reputation of the company and its popularity, but primarily by the quality of the coatings used. The cranes are of high quality, have good coatings and are provided with a long-term official guarantee. Film layers allow you to save money, but really responsible manufacturers do not use such a coating.
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Valve
This type of mixer is very simple. In addition to valves that allow you to manually control the device, there are:
- frame;
- spout;
- crane axle boxes.
Valve mixing systems were actively used even during the period of mass construction of large-panel housing. Older models used rubber gaskets. Newer modifications are equipped with ceramic plates. The pair of flywheels, however, remained unchanged; it is with their help that the required water pressure is set and its temperature is set.
The old worm mixer, in addition to the rubber gasket, contains a stem. Together, these parts turn out to be a kind of internal "plug" that helps to block the access of water. For this, several turns of the flywheel are made counterclockwise. After that, you need to make sure that the valve is securely fixed. It should be borne in mind that old worm mixers only look attractive. Their service life does not exceed 12-18 months, and this is considered a kind of temporary plumbing.
The worm format of mixers is also available in the assortment of modern European companies. Such models are distinguished by an improved design. The rod does not rotate, but makes a translational motion. As a result, the effort required to turn the valve can be saved. When the plates are aligned as a result of the movement of the "lambs", a stream of water is supplied from the tap.
Single gripping
This type of mixers is also called single-lever; it is not hard to guess that one lever replaces two different valves here. Its movements are performed in two planes at once, which allows for maximum flexibility in adjusting the parameters of home water supply. A cartridge is placed inside. And already this cartridge is equipped with ceramic discs or a ball regulating unit. In the second case, a special hollow ball is used. 3 holes are made in it. Through two of them, respectively, hot and cold water flows, and through the third, it enters the faucet or shower hose. When the ball slides, the entry holes are blocked. In the disc version, the body "hides" a set of tightly compressed ceramic plates.
Holes are made in them, the shape of which is calculated very carefully. Single-grip mixers are ergonomic. Quickly setting the desired parameters allows you to slightly reduce water consumption.
Models with a long spout, contrary to popular myth, do not spend much more than their shortened versions. Therefore, they can be used safely, but, of course, if the quality of the water allows it to be done.
With thermostat
The presence of a thermostatic unit - A handy addition, not just a marketing gimmick as some people think. However, if they tried to use such a mixer, they would never have given up on it. From the outside, it can be confused with traditional designs that have a pair of handles. One side is used to regulate the temperature, the other is used to set the required fluid pressure.
Switching to the shower head can also be practiced. But this already depends on the decision of the engineers of a particular company. Where switching is carried out using the mixer itself, the design is considered more convenient. In a simpler design, the switching element is placed on the housing and is similar to a single-lever mixer. A thermal element is usually created using wax and metal shavings, which instantly, in less than a second, expand and contract with a change in temperature.
Electronic
Plumbing using electronic components is the best choice for most cases. Yes, this technique is quite expensive. But on the other hand, it does not have valves or levers, that is, it minimally clutters up the space. An infrared sensor is responsible for the water supply. It works, you just have to bring your hands to a place specially provided for this.
Some electronic mixers operate only from the mains. Other models accept batteries.There are models where the temperature is set in production, and it will not be possible to change it.
For home use, such designs are not suitable. They are mainly needed for schools, hospitals, business centers and other public institutions.
Manufacturers
Very good premium mixers are produced by the company Grohe... In an effort to maintain a high reputation, this German concern tests its products at high water pressure. This brand also stands out for its aesthetic qualities. Company Hansgrohe also supplies solid mixers. They can already relate not only to the elite, but also to the middle price range.
Of other firms noteworthy:
- Damixa;
- Oras;
- Jacob Delafon;
- Iddis;
- Wasserkraft;
- Bravat;
- Lemark;
- Ravak.
Selection Tips
The polished white mixers are very reliable. Such a coating, however, is created using a laborious technology. Therefore, its cost is not very pleasant. Only steel mixers can be polished. Material without special protection will corrode quickly.
A more durable option is the application of a layer of chrome. A similar option is nickel plating. However, it does not achieve the same pleasant shine. But even worse is the application of paint. It is unstable anyway. True, only the dye allows you to give the desired tone to silumin and plastic. Plating with gold ensures quick removal of fat, because it simply will not linger on the surface.
Bathtub faucets:
- save space a little;
- can break if you move carelessly;
- allow you to place control elements in any convenient place;
- complicate the repair of hidden parts;
- often annoyed by the rapid failure of the hose.
And a few more tips:
- silumin structures should be avoided;
- steel mixers should be purchased only from well-known brands;
- ceramic taps only work optimally with very clean water.
In the next video, you will see the installation of a stylish white faucet in the bathroom.