Faucets with shower on board bathtub: features and types
Recently, thanks to the development of new technologies, many new products have appeared not only in the technical field, but also in other areas. For example, in the area of plumbing, the mixer mounted in the side of the bathtub is gaining more and more popularity.
In this article, we will consider the features of water mixing devices, their main advantages and disadvantages. We hope this will help you choose the right faucet for your bathroom.
Peculiarities
In order for the bathroom not only to look aesthetically pleasing, but also to be practical, you need to correctly place the equipment in it. For this purpose, you can use a mixer with a shower on the side of the bath. It not only looks great, but also saves space if the room is small.
Mortise taps have a number of differences from conventional wall taps.
The first feature is that the mixer is not a single unit, but consists of several parts, each of which is responsible for a separate function.
The second difference between standard and mortise models is this is a mounting method.
An on-board mixer is installed directly on the side of the bath. The plumbing fixture itself is hidden behind the bowl, and the control elements are located on top. It is very convenient and practical.
Concealed models have many advantages over conventional models.
- Reliability and long service life due to the use of the most durable materials for the production of this type of product.
- They allow you to draw water into the bath quickly and without droplets scattering throughout the room, because the flow is directed not to the bottom of the tank, but to the side.
- A large selection of shapes and sizes will allow you to choose a device for every taste and financial capabilities.
- Installing the block behind the bathtub allows you to hide the hose connecting the showerhead and the appliance itself. It looks very aesthetically pleasing.
- This design is easy and convenient to operate.
However, these excellent instruments also have several disadvantages.
- A hose that may deteriorate after a while. He can hide behind the tank and get out of there as needed. These manipulations affect the safety of this part of the sanitary ware. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the hose in order to replace it in time if necessary.
- Quite a high price. The cost of these models is 2 times, and sometimes more, higher than the standard ones.
- If the mixer suddenly fails, then it will be very difficult to repair it, since it is hidden behind the bathroom. It is necessary to provide for access to the device in advance, using only the highest quality materials during installation.
Species overview
Manufacturers produce 3 types of faucets for installation on the side of the bath. Let's consider each of them.
- Two-valve tap... This is a fairly simple and inexpensive design. It consists of two cranes connected together into a single whole. Their main purpose is to regulate the temperature and water pressure. Although they have a reasonable price, they require regular replacement of the gaskets on the crane box.
- Single-lever devices... The control takes place by means of a joystick (lever) made of special polymer spheres, which are fastened together and are responsible for the strength of the water flow and its temperature. The convenience of this type is that it can be operated with one hand.
- Faucet with thermostat. A special thermostat is provided in the design of this device. It guarantees the operation of this unit and consists of a bimetallic plate, which, due to the different temperature of the water, contracts or expands, regulating the force of the water supply from the tap.
And also built-in mixers differ in the type of water flow. They can be stacked, shower and cascading.
- Typesetting. This type is designed to fill the bath itself with water.
- Showers - cut in the center or on the edge of the container. The entire block is hidden behind the bathtub, and to use you just need to pull out the watering can and start water procedures.
- Cascading... These are the most modern devices, they can create a small, beautiful waterfall in the tank.
Materials (edit)
The most popular faucet materials are brass, bronze and stainless steel. Most of the products are made of steel coated with nickel or chrome, which greatly simplifies their maintenance and makes it easy to get rid of lime deposits.
The models, which are stylized in antique style, are made of bronze or brass. For decoration, an ornament can be applied to them, which gives the products a special charm.
You should always ask the shop assistant what the mixer is made of.
If the consultant cannot answer this question, then just hold the product in your hands. The heavier it is, the better. If the mixer weighs a little, then this is worth considering - most likely, it is made of low-quality materials.
Selection Tips
Choosing a mixer is a rather complicated process, not everyone will be able to go to the store and buy it without hesitation. If you want to purchase a plumbing fixture that will serve you for a long time, you should pay attention to a few points when buying.
Price
By cost, the product can be divided into several categories: temporary, budget, durable and design.
Temporary ones are used for repairs, when products can be damaged or dirty. Sometimes they are installed by the developer in apartments with inexpensive renovation. Their price, as a rule, fluctuates around 2000 rubles.
The budget option - everything is clear from the name. They cost up to 4000 rubles. This category of products can serve you over 1 year with proper care and timely replacement of consumables. Average service life is about 6 years, although there have been cases of longer operation.
Durable faucets are made from the highest quality materials and last as long as they do not bore their owners. This is the best option in terms of price-quality ratio: once paid, and at least 10 years of confidence in the product. Although there is a nuance - it is the quality of the water. The service life of consumables (sealing washers, axle boxes, and so on) depends on it.
Long-term designer faucets have additional decorations or are custom made. The cost of these products starts at 12,000 rubles. and almost indefinitely.
Warranty and post-warranty service
Reliable European manufacturers offer a 5-year warranty and follow-up service. That is after the end of the warranty period, you can always purchase spare parts for mixers or contact the service center. In the absence of the latter, you can find the manufacturer's website and order the necessary parts.
For installation and connection of the mixer on the side of the bath, see below.