Faucet spouts in the bathroom: types, sizes and selection rules

Faucets are a necessary type of plumbing that can be found in any home. They are located in bathrooms and kitchens. Such devices can have different types of spouts. Today we will talk about the types, sizes and rules for choosing spouts for a faucet in the bathroom.

Spouts can be of many different types. There are separate models that are designed only for installation on kitchen sinks or only for installation in the bathroom (as a rule, they have a long neck that is attached to the faucet). Spouts can have different shapes and mechanisms (swivel or non-swivel type). In the manufacture of such plumbing devices only those materials are used that do not corrode (brass, "stainless steel"), otherwise they would quickly fail.

The main difference between the kitchen spout and the bathroom models is the presence of a shower hose and a watering can in the latter. In addition, the latter option usually has flexible eyeliner. Usually, it is the flexible eyeliner with a shower head that is more often attached to the wall. This option is universal. In this case, you do not need to buy separate faucets for the sink and bathroom. Most bathroom spouts are shorter than kitchen spouts.

Nowadays, a wide variety of different spouts can be found in specialized plumbing shops. There are several main classifications of such plumbing.

Within this category, this plumbing is classified into two types: stationary and rotary models. All samples that are too short and stationary are classified as short spouts. The swivel type makes it easy to direct the water flow in the desired direction. Such devices are considered a versatile option that can be suitable for both the bathroom and the kitchen.

All sink-mounted spouts with taps are positioned slightly above the handle for switching between hot and cold water. These cartridge devices and samples, which are intended to be mounted on a wall covering, are usually placed under the water switch.

This classification of plumbing includes models with an aerator (a nozzle that allows you to evenly supply water flows). Products without aerators are quite rare.... The aerator can be designed to deliver water at a constant flow. And there are also models in which this element can supply water with an adjustment of the area, pressure or shape.

Depending on the cross-sectional shape, plumbing spouts can be divided into oval or round devices. These types are the most common. But you can also find narrow rectangular appliances that provide a cascade water supply. Rectangular models are most often used for installation in an avant-garde or high-tech bathroom. Spouts can also vary in cross-sectional area.

This classification includes several solutions.

• Tubular. The first option is considered the most budgetary and therefore the most popular among consumers. Tubular plumbing models are made by bending metal pipes. Small grooves are made at their end, which will be connected to the tap. Special rings made of plastic are inserted into them with two parts in the form of rubber bands. These parts are designed to support the union nut.
• Brazed spouts differ in a wide variety of forms. Their price will be much higher compared to the previous version. Such samples for taps also have a special ring with rubber bands, but at the same time it is superimposed on the nipple, which is inserted into the body with a nut.
• Cast... Die-cast models are the most expensive option. They are cast in a monolith. At their ends, threads are made for the aerator and the nipple. Such products are made of high quality brass, so they have a significant mass. In their manufacture, they are coated with a special coating (most often chrome).

The sizes of tap spouts can vary considerably. The height of the body (the distance from the base of the body to the hole where the water flows out) can be 15 cm (low), 15–20 cm (medium). Medium models go well with shallow flat washbasins in the bathroom.

Models with a spout over 25 centimeters high are considered tall. Such plumbing is considered the most convenient for the bathroom. It allows you to draw large amounts of water into large containers, if necessary. But these samples require rather large washbasins, otherwise water droplets will spray over the entire area.

The length of the spouts can also be very different. The longest models are 50 centimeters long. There are also samples of 40 and 45 cm. If your sink is too wide, then it is better to select the longest models possible. With the constant hit of a powerful jet of water, plaque can form on the walls of the sink over time, therefore water must immediately enter the drain valve.

Currently, in specialized stores with plumbing, you can see a large number of different spouts made of different materials. The most common are models from several bases.

• Brass. This material is most commonly used for faucets and spouts. It is a copper alloy with a small addition of zinc. And also sometimes it contains a small amount of lead, manganese or iron. All the constituent elements of this alloy provide high corrosion resistance of the material. In addition, products made of brass have a fairly reliable thread, which ensures a reliable connection of the component parts of the structure.

• Steel. For the production of spouts, this material is used in an alloy with chromium or other similar constituents. Only in this case the product will have sufficient anti-corrosion properties. Most often, stainless steel is used to create plumbing fixtures in a modern style.

• Ceramics... This base for the production of spouts and mixers is a thermally hardened clay. Although more often ceramics are used for the production of valves, levers and watering cans for plumbing. Ceramic products have good resistance to the harmful effects of moisture, but at the same time, this material is fragile. With careless handling of such elements, they can easily crack.

• Bronze. This base is a tough copper-tin alloy. It is used to create unusual "antique" mixers. Bronze has a higher cost when compared with other materials, but at the same time it has the most beautiful and interesting external design. Products made of bronze are often additionally coated with another finishing application. Nickel or chromium can be used for this.

• Plastic... As a rule, the spouts themselves are not made entirely of plastic. This material can be used for the production of individual structural elements. He is the most budgetary option.

When choosing the right spout for your mixer, pay attention to the material from which it is made.

• The most popular and common are specimens created from metal alloys... As a rule, all of them are additionally coated with protective coatings, which prevent the formation of corrosion on the products.
• Appliances made from ceramics are less popular with buyers, as they are distinguished by their fragility. But with careful handling and care, they are quite wear-resistant and durable. And also ceramic sanitary ware has a beautiful appearance.

When choosing, you need to look at the length of the spout. It must match the size of the washbasin... For larger and wider shells, it is worth choosing long models. For small and narrow shells, choose short varieties. If you want to use separate appliances for the bathroom and for the washbasin, then you should give preference to the images with a fixed gander, since this design will prevent leaks due to abrasion of the gasket in the area where the connection of the faucet body and the tube is located.

Before purchasing, you need to check the quality of the top coat. Most often, manufacturers offer samples made from brass. chrome plated... In a high-quality construction, the outer part will not peel off even after a dozen years of constant use. Besides, quality products are not rusty. Consider the cost of the spout. The most budgetary option will be tubular brass models.

Consider also the type of spout design. Rotary varieties are considered the most convenient. If necessary, they can turn in different directions, these types are suitable if the washbasin is located next to the bathtub, and the water will need to be constantly redirected. Static type constructs are considered less user-friendly than the previous version. They do not make it possible to change the position of the mixer. But at the same time, this type is more durable in operation, since it does not have a rotary mechanism, which can quickly fail.

See the video below for a few secrets on choosing a good bathroom faucet.