Brass bathroom faucets: characteristics and tips for choosing

Different materials are used for the production of mixers. Some of them are attractive for their availability, while others for quality and durability. It is to the latter group that brass mixers belong.

The most reliable, durable and robust bath faucet is brass. This material is obtained by combining copper and zinc. Brass is different heavy weight and resistance to corrosion, which is very important when operating in high humidity conditions. Brass works well with many other materials, which can be added to the alloy or applied in a thin layer to the surface of the finished product.

There are many positive features of brass products:

• excellent strength;
• high resistance to oxidative processes and reactions;
• excellent resistance to mechanical damage that occurs even with careful use;
• a small level of thermal expansion that occurs during sudden temperature changes;
• durability and reliability are so high that they have no analogues among other materials.

The list of disadvantages consists of only two points:

• high price;
• a large number of fakes, which complicates the choice.

The classification of brass mixers can be based on different characteristics. It's worth starting with the types of brass that are used to create plumbing devices of interest to us.

• Plain brass or bi-piece is a compound of copper with zinc in different proportions. The percentage of zinc varies between 5-45%. With an increase in this indicator, the cost of the alloy decreases. If the zinc content in the alloy does not exceed 15%, then this material is called red brass. In yellow brass, the zinc content is in the range of 15-45%. It is this option that is most widespread. Two-component formulations are characterized by a marking in the form of the letter "L" and a digital designation by which the amount of zinc can be determined.
• Multicomponent formulations, in addition to zinc and copper, include additional elements that play the role of alloying. There are a lot of options, ranging from aluminum to lead.

The coating can now be created from a wide variety of materials. Not all of them are worthy of attention and deserve respect, but there are some really interesting examples:

• electroplating can be created from nickel, bronze, chromium, copper, which expands the range of brass mixers and increases their performance;
• silver and gold rarely used to cover brass products, but still such specimens can be found in specialized stores;
• colored mixers with powder or enamel type coating are increasingly found in stores, attracting the consumer with high aesthetic characteristics, forcing them to forget about the reduced operational parameters.

The design can also be very different.

• Bathroom faucets can be equipped with long or short spout and shower at the same time or just one of these additions.
• Two-valve models recognizable by the presence of a pair of slewing cranes - this was and remains the most reliable option.
• Single lever models Equipped with a single lift-and-swivel lever, which is equally convenient for showers and conventional faucets. Such options are inferior in reliability to two-valve mixers, but they are also more convenient and easy to use.
• Contactless models appeared relatively recently. They are equipped with valves that can be controlled by sensors. The high cost and complex service do not allow them to gain high popularity.

According to the method and place of installation, several varieties are distinguished.

• Wall models.
• Mixers installed on the side of the bath.
• Built-in mixers look presentable, but they are intimidated by their high cost, complex installation and problematic maintenance.
• Floor elements are a new phenomenon that is still perceived as exotic. These mixers are installed on a rack fixed to the floor. This design will be appropriate for large rooms in which the bath is not close to the wall.

There are not many manufacturers who make really good quality brass faucets. Our selection of brands will help you make the right choice.

• Company Jacob delafon offers a large assortment of sanitary ware made of brass, in which there are mixers of different designs and even models for people with disabilities. All faucets are equipped with a reliable ceramic cartridge. The price starts from 2.5 thousand and reaches the mark of 50 thousand rubles.
• Under the brand name Hansgrohe Most of the valve and ball elements of plumbing for the bathroom are produced. The range is also complemented by modern sensor and thermostatic models.

• German company Grohe bauedge produces, though expensive, but very high quality mixers. The assortment includes different models that differ in design, materials and other parameters. The high cost is more than compensated for by the high quality and durability.
• Lemark Is one of the favorite Russian brands. These mixers are designed taking into account the operating conditions that are typical for Russia. They are beautiful, reliable and practical.

Brass mixers are expensive due to the high cost of materials and the complexity of their processing. Expensive goods are often counterfeited, passing off a low-quality product as the original. In order not to fall for the tricks of unscrupulous manufacturers, you must adhere to simple rules when choosing a brass mixer:

• low cost cannot be a promotion or a gift of fate, for little money, you can buy a poor quality brass mixer or a product made of another material, stylized in antique style;
• spout in brass mixers can be made of steel or silumin, as evidenced by its low weight - such models must be discarded;
• plastic levers and handles in brass products are not welcome, as they reduce the durability of the entire mixer.

In the next video, you will find the secrets of choosing a bath faucet.