Single-lever shower mixers: features, types and choices

A mixer is a sanitary fixture used to mix two streams of water at different temperatures. Designed to optimize thermal indicators of water flow in accordance with human needs. The principle of operation is the controlled expansion / contraction of the lumen of the water channels passing through the mixer.

Changes in the parameters of the lumen can be made both in one of the channels, and in both at once. According to the type of device of the internal mechanism, mixers are divided into several types. One of the most popular is the single lever mixer.

Lever type fluid mixers can have different characteristics of external design and internal arrangement. However, the principle of their operation remains the same regardless of model and class. A distinctive characteristic of a single-arm crane is the typical design of its internal mechanism. A lever, visible from the outside, controls the moving parts of the control system located inside the instrument case.

Plate-like ceramic parts are parallel to each other. They have openings for hot and cold water. Fitting tightly, the plates prevent the flow of water through the holes. The lever mechanism is designed in such a way that the mechanical force applied by the operator of the device is transmitted to the plates and allows them to be controlled.

As the lever moves, the holes in the plates move with them and align. The amplitude of the lever movement is calculated for its movement in two planes: vertical and horizontal. In other words, the lever can only be moved up and down and left and right.

Depending on the degree of alignment of the holes located one above the other, the supply volume of one of the water streams changes. When the holes are aligned diagonally in relation to each other, the degree of mixing of the hot and cold flow changes.

The positive characteristics of single-lever mixers include their durability and aesthetics. The design of the mechanism and the material from which its internal parts are made compensate for the effect of destructive loads exerted on the device during operation. Parts are resistant to friction, which is minimized and reduces the presence of fluid - lubricant. The external characteristics of such mixers correspond to the trends of modern trends in the design of sanitary ware. The availability of a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and functions make single-lever valves popular with target audiences.

The disadvantages include the presence of problems with the factor of effective control of the water supply mechanism and its mixing. In the course of prolonged operation, the smoothness of the lever mobility decreases, which leads to a complication of the mixing process. When opening the tap, the handle may move by a greater amplitude than necessary. It may also move too much when closed.

Single-lever mixers are divided into types, the name of which is determined by the purpose of a particular device. Depending on the characteristics of the room, the needs of users and the type of plumbing system, such taps are divided into groups:

• bath mixers;
• for kitchen;
• wall-mounted;
• standing upright;
• two and one-handed;
• for shower rooms with and without a spout;
• jet and cascading.

The single-arm bath mixer can be wall-mounted - it is attached to two water jets by means of eccentrics. Often has an additional connection to the shower head. There is a gander - a branching movable tube that increases the range of water supply. Also in the bathrooms, a faucet installed on the sink can be used.

For kitchens, upright sink-mounted taps are often used. In rare cases, wall models are used. The main difference between the kitchen modification is the height and shape of the gander. These parameters are calculated taking into account the achievement of the required functionality.

In both cases, various constructive additions can be involved. For example, the specific design of the mixer gander can determine the configuration parameters of the flow. He might be conventional, foamed, multi-jet, cascade or any other.

Taps without a spout are only equipped with a shower outlet. Such modifications are often used in public showers or when there is a need for the absence of a gander. This constructive solution is effective in small-sized enclosed showers, inside which space is limited.

The approach to choosing a mixer should be individual. This is due to the fact that its design and functionality must best suit the intended purpose. If the basic characteristics of the crane do not meet the stated needs of the user, the operating efficiency will decrease and it may become impossible to use it. Thus, the main selection criteria are as follows:

• purpose and characteristics of the premises;
• the purpose and characteristics of the mixer;
• features of the plumbing system;
• other individual target needs.

In the next video, you will find instructions on how to easily install the single lever bath / shower mixer.