Bathroom faucets with thermostat: features and varieties

A mixer with a thermostat allows you to maintain a predetermined water temperature, regardless of unexpectedly changing pressure. In addition, its use can reduce the cost of housing and communal services. We will talk about the features of such models and the rules for choosing it in the article.

The main advantages of thermostatic mixers are safety and ease of use. By setting the required temperature parameters, the user does not depend on the changed pressure, pressure or water temperature, which comes from the central water supply. It is not only convenient and guarantees comfort during water procedures, but also safe. The issue of safety is especially relevant for families with elderly people and small children.

Especially similar mixers are in demand in houses with centralized heating. Here, the water pressure depends on how many residents use water at the same time. Residents of the upper floors suffer the most, because in the evening (when the majority uses a bathroom or kitchen), the water pressure changes, and with it the temperature.

However, temperature "jumps" are found even when using modern instantaneous water heaters and gas boilers. These units must supply water of a certain temperature (and adhere to a given range). But if this does not happen, it makes sense to think about purchasing a thermostatic mixer.

Thanks to the ability to regulate the volume of hot and cold water, it is possible to achieve an economical water consumption and, accordingly, reduce the cost of rent. The device regulates the consumption of hot water with a higher tariff.

In appearance, the model of a mixer with a thermostat is not much different from the traditional one. The same can be said about its installation - the device is connected to the pipes of cold and hot water supply. But the principle of operation of the thermostat model is different. Inside the device is a valve that can expand and contract when cold and hot liquid flows. By being programmed for a certain temperature (the user selects the head and sets the desired temperature for this), the valve becomes wider or narrower and thus allows more hot or cold water to pass through.

The thermostatic temperature sensor is located inside the device and is highly sensitive. Mixing of hot and cold water also takes place inside the device; warm water of the temperature set by the user flows from the tap. The main structural elements of a thermostatic mixer are:

• water tap - an element that provides pressure control;
• thermostatic valve - evaluates the temperature of the water, after which the clearance for cold and hot water is adjusted;
• thermostat knob - allows you to adjust the required temperature indicators of the thermostat.

Depending on the installation method, open and closed thermo mixers can be distinguished. The former are mounted on protruding pipes, that is, the entire communication system is visible to others. Closed type (or built-in) are mixers in which only the handles and the faucet itself are visible, that is, all communication is hidden behind the wall. And by the way the water turns on, you can distinguish valve, single and double-lever mixer, as well as contactless (sensor) models... Depending on the principle of operation, there are 2 types of thermostatic mixers. Let's consider the features of each group in more detail.

Mechanical thermostat models are easier to install and more affordable. They are hermetically connected to the hot and cold water supply pipes. Then you need to turn on the water, use the handles and the tap to set the desired temperature regime, as a rule, mechanical mixers are equipped with regulators with scales.

The advantage of mechanical devices is their availability, reliability and ease of installation - no special devices or knowledge required. However, such designs will not allow you to set the water temperature to the most accurate temperature (up to a degree).

More modern and easy-to-use thermo mixers, in which the electronic "filling" is responsible for setting the most accurate temperature (and maintaining it). Also, the pressure indicators and water temperature are analyzed electronically, after which the device decides how much hot or cold water needs to be mixed. And all the data is displayed on the liquid crystal screen.

The device is controlled by pressing mechanical or electronic buttons, even more modern models suggest contactless control (infrared sensors) using a remote control. Such models provide the most comfortable operation - the temperature is regulated as accurately as possible (up to 1C), by pressing one button. In addition, most of the electronic thermo mixers have additional functions, and they look modern and stylish.

The use of an electronic thermo mixer is a faster and more accurate water regulation, in addition, many models are equipped with water analysis programs, touch controls and other useful options. However, faucets with an electronic thermostat are also more expensive, and also require the involvement of specialists for installation. It is worth noting that the repair of such a model will cost more.

The best mixers are made in Germany and Italy. They are of high quality, however, and the cost is considerable. Among the companies that consistently occupy a leading position in the rating of thermostatic mixers, brand from Germany Grohe. The manufacturer's lineup includes thermostat model Grohterm 800 34558000. The faucet is made of brass and has a chrome finish. The cartridge is ceramic, the design is characterized by ease of installation due to the S-shaped eccentrics. Also has a deep filter and a check valve.

The brand's line also includes a thermo mixer model for a shower - Grohtherm-1000 34143000. It is a chrome plated brass construction with a ceramic cartridge. Water consumption is regulated by a handle, mixer type - valve, installed vertically on the wall. Equipped with a stopper for mixing water, which eliminates the risk of scalding. And the dirt-repellent filters available in the design help to protect the equipment from damage, even with low-quality (with impurities) water. Of the "minuses" - too loud noise of the device with insufficient pressure.

For the bathroom, you can use a mixer with a long spout Lemark Thermo LM7734C... However, it would be more correct to call the construction universal. The model is single-lever, has a robust body made of brass and copper, the coating is chrome. Installation - vertical, the spout itself rotates. The lever that controls the pressure and temperature is smooth. The device works even with insufficient pressure in the pipes (although it makes noise at the same time).

Another popular model is a mechanical type thermostatic mixer IDDIS Monet MONSB00i74. The model is intended for the bathroom - it has a standard spout, a shower head with a flexible hose, and an aeration function (softer jet by mixing water with air bubbles). If we talk about more affordable, but reliable and durable thermo mixers, then you should pay attention to Oulin OL-8006. This is a single lever ceramic cartridge model with high spout. It is considered a universal model, but it is most convenient to use this mixer in the kitchen.

Similar model - Oras Elektra 6150F, it is a small model for washbasins and kitchens. The operation of the thermostat, as well as the electronic valve, is provided by casting batteries. This is a sensor-type device (water starts to flow automatically when hands are brought under the tap), which ensures economical water consumption.

When choosing a thermo mixer, it is better to give preference to products of well-known brands. This guarantees high quality and reliability. Make sure you are purchasing an original model and not a fake one. Remember that a quality thermo mixer cannot have a very low price. When buying products from a foreign brand, check if it is adapted to domestic pipe routing schemes. You should also find out what should be the minimum pressure in the apartment for installing a thermo mixer. Typically 0.5 bar.

The next criterion is the appointment of a mixer with a thermostat. It is important to consider in which room the device will be used.... For example, kitchen models can be equipped with swivel spouts (more comfortable washing dishes), nozzles with aerators. They also have a higher spout so that a stack of dishes can be washed in the sink, for example.

The next criterion is material. Preference should be given to brass, copper or bronze models. Such devices will serve for a long time. If appearance is a priority, you should pay attention to ceramic mixers. But it is better not to buy models made of plastic or aluminum-silicon alloy, their operation will not be long. Another parameter that is looked at when buying is the type of valve. It comes in ceramic, leather or rubber. Ceramic valves are installed on more expensive mixers, it is more reliable, since settled impurities and debris do not disable this element.

Operation of a mixer with a ceramic valve does not imply the use of brute force when closing the valve - this is fraught with the failure of the valve head. Leather and rubber valves serve a shorter life, however, and replacing them is not difficult (the process is similar to replacing a gasket on a conventional mixer).

The type of the regulating element is also important. There are 2 options here - wax and made from a biometric plate. The first is considered obsolete because it has a response time of more than 2 minutes. Well-known manufacturers prefer to equip their thermo mixers with a safety valve. This is a very useful function to avoid accidental switching of the water temperature while using the mixer. Usually this valve looks like a red button. To change the water temperature, this button is first pressed, and then the required temperature parameters are built.

For how easy it is to install the Grohe thermostatic bath mixer, see below.