Mortise bath faucets: varieties and secrets of choice

The modern bathroom is distinguished by its functionality and stylish design. At this time, there is a large number of advanced developments in the field of plumbing, and among such innovations, one should especially note the mortise mixers for the bathtub. Thanks to these modern devices, the interior of the bathroom becomes truly comfortable and practical, and also acquires a special laconic style. In order for the purchase of new bathroom equipment to really bring new opportunities and fully justify itself, let's figure out what features of these devices you need to pay attention to when choosing.

In small Soviet-era apartments, bathrooms have a very small area, therefore and all the plumbing of those years was designed in such a way as to save space as much as possible. As a rule, a two-valve mixer with a long neck was attached to the wall, which could turn and simultaneously serve for washing over the sink and for filling the bath with water.

The mortise mixer includes:

• spout, which is simple or cascading;
• a shower head located next to the spout (its hose is hidden under the bathtub, therefore, before using the product, you need to pull out the hose and fix the watering can on the wall above your head);
• one lever.

A conventional wall-mounted mixer belongs to the two-grip category, which provides for the presence of two different valves, with the help of which separately hot and separately cold water is supplied. As the name implies, mortise mixers differ from the usual wall-mounted ones in that for their installation it is necessary to drill holes in the bathtub.

These models have a completely different design, since all supply communications (hoses, pipes and fittings) are located under the bathroom and are out of sight. The water supply is also carried out according to a different principle than that of conventional bathroom fixtures.

Let's conduct a small review of the models of mortise mixers existing in our time.

Depending on the method of routing the supply pipes, there are:

• horizontal;
• vertical mixers.

In terms of design, the following models can be found on the market.

• Two-valve. These are products with two handles.

• Single-lever. They consist of a body in which hot and cold water is mixed, as well as a lever that controls the mixing process.

• Mixers with thermostat... They are similar to two-valve models in that one knob adjusts the flow and the other sets the desired water temperature.

• Contactless. These mixers are equipped with special sensors that control the water supply. In order to wash your hands, you just need to bring them to the tap. Some non-contact models are equipped with a special illumination that allows you to change the color of the current jet. Such models are the latest innovative product in the field of sanitary ware.

By the type of locking mechanism, mixers are:

• spherical: with a metal ball with three holes through which mixed water comes out;
• cartridge: here instead of a ball, ceramic plates are installed (there are three holes in the bottom, and the top is for mixing water).

Also, mortise mixers are divided into the following additional categories.

These models have appeared recently, they are considered innovations in the field of sanitary ware. Such devices have an unusual and effective design: water is poured out of a wide case, the shape of which is different, through a narrow slot under high pressure. This design resembles a small waterfall. And the backlit models give the interior uniqueness and grace.

Strong head is achieved thanks to wide delivery pipes, due to which the throughput is increased.

These are ordinary mortise mixers with a standard tap, installed on the side of the bath and not consisting of a monoblock, as in the case of a wall-mounted structure, but of separate parts, each of which performs its own function. Each structural element is cut into the side of the bath separately. All fixing and supply parts are hidden under the bathtub, which makes it aesthetically pleasing.

Models are produced depending on the number of elements:

• for one;
• two;
• three;
• four;
• five holes.

3-hole mortise mixers include the following components:

• spout;
• watering can;
• lever arm.

In this case, the spout is combined with a shower, which is not always convenient. For example, if a shower hose breaks down, you will be deprived of the opportunity to use the bathroom at all for some time.

Mortise mixers are designed for acrylic bathtubs, since it is not possible to drill holes for tapping in cast-iron and enamel structures.

First of all, you need to carefully consider what kind of model you want to see at home.The model with a simple tap is similar to a traditional mixer, the only difference is in the installation method of this design. Cascade cranes attract with their unusual design, but such models have quite a few drawbacks:

• such cranes cannot be turned in the right direction;
• the pouring stream is too wide to pour water into any container with a narrow neck (for example, into a flower vase);
• salt deposits constantly accumulate on the surface of such a structure, which must be regularly cleaned;
• cascade mixers increase the humidity in the bathroom.

If we talk about such a moment as the installation of all communications under the bath, then this can be both a plus and a minus. The advantages are that the bathtub looks beautiful and strict, there are no unnecessary elements, nothing gets in the way, space is saved. The disadvantages are as follows.

• The shower hose for flush-mounted mixers breaks down much more often than for conventional wall-mounted... This happens due to constant bending and deformation during its operation.
• If a leak occurs, you will not know about it until you notice a puddle flowing from under the bathtub. And this is fraught with the appearance of mold and other unpleasant moments.

Thermostatic models are good because you set the water temperature yourself. You regulate the pressure with a separate knob, but after setting the temperature remains constant until you deem it necessary to change its parameters.

The more options the mixer provides and the better the materials of manufacture, the higher the price, so you need to weigh everything well before buying.... The main thing is not to buy cheap goods from unverified sellers. It is better to spend more money once and purchase high-quality plumbing from a well-known brand than to experience constant inconvenience and anxiety from a broken shower.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with photos of bathrooms, in which flush taps are not just a functional piece of sanitary ware, but also an important element of decor.

Three-hole mixer mounted on the side of the bathtub.

Cascade mixer with shower.

Single hole cascade mixer.

Cascade waterfall mixer with lighting.

5-hole flush-mounted acrylic bathtub mixer.

See the video below for a step-by-step description of connecting the in-line mixer to the bathtub.