Built-in shower faucets: advantages, disadvantages and selection rules

To ensure the comfortable use of water resources, manufacturers produce a wide range of plumbing products that make our life convenient. Modern equipment and innovative technologies enable specialists to work on improving these products and developing fundamentally new designs. One of the novelties of this group of products are built-in shower mixers, which have an unusual installation system and an attractive appearance.

The built-in shower mixer is a new development in the field of sanitary ware, which has a hidden communication system. The peculiarity of this product is that all pipes and connecting elements are hidden behind a special panel, on the front of which there is only a tap. These devices can be used both for a bathroom and for a shower cabin.

Like any plumbing fixture, a built-in mixer has a number of positive and negative sides.

Advantages:

• high quality of the raw materials used;
• reliability;
• saving internal space;
• the inability to get injured while taking a shower;
• long period of operation;
• high aesthetic performance;
• lack of binding to a vertical shower rack;
• no water splashing effect;
• hiding the hose behind the panel;
• ease of use;
• the most convenient organization of space.

Flaw:

• complexity of installation;
• high price range;
• the need to form a cavity in the wall;
• the complexity of eliminating the leak and performing repair work;
• the need for timely and regular replacement of O-rings;
• bending of the hose during placement behind a wall.

The single-lever built-in mixer is the latest development of the engineers. On the shelves of modern stores, you can see a huge number of types of built-in faucets, which are divided into three groups.

• By functional purpose - for a shower cabin, for a sink, for a hygienic shower, for a bathroom. The main feature of single-lever in-line shower mixers is the presence of one outlet through which the mixed water flows into the watering can. Experts recommend paying attention to the peculiarity of installing a rain shower, in which the main part is located on the wall, and the watering can on the ceiling.

• At the place of installation - on vertical architectural elements or a horizontal surface. Faucets, which are mounted on vertical surfaces, are universal devices with two inlets and several outlets. Thanks to its multiple outlets, this device can be connected to a bath spout, stationary shower, shower with flexible hose and hydromassage.

• According to the method of regulating the water flow - joystick, half-turn, standard, touch-sensitive, with a thermostat. A distinctive feature of thermostatic mixers is the ability to set the temperature of the water once, followed by using only one lever. Sensors are electromechanical devices that are controlled by pressing special buttons.

The quality and durability of the mixer directly depends not on its design features, but on the material of manufacture. Manufacturers use the following raw materials for the manufacture of mixers:

• stainless steel;
• brass (bronze);
• plastic;
• ceramics.

The most reliable material for the manufacture of plumbing is brass. It is this multicomponent alloy, the main element of which is copper, that makes it possible to produce products for work in difficult conditions. To give the necessary stylistic direction, some manufacturers cover brass products with enamel or chrome. Thanks to the variety of brass mixers, they can be used in rooms with different stylistic trends. The disadvantage is the high price range.

Products made of plastic are in much greater demand due to the low price range... Advantages - the ability to cover with special paints for metal. The disadvantage is a short period of operation.

Before you go shopping for a built-in faucet, experts recommend to carefully study the recommendations of experts on the choice of this product:

• the purchase of a product of a simple design will significantly extend its service life;
• mixers with bottom water supply do not need corner fittings;
• to service products with built-in brass outlets, there is no need to purchase a mounting vise;
• the presence of three outlets makes it possible to create various combinations of water supply.

For the most comfortable shower experience, experts recommend giving special attention to the choice of a watering can, which is included in the kit and can have various sizes, shapes and modes of water supply.In cheaper models, manufacturers have provided no more than two modes of water supply, but expensive plumbing has not only several times more of them, but also additional functions, such as backlighting, saving mode and water purification.

The modern market for plumbing fixtures is overflowing with a huge number of products from various manufacturers for both acrylic and steel bathtubs and showers. When choosing a product, experts recommend giving preference to products of well-known brands, whose products meet all international standards and have quality certificates.

The most famous and demanded manufacturers of built-in faucets are the brands presented below.

• Grohe Is a German brand, whose products have occupied a leading position in the ranking of sanitary ware sales over the past several decades. The disadvantage is the high price.

• Hansgrohe - a German company whose products have a 5-year warranty service. A distinctive feature of the product is minimalism.

• Oras - a Finnish brand whose products harmoniously combine price and quality. Most of the products of this brand are equipped with a thermostat.

• Jacob delafon - a French manufacturer, most of whose products have a classic design.

• Roca - a manufacturer that produces a huge range of mixers of various designs and shapes. The disadvantage is the presence of frequent technical defects.

• Mamoli Is an Italian manufacturer whose products are durable and meet all international standards.

High-quality and correct installation is the key to the durability and trouble-free operation of the device. Before proceeding with the installation of the device, it is necessary to carefully study its design, which consists of the following elements:

• mounting box;
• mixer with valves;
• outer part with shower controls.

An integral part of a modern mixer is thermostat, which makes it possible to maintain the selected temperature regime regardless of the water pressure. This device can be either mechanical or electrical. The mixer, powered by electric current, must be powered from the mains or from a battery.

The principle of operation of a mechanical device is based on the operation of a special cartridge with synthetic wax, which mixes water in short periods of time, and blocks its flow when cold water is turned off. Some models have special temperature limiters to prevent burns in children.

A distinctive feature of the built-in mixer is the ability to mount on a surface made of brick, concrete, foam concrete and wood. To install the mixer, it is necessary to make the required size niches and channels for pipes with special construction tools. The manufacturer must indicate the size of the recesses in the instructions for the product. The width of modern models of built-in mixers often does not exceed 8 cm, which greatly simplifies the installation process.

When laying pipes, novice craftsmen should definitely pay attention to the fact that cold water should always flow on the right, and hot water on the left. To prevent water from entering the case or behind the wall, manufacturers have provided special seals.

Mandatory work during installation - checking the installation height of the device, measuring the level of the finished floor of the room. The height of the mixer should be 20 cm higher than the height of the tallest family member.

The main stages of work performance:

• drilling a hole of the required size;
• laying of a groove for pipes;
• connection of the mixer with water supply pipes;
• installation of corner threaded elements;
• installation of decorative panels, watering cans and control levers.

To install the mixer yourself, you will need the following tools:

• Bulgarian;
• puncher;
• electric drill;
• construction hammer;
• chisel;
• spanners;
• personal protective equipment (glasses, gloves, respirator).

Thanks to the appearance and versatility of built-in faucets, designers have the opportunity to create unique projects that are distinguished by beauty, style and lightness.

Built-in shower mixers are indispensable items for minimalist or high-tech bathroom furnishings. The laconic appearance of the plumbing will allow you not to clutter up the space of the room, and the ability to connect several hoses will allow you to install not only a hygienic shower, but also a tropical and massage one.

Equipping a shower cabin with expensive and multifunctional mixers will not only create a beautiful interior space, but also take a shower with pleasant lighting, and also save a significant amount of water during bathing.

A large and multifunctional bathroom with a huge panoramic window is every woman's dream. Nothing should distract attention and create inconvenience, including a shower, which in this case carries two functional loads - it supplies water and is an art object.

To create a harmonious and elegant space, the designers offer a huge number of stylistic options that will please even the most demanding clients. Specialists pay special attention to the design of the bathroom, which is one of the most important rooms.

In the projects of most apartments, very small bathrooms are provided, the organization of the space of which requires special attention. Built-in faucets are irreplaceable sanitary equipment that allows you to maximize space savings and create a stylish interior.

The following video provides an overview of the built-in shower mixer and shows its installation.