Choosing a bath mixer

A bathroom is a room where a number of daily hygiene and cosmetic procedures are carried out, therefore, its functional equipment and comfort should be thought out as much as possible. One of the most important parts of the bathroom is the mixer, which is responsible for regulating the water flow. In addition, the mixer mixes cool and hot water inside a special compartment and provides water at the required temperature.

In order to choose the optimal comfortable, safe, reliable design that will harmoniously fit into the design of the bathroom, you need to understand the principle of operation of the device, understand what it is, and what models are offered by manufacturers.

The faucet for the bathroom, in contrast to devices with a different purpose, has a modified design of the spout, as well as a number of additional elements. A standard mixer with basic equipment includes:

• body of various shapes and sizes;
• rubber gaskets of several types, although some manufacturers offer designs without gaskets, replacing them with ceramic plates;
• accessories: various fasteners, sealing rings, plugs, screws, holders;
• crane axle boxes - the so-called heart of the mixer;
• cartridge where water is mixed;
• handle or knob - these can be handwheels, valves or electronic control;
• adapter;
• spool and crank required to switch the device to the shower;
• swivel element: in standard models this is a gander, and in new ones it is a spout, which is a functional external part of the structure.

In addition to the standard components, every modern mixer consists of additional decorative elements. The principle of operation of the mixer, regardless of design features, is the same: cold water flows from one side of the pipe circuit, and hot water on the other, then mixing takes place in the cartridge. The ratio of cold and warm water, as well as the intensity of the pressure, can be adjusted both manually and automatically - it depends on the design of the mixer.

Along with the variety of models, buyers still have to choose a design, taking into account the material from which it is made. To date, manufacturers offer mixers from the following raw materials.

• Brass (brass + zinc), characterized by a high degree of strength, durability and resistance to corrosion processes.
• From silumin (silicon + aluminum), which provides a low cost device, resistant to corrosion, but not endowed with high strength indicators.
• Stainless steel (iron + chrome + optional components), which is considered the most reliable, shock-resistant, resistant to corrosive processes and the effects of various acids, temperatures.
• Made of plastic. The plastic mixer is inexpensive, lightweight and practical, but fragile and short-lived.
• From ceramics. The ceramic mixer is endowed with aesthetic appeal. Many manufacturers produce cascade structures from this material. Along with the external beauty and luxury, ceramics are characterized by fragility, low resistance to high temperatures and impacts. If one of the ceramic elements breaks down, you have to completely change the mixer.

In addition, you can find devices made of combined materials: bronze with brass, which is reliable, practical and relatively inexpensive, or ceramics with metal. To cover the mixer body, the following is often used:

• matt chrome;
• gold chrome;
• nickel;
• copper plating;
• bronze dusting;
• enamel;
• multicomponent composition "like gold".

The most practical and durable is the chrome coating with a pronounced metallic luster, which is maximally resistant to mechanical damage and oxidative processes. The only drawback is the appearance of prints over time, which are difficult to remove. Constructions coated with "matt chrome" fit perfectly into modern design solutions, and items with a "gold finish" are most often found in premium collections. Faucets in the classic and retro style are most often coated with copper and bronze plating. The copper faucet will have a bright red hue, while the bronze faucet will be darker (no dominant red).

When the bathroom design requires matching faucets by color, an enamelled appliance is the best option. Most often, manufacturers offer products in black and white, but there are also more rare shades.

The variety of models often complicates the process of choosing a plumbing fixture, therefore, all mixers on the market are divided into categories based on location, type of design, size and stylistic solutions.

So, according to the location, the mixers are as follows.

• Wall. This is a common type of device for many, which saves space, which is important for small rooms. Ideal when the bath is placed close to the wall. As a rule, it can be used simultaneously for bath and shower.Depending on the type of installation, the wall mixer can be external (the whole structure is visible) and hidden (it is mounted deep into the wall, that is, the body becomes hidden, only part of the spout and the control system remain visible). Concealed installation is also convenient in that it is possible to locate the crane separately and the control element also separately.

• Built-in or mounted on the side of the bath. Most often, these are compact cast models with a shortened spout. The device is installed in two ways: along the long side or on the front side. It is the end placement of the product that is considered the most convenient and practical.

• Floor. This is a freestanding bathtub model for spacious rooms. These models are characterized by the presence of a long tap, high spout stands and a control system. During the installation of such a structure, all supplies are hidden in the floor.

Variety of models by type of construction.

• Cascading. These are stylish models that are in high demand among buyers. A characteristic feature of such devices is the unusual shape of the spout, from where the water flows out in a wide stream, while no splashes are formed. The cascade mixer is also called "Waterfall" because the unusual flow of water is very similar to real waterfalls. The cascade device is mounted on the side of the bathroom, on the wall or inside it.

• Two-lever or two-handed device. This is a familiar classic, where the water is regulated by means of a crane-axle box. These models are offered in two types: with an elastic gasket as a locking element and with a ceramic plate, which is more reliable. Among the advantages are affordable cost, ease of installation and operation, as well as maintainability.

• Two-valve. This is a model in which one valve regulates cold water and the other regulates hot water. They are considered the most reliable, practical and durable. Two-valve devices are of two types: with a short spout (up to 18 cm) and with a long one (over 20 cm). One of the common models of the two-valve type is the herringbone mixer, which is made of stainless steel or brass.

• Thermostatic. This is a device with a thermostat, belonging to the class of non-standard devices, which are equipped with two levers: for water and for temperature, which allows you to maintain an optimal temperature balance during bathing.

• Touch or automatic. These are modern plumbing fixtures that are controlled using a built-in infrared sensor. It is enough to bring your hands to the tap, and the water will automatically flow. According to the principle of operation, automatic devices are divided into several types: those that pour water for a certain period of time, and those that open water after bringing their hands in the area of ​​the sensor. The functionality of the product is provided by power elements (batteries) or a network. An automatic mixer is a standing device that is not only comfortable to use, but also saves and controls water consumption.

In terms of size and design, plumbing fixtures are also divided into certain groups, which allows you to choose a structure that harmoniously fits into the interior solution of the bathroom. If you wish, you can find a modern classical appliance in the ethno, baroque, avant-garde, high-tech, neoclassical or retro styles. A square faucet will look great in an Art Nouveau bathroom, while a horizontal faucet will look great in a classic room. Versatile appliances are suitable for calm, unassuming interiors. For lovers of minimalism, products of a hidden installation type will be optimal.

Models equipped with backlighting are of considerable interest - the stream of water glows red and blue. The shape and size of the spout is short, high, medium. Some manufacturers offer models with a long spout (lengths from 30 to 50 cm).

The best bathroom faucets are those offered by trusted manufacturers, which include Russian, Italian, Finnish, Chinese, Swedish and Czech firms. Based on numerous surveys and customer reviews during advertising and other campaigns, a rating of the best brands offering sanitary fixtures was compiled.

• ROCA. This is a Spanish manufacturer offering many interesting collections: Carmen, Insignia, L90, Atlas, Monodin, where single-lever, two-valve and thermostatic designs are collected.

• Bravat. A German brand that offers high-tech quality bathroom faucets, represented by numerous lines: Loop, Line, Eco, Opal.

• Blanco. Stylish designs of the German manufacturer, made of stainless steel, ceramics and the unique material Silgranit, characterized by practicality, durability and high build quality.

• Milardo. A demanded domestic manufacturer that offers products that meet all European quality standards. The sanitary ware is guaranteed for 7 years.

• Zorg. These are goods made in the Czech Republic, made of high quality lead-free stainless steel. The lineup includes products in different design interpretations - from familiar classics to retro models.

Faucets from IKEA are very popular, offering modern, reliable and functional designs made in Sweden, Russia (Brogrund, Ensen, Pilkan, Runskar, Voxnan, Lundskar) at quite reasonable prices and with an excellent warranty period.

For lovers of practical devices in the interior, products from Ravak (Czech Republic) and Vitra (Turkey) are suitable, and for aesthetes, the best option is Cezares, Gessi (Italy). If you have to save money, you can pay attention to Russian products Gran Fest or Chinese Zegor, Oute.

Regardless of the type of design, cost and manufacturer, the mixer must meet a number of requirements for high-quality plumbing fixtures.

• Strength. The structure must be strong, resistant to accidental mechanical damage.
• Safety (reliable isolation). This is especially true for models powered by the network.
• Ease of use. Even the most expensive device should be easy to use and not difficult to use.
• Ease of installation. A quality mixer should be easy to install and repairable if necessary.
• Durability. The surface of the product must be resistant to moisture and oxidation.
• Aesthetic appeal. The bathroom is a kind of relaxation area, so the mixer should be in harmony with the overall design of the room and not look too huge or small.

So, coming to the store, you can use several recommendations that will certainly help you choose a high-quality and functional mixer at a reasonable cost.

• Give preference to trusted manufacturers. Many self-respecting brands often put a stigma on their products as proof of authenticity.
• Choose a product in which the body is made of brass or bronze. As a last resort, it can be stainless steel.
• To navigate in the price range, which starts from 4000 rubles. Anything less expensive can be low quality and short-lived.
• It is better to choose a cartridge mechanism for switching to a shower, since an outdated eccentric one will quickly fail.
• Pay attention to the configuration.An aerator must be attached to the spout nozzle, on which the pressure and economical water consumption depend.
• The variety of colors and types of finishes can complicate product selection. The device with an enamel or chrome finish will be practical and durable.
• Matching the bathroom interior.
• The highest quality mixers are considered to be with ceramic plates, and not rubberized gaskets.
• The shape, size and type of spout also require careful attention. The spout should be comfortable, preferably movable so that it can be turned while taking a bath.

In order for the mixer to serve for a long time without creating problems with daily use, it is necessary to adhere to some simple rules of operation and maintenance. Before and during operation it is important:

• install a reducer if the pressure between cold and hot water is very different;
• do not twist the handles (valve operated models) so that rubberized gaskets and other elements do not wear out prematurely;
• the temperature of hot water in the tap should not exceed 65 degrees.

As for care, it all depends on the type of construction in general and the type of coating, but there are a number of general useful recommendations.

• From time to time it is necessary to clean all the details of the structure from fat accumulations and limescale. This applies to the spout, aerator, body, shower head.
• The surfaces of the element for supplying and mixing water should be cleaned with a solution of simple soap or using dishwashing detergents, where there are no aggressive components.
• Periodically rinse all visible parts. After rinsing, wipe the product dry with a soft textile cloth.
• Removing limescale is safe with the correct concentration of grape vinegar.
• It is strictly forbidden to wash faucets with damaged body surfaces with the addition of cleaning agents, as this may aggravate the existing problem.
• Applying detergent to clean the appliance should be done exclusively on a cloth or sponge, not on the mixer.