Bath stoppers: what are they and how to choose?
![Bath stoppers: what are they and how to choose?](https://fashion.decorexpro.com/images/article/croppedtop/450-255/2019/08/probki-dlya-vanny-kakimi-byvayut-i-kak-podobrat-1.jpeg)
Nowadays, among a large number of products, it is quite difficult to find something good and of high quality. And even such a simple accessory as a stopper for a bathroom also requires careful consideration when choosing.
In specialized stores, you can find any option: from a simple rubber plug to a semi-automatic. In addition, this simple thing can add a touch of romance and comfort to the interior. Manufacturers offer rubber and silicone corks in the form of algae, flowers, rubber toys, and so on.
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Varieties and their description
Simple
The simplest and cheapest solution is a classic end cap on a chain. Such products were made of rubber back in Soviet times, but then they were devoid of originality and were produced in the form of a cork.
Manufacturers now offer these options in rubber, silicone and plastic. The design of the plug is extremely simple, therefore it will serve for several decades. But experts recommend choosing rubber and silicone varieties for a number of reasons:
- they are more durable, do not break, do not crack;
- it is easier to remove such a plug from the drain hole if it is stuck;
- a rubber or silicone plug closes the hole more tightly, and water does not pass through it;
- she is not afraid of temperature changes, she is easy to use - by installing a rubber plug, you can safely enjoy a hot bath.
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Experts do not recommend purchasing plastic corks due to their fragility and fragility. Under the influence of hot water, the plastic is deformed, which means that the tightness of the part is also broken. In addition, if it gets stuck in the hole, it will not be easy to get it out - you will have to disassemble the drain.
Despite the simplicity of the design, today you can choose many creative and beautiful plugs, adding a touch of humor, romance and comfort to the bathroom interior.
- Variety of colors. Choose accessories of any color: classic white or black, bright pink, blue, green. The main thing is that you like it and fit the general style of the room.
- Variety of shapes. There are corks in the form of animals, fish, figures of men, algae, flowers. There are works of art: prototypes of Greek statues, the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum and the Egyptian pyramids.
- With toys on a chain: ducks, boats, fish, dogs. This option will especially delight children.
- High-tech plugs... They are equipped with a thermometer that changes color when the water temperature changes.
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Accessories with an inflatable water lily on a chain are very popular. When the bath is full, it floats on the surface of the water.
Suction cups
By design, such plugs are similar to a classic plug, but their principle of operation is slightly different. It is not inserted into the drain hole, but is applied from above and, due to the creation of a vacuum, reliably closes the hole. The material from which the suction cups are made is silicone. It is flexible, lightweight and practical to use, and is also not afraid of high temperatures. In specialized stores, you can find suction cups of any color and with different decorative elements. This design is easy to operate and reliable.
To drain the water after taking a bath, just push on the middle of the plug. Then the edges will bend up, and it will be possible to pull it out. Those who love a clean bath will appreciate the silicone suction cup. It does not have metal parts, which means it will not rust over time. Plus, it's easy to remove and wash, so dirt won't build up underneath.
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Semiautomatic device
A semiautomatic plug is a less popular solution for classic bathtubs, more often such a system is installed in a jacuzzi. In appearance, it practically does not differ from more complex automatic traffic jams, but the principle of operation is simpler.
The plug is installed in the drain hole of the bath, and a special toggle switch is placed under the mixer, which is connected to the plug with a cable. To open or close the plug, you need to turn the toggle switch, then the cable is pulled and pushes the plug into the drain.
The advantages of the semi-automatic system:
- ease of use;
- attractive appearance.
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The disadvantage of the system is its low reliability. Such plugs fail especially quickly when the water is not of very good quality - with a high content of iron or lime. And the cable that connects the lever and the plug begins to jam over time. In regions with soft water, such a system will last about 4 years.
In order for semi-automatic plugs to delight you longer, it is necessary to install water filters that soften and clean the incoming fluid from destructive impurities.
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Automatic
Automatic plugs are considered the most modern and beautiful. An automatic stopper is a metal round piece that is embedded directly into the drain. To close the drain hole, simply press on the plug with your hand or heel. You can open the hole in the same way.
These models look very stylish and expensive. They are widely used by designers in the design of bathrooms. Nevertheless, the machines also have disadvantages:
- when the bath is full, it is not very convenient to open such a drain;
- an automatic mechanism, in comparison with a simple rubber plug, will not last long;
- when using an automatic plug, a lot of dirt and hair accumulates under it.
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Experts say that the life of the automatic plug is about 2 years. In such a system, the plug fixing mechanism usually fails. It is not possible to purchase it separately in stores, therefore, it is impossible to repair the automatic plug.
How to choose?
Almost all bathtubs have standard drain sizes, but there are exceptions. If you want to choose the options semi-automatic or automatic, then you cannot do without accurate measurement of the hole diameter There are several ways to find a stopper that matches your bathtub exactly.
- Measuring the drain hole. Take a tape measure or thread and stretch it along the bottom of the drain hole. The resulting figure will be the size of your future plug.
- Cut a circle out of paper that matches the size of your plum... With this circle, contact the store, and the consultant will select the right option for you.
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If you don't feel like messing around with measurements, you can simply purchase a universal plug. But when choosing, pay attention to the fact that the upper part is as wide as possible, then it will well cover the drain hole.
For information on how to make a bath stopper, see the next video.