7 tips for choosing a bathroom faucet

Modern faucets are very different from those devices that decorated bathrooms a couple of dozen years ago. Today they combine style and functionality, can bring not only additional comfort, but also decorate the bathroom. As a rule, faucets choose in one style, but at the same time they can be a little different functionality and type. How to choose a bathroom faucetso that it meets all the requirements, is durable and practical?

No. 1. Mixer design

Faucets For bathroom, soul, sinks or bidets have a similar design. They can be dual valve, single lever, thermostatic and non-contact or sensory. Each of them can boast its advantages and will be indispensable in specific situations.

Two-valve mixers

These are the simplest faucets, which until recently were the only possible and most popular option. They have two valves, when turning which pours hot or cold water. At the heart of such mixers lies axle boxthat lets water flows through or shuts off one of them. The weak point is the gasket, which tends to wear out rather quickly, therefore it will require frequent replacement. Rubber gaskets become unusable faster than ceramic locking elementsTherefore, it is better to choose the latter. Two-valve mixers, although easy to use, are not very convenient, since adjusting the required temperature and water pressure is not always easy.

Despite the emergence of many new types of mixers, the data is still popular, and this is not only due to their affordable cost. Often these faucets are chosen by those who want design your bathroom in a classic style or country style, as in a similar interior modern single-lever models will not fit. Such mixers easier to install, which can be attributed to their advantages, because it will be possible to do without the involvement of specialists.

Single lever mixers

These are the most popular faucets today. They are equipped with only one handle, which can have a completely different design. It turns from side to side, and up and down, so adjusting the pressure and temperature of the water is as simple as possible - just make one easy movement. In addition, you can also stop the flow of water very quickly by lowering the mixer down.

Such mixers can have a spherical device or work on the basis of a cartridge. The latest models are more common today. By the way one of the types of single lever mixers are joystick. If in a single lever mixer is located along the spout, then in the joystick - in a vertical position and resembles a lever in a car gearbox. From the point of view of functionality and convenience there is no difference - the main difference is only in design.

Single lever mixers very economical, since the required water temperature is quite simple to set. In addition, there are options with built-in economy mode.In this case, the lever travel resistance will be noticeable during the transition from one mode to another.

It should be noted that such options are more difficult to install and repair, more demanding on water quality, since its increased rigidity can cause damage.

Another variety of such mixers is cascading.which spout is wider and narrower. 2-3 times more water passes through it than through a normal spout, which is not very economical. They look good in large rooms and can be used as a faucet for a bathtub or sink as a stylish addition to the interior.

Thermostatic Mixers

Such faucets are no longer uncommon in the plumbing market. They are very convenient in that supply water of only one temperature, which the user sets in advance. With the help of the lever, you can only change the pressure without worrying about choosing a comfortable temperature. Using the second lever, you can also change the temperature value, if such a need arises.

Despite the increased convenience and water saving, thermostatic mixers have some disadvantages. So they are different high price, and if the system cannot prepare the water at the set temperature, then it will simply block the water.

Contactless faucets

These mixers are the last word in technology. They allow most convenient, fast and comfortable carry out all hygiene procedures. The faucet is equipped with an infrared sensor that responds to hands held and turns on the water. When you remove your hands, the water will stop flowing. Energy from such devices is taken either from the home power supply or from batteries. Such faucets can often be seen in public places, but they are beginning to be actively used in ordinary bathrooms. Today, by the way, faucets with a touch control panel are gaining popularity, on which all the parameters of the water flow are displayed, and with which you can control it.

No. 2. Mixer material

Mixers can be made of different materials, and it is this parameter that largely determines its durability and reliability:

• brass - one of the best materials for the mixer. Such products are durable, safe, not afraid of corrosion. To give them a certain appearance, they can be chrome-plated or nickel-plated. A distinctive feature of such mixers is their high weight;
• alloy steel today it is very rarely used for the manufacture of mixers, since such devices turn out to be expensive and not very practical, quickly become worthless;
• plastic and other synthetic materials are often used to make handles and some other components. On top of the plastic is covered with a layer of enamel, chrome, nickel or, in more exclusive devices, trimmed with bronze and gilding. Of the affordable options, it is better to give preference to a chrome coating, since nickel can cause allergies, and the enamel quickly erases;
• ceramics used for the manufacture of only individual parts of the mixer. If the material is of high quality, then the mixer will last a long time, but if the ceramic was made in violation of the norms and requirements, then it can crack under the influence of high temperatures.

No. 3. Choosing a bath faucet

Although the approach to the selection of bath, shower and sink faucets has a lot of common requirements, there are still some nuances that should be taken into account.

For the bath, mainly mixers of the following types are used:

• with standard low spout, as well as with a water switch for shower and spout itself;
• long spout. This option was popular in the Soviet past, when the faucet was common to the bathtub and washbasin, and could be rotated and used both in the bathtub and in the sink. Today, manufacturers are increasingly less likely to produce such mixers, but still many people opt for them;
• shower mixer without spout and the switch of the direction of the flow of water in the bathrooms is rarely used, but it can still be useful if you use the bathtub only as a shower.

By installation method bath mixers can be of the following types:

• embeddedthat are located on the side of the bath. As a rule, mixers of this type of installation are already pre-installed on the bathtubs and in the future they are difficult to replace. It is better if there are holes in the bathtub for such faucets, but usually they are only in acrylic bathrooms. This installation method allows you to hide many elements of the mixer, so the result is as aesthetically pleasing as possible;
• wall mounted. They are usually complemented by a long or medium spout depending on the shape of the bath. In this case, you can use the shower bar to conveniently use the shower;
• on the rack. This option is less common and is only suitable for spacious rooms, the style of which involves finding a bath in the center of the room. In this case, the pipes are led to similar mixers from under the floor.

Number 4. Choosing a shower faucet

Shower faucets can be of two types:

• recessed;
• wall mounted.

From the point of view of functionality, you will not notice the difference, but there are still external differences. So, wall mixer for the shower - in fact the same as for the bath, only it does not have a spout. They can be controlled as you like: using the joystick, knob, sensor, etc. - you can choose the option from the above that is most suitable for you in price and comfort. This type of mixer has a significant advantage - it can even be installed independently, and in the future its repair will be simplified. Recessed the faucet is even more reliable and durable, and also more aesthetically pleasing, since only the handle will be visible.

When choosing a shower faucet, special attention should be paid to size and watering can shape, which will be not only functional, but also a decorative element of the bath. Watering can also differ in the number of water supply modes: in the simplest mixers, this is one or two modes, and in expensive ones their number can reach up to a dozen. Moreover, the most modern types of faucets can be equipped with such additional functions as saving water, cleaning it, lighting, etc.

It’s not at all necessary, but quite possible, to install a sprinkler in the shower: it is much larger than any watering can, has a larger number of holes, and during operation it completely simulates raindrops. In addition, side jets for hydromassage can also be installed. But if all these functions in the shower are so necessary, then it is better to choose a shower cabin with built-in nozzles and sprinklers.

No. 5. Choosing a basin mixer

Before choosing a faucet for the sink, you need to decide on for what purposes will it be used. So, if you only wash your hands and wash, you can opt for a low mixer. If you plan to wash a child or pet in the sink, then it is better to choose a medium or high mixer.

As with bath and shower faucets, the faucets for the sink in installation plan can be wall mounted or embedded. The built-in ones are most often supplemented with a bottom valve, thanks to which you can draw wash water in the sink. This is true in a number of European countries where they try to save every drop of water. It is not customary for us to draw water for washing, but a similar function can come in handy if you need to quickly wash something.

No. 6. Choosing a Bidet Mixer

Such a plumbing fixture, like a bidet, is just beginning to conquer domestic bathrooms and will certainly find a place in spacious restrooms. Externally, bidet faucets can be confused with similar devices for sinks or baths, but still they have one significant difference. So, on such devices there is a built-in aerator, which allows you to direct a stream of water in the necessary direction.Also, bidet mixers in the kit may have several interchangeable nozzlesdue to which the functionality of the mixer increases dramatically.

Today are also very popular. hygienic shower tapssince they can be used with toilet bowlturning it into a multifunctional device and not taking up space at the same time - relevant for small bath rooms.

Having chosen the best option, then when choosing, you must follow the rules described above. You need to choose a control option for the mixer, the material of manufacture, the installation method. Try to keep all the faucets in the bathroom in harmony with each other.

Number 7. Attention to the manufacturer

Today in the market of sanitary ware in general and faucets in particular, they have established themselves well Italian and German manufacturers. They are followed by French, Swiss, Spanish, Swedish, American and domestic. In addition, Chinese manufacturers are widely represented in the domestic market, many of which offer cheap and not very high-quality goods. When choosing plumbing, it’s better to think many times about whether it will be possible to save money by buying a little cheaper, but low-quality products, because it can soon break down, and manufacturers do not give guarantees for it, unlike well-known companies with more expensive products.

Some of the best manufacturers at the moment are:

• Grohe - A well-known German manufacturer who has been operating in the market for more than 70 years. The products are distinguished by a wide range in terms of functionality and design; it has proved itself to be of excellent quality, but it is also not cheap;
• Hansgrohe - Another German company that produces mixers of different functionality. Each product is given a 5-year warranty, and their distinctive feature is a minimalist design;
• Oras - A Finnish company whose products are distinguished by a pleasant price-quality ratio. The manufacturer pays special attention to faucets with a thermostat;
• Jacob delafon - A French company, which is also famous for the high quality of its mixers, they are covered by a 5-year warranty. The collections are diverse, but great importance is given to the classical style;
• Roca - A company that boasts a huge range of products. Here you can find faucets from Baroque to hi-tech, but, however, sometimes because of interesting shapes and unusual style the convenience of using faucets suffers;
• Mamoli- A well-known Italian company, which pleases with a huge assortment and consistently high quality.

Companies such as Carlo Frattini Visenti, Herbeau, Teka, Ideal Standard, Supergrif, Geberit, Aquatica have also proven themselves excellently.

Finally

When choosing, do not forget to inspect the mixer, as it should not have any damage. Also try to think ahead. bathroom interior and compare the selected plumbing with faucets in order to ultimately get a harmonious space that will be as comfortable and at the same time functional.