10 Tips for Choosing a Bath Faucet

In terms of installation, all bathroom faucets are divided into three types:

• wall mounted. The most "convenient" type of faucets, which is amenable to repair and quick replacement of any component that brings water. It requires a preventive installation of water outlets or carts, which in fact is not a big problem. The rigidity of the fixing of such cranes (as a rule, with a shower) is provided by eccentric adapters and nuts, which are supplied in the complete set (turned on each output of the mixer).
• recessed. Type mounted in a special place on the body of the bath, which is the least convenient embodiment of mixers. When installed close to the wall, the body of such models with leads will be blocked, and in order to get close to it, you will need to depressurize and move the bath away (which is not always possible). And it is often necessary to do these manipulations, since the average life of flexible hoses is 3-5 years.
• floor standing. In the realities of the Russian market, such faucets are not widespread, as the planning of bathrooms often does not allow to leave so much room for installation. In general, this solution looks very interesting, because it brings freshness to ordinary design solutions and does not provoke problems with the supply of tubes. However, there were also some drawbacks: in their reviews, consumers talk about the need to raise the floor level, which is not always possible in city apartments. In addition, many reported extremely flimsy design, which can be damaged, even accidentally hitting the mixer.

A rather logical parameter, equally valid for any technical product. Remember the main rule: the less innovations and constructive parts a mixer has, the more reliable it is.

Of course, no one cancels comfort, ease of use and original design, which are also important components of the production unit, whatever it may be. However, in the event of a breakdown, conventional thermostatic or sensory taps, the main advantage of which lies in the original control method, are very often not amenable to repair. The reason is simple: since this segment of the market is not developed as a segment of conventional valve taps or mixers, there are not so many spare parts for innovative developments. And if they exist in stock, then they are worth a lot of money, and you can only get them at official dealerships (services). Therefore, the best option purchase, confirmed by user reviews and experts, are still ordinary mixers.

The following variants are widely used as production materials for bathroom faucets:

• brass - the most popular material, extremely resistant to temperature and corrosion. With a chemical effect on brass, the maximum that can occur to it is a change in color, namely, a greenish patina coating. However, the softness can play a "cruel joke": when you try to screw in Kranbuksy with a slight bias on such a mixer, it is very easy to break the thread.
• stainless steel (chrome) - Good corrosion resistance of this material is combined with high strength and hardness, which gives it a significant advantage over brass. However, in terms of value, such taps noticeably lose to brass counterparts, having a 1.5-2 times higher price tag.
• bronze - metal used in vintage or retro style cranes manufactured. In terms of mechanical properties, it is somewhat superior to brass, but undergoes a more intensive process of patina formation on the surface.
• silumin (aluminum + silicon) - Perhaps the most disgusting material from which ever made cases mixers. It has a very low indicator of strength, and therefore can burst from the slightest increase in load, both during installation and with an increase in pressure in the system.
• ceramics - material, the peak of which falls on the time of 25-30 years ago. Despite the resistance to pressure drops, they still lacked practicality: small but sudden changes in temperature often provoked the destruction of explosive mixers.

As the most optimal models for the parameter of the material of manufacture we recommend to look at the brass and metal taps.

Three separate groups will be subject to consideration in this category of choice:

• fittings screw Type - the solution of the average level of reliability, widespread in modern mixers. As the most frequent problems associated with the use of such cranes, it is possible to highlight the need for periodic change of gaskets (seals), as well as gradual wear of the thread of the rod entering the axle box body.
• cartridges - typical fittings for single-lever cranes, having the greatest number of individual "problems". There is a complete consumption of lubricant in the area between several ceramic plates, which leads to the need for enhanced manipulation to control the water mixture. As a result of forceful action, the rod or plate retainer (or all together) suffers, up to a complete break.
• fittings ceramic Type is the most reliable system for temperature and pressure control, which is unequivocally indicated by the statistics of breakdowns falling into three designated groups. This effect is achieved due to the absence of gaskets (seals), threaded elements, as well as the dimensions of ceramic plates. Full lubrication testing (which is also inserted inside) has practically no effect on the required force for opening / closing the crane.

By tradition, the switches are divided into three types:

• push button - switching to the shower takes place through a button, more precisely, by pressing it or by forcing it. This mechanism of blocking and redirecting fluids is very simple and inexpensive to implement, but it has a number of characteristic “sores”. The main reason for its failure is the notorious valve wear. There are also frequent cases of pushing the return spring, which is why it stops locking the button in the normal position (preventing it from opening or closing the water supply to the shower). However, in case of failure, this element is very easy to replace on its own, which is another advantage of the push-button switch.
• lever - overlapping and redirecting the flow of fluid is carried out by turning the lever at an angle of 90-120 degrees. In this mechanism, two vulnerable assemblies emerge at once: valve guides, gradually becoming unusable and provoking the situation of incomplete adjustment of the lever, as well as raising the eccentric over the stem, which sets the valve in motion. This type of switch can be repaired poorly, and, therefore, in case of breakage, it may require a complete replacement of the mixer (or refusal to use the shower function).
• ball - judging by the opinions of experts, this mechanism is the most reliable of all presented. Switching here is carried out through a brass ball with a through hole, which is fixed in the middle of the saddles, made of fluoroplastic. Brass has a high resistance to wear, which entails a fairly long operation of the crane in general and the switch in particular.

One of the important parameters of the design of the mixer is the type of gander (or spout). He might be movable, providing rotation with respect to the nut, which fixes it on the body, or motionlessmonolithically fixed on the base of the crane.

The first group can be attributed to the mixers of a universal type, suitable both for installation on the sink and in the bath. Their advantage is a large radius of work, as well as ease of use (if necessary and causing interference, the gander can be set aside). The disadvantage is much less reliable design, as the locking nut and seals gradually become useless. And if you change the latter is no difficulty, then breaking the nut will lead to the need to purchase a new mixer.

In turn, the fixed models include cascade mixers, as well as the most common shortened taps with filter nets and aerators. According to all technical indications, this species is most practical, since a kink in the case of a rigid attachment is possible only if it is intentionally willing to pull it out. Yes, there is a little less ergonomics in it, but reliability with regard to the justification of investments still plays a key role.

This aspect includes the choice of two possible options that are quite equivalent in their performance and performance. Therefore, the question of how to choose a mixer with a hose, in this case is nothing more than taste.

So, the hose can be made of plastic, the main advantage of which is almost unlimited service life. The only caveat: when using cold water, its flexibility disappears - in fact, the once plastic tube stands up with a stake, and in order to straighten it, you will have to try hard. If you are a big fan of taking a contrast or cold shower, think twice about the advisability of buying a model with a plastic hose.

The second embodiment is a combination of twisted metal armor and a rubber hose, called a core. In this case, two annoying nuances are “exposed” at once, according to the number of components of the finished hose. Firstly, it is not a question of any unlimited shelf life of rubber: with periodic temperature differences, it loses its properties, cracks and can lead to water leakage from a microcrack, and significant breakthroughs up to complete destruction of the layer. Secondly, armored turns can deliver considerable troubles. The fact is that, sitting in a sleeve, it provides reliable protection of rubber against mechanical damage and kinks, however, once it leaves the seat, the irreparable will happen - it will disband completely until the last turn. However, it is possible to use this hose without problems both with hot and cold water, without fear for “freezing” at low temperatures.

From the standpoint of choosing a bathroom faucet for a shower head should be noted several approaches. The first is to reduce the price of the product as much as possible due to the most ordinary elements. Lake is no exception. In such a case, it will have one mode of operation, providing a constant pressure without multidirectional flows (jets). As a rule, the quality of these watering cans also leaves much to be desired.

The second option is based on the ergonomic choice, where an important attribute accompanying the mixer is a two- or three-position watering can with multidirectional jets, as well as the ability to control the pressure up to the type of water sprayed with small nozzles. This is especially important if the watering can is needed to knock down persistent pollution (for example, dried mud) from the surface of any objects. It is also important that at the same time the nozzles themselves are rubberized - such ones are easy to clean, rarely clogging with sand or lime from the aqueduct.

An indirect selection parameter affecting the purely aesthetic side of the mixers. Finishing influences the performance of cranes, in particular, how long they will be able to retain the original color.

The fact is that in order to increase the attractiveness of their product, many manufacturers coat the base metal with enamel, or they put a thin layer of paint (as a rule, precious metals act as it) by electroplating. Despite the initial showiness, these layers are not very resistant, gradually moving away from the product during active use and (most often) during cleaning. Most of the process of vanishing paint subject to surface-coated chrome valves, of which the vast majority of the market. The best choice here will be models with the original (uncoated) surface: bronze, brass or metal. Only these options will retain the original appearance for an unlimited time.

An aspect that indirectly affects both the total cost of the products presented and the maintainability of individual models of mixers. It can be interpreted according to two diametrically opposite points of view:

• According to the first, to which users most often lean, the high popularity of the manufacturer in the region affects the natural growth of prices for products. Success in this field is achieved, as a rule, by firms that are commonly called "flagship". The mixers of these firms are expensive in themselves, as well as their maintenance in the event of a breakdown, if such is provided for by the features of the model.
• The second point of view, expert, indicates that the popularity of the company affects the quantity of supply and the vastness of the range. That, in turn, causes a reduction in the cost of production or a significant increase in the variability of choice. However, this situation does not affect the cost of repair - spare parts for "tricked" mixers, as well as their installation or replacement, will be expensive.