The modern Russian plumbing market presents a large selection of high-quality steel bathtubs. Among domestic manufacturers, a prominent place is occupied, according to reviews, by the Donna Vann bathtub, which are of high quality, affordable price and a variety of shades. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of steel bathtubs from the Verkh-Isetsk Metallurgical Plant, the company's product range. We learn how to install the product and take care of it and what the users of the products say.
Advantages and disadvantages of steel bathtubs
The secret of the popularity of steel bathtubs lies in a large number of advantages. According to reviews, the Donna Vann bathtubs are affordable, so most Russian citizens can afford their purchase and installation, which is also not difficult.
The advantages of steel structures for the bathroom :
- light weight - in most cases, the design does not exceed 50 kg (this minimizes the cost of transportation and installation);
- strength and durability. Steel is a fairly strong and lightweight material, so the bath will last at least three decades, if you properly care for the product;
- not subject to temperature differences. Steel is a heat-conducting material, therefore it quickly heats up, but cools down just as quickly.
Despite the mention of the many advantages in the reviews of Donna Vann from VIZ, users note that it also has disadvantages like any steel structure. Enamel bowls, regardless of the color, has a smooth surface, so chips and cracks can form on it. It is better not to wash the steel bowl with abrasive or aggressive agents.
Range of bathtubs of the Donna Vann trademark
Domestic bathtubs from VIZ OJSC (Verkh-Isetskiy Metallurgical Plant) are presented in different colors, but have standard sizes.
Sizes of bathtubs of a trademark:
- 150/170 × 70 × 40 cm - presented in such colors: "summer heaven", "blue lagoon", "sea wave", "green mint", "Caribbean pearl";
- 105 × 65 × 35.5 cm, 120/170 × 70 × 40 cm (standard width) - coloring "white orchid";
- 150/170 × 75 × 40 cm (increased width) - also presented in snow-white colors.
In the reviews about Donna Vann, “white orchid”, users note that it is a beautiful milky white color that will suit any room design. Some larger-width designs come with extra handles to make them easier to use.
Advantages of a domestic-made bathtub from VIZ OJSC
In steel bathtubs of the Donna Vann trademark there is a special plate, due to which vibration during water intake is minimized. Also, as a result of this, the noise level is noticeably reduced, while the structure of the structure does not change.
Additional comfort during operation, as users note in the reviews about the “Donna Bath” bathtub, is provided by the handles on the sides, but they are only in products of increased width.
Brand Advantages:
- variety of colors;
- quality assurance for products up to 10 years;
- high-quality enamel contains an antibacterial component, due to which the risk of bacteria on the surface of the bowl is reduced by 85%.
According to customer reviews, Donna Vann is a good combination of price and quality. The cost of the company's products varies from 3 thousand rubles to 7 thousand rubles, depending on size and color.
Installation
In order to install a bath of steel, you do not need expensive equipment. With some experience, you can fix the bowl yourself, because it is placed on its legs.
A steel bath can be installed in three different ways:
- along the wall - the most common option;
- in the corner - for small rooms;
- in the center - most often this method is chosen by the owners of country houses or elite, large-sized mansions, but here it is better to prefer oval or round designs.
The type of installation directly depends on the selected model, interior design in the room, as well as the availability of space. It is important that the floor is flat and all connections are airtight. In the reviews of the Donna Bath steel bathtub, users note that the legs on which the bowl is mounted are quite fragile, and any difference on the floor will significantly affect the stability of the entire structure. Therefore, it is previously advised to perform a floor screed.
To prevent the bath from loosening, you can additionally use iron supports that are attached to the wall. The joint of the bathroom and the wall is also hermetically sealed. This can be done using a flexible wall plinth. It is worth paying attention to grounding to protect yourself from electric shock.
Mounting a bathtub
Installation of the bath to the water supply system takes place in several stages. First, a support stand is installed, and then the electric potential.
Accessories for the support stand:
- drain zone support - 1 pc. regardless of the size of the structure;
- back zone support - 1 pc.;
- gasket - 4 pcs.;
- M6 × 30/40 bolt - 2 pcs.;
- washer 6 and spring washer 6 - 2 pcs.;
- nut “Lamb” M6 - 4 pcs.;
- bolt M10 × 55 - 4 pcs.;
- M10 gang - 8-12 pcs.;
- plastic plug with insert - 4 pcs.;
- cup and washer 10 - 4 pcs.
The bath must be turned upside down and put on a soft coating so as not to scratch the sides. Next, bolts with nuts are installed, on them are plastic plugs or cups. A protective plastic cover is removed from the mounting bracket and a bolt is installed in the T-slot. To install the drain zone, you must first fix the gaskets on the radial surface of the support, and then put it on the M6 × 30 bolt, which is pre-installed in the hole of the bracket. Next is the installation of the washer, spring washer and Lamb nut.
In order not to damage the surface of the bath, everything is screwed without tools. Similarly, it is worth doing all the operations with the support of the back zone. After that, avoid loading the bath until it is fully installed. The upper level is adjusted using the M10 × 55 bolt, after which the M10 nut is tightened.
To install the electric potential you will need:
- conductor (clamp) 20 cm long - 1 pc.;
- conductor (length 15 cm) - 1 pc.;
- M6x30 and M6x16 bolts - 1 pc.;
- M6 nut - 2 pcs.
The protective plastic cover must be carefully removed from the bath transportation bracket. Then clean the contact points from paint and scale. Next, the electric potential conductor is attached to the pipe with cold water and a clamp (for this you need a bolt and nut).
Care
The manufacturer of bathtubs VIZ OJSC warrants its products for ten years. But it is noted that the design can last much longer if you follow the simple rules of care. This is also noted in the reviews about the bath "Donna Bath" buyers.
The rules of care are as follows:
- do not use hard brushes to clean the bowl, as well as tools with abrasive elements;
- aggressive liquids, acids, alkalis are also not used in the bathroom, as they can violate the integrity of the structure;
- it is necessary to protect the product from mechanical damage (shock with heavy or sharp objects);
- it is worth keeping the bowl dry when not in use, since even a small amount of water at the bottom can cause spots, stains and even rust;
- bath cleaners should be acid free;
- from yellowish spots on a snow-white steel bath, which may appear over time, a weak vinegar solution will help;
- baking soda, mixed with water to the state of gruel, you can get rid of rust.
Donna Bath: customer reviews
Users note that these products of a domestic manufacturer are not inferior in quality to European counterparts. “Donna Vanna” is an excellent combination of price and quality, so you should not overpay for a foreign brand. In addition, the product range of the company is so wide in size and color that it can satisfy the taste of even the most demanding customer. Installation and installation of the structure are carried out easily and without much effort.