Today, most houses and apartments are equipped with classic single lever and two-valve mixers. However, as you know, when using them, it can be quite difficult to adjust the temperature of the water before the water procedure and maintain the desired heat balance during its implementation. But at present, more advanced plumbing fixtures have appeared on the plumbing market, which make it possible to solve these two problems without problems - they are self-regulating faucets for a bathroom with a shower with a thermostat.
Purpose of the mixer with thermostat
Externally, these mixers are similar to conventional ones, and their work is based on the use of the physical laws of thermal expansion of substances. Their main task is to instantly respond to changes in the level of water heating and bring the temperature and pressure parameters to the specified values.
Mixer with thermostat
Any bath and shower faucet with thermostat consists of the following parts:
- Body. The shape of the body resembles a cylinder with two branches, to which cold and hot water is connected.
- Pressure regulator. This is the so-called crane-box, which is mounted in the left end of the cylindrical body and has built-in ceramic disks.
- Thermostatic cartridge. Its function is to maintain a predetermined temperature regime, since it is here that contrasting water flows are mixed and the temperature is regulated. Due to the presence of a limiter, the water temperature will not be higher than 38 degrees. This option is very convenient and can be especially useful for families with small children, as it helps to avoid burns.
Thermostatic cartridge design
Since the thermostatic cartridge is the most important part of the mixer, it is worthwhile to dwell on its device in more detail.
By its design, the cartridge is quite simple in design and has a rather long service life. It consists of a body, a rod with a spring and a sleeve having small radial holes . The main element of the cartridge is a thermostatic element. It is a cylindrical capsule or cartridge, consisting of fixed and moving parts. As a fixed part can be:
- beeswax (or another polymer with similar properties);
- bimetallic rings or plates.
Bathroom faucet with shower with thermostat: working principle
As mentioned above, the operation of a thermostatic mixer is based on the physical property of the expansion of bodies and is as follows.
The wax, which is filled with a special cavity of the body, expands or decreases in volume when the temperature changes. This causes the movement of the movable part of the capsule (rod) in the longitudinal direction. Then this movement is transmitted to the damper, responsible for the flow of hot and cold water. In order to prevent the damper from being squeezed in case of a large pressure difference in the pipelines, the design is equipped with a water flow check valve. A special protection is also provided, which will not allow the water temperature to rise above 80 degrees. It is a fuse mounted on the adjusting screw. If the supply of cold or hot water stops abruptly, the fuse will block the water, blocking the supply to the watering can. When the cold water supply is restored, the mixing process will automatically continue. Thanks to this device, the risk of burns is eliminated.
Types of faucets with thermostat
There are two types of thermostatic faucets on the plumbing market:
Mechanical models are equipped with conventional controls. It can be valves, handles or levers.
Automatic bath faucets with a thermostat shower are equipped with a liquid crystal screen that displays the temperature of the water. Such a device receives power from batteries or a network adapter, and it is controlled by buttons or sensors. Some, more advanced models, can work remotely, responding to infrared sensor signals.
Thermostatic faucets can be produced specifically for installation in the kitchen, bath, shower or bidet. There are universal models, but not many.
The equipment is mounted using both open and hidden methods, which depends on the preferences of each specific owner.
Pros and Cons of Thermostatic Mixers
Any thermostatic mixer has a whole range of advantages.
Firstly, a faucet with a thermostat for a bathtub with shower is economically viable. The system of precise adjustment of the water supply makes it possible to make water consumption more economical. With no need to pre-set the flow temperature, water consumption is reduced. This is especially important for those apartments where there are electric boilers.
Secondly, the mixer with thermostat is safe. Control of the water supply will not allow cases when a stream of hot or cold water falls on a person. The water supply in this case will turn off automatically. In addition, this advantage is especially important for those people who use storage water heaters, the temperature of which can reach 80 degrees. The mixer with thermostatic control will greatly reduce the risk of burns.
And thirdly, bathroom faucets with a shower with a thermostat and a long spout are convenient. A quick reaction allows the mixer to instantly adapt to changes in temperature and pressure drops in common communications. Pressure and temperature regulators will allow you to keep the set parameters unchanged.
As for the shortcomings, perhaps the main one is the high price. True, this does not repel many, because the thermostatic mixer quickly pays off due to practicality, safety and convenience.
Bathroom faucets with shower with thermostat: reviews
Thermostatic faucets receive many positive reviews from consumers. Owners of private houses with an autonomous water supply system note the convenience of these devices. They say that you can still adjust the temperature, and after that it remains only to turn one knob.
For apartment owners who also own the device, another factor is important. They write that due to frequent fluctuations in pressure in the network, the pressure is weak or completely turned off. And in a family with children, this device will provide fairly great security.
Manufacturers
The production of thermostatic mixers in our country has not yet been established. Among foreign manufacturers, German firms Grone and Hansgrohe, the Finnish company Oras, can be distinguished. Based on independent research results, these bathroom faucets with a shower with a thermostat are recognized as the best in their performance.
Conclusion
The bathroom faucets with thermostatic shower are designed for comfort and safety. Especially their installation is recommended for families with young children and the elderly. It is also preferable to use them where there is a large difference in pipe pressures, which causes difficulties in adjusting the mixing of water to a comfortable temperature.
In the modern market of sanitary equipment, you can find products with any design design, various options and installation methods. Buying a thermostatic faucet will allow you to ensure a pleasant stay in the bathroom according to your needs.