Cast iron plumbing until a certain time had no competitors. After all, this material has high strength and reliability. The only thing that can confuse the buyer is the weight of the cast-iron bath.
Before purchasing, you need to consider some options. For example, the shape and size of the product. However, the main factor influencing the choice is weight. After all, it is from him that the convenience of transportation and installation depends.
In Soviet times, a cast-iron bathtub was very popular. Typical product sizes at that time were 150x70 cm and 170x70. The weight of Soviet cast-iron bathtubs was their main drawback. Today, this figure is much lower, which is associated with modern manufacturing technology.
Classification
Consider the classification of Soviet cast iron products based on the values of width and length.
The model 140x70 cm is most often installed in small rooms. The maximum weight of such a bath is 80 kilograms, and the capacity is 150 liters. However, this option is not suitable for an adult who wants to enjoy lying in a warm water. After all, here you can only accept a sitting position.
The following model is suitable for a standard room. The weight of a cast-iron bathtub of 150x70 is 95 kilograms.
Rarely enough products are found with dimensions of 160x70 cm. To take a bath, it is enough to collect about 170 water. In this case, the mass is 100 kilograms.
A more modern bathroom layout requires the installation of an elongated design. That is why the product with dimensions of 170x70 cm is ideal for such a room. And what is the weight of a cast-iron bathtub 170 cm? This parameter is 119 kilograms, and the capacity is up to 180 liters.
Oversized bathtubs are often made to order. The size of this design is 200x70 cm. This model is suitable only for large areas.
If we compare the Soviet bathtubs with modern products, their mass has become much less. For example, the weight of a cast-iron bathtub of 150 cm of domestic production is 20 kilograms more than that of a modern model. However, weight reduction is most often associated with savings in materials. This leads to a decrease in heat capacity and strength.
Modifications
There are several basic modifications of Soviet fonts. For example, corner constructions are made only at large enterprises. After all, manufacturing requires additional capacity.
On special legs, oval fonts are most often made. Such models do not adjoin the wall.
The standard option is a rectangular bath with typical sizes. It has rounded corners inside the bowl and high stability.
Features
Soviet products, in addition to dimensions, have additional features. In particular, the coating. After all, the quality of enamel affects the duration of operation and appearance during this period. The standard value for the thickness of an enamel coating is one millimeter. In addition, the inner side of the product is absolutely smooth, without cracks and chips.
The reliable design has the correct geometric shape. Also, there are no uneven edges, corners and bends. Safe operation is ensured by the installation of special armrests and handles. In addition, additional processing of the bath with a special solution prevents corrosion.
The choice of color scheme is quite modest. Only now technologies have appeared that allow to realize any idea. In the Soviet period, the white model was the most common option.
Which material is better?
In Soviet times, cast iron was a popular material for the production of bathtubs. However, now they are made from various raw materials. In addition to cast iron, steel and acrylic are used. Each option has negative and positive sides. For example, steel is a sufficiently ductile material, which makes it possible to produce a bath of any configuration. The surface of cast iron is often porous, which leads to the accumulation of dirt and the appearance of rust. This drawback is absent in steel models.
The weight of the cast-iron bathtub is much more than steel, so it can be installed alone. However, due to its low mass, the structure is unstable and needs support. The wall most often acts as the last. Unlike a bathtub made of cast iron, such a model quickly heats up and cools down.
Acrylic font is made of plastic synthetic material. Such raw materials are absolutely safe and hygienic. However, the acrylic construction is most often not rigid enough. This indicator is governed by the number of reinforcing layers. Therefore, to evenly distribute the loads, the bottom and sides of the bathtub are further strengthened.
The advantage of this model is the ability to maintain temperature for a long time. For example, a bathtub made of cast iron, after five minutes, cools by one degree. While in an acrylic bathtub such changes occur only after half an hour.
In this case, the font made of acrylic is easy to damage. Specialists do not recommend using various chemicals to clean the product. It is better to give preference to special products that are designed specifically for such surfaces. By the way, small defects can be eliminated by polishing. Tools for this procedure are sold in hardware stores.
Manufacturers
Relatively recently, specialized departments could not surprise with a wide range. At that time, there were two manufacturers. Moreover, domestic and import manufacturers differed not only in cost.
The weight of a cast-iron bathtub of 170 cm Soviet-made exceeds the foreign counterpart by almost twenty-five kilograms. However, this is not a significant minus. After all, such a difference is due to a decrease in quality and thermal conductivity.
In addition, the depth of imported models is only thirty-five centimeters. This is often not enough for the average person.
Domestic products have great strength, but the choice of the shape of the bath is small. Whether business is foreign. A variety of design solutions, additional accessories and coatings is amazing and significantly increases the cost of construction.
Advantages
Soviet cast-iron baths have several advantages. In particular, the font is easy to care for. At the same time, the coating retains its original appearance for a long time. It is permissible to use household chemicals and temperature differences.
Manufacturers always give a long guarantee for such a bath. It can be operated for 25 years. The significant weight of the cast-iron bathtub 170x70 eliminates most of the vibrations. For humans, they are practically invisible, but have a negative effect on the tightness of joints.
disadvantages
The large mass of the structure is its main drawback. For example, the weight of a cast-iron bathtub 150x70 can be more than 100 kilograms. This creates certain difficulties during transportation. Therefore, you will have to use the services of several assistants, which leads to additional costs.
The disadvantages of this product include an insufficient variety of forms. Cast iron fonts are made rectangular or oval. This is due to the laborious casting process. Relatively recently appeared designs that have an angular configuration. However, the cost of this option is quite high.
Installation
Installation should begin with placing the bath in the room. It must be turned in advance in order to fix the details of the legs. To do this, you need brackets and a tool kit. Next, a siphon and a drainage system are installed. In this case, the design should be located at a certain slope to the drain hole. You can adjust its position using the support part and the building level.
The places of contact between the structure and the wall should be treated with a special protective compound. This must be done to ensure tight joints. Do not forget to install the water shutter mechanism. Then you can proceed to securing the outlet pipe.
In addition, grounding is required. After all, cast iron is a conductor of electricity. Before starting operation, it is better to fill the bathtub with several liters of cold water. Only after that you can fully enjoy the water procedures.
Conclusion
For some, the weight of a cast-iron bathtub 170x70 can be an advantage, for someone a serious drawback. It all depends on the preferences and wishes of users. Therefore, it is worthwhile to think over some details in advance, because the bath is most often used for more than a dozen years.