The water faucet with thermostat is a convenient device that is gaining more and more fans in our country. The level of domestic comfort increases due to the constant temperature of the water supplied for washing dishes, bath procedures and for other purposes. A mixer with a thermostat is simple enough, it is available in many options, but any of them will be a welcome purchase in every home.
Why do I need a thermostat mixer
You have to use hot water daily, and just as often there is a need to regulate the temperature and pressure of the water. A mixer with a special device solves two problems at once: once you set the parameters, you can no longer return to this issue - water will be supplied from the tap in the given degrees.
The water pressure in our taps “fails”, is weak or too strong, the thermostatic device successfully solves this problem. Turning and fixing the thermostat lever will eliminate the need to arrange a test drive of the current state of water pressure in the pipes each time. As a result, the user receives a new level of quality of life and saves energy resources both globally and in terms of reducing the cost of housing and communal services.
What is a thermostat?
The thermostatic mixer device consists of several components:
- Temperature limiter. It works when water is supplied, the temperature of which is higher than comfortable.
- Temperature scale. Fixes indicators.
- Thermal regulator. With its help, the balance of hot and cold flow is regulated to obtain water of a given temperature.
- Water pressure regulator.
The thermostatic mixer for the shower and any other water supply device has the main element - the thermostat. It is a limiter consisting of one copper and one paraffin rod.
How does it work
The principle of operation of the thermostatic shower mixer is based on the regulation of the pressure of cold and hot water. A thermocouple is located in the device’s body, the task of which is to monitor the temperature indicators of the supplied water.
As soon as the temperature exceeds the fixed value, there is an increase in the supply of cold water. With a decrease in temperature, the pressure of hot water increases. The recognition process takes a split second, so the changes are invisible. When pressure fluctuates in the water supply system (hot / cold), the pressure of the jet from the mixer will change. The absence of hot or cold water in the pipes causes the flow from the tap to be blocked.
How to use
The thermostatic mixer from the most primitive to the most technologically advanced has two regulators, one is responsible for the pressure of water, the second - for temperature. In mass production, thermal mixers with two levers are more common. The design of the product is very different - from traditional valves to buttons, the most "advanced" are equipped with touch sensors and a liquid crystal display, which displays the temperature and water pressure.
It is recommended to start adjusting the thermostatic shower mixer with fixing the temperature of the water, and then adjust the pressure. It does not matter at all when the indicators will be set: before turning on the water or during water procedures. Having fixed the numbers in advance, you can count on comfort without distractions and on saving at the start.
Advantages and disadvantages
A mixer with temperature and water pressure control, like any device, has pros and cons.
Advantages:
- The constancy of the temperature of the supplied water. Changes in water pressure (hot / cold) are not felt.
- Blocking the flow in an emergency. The complete absence of cold water serves as a signal to cut off the hot stream, there is no risk of getting burned.
- Profitability. There is no overspending of resources for setting the temperature and pressure.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- Difficulties with maintenance and repair. Not in every city can you find a manufacturer’s service center to carry out preventive maintenance or repairs within the warranty period.
Appointments
In a desire to please the consumer as much as possible, companies create devices that provide comfort in every place where water is required. Common types of faucets with thermostat:
- Thermostatic shower faucet. A characteristic feature is the absence of a spout for spouting water.
- Thermostatic mixer for shower. Also, there is no place for spouting water; it is built into the communication system by means of connecting pipes.
- Thermostatic bath mixer. Two types are produced - with a wall mount and built-in bathtub rim. In their shape they resemble an elongated cylinder with adjusters at the ends. This type of thermostatic mixer has a standard spout for spout. Most often, it regulates the flow of water both directly during its collection in the bath, and for shower procedures. Translation of the type of use is a normal switch.
- For the sink. It has a vertical configuration, a spout for water, a lever / valve for opening. Installation can be done on the wall or directly on the sink.
There are specialized devices for a bidet, a hygienic shower, kitchen sinks, but the principle of operation is the same for everyone.
Models
According to the execution of heat mixers produce mechanical and electronic. In the mechanical model, the device is set up using valves or levers. For domestic communications, this type of mixer is more reliable, since interruptions in supply, pressure surges in pipes and uneven heating of water are a common phenomenon. The design of the device is diverse and solved in different styles: from vintage models to minimalist ones.
Electronic models are more sensitive to adverse conditions, but more informative. The data is displayed on a small screen, it is possible to set several work programs, for example, for each family member a separate mode or turning on the water supply at a certain time. Some models are even able to conduct water analysis. Operation depends on the battery or direct connection to the mains. The problem of the electronic heat mixer, in addition to its cost, is the difficulty in professional maintenance and the availability of service centers.
Mounting Features
Thermostatic shower or bath faucet is more popular than devices designed for the kitchen. For installation in the bathroom, the following conditions must be met:
- The thermostat has strictly defined hot and cold water entry points that are labeled according to European standards. Incorrect connection will lead to malfunctions and ultimately to failure.
- When installing on the water system of the times of the USSR, it should be taken into account that cold water is on the left, and hot water is supplied on the right, in the EU countries it is vice versa. Therefore, before installing a thermostatic mixer for shower or bath, it is necessary to remount the water distribution system. This rule does not apply to vertical thermostats, in this case it is enough to swap flexible hoses.
Also, it is not superfluous to install filters at the entry points of water into the apartment before installing the equipment. This will help to preserve the integrity of the device for longer, and will ensure health for all family members.
Thermostats from Grohe
The German brand is one of the leaders in the production of quality thermostats. Grohe mixers have a number of advantages that make the company a leader in customer preferences:
- High-quality and reliable equipment.
- Modern design.
- Compact size.
- Resistance to mechanical damage.
- Durability in operation.
- Smooth work.
- Water saving up to 50% with EcoButton technology.
- Equipped with TurboStat technology, allowing you to quickly respond to the slightest temperature fluctuation.
Grohe thermostatic mixers are the leaders in popularity in the target audience and have a warranty period of 5 years, which indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of the device.
Other manufacturers
The FAR thermostatic mixer differs in a laconic look in comparison with the designer finds of other manufacturers, but in terms of characteristics it will give odds to many. The thermal mixers of this manufacturer are more familiar to professionals, since the company produces sanitary fittings, devices for heating systems, etc.
Mixers with thermostat TERMO-FAR are connected to the system at two points of entry of hot and cold water, a mixed stream is supplied to the pipe outlet. The thermostatic sensor is in the sphere of influence of two streams of water and is built into the body equipped with two valves; it mechanically changes the ratio of the supply of cold and hot water. The temperature control range is adjustable from 25 ° C to 65 ° C, while the maximum water temperature can reach 95 ° C. According to consumer reviews, one of the reliable and easy to repair devices.
Armatura thermostatic shower faucet is manufactured by the Polish factory KFA. The device is in demand in our open spaces, it has an acceptable cost and easy installation. It has a sufficient margin of safety and retains an attractive appearance for a long time.
Reviews
Many buyers have left their opinions on a device such as a thermostatic mixer. Reviews talk about the benefits of its use, the comfort of constant temperature and pressure is noted, which could not be achieved with an ordinary mixer. Those with children growing up in the family talk about safety: a child can often open and close taps, which can lead to scalding or hypothermia. By purchasing a thermostat with an additional protection function, you can be sure that the child’s hand will not turn the temperature control knob to a critical state. For some customers, this opportunity turned out to be an advantage in the purchase and fully paid off.
Negative feedback was expressed to individual manufacturers whose products were short-lived and quickly failed. There were also difficulties in combining Western technology with domestic pipes and water. The filters built into the water supply systems quickly clogged, and the mixers themselves required additional fittings for installation.
Many noted the difficulties with the repair of thermostats, and often with the unavailability of the service. In most negative reviews come down to the opinion that it is worth buying such equipment from manufacturers with an established reputation and extensive experience in the production of such devices.