Modern apartments and new buildings are equipped with modernized taps. Unlike the old model, advanced mixers for bath and shower serve mixed water. The flow is regulated by a special handle, which facilitates use. One light touch is enough to turn on the device. The temperature changes when you turn the knob. From a standard plumbing device, the faucet has become an integral element of the decor. In addition to functional characteristics, it should fit into the interior of the room, look aesthetically pleasing and attractive. Each year, mixers differing in form and color scheme appear in stores, so it is difficult to choose the appropriate option.
How to choose a mixer
When buying a plumbing fixture, pay attention to its purpose, strength, determine where it is better to use. Select bath and shower faucets separately. One device will not cope with a double load and will become worthless. The durability of the mixer depends on the materials used for the manufacture and on the strength of the structure. Since the device is often used in the house, the functional characteristics should be at their best. The mixer is easily adjustable, easy to operate, has three or four external openings.
It is difficult for an inexperienced buyer to understand the intricacies and features of the mixer. The range and variety of manufacturers make it difficult to choose plumbing fixtures.
When buying, the presence of a shower holder , a switch and a spout is taken into account. In order not to change an expensive device every year, consider:
- management system;
- a variety of bath mixer, shower with spout;
- instrument material;
- subtleties of installation;
- manufacturing company.
It is important not to make a mistake with the choice, to choose a mixer that meets the requirements and preferences.
The main principles of choice
Going for a new mixer, determine in advance the selection criteria:
- Price. The cost of the device depends on the country of manufacture. Foreign faucets are twice as expensive as domestic ones, they look more elegant, fit different interior styles. Mixers from Russian manufacturers are not so original, but they are not inferior in design strength.
- Mixer installation. Determine where to place the faucet: on board the bath with shower or on the wall. Wall structures require attention, pipe damage will result in water leakage. Then you need to remove the tile to get to the communications.
- Mixer height. If you already have a sink, the choice of mixer depends on the height of the rack. A low crane will prevent handling.
According to external parameters, the mixers are divided into the following groups:
- Retro mixers. Despite the rapid emergence of new plumbing fixtures, classic faucets continue to buy. Antique styling, golden color, technical characteristics make the faucets popular and in demand. Prices for retro devices are low, but some models are more expensive.
- The ultramodern models of bath faucets with a shower amaze with variety, elegance and functionality. At first glance, the design is complex, but if you look at the nuances, everything will become clear and simple. Interesting forms of products harmoniously fit into the interior. Modern models themselves turn on, regulate the temperature, monitor the amount of water, are equipped with thermostats and pressure compensators.
When choosing a mixer, inspect the parts, turn the levers, make sure that the appliance is working and reliable. Wanting to save money, it is easy to stumble upon a fake, imitation of models of popular brands is common, so caution will not hurt.
Types of Mixers
Models of faucets for a bathroom with a shower are divided into three categories according to the design, the principle of operation, and the presence of additional parts.
Single lever
The design of a single lever mixer consists of a body and a plate that acts as a lever. Mixers are divided into metal, plastic and ceramic. Single levers are divided into ball and cartridge mixers. The basis of the ball valve is a ball with holes for water. This design is called a mixing chamber, the flow of water is regulated by a special rod.
Cartridge
Instead of a ball, the cartridge mixer is equipped with a cartridge with ceramic plates. With the help of a manipulator lever, the structure is actuated. Single lever mixers quickly adjust the temperature of the water. One drawback is the wear of the seals, filters will also be needed to clean the water from sand.
Two-valve classic mixers
Sales of two-valve mixers show steady growth, and the taps themselves occupy one of the first places in the market of sanitary fixtures in terms of demand for products. Cost makes the device budget and affordable. Mixers with two valves are divided into two types. The first - with a locking element in the form of a soft pad, the second - ceramic plates. Soft-tap faucets are cheaper; it’s easy to use and adjust the temperature of the water. The lack of soft pads - sudden wear. Ceramic plates are reliable and durable compared to gaskets. Mixers with ceramic gaskets are quick and easy to operate.
Cascading
The cascade mixer is characterized by:
- attractiveness;
- functionality;
- style;
- ease of use;
- modern design.
Such a mixer refers to embedded structures. When installing the device, there is no need to hide the pipes. This feature facilitates repair work in the event of a breakdown. Has a cascade faucet for the bathroom shower switch and a hole for the shower hose.
Mixers are characterized by disadvantages and advantages, therefore, take the choice of the device with all seriousness and responsibility.
How a thermostat mixer works
One type of mixer is a thermostatic appliance. Simple design, convenient to operate, easily adjusts the required temperature. The device is cylindrical in shape with a pair of temperature controllers, there is a ceramic cartridge inside the structure, it differs in the way it works.
The bath mixer with shower with thermostat sets the set temperature mode. When installing the mixer, carefully monitor the hoses so as not to confuse cold water with hot water.
Studying the advantages and disadvantages of the mixer with thermostat will help to avoid problems in the future. Using the mixer is easy by simply pressing the levers or buttons. In this case, there is no need to adjust the temperature for a long time, which will significantly save water. Cons plumbing design - high price and complicated repairs. When the water pressure drops, the mixer stops working.
Installation of a thermostatic shower for a bathtub with a mixer is simple and in most cases occurs without the need to call a wizard to install plumbing at home.
Types of Thermostatic Mixers
Thermostatic mixers differ in the way of regulation and are divided into two groups:
- Mechanical. Reliable and economical mechanism, equipped with valves.
- Electronic. The expensive model is equipped with a sensor or buttons, it is possible to control a remote control. Information is displayed on the built-in screen. The main minus is that it does not work without a network adapter.
Faucets with a thermostat for a bathroom with a shower are divided into universal and narrowly targeted. Universal suited to different plumbing, and narrowly targeted - for sinks, kitchens, bathtubs. Mixers are mounted in different ways, open and hidden. An open method involves placing the structure on the bath. With the closed method, the mixer is mounted in a special box or in a wall.
Touch spout, bathtub faucet and rain shower
What is it? A novelty among plumbing devices, a touch faucet for the bathroom with shower. This is a modern advanced design, without buttons and gates. The flow of water is controlled by infrared rays or ultrasonic sensors that detect movement. Just put your hands up, the water will flow immediately. The mixer is hypersensitive, some models are equipped with a control panel.
The touch mixer has the following advantages:
- security;
- profitability;
- convenience.
To choose the right option, follow the recommendations of the masters and listen to the recommendations of the consultants. Determine if the sensitivity and temperature of the product can be adjusted. Additional features are important. The price of the mixer also depends on this. The price is also affected by the size of the device, manufacturer, material from which the mixer was made.
Installation of the touch mixer begins with the body part. When the housing is installed, the mixer is connected to the water supply. Before mounting the structure, shut off the water supply.
Another novelty is the rain shower for the bathroom. It differs from a conventional mixer by the presence of watering cans. The designs are different in size and shape. They have a therapeutic effect.
Universal faucets for small bathrooms
A small bathtub is characterized by close installation of plumbing fixtures. In such conditions, it is worth choosing a faucet in the bathroom with a shower with a long spout, which makes it possible to use the mixer both in the sink and in the bath.
Switching the shower faucet - the bath will save space in the bathroom and save on unnecessary hoses and accessories. The freed up free space can be used to advantage, mounting hinged shelves or hooks for washcloths, thereby expanding the usable space of the room. Shower faucets - a bath is distinguished by a switching mechanism:
- ball;
- cork;
- eccentric;
- cartridge.
The bath mixer with spout and shower features design features. The length of the spout is different, in addition, it can be fixed and rotary. The mode switch is present on each device, but has a different mode of action.
Materials of manufacture
A variety of materials are used to make bath faucets with spout and shower. More common are metal faucets made of brass or bronze. These materials do not deteriorate under the influence of liquids. Metal structures are strong and reliable not only from the outside, internal elements are durable, despite the influence of mineral deposits. Unreliable consider mixers made of aluminum and silicon. They are inaccurate in appearance, fragile, often break.
Polymer mixers are cheaper than metal appliances, they are lightweight, resistant to external adverse substances. The polymer structure does not heat up, and this is an important factor, especially when children are in the house. Despite the advantages, the polymer mixer is short-lived, and its service life depends on the quality of the material.
Ceramic bath mixer, shower with a long spout is similar to the previous options. Outwardly beautiful and pleasant, convenient to use. Unfortunately, a sharp change in temperature leads to damage to the case, splits and cracks will appear. A ceramic faucet requires special care and careful use.
Metal and polymer mixers with chrome and enamel coating are produced. The surface of chrome and enamel protects the case from external mechanical influences and from corrosion.
Examine the characteristics of metals that affect the life of the product to determine the best mixer model based on your needs. Distinctive features of each of the metals:
- The alloy of zinc and copper is considered reliable and environmentally friendly.
- Alloy of aluminum and silicon is the cheapest, service life from 1 year to 2 years.
- The steel mixer is expensive, the price is justified by a long service life, reliability and stability.
- Exquisite shoppers prefer ceramic and stone faucets. For expensive interiors - a great option. In this case, the buyer pays for beauty, not reliability.
- Mixers made of plastic look untidy, polymer elements in the structure often break.
To purchase quality goods, buy bath faucets with a spout and a shower in specialized stores with positive reviews, the presence of warranty documents, and recommendation papers for care and use.
Features of construction and installation
Mixers differ in the way of fastening.
For a knowledgeable person, installing the design of a shower for a bathtub with a mixer is not difficult. Mountings of a plumbing fixture are as follows:
- Rack mount This option is suitable when the bath is far from the wall. The rack is neat, there are no unnecessary elements, all communications are hidden in the structure.
- Floor mounting is used infrequently. An expensive way to install a mixer is made to order for special projects.
- Wall mounting hides ugly construction details. The device is located in the wall, which gives the bathroom an aesthetic appearance. The installation method has drawbacks: the installation is long and time-consuming, and to eliminate the damage will have to destroy the wall.
- Wall mounting is a common solution. The device is fixed on the wall with special fasteners. When mounting the bath and shower faucet with a long spout, make sure that water does not leak onto the floor.
- Installation on board the bath. The method is popular, convenient, does not require the help of a wizard, and installation is easy to do on your own. Mixer mounts are suitable for bathtubs with special openings.
How to mount a spout with your own hands
Self-assembly requires special skills. Each owner can quite cope without the help of a master. Note that plumbing services are not cheap, and the cost of work is determined by the type of product and the functionality of the system. To install the mixer without assistance, you need:
- Shut off the water supply by turning the faucet on the riser.
- Remove plugs from pipes.
- Install brass partitions is the basis for fixing the structure.
- We fix the reflector on the adapter.
- Mount the mixer.
- Next, the stand and the shower disk are screwed on.
- A shower hose is attached to the finished appliance.
Correct installation will extend the life of operation and prevent a flood in a house or apartment, which, unfortunately, is not uncommon even in the modern world.
Rating of mixer manufacturers based on their reviews
Based on the studied customer reviews and based on the opinions of friends and acquaintances (close circle), a number of competitive representatives of the market segment of sanitary products are distinguished. Among them are both domestic and foreign manufacturers. You will get acquainted with some of them right now, after reading the material to the end.
The rating of companies is formed precisely on the basis of customer reviews and potential customers who already have an opinion on the product. Therefore, when choosing a mixer, it is also important to pay attention to such a factor as the product rating according to the recommendations of buyers, craftsmen, experts.
Based on the information received, 6 leading manufacturers are identified and a rating is formed.
The reliability and durability of the mixer depends on the manufacturer. These are the qualities that you should pay attention to first of all. Today, a number of companies have formed on the sales market that have recommended their products. These include:
- Groe is a German manufacturing company. The company was founded in the 30s, but retains its leadership position today. Large assortment, high quality, innovative solutions, modern equipment. Grohe bath faucets include reliability, attractiveness, cutting-edge and stylish design. The company is represented on the market by touch, dual-valve and single-lever models.
- Hansgrohe is another German plumbing representative. Refined look, profitability, a wide range of quality products, individual design.
- Finnish manufacturers are represented by Oras. The products are made of quality materials, excellent specifications, high functionality.
- Roka is a Spanish company. It produces modern and high-quality faucets with a unique design. The main feature is an affordable price, safety and reliability.
- Bulgarian brand Vidima. Vidima is a European quality, low cost, range of functional devices.
- Jacob Delafon. French tenderness and sophistication, quality and durability of mixers. The company offers appliances for the kitchen, bath, bidet, as well as a rain shower for the bath with a mixer.
As can be seen from the characteristics listed in the description for each brand, each of the presented brands is the best of its kind.To make the right choice and not to doubt reliability, consider the functional features of the product and the installation location of the spout in the future. This will help to avoid common problems associated with the purchase and selection of a bath mixer with shower.
Having found out the nuances of installation and selection, we can safely proceed to action. The main thing is to carry out the work carefully and consistently, if in doubt - it is better to contact the master, so as not to damage the structural elements. By choosing the right mixer, you will be satisfied with the end result.