Everyone loves to take a refreshing shower or a relaxing bath. But most of the townsfolk are probably unaware that they use such a thing as a divertor several times a day. What is it and what is its purpose, what options exist - the answers to all these questions will be found below.
Device purpose
A divertor is a part in the faucet that allows you to adjust the stream of the jet by changing the position of the internal mechanism, a link between the cartridge in which hot and cold water is mixed, and the faucet. That is, to put it more simply, a divertor is a mixer switch that directs water through one or another pipe. They are equipped with absolutely all shower faucets. And also they can be installed in flow filters for water or when connecting dishwashers to sinks.
The divertor manufacturing materials are usually identical to the materials of the mixer itself - brass with chrome, enamel, nickel or stainless steel, as well as expensive models with ceramic plates.
When choosing the material of the mixer, it is worth evaluating the expected load, because the enamel version can give a chip, and from contact with nickel surfaces an allergic reaction is possible. Faucets with a stainless steel coating have proven themselves best, but due to the particular coating they can immediately see any smudges, drops and fingerprints.
Installation methods
There are 2 options for installing divertors:
- The mechanism is integrated into the mixer body. It is used in plumbing for a bath, switches the water to a watering can or to spout through a faucet.
- Presented as a separate part that is included in the kit. Used to connect dishwashers or washing machines to the kitchen sinks.
With any installation option, the part can be purchased separately.
And also you should know that there are models that can work exclusively in two positions - the direction of the jet is fixed either along one pipe or along the other. And there are three-position options, they provide a choice - either switching directions, or a simultaneous supply of water at once in both directions.
Device views
Continuing the search for the answer to the question "divertor - what is it", it is worth considering the main types of shower switches. Convenience of its use, wear resistance and service life directly depend on the type of divertor.
- Lever, or flag, divertor. Outwardly, it is easy to recognize it by the handle, which must be moved from side to side to change the direction of water in the shower and back. It is used in two-armed mixers.
The mechanism of the lever device is based on a crank, pushing the barrel inside the mixer up or down, depending on the switching of the handle.
Plumbing with a device of this type is in the lower price category, because the mechanism quickly fails due to wear of the rubber cuffs. And also limescale quickly enough fetters the movement of the barrel and either impedes the movement of the lever, or leads to a partial overlap of the crane.
2. Exhaust divertor. What it is? This type of part is fixed inside a one-armed mixer, the principle of its operation is based on pulling a button to move the water pressure into the shower head. The mechanism consists of a stem and rubber cuffs.
As a rule, the button remains in the upper position due to water pressure, but in some models there is an additional locking knob, which will help out at a low pressure level. To do this, turn the elongated button 90 0 . Often, users are unaware of this convenient feature and experience inconvenience when the water drops.
When the water is turned off , the shower switch returns to its original position , the divertor lowers the button using a spring.
Diverters of this type are equipped with most faucets in modern plumbing.
3. Push-button (push) divertor. The principle of operation of the mechanism is similar to an exhaust device, but differs in that in the initial position the button remains at the top, if you need to switch to the shower, you need to press the button. Convenience is that pushing is easier than pulling the lever up.
The pluses include a more robust mechanism than a lever switch. But at the same time, both the push-button and exhaust divertor are quite susceptible to limescale, which blocks the stock. Due to the poor quality of tap water, the rubber cuffs quickly dry out and deform, leading to instillation from the tap or from a shower head.
Ceramic diverter mixer
A relative novelty in the world of sanitary products is the ceramic divertor. Outwardly, it can be a two-armed or one-armed mixer with a rotary lever. The faucet, as in other models, can be made of chrome steel, but for the switch, the manufacturer replaced the brass parts in the cartridge with ceramic plates.
Advantages and disadvantages of the ceramic divertor
Thanks to the inclusion of ceramics in the design, it was possible to significantly increase the life of the device to 300 thousand switching operations, which is enough for more than 50 years of daily use. Ceramic divertor is designed for increased load, including with strong water hammer. The stroke of the handle is smooth, the angle of rotation is 180 0 .
The disadvantages include the need to return the lever to its original position manually. If this is not done, then the next time you turn on the water will flow out of the pipe on which the swivel sleeve is installed. And surprises in the form of a cold shower at an unexpected moment are not for everyone's liking.
Another factor is the cost of divertor mixers. But given their durability, it is worth considering this issue philosophically.
Summing up, we can say that the answer to the question: "Divertor - what is it?" - found. And also found answers to questions about the purpose, device types and classification of switches. Choosing a bathroom faucet is not an easy task, you need to approach it based on your knowledge.