Repair in the bathroom implies not only design, but also the functionality and convenience of all its elements. The height of the mixer above the bath depends on the type of bath, individual preferences and the device itself. You can carry out its installation on your own, without the help of professionals, just relying on the instructions and knowledge of the important moments of installation.
Mixer Installation Standards
First you need to dismantle the old mixer, if any. Before installing a new one, remember that there are certain installation recommendations that are documented in the Building Standards and Rules ( Construction Norms and Regulations ) 3.05.01-85 on "Internal Sanitary Systems". They say that the distance of the intake fittings is selected individually, but usually the recommended installation height of the mixer above the bathtub is eight hundred millimeters from the floor to the device. However, this characteristic is more suitable for public buildings, rather than private.
What is a mixer?
The mixer is an important plumbing fixture that controls the power and temperature of the water supply. In addition, in the shower mode, it can supply water in the direction necessary for the user. Before buying a device, decide on its future location and model. The height of the mixer above the bathroom will just depend on its shape and design. A device is made for supplying water from brass with a galvanic decorative coating on top. Modern mixers are divided into devices with separate taps or one, with a double spout tap, and even electronic.
Types of Mixers
The height of the mixer above the bath depends on its varieties. There are several typical designs.
- "Herringbone". Two cranes are placed in one case. This design is available with rubber gaskets and ceramic discs. The control of the set and the power of the water flow is controlled by rotary valves. At a price - economical, somewhat primitive in structure, is the domestic standard.
- Single lever mixer. A modern invention, which is characterized by durability in contrast to the "Christmas tree". Two polymer spheres form this device, which are regulated during the movement of the lever. Failures are usually due to poor quality cartridges.
- Thermostatic mixer. One of the most expensive models, which allows you to record the required temperature and jet power, as well as use them by default. Comfortable to use, usually sold complete with other fixtures.
How to choose a bath mixer?
You need to choose mixers from models of popular manufacturers and, if possible, do not save on them. The more expensive the intake fittings will be, the longer it will last. Due to poor quality, the device quickly deteriorates, and the most common problem with cheap mixers is corrosion damage. You need to select it according to the following criteria:
- Weight. A quality mixer has dense walls. It should not be easy.
- Material. Reliable devices are made of brass, cheap - of silumin (silicon + aluminum). Brass is heavier and bulkier.
- Size and specifications. It is selected based on personal preferences and the place in which the model will be installed. Of great importance when choosing fixing on board the bathroom or wall, the length of the hose and spout of the tap, additional fasteners in the set.
Dismantling the old mixer
Before deciding at what height the mixer should be placed above the bathtub, it is necessary to dismantle the old one. The dismantling process is carried out in the following sequence:
- Turn off the water supply to the bathroom.
- Drain the remaining water from the faucet using an adjustable wrench, carefully unscrew the old mixer so as not to damage the threads in the hospital connected to the water supply.
- Clean the thread of the stationary fitting (connecting part of the water supply pipe) from spooling.
Wiring and installation of eccentrics
If water pipes are supplied independently, it must be remembered that the distance between the connecting part of the water supply for hot and cold liquid should not be higher than one hundred and fifty millimeters. The distance between the axes of the mixer depends on the position of the fittings. If there is an error in determining the distance, then it is eliminated with the help of eccentrics, which should be included in the kit when buying a mixer. To create the necessary seal so that water does not leak at the junction, use special tapes or tow.
Choosing the optimum height for the mixer
The height of the mixer above the bath depends on the model chosen by the user and the installation location. The standard for mounting the mixer is a wall, a side of the bathroom or a special holder. In residential, industrial and public buildings, the norms for installation for bathtubs are 600 millimeters from the floor. If the mixer is attached to the wall, then the maximum height is considered to be two hundred millimeters from the side of the bathroom, and eight hundred from the floor.
The distance also depends on the size of the plumbing and the total area of the bathroom. If the mixer is one and is also intended for the sink, then it is best to install it a meter from the floor. If the construction of the mixer is done by builders, then they usually do it according to the standard: place the device in the middle of the bathroom, at a height of twenty centimeters from the side. If the device is intended only for it, for example, a separate water valve is installed on the sink, for convenience it is precisely this length (20 cm) that is chosen.
The ideal height of the mixer above the bath from the floor with the sink is sixty to eighty centimeters. Also, when installing it, you need to take into account the convenience of using a watering can for the shower, it should easily be pulled into human growth. An important point is the beauty of the mixer regarding the relevance of the location on the wall or board the bathroom.
The best height for the mixer
Many may be interested in the question, at what height should the faucet be above the bathtub so that it can be conveniently used for its intended purpose? The ideal distance is two hundred millimeters above the sink and eight hundred above the bath. For a shower cabin this distance is more - approximately 1200 millimeters from the pallet. The shower holder is mounted two meters from the floor in the booth. There is no wrong height for the mixer - errors do not affect the pressure of the water and its temperature.
Errors in choosing a height
The most common self-assembly error is an incorrectly selected distance reference point. It is not recommended to take it from the bottom of the bowl itself. It is necessary to take the surface of the floor as a basis, not plumbing. Also, the height value may change if the bath will be mounted using stands that will increase its height. It is important to consider this when installing the mixer. It is better to install it a little higher, in case the plumbing changes.
Practical tips
And yet, at what height is the faucet installed above the bathtub to make it comfortable to operate? Usually, professionals give advisory advice on this. Here is some of them:
- Before starting the final installation, try on a visually purchased mixer to the wall, select the desired distance "by eye". Appreciate the convenience of location, external harmony.
- If the model is installed for a shower, then the ideal distance is one hundred twenty centimeters from the pallet.
- Before deciding on the final decision on what height to hang the mixer above the bathtub, it is necessary to take into account the plumbing parameters, if it is not already installed. It is from her that the distance from the floor and to the device itself will depend.
- When calculating, it is also important to consider that modern mixers can be larger due to additional accessories and filters.
- As a sealant (sealant) for eccentrics, use flax, a special filling paste, plumbing thread or fumlent.
- When both eccentrics are screwed into the water socket, pay attention to the axis - they should be on the same level.
- After the installation work is completed, open the water, but not at full capacity, but do it slowly and gradually so that water hammer does not occur.
- It is possible that upon completion of installation, water will flow slightly, without pressure for some time. This can happen due to clogging of the aerator, which is located in the mixer. The problem is eliminated by ordinary cleaning.
- If the installation of the mixer was done correctly, and errors were avoided, the water supply will be powerful, without leaks at the connection points.
- In order for the height of the mixer above the bath (standard) to fit if it is installed on a new wall, it is necessary to make a graphic layout of the plumbing in the room with approximate calculations, taking into account the size of the room and other parameters. If work is carried out from scratch, first of all, it is necessary to choose pipes - metal-plastic or completely made of plastic. They need to be connected to the main water supply in the apartment, and the ends of the pipes should be brought out over the bathroom, moving along the wall. Fittings to which the mixer is attached should be attached to their ends. Between the connecting part of the water supply, the distance should be 15 millimeters, and their location should be on the same horizontal plane.
- During assembly and installation of the mixer, a wrench or adjustable wrench must be used very carefully so as not to damage the surface of the device. You need to use it gently, slightly tightening, without applying much effort. When finished, open all water mains and check for leaks somewhere. If necessary, tighten the key a little more.
If there are difficulties in self-assembly of the mixer, ask a specialist in the store to help with this or purchase a ready-made model for installation.