The herringbone mixer, the technical characteristics of which are presented in the article, is the simplest plumbing fixture that appeared in the 19th century. Despite today's vast assortment and competition in the form of other types of devices that are firmly in the everyday life of modern man, he still has a sufficient demand. The efforts of designers, who proposed many new materials and forms to create aesthetic appeal and improve technical characteristics, helped here. Thanks to such measures, the Christmas tree mixer, the photo of which is presented below, has acquired a second wave of demand among consumers.
How to choose
To select a mixer, you need to know the parameters of the sink. The most important thing is that the device does not take up much space and is conveniently located on it. Spout requires special attention. It should be large enough for comfortable use. A useful feature is the ability to rotate.
The choice of a faucet in the bathroom should also be based on size and a suitable design. The most widely used wall options. The optimal solution in many cases is a design with a large body. It is important to have a short spout with a large diameter.
It is worth noting the undesirability of acquiring too cheap devices, as they are often made of low-quality materials and are prone to frequent breakdowns. A quality mixer has a high cost, justified by a long period of operation. Particular attention should be paid to checking the completeness of the selected option, the conditions of the guarantee and the availability of a certificate.
Design
Now you can find a two-fan type appliance for any kitchen furniture and stylistic orientation. In terms of cost, they are the most attractive. Faucets are presented in plumbing stores in an extensive price range, which is able to satisfy both great opportunities and rather modest needs.
Despite a noticeable external transformation, the design itself remained the same. The center of the mixer is a spout, on the sides of which there are valves or handles that allow you to adjust the required volume of water and a comfortable temperature. Accordingly, one handle is used for hot water, and the second - for cold. The modern herringbone mixer is conventionally divided into two types, which differ from each other in the design of the water mixing device and the characteristics of the valves.
Two-valve mixers of the first group
This type has not the highest reliability, which determines the low cost. The elastic gasket acts as a locking device. For its manufacture today materials with a low silicone content have begun to be used, while before it was entirely composed of rubber. Proven firms use parts with a new composition of high strength. Due to this, the period of operation of the device and the time until replacement of the gasket increases.
The principle of operation is the reciprocating movements of the crane box, in which a special elastic material is used as the locking part. It has much more wear and tear than European devices due to constant rotation.
Imported herringbone faucet for the bathroom has significant differences from domestic. The first option is more reliable due to the fact that the connection of the crankshaft and gaskets occurs by means of translational motion, and not by rotation. As a result, the need for repairs is much less common.
Advantages and disadvantages
The herringbone mixer, the device of which loses to the single lever mechanism, is in great demand due to the following advantages:
- ease of adjusting the desired temperature, it can be adjusted using a single valve;
- you do not need to get used to such models, but using them is very simple;
- there is the possibility of using ceramic crane boxes provided one manufacturer of the old and new elements;
- simple, quick repair and reasonable cost.
The disadvantages include the need to engage two hands during use, as well as the completion of two full revolutions of the valve to turn the water on and off. Quick wear of the gasket leads to a fairly frequent repair.
Two-valve mixers of the second group
This herringbone mixer has a ceramic valve as a locking device, the so-called ceramic plate. Its principle of operation resembles a ceramic cartridge. In order for water to flow from the spout, the holes of the lower and upper plates must be combined. The latter, which includes aluminum oxide, closes or opens the water by rotation around its axis. While the bottom plate is always stationary. Such devices are characterized by greater durability, reliability and, as a result, belong to a higher price category. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the following:
- sufficient reliability;
- quick temperature correction;
- the rotation angle of devices of this type has 180 and 90 degrees, so it is possible to reduce the number of movements during the setting of water.
Mounting Features
To ensure proper functioning, competent installation is required. In the absence of appropriate skills, such work is best left to specialists who are versed in all the intricacies of installation.
The installation of the Christmas tree mixer is carried out in special openings located on the sink. It is also common to install on the conclusions of the water supply using decorative hiding structures, for example, partitions. All fasteners remain in the wall, and only the spout and valves are open to the eye. But this technique has one significant drawback: in case of problems, to eliminate them, you need to disassemble the wall.
The threaded split sleeve is used for external installation on the sink. But often there is such a problem as loosening the mixer. Because of this, you have to periodically tighten the mount.
Metal devices
Of particular importance is the material of manufacture. Such parameters of the device as appearance, practicality, period of operation, cost depend to one degree or another on it.
The herringbone kitchen faucet is mainly made from chrome, bronze and brass. Recently, this category has acquired an update in the form of options from light alloys or mixed materials, as well as from ceramics and plastic.
Brass has long been most widely used. She is not afraid of corrosion, she is also durable and has a long service life. Accordingly, the cost is based on the qualitative characteristics of the material and starts on average from 2-3 thousand rubles.
Bronze faucets have similar aesthetic and quality properties. The best option is the combination of a body made of bronze and brass thread.
Light alloys, which include silumin (a mixture of silicon and aluminum), cannot be called high-quality. Devices made from them are quite fragile and quickly lose their attractive appearance.
Ceramic and plastic appliances
The short-lived leaders are herringbone plastic mixers, the characteristics of which are quite consistent with the cost. Despite their resistance to hard water, they are often damaged.
The appearance of ceramic appliances deserves attention, they can become an excellent complement to the kitchen interior, but because of their fragility are not the most durable. Because of what, it is likely to soon encounter problems in work or a real flood.
Top coat
The herringbone metal mixer basically has a decorative coating of glossy chrome, colored enamel or nickel. The latter has excellent anti-corrosion properties. Most often, it covers the external brass elements.
A fairly practical material is chrome. It prevents the growth of bacteria living in a humid environment. Due to it, the appearance remains the same longer due to the reduction of deposits of mineral salts, which also protects against breakdowns arising from their formation. Products with chromium plating are somewhat more expensive, which is justified, because a high-quality device will delight for many years.
Enamel is also not the most budgetary coating. But it has less durability and strength characteristics. The new device has a flawless and attractive appearance, but over time chips and microcracks form on the coating, due to which the device loses its aesthetics.
The chrome version is not suitable for all style decisions, and an enamel mixer with low practicality can be the best complement to a bright kitchen.
How to install
First, the old herringbone kitchen faucet is removed after a preliminary shutdown of the water. It is disconnected with an adjustable wrench from the water pipes. Mounting is usually done by two methods. Devices on a wide base disassemble the valves. You need to remove the handles to gain access to the nuts securing the mixer.
Narrow-based devices are mounted on the underside of the sink, and they have to be dismantled under the sink, which is not always convenient with limited space. Using pliers, the existing nuts are loosened. A rack-mount key may be necessary if rigid pipes block access.
When installing a mixer with a wide base, first it is placed at the installation site, and nuts are manually bent. They are twisted with a key after aligning the device. The base is treated with sealant or a special silicone compound, after which the plate and valves are mounted.
Installation under the sink
Another installation option assumes the same operation algorithm, but with minor changes. Sealant is applied to the base before installation. Since the main work is done under the sink, it is advisable to have an assistant who will hold the mixer on top and level it while tightening the nuts.
Upon completion of installation, a water supply is connected and a tap opens to detect a possible leak. Surplus sealant must be removed around the base before use.