Modern plumbing is characterized by an attractive design, and most importantly - it does not take up much space, which allows it to be placed in bathrooms and bathrooms of any size. If earlier the mixer pipelines were visible, then today installation is possible in a hidden way. Built-in shower and bath faucets are ergonomic devices that do an excellent job of their functions, while remaining virtually invisible.
Design features
The built-in mixer, as a rule, consists of two main elements: the main unit mounted in the wall, and the panel with control levers. Each product can be purchased separately, which allows you to choose the design of the decorative panel in accordance with the interior of the bathroom.
Of greatest interest is the main unit of the mixer. It is thanks to him that the flow of water is controlled. In most cases, the block is presented in the form of a plastic cylinder equipped with a thread and a brass head with four holes. Each element is characterized by its purpose:
- Admission to the watering can shower of water.
- Supply of mixed liquid to the spout of the mixer.
- Cold water supply.
- Hot water supply.
Consider the main advantages that faucets built into the wall have.
Compactness
Naturally, for small and not so bathtubs this device will be the optimal solution. And most importantly - the complete absence of protruding parts. The built-in mixer takes up little space, and a flat panel with a lever or control valves will leave space for bath accessories or small household items.
Reliability
Manufacturers pay particular attention to the quality and reliability of built-in mixers. And it is not surprising, because the installation of this equipment is carried out in the wall structure with the expectation for many years, thus completing the recently completed repairs. After all, its failure implies a violation of the integrity of the coating.
Comfort when using
Built-in shower faucets turn water treatments into a pleasant and easy task. You will no longer be afraid of unsuccessfully turning and breaking a protruding part in the shower or, even worse, getting hurt. In this case, a couple of simple turns or taps are enough - and the water flow will be adjusted in the right direction.
Design
It is foolish to deny that the built-in mixer looks very stylish. The laconicism of the design, in which there are no unnecessary details, will decorate the bathroom like a design installation. Using such a device is a pleasure.
Cost-effectiveness
When trying to establish the necessary temperature regime at a time, we spend 5 liters of liquid and 7 seconds of time. This problem is most relevant for apartments equipped with metering devices. Installation of the built-in mixer-thermostat will help to correct this situation.
Special assignment
In some situations, only a mixer of this type may be suitable, it is important to remember this. For example, the need for a "rain shower" function, which assumes the availability of this equipment.
Shower faucet
Built-in shower mixers are structurally different from traditional devices and are installed primarily in cabins.
This model does not provide a spout, which is logical in principle - it is not required for a shower box; a shower head with a hose is quite enough. As a result, a mixer of this type is equipped with one inlet (into which the shower hose is connected) and two outlet (to which water is supplied, hot and cold).
There are also built-in hygienic shower faucets that are installed next to the toilet, they can completely replace the bidet. As a rule, the complete set provides for the presence of a mixer for flush mounting and a shower head with a hose, which are installed in the wall structure. These models also do not have a spout.
Bath mixer
The built-in bath faucet implies a rather unusual installation option - its installation is carried out directly on the side of the bathtub, in the most convenient place, and this is its undeniable advantage. In addition, this model is characterized by a number of undeniable advantages:
- The ability to hide the hose from the shower head behind the side of the bathtub and pull it out as necessary.
- Free up space on the wall that can be used to install a shelf for storing bath accessories.
- Significantly reduces the time of bathing, due to the fact that this device provides an optimal mode of water supply.
The built-in bath mixer can be of two types, differing in the installation method. Equipment for external installation is a monolithic block, which is fixed on the edge of the bath. In this case, the water mixing unit is hidden under the rim of the bath. Flush-mounted devices allow only a spout and a control panel to be left on the surface, everything else is hidden under the bath.
Devices with thermostat
Thanks to modern production technologies, flush mounted mixers can be equipped with various intelligent functions, which brings additional comfort to our lives.
One of these innovations, which you need to dwell on in more detail, is a thermostat or an automatic temperature controller. This element allows you to maintain a given temperature regime of water regularly.
After starting the water supply, automatic temperature control is carried out, which takes literally a split second.
In some models of built-in mixers, thermostat can be connected, which can be purchased separately.
Mounting
To install the built-in bath mixer, you will need to create a recess in the wall. As a rule, its diameter is 120-150 mm, and the depth is 85-110 mm. For these purposes, a hammer drill with a nozzle for concrete is used.
For pipelines, strobes are made. But before you do this, you should choose the place of installation of the nose and watering can. Strobes are laid from the intended points to the main unit of the mixer. It is important to note that the pipes in this design, which discharge water, should not intersect with water pipes.
It is also necessary to lay the strobes for the pipeline through which water is supplied to the mixer, they should begin to be punched from the floor. But if you plan to plaster the walls with drywall, the need for gating disappears.
The built-in bath mixer is permanently connected to the pipeline, since all plug-in connections are reliable elements. Due to the fact that the threaded connections and the central unit are mounted on the wall, increased requirements are imposed on the installation. All connections should be as reliable as possible.
In order for the built-in mixer to last as long as possible, there are no breakdowns during operation, it is recommended to pay special attention to the material of pipelines that are mounted on the wall. It is not recommended to use metal-plastic pipes, as they use threaded connections and press fittings. It is recommended to give preference to polypropylene and copper products. Naturally, their installation is characterized by some complexity, but as a result, the design will be more reliable.
Leading manufacturers
Plumbing from European manufacturers is traditionally considered the best on the market, flush-mounted mixers are no exception:
- Plumbing equipment of Italian production was very popular: Jacuzzi, Albatros, Teuco.
- The German built-in mixers have gained a good reputation: Hansa, Ideai Standart, Grohe, Kludi, Hoesch, Duravit.
- Good-quality flush-mounted devices are manufactured by companies in France, Denmark and Finland: Jacob Delafon, Damixa, Oras.