How to choose a faucet for a bathroom sink: review of models, characteristics, manufacturers, rating

• April 29, 2020
• Plumbing
• Tatyana K

The washbasin faucet is one of the most important elements of the bathroom. You should approach its purchase consciously, since it is not only a decorative element, but also an important plumbing fixture, without which you will not be able to take a bath (shower) or wash your hands.

To make the right choice in the store, you first need to learn about the types of mixers. There are four main types of them, which even a person who is not involved in plumbing can understand.

So, let's look further at how to choose a faucet for a bathroom sink, what types there are, as well as a rating of the best manufacturers.

Double valve mixer

Refers to the classics. Because of its custom vintage look, it is a favorite among retro style fans. Thanks to axle-box taps, a person can easily regulate the water temperature up to 1 degree, which is very convenient. Despite the fact that the faucet looks stylish, its price is considered affordable, and you can easily find this type on the market. The only negative is the rapid wear of the taps, since it is with them that the user has frequent contact.

Single lever mixer

Single lever basin faucets are the most common type. The water temperature is adjusted using a movable handle. It is this option that guarantees long and reliable service life, because it has a minimum number of parts that can break due to constant contact with users. Since the single lever basin faucet is an excellent option that promises longevity of the product, it is loved to be placed in public places where it is used several thousand times a day. At home, it will last much longer, since traffic will be low. No need to worry about where to buy it. This is a popular product, so it can be easily found in any plumbing store.

How to choose a faucet height for a countertop sink?

Countertop washbasin 165 mm high. What parameters should you use to choose a washbasin faucet? What is the minimum height it should be?

According to Soviet [Russian] SNIPs and European standards, the height from the side of the sink to the spout should be from 70 to 200 mm. I support Igor’s answer, very low - it’s inconvenient to wash your hands, high will interfere with washing your face and there will be splashes. The most practical way is go to the store, choose the faucet you like, go to the countertop sink with a consultant and decide how convenient it is. If you like the high one, so that there is no splashing, you can buy an additional aerator [spout with mesh] rotating with adjustable water pressure, see photo, there will be less splashing and you can adjust the stream to a convenient place. I personally like the low ones [I don’t hit my head when washing my face] with a side tap, see photo, for extravagance you can choose a waterfall mixer, see photo.

Well, in general, they (sinks) are different. It happens that the faucet stands directly on the sink (as well as on ordinary sinks), in Europe they usually make a hidden faucet in the wall for such sinks, with an external horizontal spout. In your case, it’s probably a basin-shaped sink without space for the faucet, so you need to place it on the countertop. Firstly, you need to determine the installation location, mainly this is the place on the back side (i.e. directly behind the sink). Secondly, you need to take a faucet with a spout located strictly horizontally (in principle, these faucets are made specifically for such sinks, you can’t go wrong). with a siphon they may arise, it’s rare that a plumber will advise you on what you need. But you only need to take an automatic for such sinks, a semi-automatic is not suitable, well, your hands are in the right place. Good luck to you.

Thanks Igor! Could you at least roughly tell me what the distance from the spout to the edge of the sink should be? They offer a lot, including 2 cm, but something tells me that this is not so. Sinks are rarely installed with faucets. And to find a master who has hands in the right place, and even a head - this is obviously incredible! Igor, can you tell me what kind of siphon is needed for an acrylic shower tray? Thank you!

I posted a link for you (if they miss it) of an approximate convenient distance, it is approximately 10-12 cm. Yes, there are distances of two cm, but firstly this is not convenient, and secondly this is done for visual consistency with the design of the bathtub, in any case I don’t recommend making such a small distance. On the second question: you need to be guided by the pan, namely the diameter of the hole, and the height of the pan (if you find it, I recommend McAlpine, this is the number one brand in drain fittings), and most importantly, you need to carefully measure the height pan so that the water drains out without difficulty, and install the sewer pipes correctly, again for unhindered drainage. It is very good when the pan is mounted without a podium, but rarely does a plumber succeed in this.

Igor, thank you for your detailed and useful advice. But it always seemed to me that the water drains away better with a podium, because from a height. Is there something wrong?

Of course, with a podium, the water drains better, this does not raise any doubt at all. But from an aesthetic point of view, this is not entirely good. The main thing is the slope, it can be calculated in advance. These are the craftsmen who did not calculate it in advance, or when one was doing the sewer , another was laying tiles, friction was doing the installation, these are the moments that arise. Have you seen podiums somewhere in good repair, now the technologies for installing drains in tiles are quite common, you just open the glass door of your shower and go in there without any difficulty, I already I’m not talking about the fact that you need to raise your leg by the size of your shin. In general, in order to do everything well, you must have a project drawn up by a professional (i.e., a person who knows all the work), you need to take into account all the deviations in advance, sum up pipes where needed, and not “plus or minus a tram stop”, take into account the thickness of the glue and much more. There is also a very big question of your financial capabilities, first of all, this is probably the most important point. If you have the opportunity, then you can do it well , the most important thing is to find a competent craftsman, but if you’re saving money, no matter how hard you try, it’s unlikely to work out well. In short, my most important advice is “don’t skimp on plumbing and electrical.” Good luck to you.

Touchless faucet

The name itself reveals the essence of this type - there are no rotating mechanisms that can break. The device has an infrared sensor, which automatically turns on the water when it recognizes a hand. The water temperature is manually regulated by a special tap located under the sink. After setting the optimal temperature, the user will not need to make unnecessary movements to wash their hands.

This type has many advantages: the complete absence of contact with the device will preserve the original appearance, ease of use, and with the help of a timer, water consumption is significantly reduced. It can also be noted that touchless washbasin faucets not only simplify human life, but are also very hygienic. Since there is no need to have any contact with this species to wash your hands, a person does not leave germs on the handles and does not take them back when closing.

It's a good idea to put a touchless faucet in the sink, but not in the bathtub or shower, because this is not particularly convenient due to timer restrictions, but you can find a faucet that can connect to these places.

Some useful tips for choosing a mixer

Of course, the appearance and desired functionality of the mixer are very important. But an equally strict selection criterion should be the high quality of the product. The variety of models is extremely large, and all of them are “beautiful and brilliant” at first, and yet there are many frankly “leftist” products among them.

Prices for single lever faucets

single lever mixer

• It would be completely unwise to purchase a mixer from “unclear” retail outlets, on the market or secondhand. There is a very high chance of running into an outright fake, which is not worth even the small money you will pay for it.
• There is a fairly wide range of manufacturing companies operating in this area, the quality of their products is practically beyond criticism. Therefore, it is worth focusing primarily on these brands. These include German and Grohe, Polish Hansa, Carlo Frattini Visentin and Mamoli from Italy, Spanish Teka and Supergrif, domestic Aquatica, French, Herbeau and Jacob Delafon. , American “Standart”, Swiss “Gustavsberg”, Finnish “Oras” and others. Many of them, by the way, have assembly facilities in China, but with well-established control over production, this has virtually no effect on the quality of the products. But unknown companies, especially ones that are clearly of Eastern origin, should be “probed” more carefully. For example, check out their official website, read product reviews on forums. If there is no such information, it is hardly worth purchasing a mixer, no matter how nice and reliable it may seem.
• There is a well-known blatant practice when “leftist” manufacturers disguise themselves as popular brands, changing, adding or removing one or two letters in the name, but maintaining the integrity of the primary perception (for example, “Grone” instead of “Grohe”). If this is noticed, you shouldn’t even bother yourself with thoughts: since “acquaintance” begins with deception, you can’t expect anything good further from such a mixer.
• You should purchase such a product only in specialized stores, where you can check the originality of the product, get a passport with a mark on the date of sale - most leading manufacturers accompany their faucets with a fairly good factory warranty. Devices with a complex installation system must have appropriate instructions.
• The completeness of the mixer must be checked - all parts for fastening and connecting to the water supply must be present. A little advice - very often the factory kit includes flexible hoses that look more like “demonstration” hoses due to their insufficient length. That is, you should measure in advance what length of liner is required, and what type of water outlets (or threaded fittings on pipes) you plan to use.

We hope that our publication has brought clarity to the issue of choosing a sink faucet, and your purchase will be successful.

Check out the solution to the problem of a cramped bathroom and installing a sink above the washing machine from our new article on our portal.

And finally, a short video review of the best bathroom faucets

Thermostatic mixer

It is the “smart” mixer of all of the above. Maintains the desired temperature while taking a shower or bath. If the user turns off the tap to apply the necessary products, then after resuming work, water will flow onto it at the temperature that was set before turning off. The device is able to independently adjust the required amount of cold and hot water, creating the optimal temperature for taking water procedures. And if the cold or hot water is turned off, the liquid will stop flowing into the tap, which will not cause burns or discomfort to the person.

Before choosing a faucet for your bathroom sink, you should know what material it is made from.

Drains and other openings

When choosing a sink, you need to look at whether there are holes in it and how many there are. This matters for wall-mounted sinks. These devices are not supported by the sink, and the mixer is placed directly on its side, without using the countertop. This means that you need to look for a sink that has the appropriate number of holes that will be used for fastening. If you cannot find such a sink, use sink holes for installation.

Options for installing a sink on a countertop are popular today, but you need to understand that this requires a faucet on a high counter. When calculating the height of the mixer, the height of the bowl is added to the terms.

Faucet material

The second important evaluation criterion is the material. The cheaper the material, the worse the quality of the mixer. For example, brass (an alloy of zinc and copper) and bronze are considered high-quality materials. Manufacturers of such devices vouch for the longevity of their service. Of course, such faucets will cost much more, however, they guarantee quality. But I would like to warn people in advance who want to purchase a bronze faucet. Such material requires constant maintenance, since copper begins to change its shade towards greenish over time.

Budget versions are made of silumin alloy, which gives the mixer a chrome-plated appearance. This material is quite fragile, so the service life of the mixer will be no more than two years.

The best option would be to buy a brass faucet. It is this material that will not change color throughout use, is not subject to corrosion, and the cold shine from the special chrome coating will keep the device fresh for a long time.

Configuration selection

As mentioned earlier, faucets are subject to heavy loads. This is especially true for kitchen models. Thus, with the same number of people living in the living space, faucets in the kitchen are used 10 times more often than similar devices in the bathroom. That is why, before buying a mixer, you should think about its configuration and type of installation in advance. This will allow you to install the device once and forget about operational problems for many years. The most common options for home use today are:

Wall models. Recognized as the best option for hidden pipelines laid in walls. Such products are often chosen for the bathroom, but they are also quite appropriate in the kitchen. Mixer for countertop sink. The configuration of the models here can be very different.

The plumbing market today offers products with high spouts designed for deep sinks. This countertop basin mixer (tall) is considered an excellent choice for exclusive designs.

There are also medium and short spout offerings that can be used for shallow bowls. This division allows not only to solve numerous design problems, but also to correctly select a small, tall, or medium mixer, taking into account the size of the room and the features of its design.

There is a third version of taps, which can be called a kind of exotic. Floor-standing faucets look great in classic-style bathrooms. A design feature of models of this type is the placement of the tap and shower hose on special cylinders. Water hoses are placed inside the supports.

Faucet cover

There are three options: chrome, nickel and enamel.

• Chromium. As mentioned earlier, such spraying will not allow the mixer to lose its original appearance. The advantage of such spraying is that it will prevent corrosion, and the coating can be easily removed with special means that will not spoil the spraying itself.
• Nickel. Quite a specific coating. It contains components that can cause allergies in the user, so you need to be extremely careful with such a mixer. The coating itself has a shine, but a deeper shade than chrome.
• Enamel. Such a coating will allow you to create something interesting from the faucet, for example, a “gold”, “marble” faucet, etc. However, such a coating is very fragile and is unlikely to last longer than previous options.

The user can change not only the material and coating of the mixer itself, but also the handles. It all depends on what exactly the user wants. Valves and handles can be made of stone, glass or plastic. The more expensive the material, the correspondingly higher the price.

When considering how to choose a faucet for a bathroom sink, it is worth focusing on the types of fastening and installation.

How to choose a mixer external parameters

When entering a store or viewing products in market pavilions, customers usually see assembled sets of faucets on special demonstration stands. Then, having decided on the model, they pay for the product and receive a “construction set” in a box.

Not all sellers are willing to unpack these same boxes, and not all buyers insist on carefully inspecting their purchases, but in vain. “Surprises” may also be in sealed original packaging. Please remember that everyone has the right to inspect the product and reject it if they are not satisfied with the visual inspection.

High-quality branded products are packaged in boxes with compartments (cardboard sheets, foam boxes) for various components. Or at least small parts are placed in bags, and the body and shower head are wrapped in non-woven bags. When buying a faucet in a store, be sure to unpack it (in good stores, sellers do this themselves) and look at every detail. A “classic” device should consist of:

1. body (gander, spout, also known as spout with valves or with a lever);
2. two water connections (two thin hoses);
3. a set of fastenings (gaskets, springs, etc.).

The bath mixer is also equipped with a watering can with a hose, a holder for the watering can, eccentric adapters and decorative cups. There should be no chips, cracks, or rust at the joints (on the body threads), all components must be new and without signs of “use.”

The box should also contain a product passport that “sheds light” on the origin of the product and contains information about warranty periods, installation instructions, and care instructions.

Fastening and installation of the mixer

There are 2 types of faucet mounting: mortise and wall. Mortise fastening occurs on the surfaces of the sink or bathtub body. There are special holes here from which tubes for supplying water come out.

The wall mount is mounted on the wall. Here, the water supply pipes are either brought outside or hidden under a panel, tile, etc. The taps for boilers can also be hidden here.

The choice of fasteners is very important because the installation of the faucet is always different. It is worth listening to some tips to make your work easier:

1. If you use a faucet in the bathroom and sink at the same time, then the faucet should be 1 meter from the floor. The shower should be 1.2 meters higher. Do not overdo it with tightening the nuts and bushings, as the parts may burst and break the mixer. All you can do is tighten the thread if necessary.
2. After installation is complete, you need to check the functionality of the device. You should unscrew the taps to look at the pressure level. If a leak occurs, you will have to disassemble the faucet and start the installation again.

How to choose a sink faucet size? Choosing the right bathroom faucet based on the type of mechanism and installation is half the battle. It is also important that its size matches well with the size of the washbasin itself. Otherwise, there will be a lot of daily inconvenience during use and constant additional cleaning in this room. To avoid such problems, you need to choose the right size of the faucet for the bathroom sink.

Basic models with pull-out spout

Faucets with a pull-out tap are by no means a tribute to fashion, but a need to equip your kitchen with a reliable and high-quality tap. Such models have many advantages: adjustable water flow, the ability to change its distance, direction and height.

Their convenience can be appreciated if you have two kitchen sinks. For washing, one bowl uses a tap in its classic form, and the other uses a pull-out mixer. If you need to wash large quantities of dishes every day, then purchasing a pull-out faucet will be a great way to do this. Among faucets with a pull-out spout, valve and lever types predominate.

What you need to pay attention to

When choosing the size of the mixer, you need to pay attention to the following basic parameters:

• The height of the spout (this is the distance from the surface on which the mixer is located to the spout (measured vertically).
• Spout length - (this is the distance from the mixer body to the spout (measured horizontally).

Depending on the height, spouts can be divided into the following groups:

1. Low (from 12 to 15 cm).
2. Medium (from 15 to 25 cm).
3. Tall (over 25 cm).

To choose a suitable and good faucet for a bathroom sink, it is worth remembering that tall ones are better suited for tabletop types of sinks with a deep bowl (20-22 cm). Medium and low - an excellent option for medium (17-18 cm) and small (11-14 cm) sinks. If you do not yet know what the depth of your sink will be, it is better to postpone the purchase of a mixer and start choosing plumbing fixtures first.

Designs and types of cranes

Plumbing stores offer a huge range of different kitchen taps. Stylish shapes, ergonomic design, compact sizes and a variety of materials - everyone will find the right kitchen sink faucet.

All mixers are usually divided into several types depending on their design characteristics.

1. Two-valve. Faucets have two valves on the sides with hot and cold water. It is considered a classic option, but gradually the look is losing its popularity. The reason for this is the need to adjust the water. While single-lever faucets quickly set the desired temperature, these faucets will waste some water.
2. Single lever. Convenient and easy to use mixers. Adjustment of hot and cold water is carried out with one lever. You can adjust the required temperature with a slight movement of your finger. They are more economical than the previous model. The tap is easy to use and easy to open, even if your hands are dirty or busy with something. In addition, single-lever faucets look more modern than those with hot and cold water valves, which many associate with old Soviet plumbing.
3. Contactless. This type is considered the most convenient and economical choice. The water is turned on and supplied automatically when you bring your hands to the touch sensor. Expensive and not yet available to everyone.

In addition to the basic functionality of adjusting the temperature and jet pressure, many models are equipped with additional features.

• supply liquid soap;
• have a built-in filter that purifies tap water;
• taps are equipped with a switch for washing machine or dishwasher;
• have a protective function against contamination, which extends the service life of the kitchen faucet;
• automatic shutdown of water in case of leakage. Such taps are equipped with special indicators.

Of course, all of the above functions are very convenient and simplify the use of plumbing fixtures. But it’s worth noting that each new feature increases the cost of a kitchen sink faucet several times.

Bathroom sink faucets: manufacturer ratings

Let's look at the rating of the best manufacturers and the products they produce for the home. When compiling it, the ratio of price and quality of products and user reviews were taken into account.

1st place – Grohe company.

2nd place – Hansgrohe.

3rd place – Vidima.

4th place – Hansa.

Let's take a closer look at these manufacturers.

Which brand of mixer is better to choose?

Which brand of mixer is better to choose in order to enjoy its “uninterrupted” operation for several years? Everyone decides for themselves whether to give preference to Russian or imported goods; to make the task easier, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the ratings based on an analysis of sales across the country and customer reviews. Among domestic manufacturers, brands such as:

• "Sunlit-T" from the city of Kolpina;
• Iddis - St. Petersburg;
• "Arkon" from Tula;
• "Santarm" from Rostov-on-Don;
• "Santekhpribor" from Kazan.

The average retail price for them is 1,500 rubles.

As for foreign manufacturing plants, among them the following distinguished themselves:

• German Grohe and Hansgrohe;
• French JacobDelafon;
• Finnish Oras;
• Spanish Roca;
• Bulgarian Vidima.

Prices start from 3,200 rubles and can reach more than hundreds of thousands for some exclusive samples.

As always, do not forget about the warranties of not only the manufacturer, but also the dealer or seller. Not everyone works conscientiously and provides full factory warranties to customers. By the way, reliable manufacturers and sellers always provide services for qualified installation of products, no matter what locality the buyer lives in. Payment for the service is billed separately. And for self-installation, the passport of a branded unit always contains detailed and understandable instructions.

Grohe

In first place in our rating is a German company, which for many years has been considered a leader among companies producing faucets. The manufacturer's assortment is quite wide - the products differ in design and design. All Grohe bathroom sink faucets are characterized by a long service life, they are quite functional and easy to use. The build quality is also top notch.

Pros:

• quite simple device;
• expanded functionality;
• long warranty period;
• you can repair the mixer yourself;
• reliability and long service life.

Features of installing plumbing taps

Select plumbing taps also according to the way they are installed. A bathtub faucet can be mounted in several ways:

• into the hole provided by the design of the bowl;
• on the countertop on which the bowl will be installed;
• above the sink on the wall;
• on the floor using a specially provided stand.

The most durable way is to install the faucet in the wall above the bowl. This is a very beautiful and convenient installation option, but with this method it is worth remembering when purchasing what the length of the spout will be.

Hansgrohe

In second place in the ranking of the best faucet manufacturers this year is another German company. Plumbing equipment manufactured by Hansgrohe meets all international standards. In terms of reliability, functionality and durability, the manufacturer has no equal. Hansgrohe bathroom sink faucets are quite easy to recognize – they are mostly designed in a minimalist style. In addition, the products are compact in size, so designers advise installing them in small bathrooms. The warranty period is 5 years, the operating period declared by the manufacturer is 10 years, although such products can last much longer.

Most of the faucets produced are single-lever and thermostat. Both of these types are in great demand among consumers. The manufacturer offers a wide selection of wall-mounted models, but you can also find very original options, for example, floor-mounted ones. The pricing policy is flexible - you can find both luxury and economy class faucets on sale.

Pros:

• long warranty and operational period;
• an attractive look that can give any bathroom interior additional uniqueness and originality.

What are sink taps made of?

The choice of bath faucet also depends on the material used to make these devices.

Reliable faucets are made of brass, chrome and various combined materials. Made from pure brass or chrome, they have the highest characteristics in terms of reliability, they are resistant to various physical influences, and are also easy to maintain.

In the last fifty years, faucets made from various non-standard materials have become popular, for example: chrome and brass with glass, enameled or anodized chrome and brass.

In appearance, such faucets are very beautiful and always pleasing to the eye, but you need to remember that behind this lies more complex care. For example: gold plating requires daily care using special cleaning products, and enamel-coated taps are very sensitive to chips. The lifespan of enamel on a chrome surface is about three years.

Therefore, if you do not have the money to replace the faucet every few years, then it is better to choose a model made of brass or chrome.

Vidima

This manufacturer took 3rd place in the ranking. Vidima faucets are one of the cheapest in our review, but this does not mean that they are of poor quality. In their production, the latest technologies are used to make the production process faster and simpler. Mixers are designed in such a way that even with low water pressure they can ensure an even supply.

All structures are chrome-plated, which helps protect the fixed and moving parts of the product from corrosion. The operating period is quite long.

Pros:

• All products have a fairly ergonomic body and very easy to use;
• long warranty period (5 years);
• do not make noise during operation;
• Faucets are made from brass by casting, which gives the structure greater strength.

Variety of design solutions

The key parameter for choosing a mixer is the design and principle of operation. The type of water mixing partly determines the cost, convenience and reliability of the device. Its practicality lies in the speed of on/off, the ease of adjusting the pressure and temperature of the water, as well as the ability to replace broken parts.

Two-valve mixer - a classic of the genre

The traditional design with two side valves is still in demand. The water supply is adjusted using a pair of flywheels - axle-box taps.

The hot stream is mixed with the cold stream in the housing and a warm stream is supplied out through the gander. There is a filter mesh at the end of the spout to prevent splashing of water.

Device diagram: 1 – body with three socket holes, 2 – spout, 3 – faucet axle boxes, 4 – decorative handwheels, 5 – screws for fixing the wings, 6 – protective caps

Two types of valve axle boxes are used in two-valve faucets:

1. Worm-type locking elements . The rotation of the flywheel causes the piston to act on the rubber gasket, which locks or opens the hole. The rubber or silicone liner wears out over time and must be replaced.
2. Ceramic crane axle boxes . The basis of the locking element is ceramic plate with holes for water supply. When the tap is turned, the plate unfolds and the hole aligns with the “water” channel. The larger the lumen area, the greater the volume of water supplied.

In ceramic models, the rotation of the flywheel is limited. The maximum rotation angle is 90-180°, which is significantly less than in mixers with a worm-type modification of the faucet axle.

Designations in the figure: 1 – worm-type valve-axlebox, 2 – half-turn valve with ceramic fittings. The main advantages of a two-valve mixer: housing strength, interchangeability of parts and affordable cost

The main advantages of a two-valve mixer: strength of the body, interchangeability of parts and affordable cost. Their weaknesses are the need to insist on temperature conditions each time, and more frequent failures compared to other products.

Ease of use of a single-lever device

Single-grip models are in high demand due to their ease of control - the intensity of the water flow and temperature are regulated by moving a single lever in two multidirectional planes.

A special feature of the internal mechanism is the presence of two spherical surfaces. Combining them allows you to regulate water flow indicators: vertical movement - pressure, horizontal movement - temperature

There are two types of switching mechanisms:

• disk (rod);
• ball

Disc cartridge . Replaceable mechanism with rotating ceramic discs. The work is based on the mutual movement of ceramic plates with cutouts. Depending on the number of plates, two- and three-disc cartridges are distinguished.

In a double-disc mixer, the upper plate is fixed to the control rod, the lower plate is rigidly fixed in the cartridge body.

By turning the handle, the discs move, the holes completely or partially coincide - the liquid is mixed. The pressure is adjusted by moving the upper element

In three-disc cartridges, the middle plate is movable. The taps are suitable for low pressure water supply systems. The water is mixed in the valve body, and not between the plates, due to which the resistance inside the mixer is reduced.

Advantages of taps with disc cartridges:

• maintainability - to restore functionality, it is enough to replace the internal mechanism;
• the increase in the cold water channel is proportional to the decrease in the flow of hot water - this ensures efficient use of water resources;
• ease of control.

The disadvantage of a ceramic cartridge is its vulnerability to hard, contaminated water. To use them, it is advisable to install a prefilter.

Ball mechanism . The regulator is made in the form of a hollow metal ball. There are three openings inside: two are side channels for water supply, one is for the mixed flow outlet.

Depending on the position of the lever in the horizontal plane, the gap for water to enter the mixing chamber changes. The necessary sealing is provided by spring-loaded fluoroplastic inserts

Since the mixing of water flows occurs inside a metal ball, scale forms on it - one of the reasons for the breakdown of the mixer.

We also recommend reading the article in which we described in detail the most common causes of breakdowns of ball mixers and how to fix them. Read on for more details.

Additional disadvantages of the spherical mechanism:

• low maintainability;
• rapid wear of seals.

Such a device is resistant to pressure changes, water hammer, and is also less demanding on the quality of tap water.

You can read more about single-lever faucet models in this material.

Safety of using the thermostat

Devices with a thermostat ensure stability of the supplied water temperature. Outwardly, they resemble a traditional model - the body is equipped with two adjustment handles, an inlet and a spout. All technical differences are hidden inside.

Thermostatic product design: 1 – water pressure control head, 2 – temperature setting lock, 3 – temperature regulator, 4 – ceramic cartridge, 5 – “smart” mechanism – thermostat

The heart of the mixer is a heat-sensitive element, which, under the influence of temperature, changes its size and regulates the volume of hot mixture. It is enough to configure the necessary parameters once, and subsequent adjustments are taken over by the thermostat.

Advantages of thermal mixers:

• safe operation - eliminates the risk of burns with hot water;
• ergonomic modern design;
• temperature stability and ease of use;
• reducing water consumption that could have been wasted on manual adjustments.

There are a number of things to consider before choosing a thermostatic bathroom sink faucet. Firstly, the blocker stops the water supply if the temperature does not match the set value. In a house with a central water supply, where temperature fluctuations are frequent, you may not receive water at all.

Secondly, in systems with pressure surges, situations are possible when warm water is supplied from a “cold” pipe. The thermostatic mixer shuts off the hot water to reduce the temperature, but the user receives weak pressure at the outlet.

Mixers use two thermostat options: mechanical and electronic.

The mechanics are reliable and easier to “adjust” to the instability of the central highway. Electronic models have an informative display and different types of control: push-button, touch or remote

Mixer-doser – short-term water supply

Portion cutters, which are most in demand in public bathrooms, have also found their way into everyday life. The design of the mixer includes a water start button, a temperature regulator and a gander. When you press the key for some time, a portion of water is supplied.

The role of the locking element is played by a gasket placed on the extension of the rod. The components are placed in a special chamber - already mixed warm water enters this glass. The supply temperature is controlled by a side lever.

The batch mixer is installed in water pipes with a back pressure valve for hot/cold water. Otherwise, hot water in the mixing chamber will displace cold water

Using the valves will allow you to select the optimal position of the adjustable lever once and set a comfortable temperature.

The advantages of the mixer-dispenser are obvious:

• automatic shutdown;
• saving water temperature settings;
• Easy to use – just a light touch on the button.

Portion cutlery has a narrow purpose: hand washing, washing, light rinsing. The mixer is not suitable if using the sink involves a long supply of water and fine-tuning the temperature.

Features of electronic models

High-tech faucets are equipped with electronic components that are responsible for the accuracy of temperature heating and water pressure. Built-in sensors transmit a signal to the shut-off valve.

The functionality and configuration of plumbing systems is varied. Some devices contain a microprocessor that allows you to set the time and temperature mode of the mixer, turn on decorative effects, etc.

Based on the control method, a distinction is made between contact and non-contact electronic products.

Contact mixers . Touch control is provided - a display with an indication of current parameters and a settings panel is built into the molded case.

The mixer is started and turned off by touching the display, device body or spout. Electronic contact devices are sold as separate products or supplied complete with plumbing fixtures

Non-contact devices . Controlled by motion sensors and infrared sensors that respond to thermal energy. If you bring a heat source, in particular your palms, under the spout, the sensor will trigger and water will flow.

Popular electronic faucets are models with a photosensor. Automation reacts to the appearance of objects within a certain range of the built-in sensor

Advantages of electronics for the sink:

• advanced functionality;
• ease of use;
• modern design and decorative effects.

The main disadvantages of innovative plumbing: the high cost of the equipment itself, the complexity of repairs.

Hansa

This German manufacturer is also among the best and took 4th place in our ranking. The products of this company have an optimal price-quality ratio. It is worth noting the original design of the faucets produced, which have a modern look, thanks to which they can fit perfectly into any bathroom interior, even those decorated in the latest fashion. For the most part, the manufacturer produces electronic models with fairly wide functionality, so finding classic single-lever or double-valve options will not be so easy.

All faucets have a chrome finish and a smart water saving system. There are options on sale with special aerators that give the water stream different shapes, unique designs with LED backlighting.

Pros:

• wide range of products;
• attractive modern look;
• availability of a resource saving system.

In general, there is a large selection of faucets on the market. The main thing is to decide on the right model, and finding it won’t be difficult.

Which spout nozzle is better and more practical?

Despite its small size, this is a very important part of the mixer. The most popular are retractable watering cans and small aerators. These devices work on the principle of cavitation, mixing water with air. This provides significant savings, as water consumption is reduced to 8 l/min.

There are devices with a static arrangement of gratings, and there are those with an adjustable arrangement, in which you can change the density of the air-water mixture. Many faucet models are equipped with nozzles with changeable direction of water flow. This idea turned out to be so successful that special nozzles were developed with wide ranges of adjustment of saturation and jet shape, which are suitable for most models of kitchen faucets.

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However, progress in the development and modernization of kitchen plumbing does not stand still. Many ideas are just beautiful decorations, some can bring undoubted benefits.

Simple or LED lighting for the faucet. It will not only decorate the kitchen, but also wash the dishes better.

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Electronic thermometer and water temperature meter. It will help you avoid getting burned and significantly save water. The special thing about this FaucetBuddy device is that it is completely independent. The nozzle receives all the necessary energy from the water jet.

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