Thermostatic shower mixer: models, device, operating principle, reviews

Manufacturers are constantly improving plumbing fixtures, trying to make their use as comfortable, practical and cost-effective as possible. One of these solutions is a thermostatic mixer for bath and shower, eliminating the need to constantly adjust the water temperature.

Agree, it is very convenient to configure and fix the optimal parameters for yourself, so as not to waste time over and over again selecting the desired position of the lever. Ease of use is obvious, isn't it? It remains to decide on the mixer model.

We will tell you what parameters you should focus on when choosing a thermostatic device, outline the features of different versions, list the best manufacturers, and also note the nuances of installing a faucet.

Why do you need a mixer with a thermostat?

You have to use hot water every day, and just as often there is a need to regulate the temperature and pressure of the water. A mixer with a special device solves two problems at once: once you have set the parameters, you don’t have to return to this issue again - water will be supplied from the tap at the specified degrees.

The water pressure in our taps “fails”, it can be weak or too strong, a thermostatic device successfully solves this problem. Turning and locking the thermostat lever will eliminate the need to test drive the current state of water pressure in the pipes every time. As a result, the user receives a new level of quality of life and saves energy resources both in a global sense and in terms of reducing the cost of housing and communal services.

Wall mixer-thermostat_2 for right and left hot

Then my success began to grow simply exponentially. If in the first week I learned to download files from the BBS, in the second - to upload them back, then in the third week I managed to call the sysop to chat at 4 am and very productively chatted with him until 7 am. Log printed it out and proudly showed it to his wife. She looked at me in bewilderment and asked: “Why were you talking to some crazy girl? By any chance, have you developed delirium tremens?” After that, out of resentment, I had to stop talking to my wife and drink for another week. Ten days later, the feeling of annoyance subsided somewhat, I managed to overcome myself and talk to my wife, asking where the corkscrew was in this house. Over time, the feeling of incredible coolness became so intense that it became clear that the time had come to open your own BBS. No sooner said than done! The 20 MB hard drive was skillfully divided between turbo-pascal and BBS file areas. For downloading, all the files that I myself had stolen from various BBSs were posted for users, as well as a rarity - the “Talk” program, which I had written with my own hands, which very skillfully emulated a human conversation. She demanded to enter a line, and after pressing Enter she answered: “You are a fool! Gee-gee-gee!” This gave me every right to write in the announcement of the station: “Tens of megabytes of gigas of wares online, including my original developments dedicated to artificial intelligence.” I modestly named my treasure “Super-Extra-Mega BBS” and began to wait for calls, since it’s clear that such a cool board does not need any advertising.

In the first week, oddly enough, there was no flurry of calls. On Wednesday, however, Kolyan called, invited me to chat and we chatted all night. I was so grateful to Kolyan for the call that I pleased him with the message that I had made him the kosisop of my station. Kolyan's expression visibly faded, and then timidly asked: does he now need to be on duty at my station every night as a kosisop, or is a couple of times a week enough?

As time passed, the number of users on my BBS was already seventeen users. They addressed me respectfully - sysop. Some even called during voice time and asked for a sysop on the phone. My wife (what a fool!) at first answered that there was no sysop here, then terrible suspicions crept into her soul and they began to torture me - who was it I brought home during her last business trip. But the misunderstanding was soon resolved, and after that the wife no longer flinched in response to such requests on the phone, but politely answered that the sysop couldn’t come over now, since this cretin forgot to buy milk, so he was serving his labor duty around the house and was currently sysoping there is a palace on the street from the living room.

Meanwhile, little by little, the mysterious and enchanting word “Fido” began to creep into my late-night, beer-stained dialogues with users. No, of course I knew that translated from English this word simply means a common noun for a yard dog, like ours “Sharik” or “Bobik”. But users told me that this is the name of a famous non-profit computer network that has spread its tentacles all over the world. Since I’m not a good businessman, of course, I really wanted to get into this network...

(the fidoshnik took a breath, poured himself another three liters of beer and continued)

However, none of the users could (or would not) explain to me how to get there. I was ready to give even the “sysop” level for this information, but no one succumbed to this blackmail either. Once, however, I almost fell into this network. Here is how it was. A programmer friend of mine arrived, we sat with him, drank beer, and I told him my impossible dream. The programmer shrugged and said that he had a friend who was a Fido node. He will ask him, and he will give me the address. With these words, the programmer picked up the phone, called, called some Sasha and asked him to launch me into Fido. Sasha said there was no problem and told me to answer the phone. With a sinking heart, I picked up the phone and heard the following monologue: “In short, take a fresh nodelist, find my phone number there, then use the mailer to check the connection, frank something there for testing, send me the logs, and after that, send your point number directly and passwords for robots. Got it? Happily". And he hung up. I was shocked. The likelihood of getting caught in this network was rapidly approaching zero. Now I know what a mailer, frack, logs, etc. are, but at that moment - that “nodelist”, that some kind of “budrobAn” - sounded exactly the same.

But, as often happens, fruitless waiting after several months suddenly appeared in the form of a chat message from one user of my BBS. This guy wrote that his boss node was ready to take me to points, and that the next day they would come to my home together to perform the sacrament of introducing me to this network. The user said that they will bring everything they need with them, including frondura, and all I need to do is give the boss plenty of beer, since this is a necessary ritual of INITIATION. I didn’t quite understand why on earth they would bring some kind of front-line fool with them, but I reacted to the news with due respect.

The next day, during the morning formation, my wife was told what a great honor awaited me, and the necessary instructions were given for receiving such important guests. My wife was infected by my festive mood, so she bought a case of beer not in bottles, but in cans, also ironed my suit and even tried to tidy up the computer room, although she ran into her foot on a lying video card and abandoned these hopeless attempts.

At seven o'clock in the evening the doorbell rang. My wife and I went to the grand opening. On the threshold stood two young men of purely programmer appearance, who simultaneously opened their mouths when they saw me in a suit and my wife in an evening dress.

At dinner, however, after drinking a dozen cans of beer, the guests recovered from the initial embarrassment and even told some kind of fidish story about how someone installed something in the wrong place, and what happened about it somewhere there . From the entire story, I only understood the words “Goat” and “modem,” but I laughed politely to keep the conversation going. And at the end of dinner, the guys simply threw away all conventions and, with the help of a can of olives, a pile of bones from legs of lamb and beer cans, depicted a certain composition on the table, which they called “Echomail routing scheme in 5020.” The somewhat stunned wife offered them coffee, the guys somehow became sad and said that it was time for them to begin the main purpose of their visit, if, of course, there was still beer left. One of them asked his wife for lipstick and wrote some strange numbers the mirror in the hallway The wife twisted her mouth with displeasure and asked - what, now her husband will always be called by his number, like a prisoner? The guys grimaced, told their wife that she wasn’t getting it and asked her to go to the kitchen to do her direct duties.

After that, the guys sat down at my computer, quickly criticized the configuration files and the DOS version, and then for an hour they installed some wildly cumbersome software, quarreling and using strange terms along the way. At the end of this execution, it turned out that my user wrote configuration files for Front-Door, and my boss installed bink. They also drank beer on this occasion, replaced Bink with Front-Door, configs from Front-Door with bink ones, congratulated me and took their leave.

I lay awake most of the night, listening in awe as my modem continuously dialed a number. In the morning there was no fidosh mail on the computer. And only a couple of weeks later it turned out that the mailer had been driving all night to California, as the guys had messed up something with the translation of telephone numbers.

After this significant day, only six months passed, and my mailer no longer called his boss after hours. On the fence next to my house there was an inscription: “Fido is a rulez. The Internet is a goat!” I began to receive and read fidosh mail and was almost completely happy. I could talk for hours about what happened at the beginning of my glorious fidish journey, but I would like to hear how you got into your network and what exciting moments were associated with it...

What is a thermostat

The thermostatic mixer device consists of several components:

Temperature limiter. Triggers when water is supplied at a temperature higher than comfortable.
Temperature scale. Records indicators.
Thermal regulator. With its help, the balance of hot and cold flow is adjusted to produce water at a given temperature.
Water supply pressure regulator.

Thermostatic mixer for showers and any other water supply device has a main element - a thermostat. It is a limiter consisting of one copper and one paraffin rod.

Types of shower faucets with thermostat by type of control

Thermostatic mixers, depending on the control method, can be mechanical, electronic or sensory. The first version of the three-way mixing valve has a simple design that is affordable.

The water temperature is controlled using valves or levers. They ensure that the valve moves inside the housing depending on changes in temperature. It moves towards the pipe in which greater pressure is created, reducing it. The water temperature remains the same. Such a faucet with a thermostat has two regulators - temperature and pressure. The first is located on the right, and the second on the left.

An electronic mixer with a thermostat has a more complex design and higher cost. To ensure its functionality, you must connect the device to an outlet. There are stand-alone models that run on batteries. The faucet with thermostat is controlled using buttons, a touch panel or a remote control. Electronic sensors monitor all water indicators, the numerical values of which are displayed on the screen. This version of the mixer is comfortable, multifunctional and attractive.

Thermostatic mixers can be mechanical, electronic or sensory

Among the newfangled technologies is a contactless device, which, thanks to a sensitive infrared sensor, responds to a light touch. It is enough to bring your hand to the body and water at a given temperature will flow from the tap.

Despite its ease of use, the touch mixer has significant drawbacks. In order to fill the container with water, you must keep your hand within the sensor’s coverage area the entire time. It is possible to quickly change the water temperature using thermostatic kitchen faucets, which are equipped with a single-lever mechanical regulator. Expensive options turn out to be impractical for regularly changing water temperature. In addition, there is no way to control the period of water supply, which is a significant drawback in terms of saving resources.

Helpful advice! It is advisable to install sensor faucets with a thermostat in the kitchen: this allows you to turn on the water without smearing the tap with dirty hands, which creates convenience during the cooking process.

In a thermostatic mixer, the water temperature is controlled using levers

How does it work

The operating principle of a thermostatic shower mixer is based on regulating the pressure of cold and hot water. There is a thermocouple located in the body of the device, the task of which is to monitor the temperature of the supplied water.

As soon as the temperature exceeds the recorded value, the supply of cold water increases. As the temperature decreases, the pressure of hot water increases. The recognition process takes a fraction of a second, so the changes are invisible. When the pressure in the water supply system (hot/cold) fluctuates, the pressure of the stream from the mixer will change. The lack of hot or cold water in the pipes leads to the blocking of the flow from the tap.

pros

Safety . The temperature of the water in any home is affected by the number of simultaneously operating plumbing products. For example, one family member is washing in the shower, while another is emptying the tank above the toilet or opening the kitchen faucet to draw liquid into the kettle. According to Russian standards, permissible fluctuations in the temperature range of hot water supply range from 50 to 70 degrees . Therefore, in such cases, with a conventional mixer, there is a danger of scalding due to a sharp decrease in the proportion of cold water in the mixture pouring onto the body. The likelihood of accidental burns increases sharply in shower stalls, where there is nowhere to quickly jump, as well as in houses where storage water heaters are used, capable of raising the water temperature to 80°C. The thermostatic mixer eliminates the risk of thermal injury . The mechanism responds to changes within 2 seconds, rearranging the operation so that the output result does not deviate from the set parameters.
Protection from children's pranks . The surface of the case is not hot, which eliminates the possibility of a child being burned when touching the metal. Typical representatives of mechanical devices have a limiter at the 38°C mark; this reading is considered the most comfortable for humans. When the specified limit is reached, the valve will completely shut off the hot water supply pipe.
Comfort . Fluctuations in the ratio of the components of the water mixture can be caused by neighbors on the riser opening or closing the taps in their apartments, or taking a contrast shower. With a sharp increase in water flow, pressure drops occur. It is unlikely that you will be able to relax under the streams, which are constantly becoming colder and hotter. The developers of the mixer, which produces a water stream at a constant temperature, have saved the resident from having to endure the inconvenience of fluctuations in pressure in the pipelines.
Simplicity of design . The miracle of plumbing has a special valve. If the fluid pressure in one pipeline drops, the valve moves and reduces the flow from the other entering the mixing chamber. The temperature in the spout or watering can remains at the original level. The role of the controller in mechanical plumbing models is often played by a sensitive sensor with synthetic wax. The thermocouple contracts or expands depending on changes in pressure or temperature, causing the locking cartridge to move. Sometimes, instead of wax, bimetallic plates are used, when they bend, the depth of the valve changes.
Reduce costs . Costs are reduced due to almost instantaneous fine tuning. This eliminates the need to waste water when turning it on and constantly adjusting it during use. Some models have an economical mode, in which resource consumption is minimal.

How to use

Thermostatic mixer, from the most primitive to the most technologically advanced, has two regulators, one is responsible for the water pressure, the second for the temperature. In mass production, thermal mixers with two levers are more common. The design of the product is very different - from traditional valves to buttons, the most “advanced” ones are equipped with touch sensors and a liquid crystal display, which displays temperature and water pressure indicators.

It is recommended to start setting up a thermostatic shower mixer by fixing the water temperature, and then adjust the pressure. It doesn’t matter at all when the indicators are set: before turning on the water or during water procedures. By fixing the numbers in advance, you can count on comfort without distractions and savings at the start.

Advantages and disadvantages

Faucets with a thermostat have certain advantages:

Safety. Using them in the bathroom, you will never experience discomfort from ice-cold water. In addition, such equipment is safe to use by children. Many models are equipped with special blockers that prevent the child from independently changing the temperature;
Economical. Using such equipment in your bathroom, you won’t have to waste time adjusting the water temperature. And this is extremely important these days, when water meters are installed in every apartment;
Dependence on other family members or neighbors is excluded. If you take water procedures in the bathroom, and someone uses water in the kitchen or toilet, then you will not experience discomfort in the form of a change in the temperature of the stream or pressure. The mixer with a thermostat ensures stability and automatic maintenance of the set temperature.

But even such practically perfect devices still have a minus . The prices for such faucets are quite high, and for a certain part of people such equipment for the bathroom is simply not affordable.

Advantages and disadvantages

A mixer with control of temperature and water pressure, like any device, has pros and cons.

Advantages:

Consistency of supply water temperature. Changes in water pressure (hot/cold) are not felt.
Blocking the flow in an emergency. The complete absence of cold water serves as a signal to cut off the hot flow; there is no risk of getting burned.
Economical. There is no waste of resources for setting temperature and pressure.

Flaws:

High price.
Difficulties with maintenance and repair. Not in every city you can find a manufacturer’s service center to carry out preventive maintenance or repairs within the warranty period.

Navarra

The thermostat mixer for bath and shower Navarra is a fairly reliable mechanism at affordable prices. They are easy to install and use. Many users leave only positive reviews about this manufacturer. Of course, the main advantage is the budget models of mixers, which not every company can offer. And in addition to the low price there will be high quality. This faucet will serve your family for many years and won’t put a big dent in your wallet.

As you can see, bathroom faucets with thermostat showers are a very necessary thing. Nowadays, many companies are engaged in the production and sale of such devices. The most popular brands of faucets are listed above. This mechanism is very convenient not only during operation, but also during installation. A faucet with a thermostat will become an indispensable mechanism in a home where there are small children or where people are simply tired of adjusting the temperature of the water to take a shower. This is a very safe and convenient way to enjoy a shower and a pleasant water temperature. All the basic information regarding these devices was presented above. It remains to look at the mixers for a bathtub with a shower with a thermostat in the photo, so that readers get a complete picture of what is described in the article.

Types by purpose

In the desire to please the consumer as much as possible, companies create devices that provide comfort in every place where the use of water is required. Common types of faucets with thermostat:

Thermostatic shower mixer. A characteristic feature is the absence of a spout for pouring water.
Mixer with thermal device for shower cabin. There is also no place for water outflow; it is built into the communication system using connecting pipes.
Thermostatic bath mixer. They are produced in two types - wall-mounted and built into the side of the bathtub. Their shape resembles an elongated cylinder with regulators at the ends. This type of thermostatic faucet has a standard spout. Most often, it regulates the water supply both directly when filling the bathtub and for shower procedures. The type of use is changed using a regular switch.
For the sink. It has a vertical configuration, a spout for water, a lever/valve for opening. Installation can be carried out on the wall or directly on the sink.

There are specialized devices for bidets, hygienic showers, and kitchen sinks, but the principle of operation is the same for all.

Some useful tips

To ensure safe operation of a faucet with a thermostat in a bathroom, it is necessary to install additional cleaning filters. This solution will be especially relevant if the water in the mains is hard.

Yes, installing filters will take time, but in the future this will avoid unplanned expenses and significantly extend the service life of plumbing equipment.

As a rule, centralized water supply is merciless to modern and fragile plumbing. Faucets with thermostats are also at risk. Sudden and sharp changes in pressure, water hammer on the main line, poor water quality - all this can significantly reduce the service life of plumbing equipment.

This problem is solved by installing a pressure reducer or check valve at the entrance to the apartment water supply system. After installing the elements, do not forget to adjust them in accordance with the operating parameters of the purchased mixer.

To ensure that the water temperature does not differ from that indicated on the valve, the thermostat must be calibrated. The setting is carried out using a special screw, which can be found under the protective cover of the device. To do this, you will need a regular screwdriver and a household thermometer.

Models

Thermal mixers are available in mechanical and electronic versions. In the mechanical model, the device is adjusted using valves or levers. For domestic communications, this type of mixer is more reliable, since supply failures, pressure surges in pipes and uneven heating of water are common phenomena. The design of the device is varied and comes in different styles: from vintage models to minimalist.

Electronic models are more sensitive to adverse conditions, but are more informative. The data is displayed on a small screen; it is possible to set several operating programs, for example, a separate mode for each family member or turning on the water supply at a certain time. Some models are even able to conduct water analysis. Operation depends on a battery or direct connection to the electrical network. The problem with the electronic thermal mixer, in addition to its cost, is the difficulty in professional maintenance and the availability of service centers.

Types of thermostatic mixers

Today, the range of devices that supply comfortable water for bathing is regularly increasing. Manufacturers are ready to offer faucets with thermostats for bathtubs, showers, sinks, and bidets. However, the models differ in the method of fastening. For example, there are devices for visible and hidden installation.

In general, devices are divided into two groups: mechanical and electronic. This factor must be taken into account when choosing. After all, representatives of each of these two groups have both advantages and disadvantages.

Devices with mechanical adjustment

The simplest and, accordingly, cheapest is the mechanical model. This mixer is equipped with valves, levers and handles that allow you to regulate the strength of the water flow and its temperature.

Devices with mechanical adjustment are much more reliable and durable. At the same time, they work faster, since the temperature is switched manually. As for the price, the cost starts from $60.

The disadvantage of mechanical thermostatic mixers is the peculiarity of manual setting of parameters. But if you need the most simple and inexpensive plumbing equipment, then this minus plays absolutely no role.

The design of mechanical equipment is usually minimalistic and does not contain any unnecessary parts, which makes it easy to operate

Electronic thermostatic mixers

If the house is being furnished in modern style, then it is better to give preference to electronic equipment. In most cases, such faucets have a laconic and elegant appearance that will harmoniously fit into any interior.

In addition, electronic models are equipped with a screen based on liquid crystals, which shows the current water temperature, as well as the pressure force.

Such mixers are controlled using mechanical or touch buttons. There are also contactless devices on the market that operate using infrared sensors. They are often controlled using a special remote control.

If we talk about the advantages of electronic thermostatic mixers, then the advantages include:

comfort - they allow you to indicate the water temperature with an accuracy of up to 1°C;
attractiveness - electronic models look modern;
multifunctionality - they can display many additional parameters.

But it should be taken into account that electronic equipment will cost several times more than mechanical equipment. Moreover, due to the complexity of the design, it is quite difficult to install such mixers correctly. And in the event of a breakdown, you will have to call a qualified specialist, which will also hit the family budget.

The electronic thermostatic mixer requires a power supply. Batteries or an AC adapter can be used for this.

Installation features

Thermostatic shower or bath mixer is more popular than devices designed for the kitchen. For installation in a bathroom, the following basic conditions must be met:

The thermostat has strictly defined hot and cold water entry points, which are marked according to European standards. Incorrect connection will lead to malfunctions and ultimately failure.
When installing on a water supply system from the times of the USSR, it should be taken into account that cold water is on the left, and hot water is supplied on the right; in EU countries it is the other way around. Therefore, before installing a thermostatic shower or bath mixer, it is necessary to reinstall the water distribution system. This rule does not apply to vertical thermostats; in this case, it is enough to swap the flexible hoses.

It is also a good idea to install filters at the water entry points into the apartment before installing the equipment. This will help keep the device intact longer and ensure health for all family members.

Grohe

The Grohe bathroom faucet with thermostatic shower has been on the plumbing market for a long time. There is a huge selection of different mixers here. The faucets of this company differ not only in their functions, but also in their appearance. Therefore, here you can choose a mixer to suit your interior. The main material used to make these devices is brass. According to user reviews and expert estimates, on average, the mechanisms of this company will serve your home for about ten years. Here you can choose multifunctional devices that will cost 45 thousand rubles, or you can choose something more budget-friendly from 1.5 thousand rubles.

Thermostats from Grohe

The German brand is one of the leaders in the production of high-quality thermostats. Grohe mixers have a number of advantages that make the company a leader in customer preferences:

High-quality and reliable technology.
Modern design.
Compact sizes.
Resistance of the coating to mechanical damage.
Durability in use.
Smooth operation.
Saving water consumption up to 50% due to EcoButton technology.
Equipped with TurboStat technology, which allows you to quickly respond to the slightest temperature fluctuation.

Grohe thermostatic mixers are leaders in popularity among the target audience and have a warranty period of 5 years, which indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of the device.

The best models and their prices

Faucets from Grohe, Hansgrohe, Jacob Delafon, Oras and Roca are considered the best and most trusted in the plumbing market. Let's take a closer look at each manufacturer.

Grohe : a large selection of models with different designs and functionality, made of brass. It has been on the market for more than 70 years and is rightfully considered one of the most reliable manufacturers. The service life of mixers is more than 10 years. Prices for Grohe models are the highest in the rating of faucets with a thermostat (from 15,000 to 46,000 rubles);
Hansgrohe: German faucets with a laconic design, well suited for a small bathroom. Material: chrome-plated brass. The manufacturer provides a five-year warranty. From 12,000 rubles;
French Jacob Delafon : also made of brass with a 5-year guarantee. All models are made in classic style. From 10,000 to 30,000 rubles;
Oras : good quality models, but more affordable. Made from brass and plastic. From 13,000 rubles;
Roca: Another inexpensive manufacturer. A distinctive feature is the many models of different designs. Can be matched to almost any bathroom style. From 7000 rubles.

Thermostatic mixers have not yet become widespread in our country due to their rather high price. However, the owners of this convenient device in all respects claim that the high safety and efficiency of faucets with a thermostat quickly pays off by reducing water consumption.

Other manufacturers

The FAR thermostatic mixer has a laconic appearance in comparison with the design finds of other manufacturers, but in terms of characteristics it will give a head start to many. Thermal mixers from this manufacturer are more familiar to professionals, since the company produces plumbing fixtures, devices for heating systems, etc.

Mixers with a TERMO-FAR thermostat are connected to the system at two entry points of hot and cold water, and a mixed flow is supplied to the pipe at the outlet. The thermostatic sensor is located in the sphere of influence of two water flows and is built into a housing equipped with two valves; it mechanically changes the ratio of cold and hot water supply. The temperature control range is adjustable from 25°C to 65°C, while the maximum water temperature can reach 95°C. According to consumer reviews, it is one of the most reliable and easy-to-repair devices.

The thermostatic shower mixer Armatura is produced by the Polish factory KFA. The device is in demand in our open spaces, has an affordable price and is easy to install. It has a sufficient margin of safety and retains its attractive appearance for a long time.

Principle of operation

A mixer with a thermostat maintains the temperature and pressure at the level specified by the owner. All you have to do is set the necessary parameters, the mechanism will do the rest itself. No matter how the pressure of cold or hot water changes, the temperature at the outlet of the tap and shower will always be the same.

All thermostatic mixers work on the same principle. The thermocouple automatically regulates the water supply. If at any moment the hot water disappears, the mixer stops supplying cold water. He will do all this in a second, so you simply won’t have a chance to get burned or get a portion of an icy shower on your back.

The body of the device usually has a cylindrical shape and two regulators: for adjusting the pressure and selecting the water temperature. The housing contains a themostatic cartridge that is sensitive to temperature changes.

The material from which the cartridge consists allows it, when expanding, to push out a special piston in order to regulate or completely shut off the supply of hot water if the cold water disappears.

The ceramic cartridge, also located inside the body, allows the owner to change the water temperature within a fairly wide range, but it also has a limiter that will not allow you to set the water above 80 degrees.

Based on the type of water supply adjustment, thermal mixers are divided into mechanical and electronic.

Mechanical faucets are equipped with valves or handles, usually located at the edges of the cylindrical body. One valve sets the desired water temperature, the other controls the pressure. It is believed that mechanical models have a simpler and more reliable design.

Electronic thermal mixers are distinguished by a variety of designs and are equipped with a display with touch or push-button control.

How to choose and install a 3-position shower faucet?
How to disassemble a ball mixer yourself? Find out in this article.

Reviews

Many buyers left their opinions about such a device as a thermostatic mixer. Reviews talk about the advantages of using it, highlighting the comfort of constant temperature and pressure, which could not be achieved with an ordinary mixer. Those who have children growing up in their families talk about safety: a child can often open and close taps, which can lead to either scalding or hypothermia. By purchasing a thermostat with an additional protection function, you can be sure that a child’s hand will not turn the temperature control knob to a critical state. For some buyers, this opportunity turned out to be an advantage in the purchase and was fully justified.

Negative reviews were expressed towards individual manufacturers, whose products were short-lived and quickly failed. There were also difficulties connecting Western equipment with domestic pipes and water. Filters built into water supply systems quickly became clogged, and the faucets themselves required additional fittings for installation.

Many noted difficulties with repairing thermostats, and often the unavailability of service. Most negative reviews boil down to the opinion that it is worth purchasing such equipment from manufacturers with an established reputation and extensive experience in the production of such devices.

How to choose the right device

Electronic thermostat

In mechanical thermostatic valves, adjustment is carried out using levers or valves. For our conditions, it is better to purchase a mechanical model, since electronic analogues are sensitive to bad water, power surges and quickly fail. Also, the latter are quite expensive and difficult to maintain and repair.

When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the material from which the mixer is made. The most durable models are made of bronze, brass or copper. Ceramic taps have an attractive design, but little reliability. Short-lived devices are made of plastic, followed by products made of silumin. The products are cheap, but have a short service life.

The rubber shut-off valve wears out quickly. Ceramic elements are more durable, but when using them, you should not use force when twisting, as this will lead to the thermostat head breaking off.

If the package does not include coarse filters, you should purchase them yourself. The minimum pressure in the pipes should be 0.5 bar. Otherwise, it is not recommended to install the device. Kitchen faucets with a thermostat are not practical, since different temperatures are required for washing dishes and food, such as meat or fish.

To protect against damage and corrosion, devices are coated with chromium or nickel. The most famous brands of manufacturers are: Oras (Finland), Cezares and Far (Italy), Grohe (Germany), Iddis and Smart sant (Russia). You should look for products aimed at the Russian market, as they most fully correspond to work in these conditions.

Main types of breakdowns and how to avoid them

Concealed installation of faucet

When installing, keep in mind that European standards place the hot water tap on the left. If the wiring in the house is done differently, you need to groove the walls and cross the pipes. Otherwise, the new mixer will not work. It's easier to install a regular faucet.

Thermostats assume high quality of supplied water. Silt or other deposits are not allowed in it. Flow between pipes is not permitted; special fittings are installed for this purpose.

Hidden installation of faucets leaves the spout tube and thermostat adjustment buttons visible. It is not recommended to install the device into a bathtub wall. If the device fails, you will need to break down the walls and tiles again.

Before installing the tap, it should be calibrated. To do this, there is an adjusting screw under the device cover, which can be removed with a screwdriver. Calibration is performed according to the passport data.