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.

Types of mixing devices

There are several main types of mixers. Let's get to know each of them in more detail.

Two-valve systems

Classic devices, which are designed with two valves, each of them regulates the supply of cold or hot water. The main element of such a mixer is the faucet.

This is the name of the element that opens or shuts off the water supply inside the device. It is directly connected to the mixer handwheel, so turning the valve regulates the water flow. All two-valve mixers, depending on the type of faucet axlebox, can be divided into two groups.

Devices with worm-type crane axle box

The valves of such a device are equipped with a worm axle valve, which is a screw or worm that passes through the body and is fixed in the mixer. The upper end of the screw is connected to the valve, the lower end is connected to the rod, at the end of which a rubber gasket is installed.

When the valve begins to rotate, the screw installed inside the housing changes its position, moving down or up along the thread. The pressure on the rubber gasket changes, and it opens or closes the hole through which water is supplied to the mixer.

The main disadvantage of devices with a worm-gear axle box is the short service life of the rubber gasket, which has to be replaced frequently. Although this is quite simple to do, it is considered a significant inconvenience.

However, if desired, the worm-type valve axle can be replaced with a suitable ceramic one, which lasts much longer.

Another “minus” is that to fully open the tap you need to make two turns of the valve, that is, turn it 720°. The advantages of such devices include low cost.

Externally, two-valve mixers look the same. However, their operational characteristics are largely determined by the type of crane axleboxes installed in the device

Devices with ceramic valve axle

Unlike its worm-type counterpart, this element contains ceramic inserts. The unit that regulates the water supply is made of cermet. The design of the mechanism includes two ceramic plates on which special holes are made.

The principle of operation of a ceramic crane axlebox is to shift the plates. The first of them is installed in the mixer body, where it is securely fixed. The other is attached to the rod, which is connected to the valve.

When the tap is opened, a gap appears between the plates through which water flows. When the valve closes, the plates converge and close the gap. Ceramic faucet axleboxes are durable because the material from which the plates are made is very durable.

Scratches and cracks practically do not appear on it. Another advantage of such faucets is that to open the tap it is enough to turn the valve only 90° or 45°. The cost of devices with a ceramic valve axlebox is higher than that of their “worm” counterparts.

Practice shows that such faucets are sensitive to hard water with various impurities, so it is advisable to install a filter along with them.

Ceramic crane axlebox has good performance characteristics and long service life

Regardless of the type of faucet, two-valve mixers are extremely easy to set the desired water temperature and do not require getting used to the controls. Significant disadvantages include inconvenience in use, because in order to adjust the water supply you need to use both hands at once.

Despite this, two-valve appliances are quite widely used in modern bathrooms. They are simply irreplaceable in bathrooms, the interior design of which is made in the style of retro, Provence, vintage, classic and the like.

Single-lever or joystick devices

Single-lever faucets for bathroom sinks are especially popular today. These devices are equipped with one handle, with which you set the desired temperature and regulate the water pressure.

When you lift the lever up, the jet becomes more powerful, and turning it left/right makes it possible to adjust the temperature.

Two types of such devices can be found on sale.

Ball mixer

The device got its name due to the presence of a small metal ball in the design. It is located in the device body and has three holes. One is for cold water, the other is for hot water and the third is for mixed water.

The last hole has access to the faucet spout. The container located inside the ball is called the mixing chamber, since this is where the mixing of cold and hot liquid occurs.

The steel ball is in contact with the seats, which is what rubber seals are called.

The ball mixer is activated by an adjusting rod. Its movement changes the area of ​​the contacting holes. The smaller it is, the higher the pressure of the water flow coming out of the spout and vice versa.

Changing the amount of hot or cold water passing through the mixing chamber allows you to adjust the temperature of the liquid leaving the mixing device. The simplicity and reliability of the design of ball devices guarantees their long service life. They fail very rarely.

The rubber seals are considered the weakest point of the ball valve; it is recommended to replace them every 2 years.

The diagram shows the structure of a single-lever ball mixer

Device with cartridge

The main element of the system is a cartridge consisting of two ceramic plates. The bottom has three holes for water, the top is responsible for mixing the liquid.

When the position of the lever changes, one of the holes on the bottom plate is aligned with the mixing chamber located in the upper part of the disk. A special silicone lubricant is responsible for the smooth operation of the device.

Cartridge devices are among the most reliable and durable devices. As practice shows, some cheap models of cartridge faucets do not regulate water temperature well. This is due to the fact that their tuning angle is low.

When choosing equipment, you need to pay attention to this indicator. It is optimal that the adjustment angle is about 15°, which will allow adjustments to be made without problems.

There are three holes on the bottom plate of the single-lever faucet cartridge that can become clogged with impurities in hard water. That is why additional installation of a filter is recommended

Regardless of the type of single-lever mixers, their main “enemy” is abrasive elements such as sand or salt deposits, which can enter the device along with the flow of water. Over time, this inevitably leads to breakdown of the mixer.

To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is recommended to install special filters.

Thermostatic mixer

Such devices appeared relatively recently. The design of the device is based on a special mixing element, controlled by a special cartridge inside of which wax or bimetallic plates are located.

Due to the fact that the plates are extremely sensitive to the slightest changes in temperature, the cartridge can almost instantly respond to the cooling or heating of water. Depending on the changes that occur, the element either contracts or expands, thereby regulating the supply of hot water to the mixing chamber.

The main advantage of such devices is the ability to set the temperature regime. Water will flow from the mixer at the desired temperature, regardless of the pressure in the water pipe.

The user can change the temperature and pressure if desired. For this purpose, the device body is equipped with two handles. One regulates the water heating temperature, and the second regulates its pressure. In addition, the mixer is equipped with a safety system that prevents the possibility of burns from overly hot water.

The disadvantages of thermostatic devices include their rather high cost.

To adjust the water pressure and temperature, thermostatic mixers are equipped with special knobs or buttons

Non-contact device

The name of the mixer makes it clear that in order for water to flow from the tap, you do not have to touch the device. The design of the smart device includes an infrared sensor that controls the shut-off valve. As soon as the hand is brought to the mixer, the sensor is triggered and opens the water supply.

After the hand is removed from the detector's coverage area, the flow of water is blocked. Models are available that supply water only for a certain time after switching on. After the specified time has elapsed, the tap closes.

The pressure and temperature of the water coming from the contactless faucet can be adjusted. There are special screws hidden in the housing for this purpose. Expensive device models provide the ability to automatically adjust the temperature.

To change the water heating, you need to move your hands to the left or right of the center. In addition, contactless faucets are produced that change the color of the water flow depending on its temperature. These devices require power to operate.

Depending on the model of plumbing equipment, this may be a built-in battery or an electrical network.

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.

Types of mixers at installation site

Depending on where the faucets are mounted in the bathroom, they can be divided into groups - wall-mounted, mortise-mounted and floor-mounted.

1. Wall-mounted faucets are the classic and most popular mounting method; they are made at a height of at least 30 centimeters above the bathtub. The spout can be long or short, the main thing is that the water flows directly into the bathtub and not over the edge. The pipes to which the mixer is connected can be open or embedded in the wall, which is more difficult to implement.
2. Mortise - in this case, the mixer is installed on the side of the bathtub. Holes can be specially provided for installation, or they can be drilled yourself on acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs. The mixer can be located above one hole, or its elements can be spaced horizontally along the side of the bathroom. There is another installation option - the controls are located on one horizontal panel on the side of the bathroom. Due to the massive structure, they are complemented by racks that rest on the floor.
3. Floor-standing faucets are a new design solution, used when the bathtub is located not against the wall, but, for example, in the center of the room. This option is rare and quite expensive to implement, as it requires the installation of separate pipes hidden in the floor. The external design can be varied - both in retro style and modernist.

Wall mixer

Inset mixer

Bathtub with floor-mounted mixer

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.

Differences in switching mechanism

Shower-bath switching devices differ due to different mechanisms, which are:

• eccentric;
• cartridge;
• with a ball-type deviator;
• with a plug-type deviator.

Eccentric mechanism: its operation is quite simple - when you turn the switch handle, the rod is activated, on the right and left of which there are rubber gaskets. When moving, this rod closes the desired hole - for a spout or shower. The mechanism is affordable and simple; its repair and even replacement is not difficult. Its installation can be carried out on any type of tap with a suitable diameter. The disadvantages are that the gaskets wear out quickly and require frequent replacement; sometimes the mechanism itself can jam. Where the spout is attached, the connections may become loose and need to be tightened frequently. In addition, the dimensions of the product are quite impressive, especially if they are located at a significant height.

Mixer with eccentric switch mechanism

The cartridge mechanism is based on the difference in rotation of ceramic plates that close or allow water to pass through. This mechanism is more reliable and lasts longer without breakdowns, and is small in size. But if it fails, it must be completely replaced.

Mixer with cartridge mechanism

Mechanism with a ball deviator - made of brass, the main element is a ball with holes located between polymer spacers. Depending on the rotation of the ball, a stream of water is directed either into the shower or into the spout. This system is simple and considered the most reliable to date. Its failure occurs mainly due to wear of the gaskets. But due to the fact that the mechanism is completely integrated into the mixer body, the entire mixer will have to be replaced.

Ball deviator mechanism

A mechanism with a cork deviator - it is controlled using a cap similar to a lever that is raised or lowered. The principle of operation of the mechanism is similar to the eccentric one, but the device is much more compact and looks more stylish, with easy switching. When the water pressure changes, the button switches from the “shower” position back to the “spout” position, preventing an unexpected charge of water from the shower head. This button also has the ability to be fixed if necessary.

Mixer with cork deviator

But during repairs, it becomes difficult to find spare parts - components can be quite difficult to find.

Shower-spout mechanisms can be internal or external.

1. Internal, built-in systems are reliable, compact and eliminate leakage. They are usually controlled with one movement. But they are generally difficult or impossible to repair; sometimes the entire mixer needs to be replaced.
2. External systems are mounted between the mixer and the spout and have a hole for the shower hose. They are easy to install, maintain and replace if necessary. But they are not very convenient to use and are a little unaesthetic; frequent movements of the gander can cause leaks.

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.

conclusions

Analysis of the data provided will help us draw certain conclusions regarding the correct choice of faucet for a bathroom with shower.

A single-lever mixer is the best option in terms of quality and price for middle-class consumers. The shower-spout switching mechanism is a built-in cartridge type.

Mixers, the operating principle of which is based on the use of tap axle boxes for switching eccentrics, are obsolete and also have a short service life.

Thermostatic mixers are mechanisms that will be very actively used in the future. Reducing the price of programmable faucets will definitely lead to a sharp increase in their sales.

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.

Shower Heads

After pouring, inspect the shower head and its features. It is made of metal or plastic. Plastic ones break faster, but are cheaper. But metal ones are more durable, although you need to pay more for them.

Particular attention should be paid to the nozzles. It is better if they are rubber, since they are easier to clean from limescale and sand.

Most modern watering cans are equipped with several water supply modes. You can adjust the intensity of the pressure and the direction of the jets as you wish.

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.

Spouts - which ones are most convenient for bath and shower faucets?

The most popular model of bathroom faucets is with a long spout. In cases where the bathtub and washbasin are located close to each other, installing an additional faucet above the sink is not required. A swivel spout saves money during installation of devices, but requires additional investment during operation. Frequent turning movements lead to loosening of the connection between the spout and the mixer. When buying a faucet with a swivel spout, pay attention to the angle of movement of the device and the length of the tap. The optimal option is more than 30 cm with a wide range.

Short spouts appeared in bathrooms later than long ones, but managed to occupy their niche. The main advantage of such models is the small area of ​​​​the required space and the ability to install directly on the edge of the bathtub. In small rooms, a short faucet spout will come in handy.

The choice of tap length depends on the placement of the washbasin and bathtub, on the square footage of the room itself, and on the planned installation location of the mixer.

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.

Types of devices depending on installation method

There are two main types of mixers, differing in the installation method.

Wall equipment

Not so long ago, this category included only devices intended for wall mounting. They were installed above the sink at the required height. Today they have been joined by more modern devices with the possibility of hidden installation.

Most often these are single-lever faucets, the design of which allows you to hide most of the parts in the wall. Only the key elements remain on the surface: the spout and the control lever. The advantage of such models is their attractive appearance, since all unsightly communications are hidden in the wall.

This same circumstance is partly their disadvantage, since in the event of a leak, getting to the accident site will be problematic.

Mortise devices

These faucets are installed directly on the sink. You need to understand that for their installation you need special bowls with a hole. It is unlikely that you will be able to make a hole on the side yourself, so when purchasing a faucet you need to know exactly what type of sink it will be.

The advantage of mortise models is their ease of installation and maintenance. Externally, they most often look attractive, since all supply lines can be hidden in the sink pedestal.

Floor-standing faucets look very impressive and at the same time solve the problem of masking utility lines

Floor-standing faucets

Very elegant models. Their peculiarity is that the device is mounted on the floor, which makes it possible to disguise all utility lines.

Such equipment is especially important when moving the sink to another place, since it allows you to supply water to almost any area of ​​the bathroom without cluttering it with a large number of pipes. There are two types of such devices.

They are conventionally called “one-legged” and “two-legged”. The first are single-lever mixers, the second are two-valve.

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.

Manufacturers and brands

Grohe

If you want to get famous German quality and relatively inexpensive prices, pay attention to Grohe faucets. The company appeared on the market in the late 90s of the twentieth century and continues to maintain a strong position among manufacturers and exporters of mixers.

Product advantages:

• Careful control over every stage of production.
• Strict adherence to the percentage of materials for the production of taps.
• Corrosion protection.
• Analysis of the quality of drainage of every hundredth plumbing fixture.

DAMIXA

The Danish manufacturer of stylish bathroom faucets combines quality and recognizable unique style in its devices. Over more than 80 years of existence, the brand has been appreciated by many customers - almost 50 thousand faucets arrive on store shelves every day.

Product advantages:

• Use of the latest innovative technologies in production.
• Official five-year warranty.
• Significant reduction in water consumption.
• Stylish design and full compliance with the requirements.

ORAS

Mixers manufactured at Finnish factories are an ideal combination of model design, electronics, modern materials and alloys.

Product advantages:

• Passing mandatory bench tests eliminates the possibility of leakage or breakdown of plumbing products.
• Automatic compensation of pressure and temperature differences in the water supply system.
• Reliability, durability, ease of use.
• Economical use of water resources.

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.

Where can I buy

The best place to purchase a faucet is a large plumbing or hardware store. It is possible to order the device via the Internet from the following sellers (the links lead directly to the mixers - open and select):

• Baucenter - there are both the usual wall-mounted and built-in options;
• All Tools – 329 items of different types;
• Leroy Merlin – different types of models available.

Just don't be tempted by cheap products from the markets. Most often these are low-quality goods from the Middle Kingdom or counterfeit brands. In any case, you need to require all accompanying documentation.

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.

Mixers with ball deviator

The main role in such a device is played by a ball with holes, which is located between the ring gaskets. Water enters into one hole and exits through one of the other two into the shower or spout.

On the positive side, such faucets are characterized by reliability and durability. The main disadvantage is the non-separable body, which has a built-in ball mechanism. If it fails, you have to replace the entire mixer.

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.

How to choose a manufacturer?

Recognized leaders in the plumbing products market are German, Finnish and Italian brands.

Among the reliable manufacturers are world-famous companies:

1. Grohe . A German company that uses its own developments and innovations in the production of plumbing fixtures. There are more than 30 series of faucets of different styles and materials on sale.
2. Hansgrohe . Specializing in the production of plumbing fixtures for over 100 years. The company sells products under 4 brands: Hansgrohe – modern-style faucets, Pharo – bathroom accessories, Pontos – economical technologies, Axor – exclusive models.
3. Oras . Finnish company that prefers modern style. Her preferences: futurism, hi-tech, minimalism and modernism. Features of mixers: laconic design, dynamism, functionality and high quality.
4. Jacob Delafon . French brand, representative of the Kohler group of companies. The quality of materials meets high European standards. Jacob Delafon offers more than 10 collections of faucets.

The top ten manufacturers are completed by: Rosa (Spain), Teka (Spain), Vidima (Bulgaria), Lemark (Czech Republic), Ideal Standart (Germany), Jika (Czech Republic).

Products from the Jacob Delafon and Ideal Standart collections are distinguished by their versatility. Practical, ergonomic models made in a modern style

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.

Shower-spout mixers: with built-in or external mechanisms

1. Built-in mechanisms.

Advantages:

The built-in mechanisms are characterized by the compactness of the mixer itself, reliable operation and absence of leaks. Also, most models with a built-in type of mechanism are distinguished by the fact that they can be controlled with one movement: by pressing a button or turning a lever.

Flaws:

The disadvantages of such faucets are the difficulty of repair, with the exception of cartridge faucets, where the entire mechanism requires replacement. After a deviator breaks down in a number of models, the entire mixer needs to be replaced.

2. External mechanisms.

Advantages:

External mechanisms are mounted between the spout or mixer, and they are equipped with an additional outlet for the shower hose. They are characterized by ease of installation, maintenance and replacement.

Flaws:

Mixers with such mechanisms do not look very attractive, and their use cannot be called convenient. Installation of such faucets is carried out when the tap is located at a considerable height above the bathtub. When the faucet is located between the sink and the bathtub and the spout is constantly moving, the external deviator quickly weakens the joints and leaks due to frequent movements, so its use in this case cannot be called advisable.

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.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Visual video tutorials will help you navigate the variety of models and choose the best one. The video will tell you what to consider when choosing a water “mixer”:

Determination of crane sizes for easy use in the video:

When purchasing, you must read the accompanying documents, check the smooth running of the moving elements and the quality of the external coating - there should be no drips, scratches or other defects. Experienced plumbers advise you to beware of suspiciously cheap and light-weight faucets - these are clear signs of a fake.

If you have interesting information on the topic of the article, please share it with our readers. Tell us which mixer you chose, are you satisfied with its performance? Perhaps you managed to purchase a new model? Leave comments and upload photos of your faucets in the comments section.

Is it necessary to install a filter to protect the faucet?

Many people have long known that it is necessary to install a mud filter at the water entrance to the apartment, but it is not able to fully protect your plumbing from sand and other small debris found in tap water. The presence of small particles in tap water is fraught with increased wear and tear on plumbing fixtures, and is not particularly beneficial for health.

In such cases, experts recommend installing main filters at the entrance to the water supply system of your apartment; they have a finer filter fraction structure, which prevents the ingress of sand, rust and other small debris, which will increase the service life of your plumbing.