Accessories for mixers - what you need for proper

No apartment can do without such a device as a mixer, and thanks to this simple device mixing of hot and cold water is provided, and the flow pressure is also regulated. When installing, you will definitely need accessories for mixers - without these simple but very convenient accessories, it will be almost impossible to install correctly.

Types of accessories for mixers

The number of accessories, without which it is difficult to do when installing the mixer, include:

• special bar - it is sealed into the wall and fastened to it with self-tapping screws. Attention should be paid to the material from which it is made. For example, when a strip is chosen for a mixer - polypropylene is not recommended for use with metal pipes. Read more about the device and the appointment later in the article;

• water sockets - used to facilitate the connection of the mixer. This is a regular fitting to which the faucet itself is connected;
• deviator. The design of the mixer does not allow to redirect the flow of water to other spouts (for example, to the overhead shower), the deviator is used just for this purpose;
• reflectors - by and large, the efficiency of the mixer does not depend on them, but they allow you to beautifully arrange the place, the exit of water pipes from the wall;
• lamb - the part that a person turns, adjusting the pressure and temperature of the stream;
• a gander, it is a spout or spout - that part of the mixer, through which water is supplied directly from the water pipe.

As for the listed accessories, the gander and the lamb come with a mixer. But strips, water sockets, etc. will have to be bought separately, since their price is low.

Brief description of accessories for the mixer

Despite the incomprehensible names, each of the listed accessories is nothing special. In order that there is no uncertainty left it makes sense to understand in more detail the purpose and types of each of the listed elements.

What is a deviator (distributor) and what is it for?

The mixer can only mix hot and cold water, but during installation it is often necessary to redirect the flow of water. As an example, you can bring a kitchen in which the same faucet is used not only to supply tap water, but also purified water. It will need an additional device to redirect the desired flow to the mixer.

The deviator for the mixer is precisely for this purpose and is intended, and when choosing you need to know the main advantages and disadvantages of various types of such devices:

• ball valve - built directly into the mixer and the water supply is switched by the handle of the mixer itself. Reliability is at a height, but maintainability is almost zero, if such a deviator fails, then the entire mixing unit will need to be completely replaced;

• eccentric - in order to redirect the flow of water to another spout, you just need to turn the knob. Inside the deviator moves the stem and plugs, which overlap one inlet and open the other;
• cartridge deviator - control is performed with one handle, you can replace it yourself, but you will not be able to repair it;
• with use of a zolotnik - the first of the distributors which appeared in mass sale. You can recognize the lever located between the valves of the mixer;

• cork type is almost a complete copy of the eccentric counterpart, and the main difference is that the switching is performed manually;
• exhaust distributor (also known as a button) can be used in automatic devices. It may not be located on the mixer itself, but next to it, as a separate unit. The main problems include wear of the gland, rubber rings and the distributor spring itself.

Water sockets

These devices will be needed when connecting the mixer to the pipes. Simply put - it is the exit of the water pipe from the wall, on one side the water outlet for the mixer is attached to the pipe, and the other is flush with the wall (or just a few millimeters lowered down).

Such fittings can be produced in a single version (suitable for connecting one pipe) or in a double pipe (if the pipes pass side by side). Also sockets can be placed at the ends of the special strip.

The classification of sockets can be given according to the method of attachment to the pipe:

• threaded - make it easy to disconnect the socket if necessary;

Note! To the connection of the pipe with the socket, there are increased requirements for tightness. Instead of the usual linen underwrap, it is better to use FUM tape.

• press connection - belong to the class of permanent connections, this can be attributed to their main disadvantages. Installation instructions require additional equipment - press tongs;

• crimp connection - the main element is the collet, which when the water outlet is connected to the pipe, is placed between the outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the water outlet;
  

• self-locking - this type of connection came from the automotive industry. The reliability of fixation is achieved by the engagement between the ring with the teeth and the counter ring. This type of docking belongs to the class of split.

Separately, it is worth mentioning PP water sockets. The connection with the pipe is provided by soldering, but the inner part, the one to which the mixer is connected, is necessarily metal.

Mixer strips

The plank under the mixer is installed on the wall and looks like a metal or polypropylene plank, on the edges of which a connection of the supply pipes and the mixer is provided.

As for the material from which it is made, it all depends on the material of water pipes:

• brass - suitable for metal-plastic and metal pipes, water sockets are attached to metal strips.

• when a slider is chosen for the mixer - polypropylene can be used only with PP water pipes. In that case connection with them is provided welded.

Installation of such a device is quite simple - in the upper part of the plank there are holes for screws, and the main difficulty during installation is to guess with depth. We can recommend such an installation in which the cut of the water outlet does not protrude beyond the surface of the wall. And the best thing is to drown them a little into the wall, and then use extension cords.

We make out pipes from the wall

The reflector for the mixer is used purely for aesthetic purposes, its presence / absence does not affect the performance of the mixer. The function of this device is to mask the output from the wall to connect the tap.

When choosing to pay attention only to the material from which it is made.

You can find options such as:

• plastic reflectors - due to metal spraying, they look good, but over time, the coating will climb, and the plastic itself is short-lived;

• stainless steel - almost a win-win option, such reflectors are quite durable and durable;
• occasionally you can find non-ferrous reflectors. The advantages of this option can be attributed perhaps that great appearance. But over time, they lose their attractiveness due to oxidation, exposure to chemical agents.

When buying, you can encounter the definition of “telescopic reflectors for the mixer”. Everything is simple - the fact is that the design of any reflector provides for a significant change in its length - hence the “telescopic” prefix.

Lambs and gander

The spout for the mixer is also known as spout and gander. This is the part of the device through which water actually comes from the water pipe.

The main parameters of the spout can be considered the length, height and width:

• height means the difference between the height of the base of the device and the exit, that is, the height of the end of the spout;

• The length of the spout affects the comfort of its use. For example, with a short spout, the jet may fall not to the bottom of the bath, but into its side, which is undesirable;

• width - refers to the width of the narrow section.

The classic lamb for the mixer reminds a little of the ship's steering wheel - this is the part that turns the temperature and the force of the water flow. In ball devices, the normal butterfly is replaced by a convenient handle.

Note! When choosing a lamb, it is better to give preference to the classical form (in the form of a ship's steering wheel). The reason is simple - the outer part, for which a person is taken, is less heated by thin needles.

Summarizing

A set of simple accessories will greatly facilitate the installation of the mixer and guarantee the tightness of the connections, as well as an attractive appearance. The low cost and ease of installation can be considered an additional argument in favor of acquiring the accessories listed in the article.

The video in this article discusses the installation of PP water sockets.