Crane-mixer - types and features of choice

Currently, there are many types of mixers that differ not only in design, but also in design, and even functionally. Therefore, many people who are faced with the choice of the mixer, are at a loss. To help in this matter, then we look at the most common types of faucets - mixers and their features.

Types of faucets

All types of mixers perform one main function - they allow you to adjust and mix the flow of hot and cold water to get a jet of the desired temperature. Hence their name.

However, as mentioned above, they can vary in the following ways:

• Control method and design of the locking mechanism;
• A set of additional functions;
• Installation method;
• Parameters spout;
• Materials from which the device is made mixer.

Below we take a closer look at the features of all types of cranes.

Design features of mixers

According to this mixer parameter are divided into the following types:

• Two-valve - are classic. The flow of water is controlled and adjusted using two valves. The advantage of this design is ease of use and the ability to fine-tune the temperature of the jet. As for the shortcomings, then they include the fragility of the locking gasket, as a result of which the valve begins to “drip” with time, but it is quite simple to replace the gasket with your own hands. Among other shortcomings can be identified the need to engage two hands to adjust the temperature, which is not always convenient.

• Single lever - more modern version of mixers. The device is controlled by a single lever handle. Thanks to this, you can adjust the temperature with one hand. Unlike the previous type of devices, single-lever mixers are more durable, since the operating principle of the locking mechanism is based on the use of ceramic or aluminum plates. The only thing such a design is susceptible to the presence of large impurities, so the instructions for the use of such taps require the installation of coarse filters at the entrance to the water supply system. Otherwise, the locking mechanism may fail at any time.

• Sensory - unlike the two previous devices, these taps are turned on and off automatically when motion is detected by the sensor. The only device allows you to adjust the temperature of the water and the time of flow. It should be noted that the price of such mixers is the highest, so they are less common than single-lever and two-valve.

Tip! Choosing which mixer is better - with a handle or taps, you should focus primarily on your own preferences, because the most important thing is for the device to be convenient to use.

Mixer Functions

Not so long ago, the functions of the mixers were limited to mixing hot and cold water. Nowadays, these devices often have a number of additional functions, such as:

Tip! There are models of faucets with a shower for the kitchen. In essence, the shower in this case is a second flexible spout, which simplifies the process of washing fruits and vegetables.

Thus, before proceeding to the choice of a model of a crane, it is necessary to determine in advance the functions that are most important. For example, it is generally more convenient for a shower to use a faucet without a tap, but with a rigid stand, while the bathroom will require not only a tap, but also a shower head on a flexible hose.

Mounting method

By the way of installation the cranes are divided into two types:

• Wall mounted - mounted directly to the water pipes.
• Mounted on sanitary appliances - installed in a special hole in the sink or bathroom. Connection to the water supply system is carried out using flexible hoses.

The choice of installation method depends on the type of sink or other plumbing.

Note! Often mixers are called distributors for watering systems. In fact, the mixer for a watering tap does not mix, but rather distributes the flow of water into several lines. Thus, the internal watering faucet with mixer allows simultaneous watering from several nozzles.

Spout settings

Another important difference in mixers that should be considered when choosing is the size of the spout. This parameter is selected depending on the type of sink and the purpose of the crane itself.

For example, for the kitchen, faucets with high spout are usually used, which allows you to wash large objects or to draw water in large containers. However, in this case, the sink should be deep, otherwise water will spray around the room.

If you install one faucet for two sanitary appliances (bathroom and sink), you should use a model with a long and movable spout that can be moved from one device to another.

Materials

The appearance of the device, its durability and cost depend on the materials from which the crane is made.

Most often, cranes are made from the following materials:

• Brass and bronze are the best option, since the scale of these materials does not accumulate scale on the body of the mixer, which accounts for their durability. The only downside is the high cost.
• Stainless steel is the most common option, as it is more affordable than brass and bronze. The lack of stainless steel lies in the fact that the sediment is stronger on it.
• Silumin is the cheapest material, which is why it is most often found in inexpensive Chinese cranes. It should be noted that silumin quickly loses its original attractiveness and becomes brittle. Therefore, products made from this alloy are short-lived.
• Ceramics - mixers from this material look original and attractive. Ceramics can serve for quite a long time if you do not subject it to shock loads. Therefore, the installation and repair of such cranes must be done very carefully.

Note! By appearance it is often not easy to determine what material the crane is made of. Therefore, you should pay attention to its weight. A quality product is always heavy.

Selection features

So, with the most common types of cranes we have read.

Now consider the main points that you need to pay attention when buying a product:

• The design - device, of course, must be attractive, corresponding to the interior of the room. In addition, it is desirable that the mixers of different plumbing devices have the same design, which will stylistically combine all the plumbing into a housing.
• Completeness - complete with the product must be installation instructions in Russian. In addition, you need to pay attention to whether there are flexible hoses for connection, they may have to be purchased separately.
• Manufacturer - the highest quality products are from German manufacturers, but they are quite expensive. That is why Polish mixers are very popular, they have acceptable quality, but they are cheaper than German ones.

Tip! Make a purchase preferably in a specialized large store that complies with warranty.

That is, in fact, all the basic information that you need to know in order to choose a suitable water mixer.

Conclusion

All types of the above devices have some of their own characteristics, so it’s hard to say which faucets are better and which faucets are worse. As a result, everyone has to choose the products himself in accordance with the individual requirements for the crane and preferences.

From the video in this article can be found with some additional information on the designated topic.