Flush-mounted mixer: an overview of the device, installation
In our time, such designs as a concealed mixer for a shower or for a bathroom have become quite familiar and even sought-after attributes of the interior. And this is quite understandable, since such popularity is easily explained by modern trends in the decoration of residential premises.
The technical features of such mixers will be discussed in the article below.
Features of this sanitary equipment
- Hidden mixer gives the interior a very elegant style. This is due to the fact that all the connections and ugly technical details are masked under the plane of the wall.
- The device saves bathroom space. Everything is logical here - since the main part of the structure is hidden under the wall, quite a lot of free space remains inside the room itself. And in the area of installation points, you can safely make shelves, hang lockers, etc.
Note! Drilling holes at such points should be done very carefully so as not to damage the water pipes or the elements of the faucet itself with a drill or a drill.
In principle, it turns out that flush-mounted built-in mixers are truly attractive products, but here (as everywhere else) it is important to understand many nuances.
It remains to find out the nuances and how to choose a built-in mixer for a flush-mounted shower. We will touch also design features about which it is very desirable to know before purchase. In addition, we will not ignore the correct order of installation.
Let's start by parsing the main point.
How does the device
In fact, there are few elements - there are only three of them. They are discussed in the table below.
| Name of the constructive part: | Features: |
| Assembly box. | The direct purpose of this element is to fix the structure on the plane of the wall at the desired point. Boxes can be made of plastic or metal. It is clear that the price of the first option is lower, but then the quality of plastic is “not very.” Rather, the plastic itself is good - at least that is not susceptible to corrosion. However, this material has not very good strength, resistance to mechanical stress. |
| The functional part. | This is, in fact, all that is inside the box. That is, these are all internal mechanisms, cartridges, faucets, spout, etc. |
| External decorative socket. | The item is a rectangular or square cover that is attached to the wall. This panel is like a latch that holds the controls and all external elements. Therefore, try to look closely at the material from which the decorative cover is made - the stronger the part, the longer it will last and the easier it can be fixed with your own hands. |
Important: regardless of what brand the elements are used, they are all compatible with any sanitary fittings. Manufacturers of mixers of this type have taken this moment into account and therefore only standardized products are now being produced, the instruction manual of which does not involve the use of any unusual nuts, fittings, etc.
Well, you can select another design feature - the wiring box can be of two types:
- Round.
- Square or rectangular.
The first option is usually more compact, but for the second, a larger section of the wall is required.
Note! The most important condition that must be adhered to here is that the faucet for the hygienic shower of concealed installation works normally - this is a very rigid fixation of the box in the wall. Otherwise, the elements of the mechanism will constantly loosen due to vibration, pressure drops of water in the pipeline, etc. And the presence of loosening is, of course, a more rapid failure of all small parts and connections.
In principle, it is worth considering that the mixers of this type can also be made from different metals:
- From silumin. It can be said that this is the worst and short-lived option - albeit the cheapest. The fact is that silumin very quickly loses its outer luster and it gradually begins to form rough growths, on which bacteria naturally appear. But this is half the trouble - this metal is also rather poor in terms of the fact that leaks begin to appear quickly in the joints. Such is the situation.
- Chrome-plated stainless steel. A great option in terms of quality and appearance. Chrome has a great gloss, its surface is easy to clean and thus bacteria on such mixers - at least.
- Brass or Bronze. In principle, the solution is quite durable and high-quality, but the cost of brass devices "bites." And the appearance of the products is quite peculiar - that is, the models will not look harmoniously in every interior.
In general, we have finished with design features and selection criteria. Now it is worth considering the installation scheme.
Self-installation of the system
The big plus, of course, is that work does not require buying any specific tool - you will need a standard set of plumbing.
The only thing that you may not have available is a puncher with a chisel for organizing a niche in the wall for installing the box. But it is not necessary to buy it either - try to save money and hire this power tool - it will take you only a couple of hours.
And before you begin installation of a flush-mounted mixer, it is probably worth considering one popular question.
What type of liner to choose
What is meant is what connection to make between the mechanism of the tap and the water mains. There are actually only two options here, but sometimes this moment becomes difficult when assembling the structure.
Consider both solutions.
- Hard eyeliner. This method implies the use of a plastic or metal pipe with special nuts (American) at the ends as an adapter.
What is good is the fact that the power of vibration will be reduced during operation of the system, and the minus is the need to make a deeper strobe in the wall under the adapter (due to the lack of flexibility).
- Flexible connection. As you have probably already understood, the main advantage here is the possibility of installing the adapter even in a not-so-smooth strobet - the hoses simply simply “bypass” the unevenness. That is, it turns out, to mount this element is very convenient.
However, there is also a “reverse side of the medal” - the hoses do not last very long, and in addition, if they are not fixed, the connecting nuts will slowly “loosen” during pressure drops. That, as you know, sooner or later can lead to leakage.
Therefore, try to fix the hose with fasteners or you can even blow out all the space around them with mounting foam.
Features of each option have been disassembled, now let's proceed directly to the order of installation.
Assembly scheme
The very first thing to do is to understand how to assemble and disassemble a flush-mounted mixer for a shower or bath. This information can be obtained from the instructions that are attached to each such product. And it turns out that based on the data from the instructions, you can see with what technical nuances to face.
Consider the sequence of works:
- Determine the place of installation. This is a very important stage, since it will depend on the correct location of the point how comfortable the hygienic shower with a flush-mounted mixer will be for you.
- We make markup for shableniya niche under the box.
- We take a punch and ditch channels for pipes, hoses and a niche for the wiring box.
- Install the box, fasten it well with screws and clips.
- We mount the mixer and all mechanisms inside the box.
- We check the performance of the system - that is, we look at whether the pressure is normal, there are no leaks, etc.
- Remove the mixer if necessary (see instructions) and assemble the external finishing panel. In this case, do not forget to process the edges of the cover with silicone - as if along the line of junction of elements with the wall.
- Fasten the mixer itself.
Such is the approximate installation scheme. This can complete our review.
Conclusion
As you can see, the flush-mounted mixer is a rather interesting device and in most cases its purchase is very expedient. We introduced you to the nuances - we hope that now you can choose a truly high-quality product in the store.
Well, according to the installation scheme, we oriented you - if it seemed that there was little information, then check out the additional video in this article.