Shower faucet - how to choose the best option

09-10-2018

Mixers

The choice of a shower or box control system depends on a number of factors, so you cannot purchase the first one you like. Of course, there are universal options, for example, a shower mixer for 3 positions, but it is better to understand the issue in more detail in order to understand the main differences of different modifications when making a purchase and properly evaluate the advantages and disadvantages.

In the photo: the shower mixer even looks very different from the traditional designs

What to look for when choosing

Shower faucets can be a variety of modifications, so it is important to understand the difference between this or that option:

Number of modes	You can find a variety of modifications: 1 position, 2 positions, and so on. The number of options can be up to seven, modes can be different: standard shower, hand-held watering can, hydro-massage and so on. Naturally, the more provisions, the higher the price of the product.
Type of equipment	On sale you can find electrical, mechanical, as well as thermostatic modifications. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, but we will look at this item in more detail below.
Manufacturing material	Most often there are two options - silumin and brass products. The first option is characterized by a low price, but the quality leaves much to be desired, when installing with your own hands, care must be taken not to damage the nodes. The second option is more reliable, and it can be recommended as the optimal solution.
Distance "by centers"	This parameter is the first to be interested in the sellers in the store. It means the distance from the center of the mixing node to the center of the switching node. The distance can be different - from 90 to 140 mm and more, so you should measure the panel in the shower cabin in advance so that you don’t have to change the product afterwards.

Tip! Do not chase the maximum number of modes, as practice shows, most often used 2-3 positions. In addition, you should consider what the pressure in your water supply network, if it is low, it is unlikely that hydromassage or other modes that require water pressure, will work accordingly.

Hydraulic nozzles require certain system pressure to operate.

Constructive and functional features

As noted above, faucets for showers are different from similar products for bathtubs and sinks. The main purpose of such products - mixing water to the desired temperature and its direction to a specific mode.

Mixer design

We will understand how the devices function and which nodes consist of:

The first node is a mixing nest, water flows into it and mixes up to the required temperature.. That is, this part of the structure is responsible for the inclusion of water and bringing it to certain temperature parameters.
The second block is a switching socket, also called a divertor.. Already heated water is supplied to this node and sent to the desired mode. Outwardly, it represents a cartridge of a mixer device with one input and a certain number of outputs - in mixers there are four positions for four positions, six positions for six positions, and so on.

The main node of the divertor is a cartridge, the number of holes in which corresponds to the number of modes of equipment

Adjustments are made using the handles of the most diverse configuration., which are located in the cabin, while the rest of the system is hidden behind a plastic panel, to close the opening in the structure there is usually a decorative overlay, the configuration of which can be almost any.

By means of the handle, the option of water supply is regulated, and the decorative overlay closes the panel, in addition, it has labels with the appropriate modes

Types of systems

There are three options that are most popular among buyers. These are faucets for shower cabins of electrical, mechanical and thermostatic types. Consider each of them in more detail.

Electrical options have the following features:

Hot water supply is not necessary for their functioning, it allows using the considered variant at summer cottages, country plots, etc. In addition, you save on funds that need to pay for hot water.
Water is heated in a special tube located in front of the mixing unit. It is worth noting that the pressure of water in such structures is small, so most often you can find faucets for showers for 2 modes, but if you need additional functions, you will have to purchase an additional pump.

Tip! Such systems need periodic maintenance, as scum is constantly formed in the heating pipe, which should be removed.

The second type is mechanical devices that have their differences:

Their main advantage is simplicity, so the installation instructions are simpler than other options.
Work requires both cold and hot water. The knot simply mixes them in the right proportions, but does not perform the heating itself.
Mechanical faucets for showers for 3 or more modes can be installed on systems with a sufficiently high water pressure.

The main advantage of mechanical devices is simplicity.

Thermostatic equipment appeared relatively recently, but has already gained immense popularity due to the following factors:

The water temperature is set in advance and it is regulated by a special unit - a thermostat.
The system is controlled electronically, so it will be necessary to supply electricity or use batteries.
The most advanced models are equipped with an LCD screen and touch controls.

Stylish design - a distinctive feature of thermostatic systems

Conclusion

The choice of the optimal variant of the faucet is very important, since in the shower cubicles it works somewhat differently than in the bathrooms and sinks. The video in this article will tell some more important details of the topic.