Shower faucet: the right choice of device

24-02-2018
Mixers

By purchasing a two-lever shower mixer or its lever analogue, we hope that it will harmoniously fit into the interior of the bathroom, be reliable, comfortable and functional. Now the sanitary market offers a wide range of devices and the best option is quite difficult to find.

By adopting an ill-considered decision, you can be trapped. So, an unsuccessful water regulator can make the taking of hygienic procedures very uncomfortable.

Such a device may have different designs.

The choice of devices

First of all, you should pay attention to the design features of the device.

Device design

In the photo - hidden installation of the soul.

An ordinary shower mixer has the following elements:

  • spout;
  • regulators in the form of valves or pedals;
  • diverter - switch mode "spout / shower";
  • stationary water supply unit in the form of a rod from a pipe and a watering can, or a mobile version in the form of a hose, a watering can and a holder.

These parts are included in the instrument package (usually from Russian manufacturers) or purchased separately (from foreign analogues).

The device with a stationary shower unit.
  1. The last option is more aesthetic: valves are mounted to the wall, the shower is mounted on top. These elements are mated hidden under the wall cladding pipes (hidden installation or "invisible"). However, if the shower flows in the mixer, there may be problems with the repair.
  2. Some models of such devices are equipped with additional functionality, for example, a stand for soap.
Valve mixer without spout.
  1. In comparison with sinks, baths, shower counterparts have a shorter counterpart, many models do not have it at all.
  2. In some products, the pressure and temperature of the water are regulated with the help of two valve handles (sometimes they are replaced by levers), with others - with the help of one pedal.

Note! A shower with a lever-type mixer is more convenient. Driving the pedal, do not make any effort and for a long time to rotate the valve. Suffice it to rotate the handle in the desired direction.

Which shutter is better

Lever device.

Shut-off node of the mixer is used to regulate the water flow: its supply, cut-off and change of pressure. This also affects the temperature of the liquid on the mixer spout. The principle of operation of the locking unit and its effectiveness depends on the regulator.

There are several types of them.

  1. Crane box with rubber gaskets, seals. This mechanism is inherent in traditional two-valve devices. The main disadvantage of such a regulator is that gaskets wear out very quickly, this leads to leakage. However, it’s not up to you how to fix the faucet with a shower - you just need to replace the seals.
  2. Cartridge of ceramic plates. Such a regulator is more modern, reliable, but also expensive. Two plates are very tightly lapped between themselves, this eliminates the risk of leakage of the crane. High-quality cartridge can withstand up to 150 thousand cycles.
  3. The mixer for a country shower of spherical type, as well as cartridge, is controlled by a pedal. Inside the device contains a hollow ball with holes. In it cold and hot water are mixed. The diameter of the holes is very small. This prevents solid suspensions from entering the regulator and clogging up.
  4. The thermostatic regulator is equipped with a push-button mechanism. It allows you to set the required water temperature. When the pressure in the pipeline jumps, it does not affect the outgoing jet.

The instruction says that when it is necessary to change the setting, remove the device from the fuse and set the temperature again.

Watering soul what it should be

The metal watering can is more reliable than plastic analog.
  1. The shower watering can is made of metal or plastic. Metal counterparts are much more reliable, shockproof and resistant to the action of cleaning compositions.
  2. Plastic elements, even chrome, rather quickly lose their aesthetic appearance. This happens as a result of mechanical effects and the use of household chemicals - scuffs and scratches are formed on the surfaces of the watering can. Of the few advantages - the low price.
  3. If the watering can is metal, lime deposits accumulate on its water holes. This leads to clogging of the item. Especially often it happens if it is a mixer for a summer shower. If the watering can is periodically cleaned, problems can be avoided.

Note! Some expensive appliances have a watering can with a rubberized grip and flexible silicone inserts. Water streams flow through them. Such a structure reduces clogs, and the surface of the shower is very easy to clean.

According to SNiP No. 2.08.01 / 89, the height of the mixer in the shower from the floor should be 1.2 meters, and the location of the fixed watering can - 2 / 2.25.

About batch shower mixers

Pressure analog portioning device.

In our world, water is becoming more and more expensive. One of the methods of effective use of it - to put an economical shower mixer.

Among the many types and models of devices, the most economical are batch mixers for the shower. They serve water in precisely indicated volume (portions).

Such devices are common in public baths, hotels and other public institutions.

Briefly about how to choose a batch type of device.

  1. In the passport of the device must be written that it is intended for showers.
  2. The control method in the device may be different. It can be triggered by hand - by pressing a button, or a special element will pick up your movements.

According to this principle, pressure and non-contact mixers are distinguished.

  1. Contact analog is equipped with a button. After pressing down, the mixer supplies water for a while. When the set time period expires, the device stops working. The button can be placed directly on the mixer or mounted outside it, for example, on the wall.
  2. The electronic portion device is equipped with an infrared sensor. He catches the movement of hands in the shower area. The dimensions of the shower faucet are tailored to the average human height. It is optimal hygienically and economically.

Note! When the user brings his hands to the device, he begins to automatically supply water, if the washable disappears from the sensor's “field of view”, the mixer stops working. This increases the hygiene of using the device, as there is no need to touch it.

  1. Some models of batch devices have the option of adjusting the temperature of the flowing water. For this they are equipped with a special device.

Conclusion

Special shower mixers have different designs and functional devices. They should be chosen according to the conditions of the shower cabin, the room and your needs. The video in this article continues her theme.