Washbasin faucet - the main designs and their selection
Nowadays, a huge number of mixers of various modifications with various types of locking mechanism are on the market. You will learn about the advantages of some modifications and the features of their use, for example, such an option as an elbow mixer for a washbasin is almost not familiar to most people, but its convenience is beyond doubt. We will consider both classic and modern solutions that appeared relatively recently.
What to look for when choosing
In addition to constructive differences, there are a number of factors affecting the quality and durability of the product, they are the same for all mixers, so there are several important tips that tell how to choose the best option:
| Manufacturing material | The most popular option is powdered aluminum alloy, the main advantage of which is a low price. But this option is unreliable and susceptible to deformation, so it is better to stop the choice on more solid brass, which is not only strong, but also withstands high humidity for a long time. Stainless steel options are even stronger, but their cost is several times higher |
| Coating products | There can be a huge variety of options - steel surfaces of different colors, shiny and matte, and ceramic coatings that mimic various structures, both plain and multi-colored. The main requirement is that there should be no flaws and stains on the surface. |
| Type of locking structure | This can be a classic version with faucets and a more modern solution with a ceramic cartridge. The first option is characterized by the presence of two valves, and the second is available with one lever, by which both the pressure and the water temperature are regulated. Of course, the second option is much more convenient, but the first one is very popular due to its low cost. |
| Manufacturer | It is not a secret to anyone that Italian sanitary ware is of high quality, but there are still many domestic and foreign manufacturers who do good things. It is best to consult with experts or read the opinions of customers in specialized forums on the Internet |
Note! It should be noted that valve versions are less durable, but they can be repaired independently, the systems with a cartridge have a greater resource, but in the event of a malfunction, the locking assembly is replaced entirely.
Types of systems and their differences
If the most famous domestic manufacturers produce faucets for washbasins according to GOST, then foreign companies produce them according to their standards, so you should always ask the seller if there is a certificate of conformity confirming that the equipment is suitable for our operating conditions.
Wall systems
Wall option is the only possible option, if you have a sink without a hole for the faucet, its features are:
- It is necessary at the stage of laying pipes to bring them to the installation site, while it is very important to correctly calculate the height and distance between the pipes.. Any mistakes can lead to large-scale rework.
- It is very important to choose a design that will suit your style according to the style., Classic options do not look good in modern interiors.
- Remember that due to the location on the wall, the distance from the node to the sink is larger, respectively, and the spout should be longer.
Valve mixers
The classic version, which has the following features:
- Adjustment of the cold and hot flow is carried out separately using two valves, the main element of which is the cock-axle box. Adjusting the temperature and pressure in such systems takes a long time, which leads to excessive water consumption.
- Most often, the system is manufactured as a single unit, but it can also have a separate construction., when the valves are installed separately from the spout, this option is less common due to the more complex installation process.
- The main advantage is high maintainability., The instruction for eliminating leaks is so simple that you can fix them yourself in a very short time, while the components can be found in any plumbing store.
Lever designs
The most common and popular option today, and it is no coincidence, because such a solution has a number of undeniable advantages:
- Ease of Management - all settings are made with a single lever, it is very convenient and allows you to adjust the pressure and temperature with minimal time.
Note! The so-called surgical or elbow mixers are distinguished by the fact that they have a very long adjustment lever, due to which you can turn the water on and off with your elbows, as the name suggests. Such mixers are in demand in medical institutions, but in the apartments their convenience was also appreciated.
- Single lever version is compact, which is very important in conditions of limited space.
- Ceramic cartridge for the mixer is very durable and copes with the work, but makes high demands on the purity of water, sand, trapped in the locking mechanism, can cause leakage.
- Modified with a hygienic shower, the design is characterized by the presence of an additional branch with rain, which is mounted on the wall. This solution allows you not to install a bidet, which saves space.
Automatic systems
Contactless mixer - a new word in the plumbing, it is distinguished by the following parameters:
- The inclusion of water occurs automatically due to the fact that the device has a touch sensor.
- Fluid temperature and pressure are set before operation, it is very convenient because you do not need to spend time on settings. In addition, the temperature is maintained at the same level, which further increases comfort.
- The biggest drawback is the high cost, but over time the price will decrease, and this option will be used much more often.
Conclusion
Choose one or another option should be based on the characteristics of your sink, the design of the room and the amount that you are willing to spend. The video in this article will tell about some of the options in more detail and clearly show the features of their work.