Water mixer - the main features of the structures and

As you know, in the bathroom, in the kitchen and in other places where there is running water, the flow adjustment is carried out by a node such as a water mixer. It can have the most various configurations, depending on the required functions and features of application. It is important not only to select a high-quality product, but also to install it correctly and carry out qualified service in the course of operation, this is the only way to guarantee trouble-free operation over the long term.

Types of structures and their differences

We will understand what types you can divide all the products of this group and what are their main features:

Tip! If you do not understand the design features of cranes, then it is better not to purchase them yourself, it is worth consulting with a specialist who will perform the installation. In some places, the pressure is too low or the water quality is poor, which leaves a mark on the choice, since not all systems work correctly in such conditions.

What you need to know about mixers

Despite the fact that the products of this group are made by thousands of manufacturers around the globe, they all work according to similar principles and consist of similar nodes. If you know a few important features, you can easily understand any design.

Basic requirements for products

Regardless of which room you need to purchase equipment, it must meet a number of criteria:

• In Europe, it is clearly defined which side is the hot water in the mixer, and which side is cold. This is due to safety standards, according to which to prevent scalding, cold water is first turned on, and only then hot. As practice shows, it is more convenient for a right-handed person to turn on the mixer in exactly this sequence - from right to left. In the lever mixers on the handle there are marks, blue color means cold, red - hot water.

• It is very important that head and temperature adjustments are made as quickly and accurately as possible.. It is for this reason that conventional valve mechanisms are less and less in demand due to the inconvenience of adjustment, because it is much easier to use a lever variant or even a thermostatic one.
• Another important criterion is reliability and durability., any damage is fraught with not only repair or replacement of the mixer itself, but also larger problems - water leakage into the room, which is especially undesirable in multi-storey buildings. The best material is brass, silumin versions are not recommended due to low strength and brittleness.
• The switching mechanism must be clear and reliable., spontaneous opening of the crane or the inclusion of another mode are not allowed. This is especially true of systems where there is a shower head, because there is a special mechanism in them that directs water to the outflow of the mixer or to the shower head.
• If you are installing on your own, the assembly and installation instructions must be available. The manual should be in Russian, with clear diagrams and a clear sequence of actions. The more detailed all the works are painted, the easier it will be for you to understand and make everything qualitatively.
• The best indicator of high quality is the coating of the product, most often it is chrome.. On the surface there should be no spots and other flaws. Another simple way to determine a good mixer is to take it in hand, the weight should be significant. If the construction is light, it means that it is made of silumin and is not very special.

Types of adjustment mechanisms

Considering the most demanded group of structures - taps for two waters, first of all it is necessary to tell about which systems perform overlapping and temperature control of the liquid, there are only three options:

• In valve mixers, the main operating element is a crane box. This node opens and closes the water through the valve, its main advantages are low cost and maintainability. But there are drawbacks: quick wear of the sealing gum and inconvenient regulation of water temperature.

• Lever options are more convenient, in which adjustments are made through the ball system or through a special ceramic cartridge. The main plus is simplicity and reliability of the system, minus - in case of a failure, the mechanism must be replaced completely.

• Thermostatic models work as follows: you set the desired value, and after turning on the water temperature controller for the mixer itself provides the necessary performance. This is the most convenient option, but its price is quite high.

Causes of malfunctions

Sometimes during operation there are problems such as low water pressure in the mixer, malfunctions and much more, consider how to fix the problem:

• If the mixer does not mix water, then it is necessary to replace the gaskets in the faucets. If it is a lever or thermostatic version, the cartridge that regulates the flow is replaced.
• Clogged filters can cause poor water to flow from the mixer. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the replaceable elements, as well as disassemble and wash out the filter-sumps if present. In half the cases it helps to solve the problem.

Tip! Another little thing that can affect the pressure and flow - mesh nozzle on the spout, sometimes it is clogged with rust and scale and interferes with the normal operation of the device.

• Does the water not flow from the mixer, or is the stream completely thin? Most likely, a plaque has formed on the internal walls over the years of use, and cleaning can help. And in the most difficult cases - replacement.

Conclusion

Mixers are firmly established in our lives, without them it is impossible to imagine a comfortable life. That is why it is important to choose a quality option, and the video in this article will vividly show some important points from the topic considered.