What is a bottom valve mixer
To begin with, we will explain what a bottom valve in a mixer is - a device that allows you to lock the drain valve in the bowl at the time when there is water in it. In fact, such a device may be the most ordinary stub.
But we are interested in modern mechanisms that are used in everyday life for sanitary equipment. We will tell you about such devices and their history before you, and also you can watch the thematic video in this article.
Much about bottom valve
Where did he come from
Many argue that such a device was invented on foggy Albion in homes in the homes of wealthy people who could afford hot water. Only here, there were no mixers as such, and two separate taps were used - hot and cold.
In order to mix the water in the sink, the drain, which is located at the bottom of the bowl, was simply closed with a plug, which was removed if necessary. But when the mixers appeared, and the water from the faucet began to be supplied with the temperature that was necessary in one way or another, prudent Europeans and Americans decided not to drain it directly into the sewage system, but to use it as appropriate.
That is, the stub remained in demand, only it has already been modified, made beautiful and called the bottom valve.
Note. Although this locking device is for some reason tied to the mixer, it directly relates to the siphon and is part of it, and has nothing to do with the flow of running water.
Modern bottom valve
So, now the bottom valve in the mixer - what is it? This is the same plug that is set in motion by means of a lever on the mixer located on its case at the back, and such a sanitary fitting is sold in the kit - this is where the attachment came from.
Given the constant rise in prices for utilities, such a device is now more than ever to the place - it allows you to significantly reduce water consumption and also save energy for its heating.
In addition, this headset is very convenient to use - you can move the plug by pressing the lever with one finger, that is, on the face the ergonomics of the device. The valve itself is easy to clean and it has a rather attractive appearance compared to a plastic cap, therefore, you win in aesthetic terms.
Installation
- Let's start with the fact that the instructions for installing this type of sanitary fittings do not differ much from the installation of an ordinary siphon and a faucet on the sink, therefore, we will adhere to the same rules.
- Let's look at the hoses that connect the hot and cold water supply fittings to the faucet itself. - in the configuration, they, as a rule, come in a steel braid - a screen, but this wire is subject to corrosion and the coating may be damaged.
- The consequence of such damage will be a protrusion of the rubber wall of the hose to the outside, and then - a breakthrough and all the ensuing consequences.. For this reason, it is best to use metal corrugated hoses or metal ones with needles for connection - this option is the safest, even if you leave for a long time and do not cut off the total water supply.
- Start the installation work by attaching the connecting hoses to the valve body, and then one by one, so that the end fittings do not interfere, pass them into the mounting hole on the sink. Typically, such mixers are fixed figured washer and studs with lock nuts to the pedestal of the bowl, but between the figured washer and ceramic pedestal do not forget to put a rubber gasket, which is included.
- It is not necessary to overtighten the studs or locknuts, so as not to damage the thread - it is enough to check the mixer for stability by hand - if it does not turn, then everything is in order.
- Now let's proceed to the installation of the siphon with the bottom valve - it is even easier than installing the mixer and to do this we insert the valve into the drain hole of the bowl. Please note that the knitting needles intersect there crosswise and at the intersection are fixed with a plastic cross.
- The needle itself joins the eyelet of the valve and the lever on the back wall of the crane - This allows the needle to move with the help of a lever, thereby opening and closing the valve.
- Please note that the foot valve is screwed to the drain first., and a plastic or steel siphon is already screwed onto it, which is connected to the sewer pipe.
- In cases where the washbasin is not closed by the walls of the cabinet or nightstand, it is preferable to install not a plastic siphon, but stainless steel - it will be a good aesthetic contribution to the interior of this room (its price is, of course, higher).
- After assembling the kit and connecting it to the water supply and to the sewage system, turn on the hot and cold water., open the mixer and check the joints for tightness.
- Sometimes the flow is too weak and a drop can collect within 10-20 minutes, but in order not to wait, you can simply hold the toilet with dry toilet paper.. In the case of even the slightest leakage of paper darkens in places of ingress of water.
Note. If the installation of the valve and siphon for the sink is done correctly, then there should be no leakage. Also, do not use a variety of sealants for the joints - for this purpose there are enough gaskets that are supplied in the kit.
Conclusion
In the same way, you can install a bottom valve for the shower stall with your own hands - it is sold together with a siphon complete with a cabin or box. Only there instead of the spokes there is a thin steel cable, which is driven by a small lever fixed, most often on a pallet. Good luck!