Crane for washing: selection and installation

03-02-2018
Water supply

A faucet is a mandatory attribute of any washbasin that is responsible for the water supply. Today there are many varieties of it. In this article, we will look at the most popular ones, as well as deal with the installation features of such an important element.

Photo of a standard sink faucet

Main criteria

First of all, the choice of the optimal mixer model depends on the place of its application:

  1. Kitchen sink. In such cases, the faucet is usually chosen from the same material as the sink, has a curved long drain and is sometimes mounted on a horizontal surface next to the bowl.
The kitchen is best suited model with a long curved drain
  1. Sink in the bathroom. Here the mixer usually has a compact form and is installed in the body of the sink or on the wall. Sometimes equipped with a drawable working part to simplify the process of washing the bowl. Also for this purpose it is possible to install a shower device to the sink with a tap.
A small sink faucet in the bathroom

Tip: in a small bathroom, where the bathtub and washbasin are located very close, you can install a so-called universal model with a long, extended drain that can supply both containers with water. This will save your family budget and win some free space.

The universal faucet is able to pour water into the bath or sink at your discretion.

General recommendations about the form we have considered, now turn to the specifics.

Types of management

Varieties of water control systems
Type of mixer Description
Single contact The single tap is currently very widespread due to its ease of use and affordable cost. It adjusts the temperature and intensity of the fluid supply by turning one single lever.
Two pin Here, flow adjustment is done using two knobs. This is less convenient, but it allows you to achieve a more accurate result.
Contactless It is the most progressive in terms of manufacturability model, whose work is carried out by a special infrared beam. That is, you just need to bring your hands to the mixer itself, and the water will pour on them. But a very high price so far stops their widespread use.

Tip: if a gas water heater is used in your house or apartment, it is recommended to install a two-tap valve, since in this case it will significantly save water consumption.

Manufacturing materials

Aesthetic retro bronze faucet fits perfectly with an artificial stone sink.

What can a mixer be made of and how will it affect its operation?

Material pros Minuses
Steel
  • Long operational life;
  • hygiene;
  • high resistance to mechanical and thermal stress
  • High enough cost
Brass
  • High strength;
  • affordable price
  • Relatively short operational life
Bronze
  • Gorgeous luxury look
  • Very high cost
Ceramics
  • Excellent resistance to high temperatures;
  • complete lack of oxidation processes
  • Exposure to mechanical stress;
  • high price

Possible coverage options

Chrome faucet is most common

Mixer coating is also important:

Material Distinctive features
Chromium High hygiene and reliability
Enamel Spectacular appearance, but at the same time there is a tendency to the appearance of chipping
Granite Excellent combination with a sink made of similar material, also characterized by durability and strength
Nickel Very beautiful appearance, but there is a risk of allergies in some people
Copper Aesthetics of classic style combined with high cost

Installation

How to install a kitchen faucet on the faience sink? Let's look into this issue.

The instruction required to perform the work looks like this:

  1. With the help of valves, shut off the supply of hot and cold water.
  2. We dismantle the old mixer with our own hands.
  3. Carefully clean the tap hole in the sink.
  4. We assemble the entire design of the mixer.
  5. We create the connection with the pipeline by using cap nuts and adapters.
Water connection
  1. Hoses are passed through a special opening in the bowl itself.
  2. Install the mixer on the seat.
  3. We carry out additional fixation under the sink with a presser washer.
  4. We fix the position of the device, by fully tightening the corresponding nut.
  5. We connect hoses to cold and hot feed.
  6. Turn on and test the system for leakage.

Tip: It is recommended to use tow or FUM tape to improve the sealing of threaded connections. This will insure the structure against leakage.

Sealing compounds

Conclusion

Basin mixers can be made of a variety of materials, have a different shape, differ in coating and method of adjusting the flow of water. Above are listed and described the most common options, so you can easily navigate the variety of taps and choose the most suitable for your kitchen or bathroom. We also reviewed the progress of installation work, which is carried out during the installation of this equipment.

Kitchen faucet

The video in this article will introduce you to additional materials that are directly related to the materials presented. Take a careful look at the choice and installation of the mixer.

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