How to choose a sink faucet

On average, according to statistics in the family of three people, the faucet in the bathroom is used about ten thousand times a year, about the same indicators in the kitchen. Therefore, the choice and installation of the tap on the sink is quite responsible occupation.

Otherwise, you run the risk of regularly visiting the nearest hardware store or seeing the masters of the local housing office.

Main selection criteria

Before going to the store, it is better to decide in advance what you want to buy. And it’s necessary to make a start not only from personal, aesthetic preferences, but from practical benefits and convenience.

Tip: Of course, professional consultants will help. But, firstly, they were not in your home and cannot know all the subtleties, and secondly, their main goal is to sell and there is no guarantee that it will not prevail over the desire to help you.

• Initially, clearly understand what is the main purpose of this sanitary device. After all, if the point will be used only for the morning and evening toilet is one thing. But in the case when it is planned to wash the paws of a dog or shoes, the parameters will be completely different.
• To start, in any case, it is better to buy sinks. And already with respect to it, select the locking device. After all, the faucet can be installed both on the sink itself, and on the tabletop next to it or on the wall.
• It will not be superfluous to decide what material you want to use.
• If the plumbing is already installed, consider how to fasten the tap to the sink. You may need to purchase some additional accessories.
• And of course, it is advisable to immediately decide what is from an aesthetic point of view closer to you. It all depends on your personal preferences and of course on the size of the budget.

Types of construction

The first thing that a person immediately draws attention to is the method of supplying and mixing water. The market is now several leading designs.

Cold water tap

A single-valve faucet for cold water on the sink, although considered a relic of the past, is still quite common. For example, such constructions are often installed on mini-sinks for toilets.

It is impossible to fully wash in such a bowl, but in order to slightly rinse your hands, a small valve with cold water is enough.

In addition, this product is popular with the arrangement of sanitary facilities in state budgetary institutions or offices. Not every manager considers it necessary to bring hot water to the toilet, plus the price for such taps is the lowest.

Two-fan and joystick mixers

The share of such structures in the current market is at least 70%. They are the most popular, but in addition, such structures, having an acceptable cost, are quite simple to install and operate. If you correctly install such a crane, it will not require even preventive repair for at least 5 years.

Tip: before you install the faucet on the sink, pay attention to the type of valves used. Older versions in which the flow is blocked by a rubber gasket and the lamb needs to be turned several times will not last long. It is better to take half-turnable structures, in which the flow is blocked by ceramic washers, they are durable, reliable and convenient.

Joystick mixers are now very popular. Mixing and force of water supply in them is regulated by one lever.

The mechanism itself is made of ceramics and is considered quite reliable. With installation, as a rule, also there are no difficulties.

Modern options

So-called contactless mixers are being installed in many public places. Water supply in them is carried out automatically, the mechanism responds to the commands of the photocell. It is not only convenient, but also hygienic, because a person does not have to directly contact the valves.

The original look has a faucet waterfall for the sink. From a technical point of view, it often works on the principle of a joystick design. Its originality lies in the absence of a “gander”; its role is played by a small bowl in which water mixes and a waterfall flows into the sink.

Thermostatic constructions are considered to be the latest “peep” of fashion in plumbing. They react to the temperature of the water supply and regulate it independently, adjusting according to the specified parameters.

It also uses colored lights of water, depending on the temperature. But such systems are quite capricious, in particular, they need a water filter with a tap on the sink.

Related Parameters

As mentioned earlier, the height of the faucet above the sink is important. Conventionally, there are 3 types of structures, with an arc height up to 150 mm, with an arc height up to 250 mm, and tall cranes, where the arc can rise above 250 mm.

Here there are some subtleties.

1. The higher you set the arc of the crane, the deeper you will need a bowl.
2. Ideally, at full pressure, the water jet should be directed clearly into the drain hole, or it may deviate slightly closer to the front edge of the bowl, otherwise the spray will fly around.

As for materials, experts recommend the use of brass or bronze. For the budget option is well suited stainless steel.

Ceramics are comfortable and more silent, but this material is fragile and its price is serious. The so-called silumin, which is supplied in abundance by our Chinese friends, looks good, it is very fragile.

A few installation tips

Instructions for installing a standard crane do it yourself are not particularly complex, the problem is that many different designs are now being produced and each version has its own installation features.

But do not despair, complete any crane has detailed instructions for installing it. In the video in this article, we gave you the most common algorithm.

Important: problems may arise when dismantling old structures, they often turn out to be rusty or overgrown with oxides. In this case, before removing the faucet from the sink, we recommend sprinkling all the unscrewing and detachable units of VD-40 or you can pour it with ordinary kerosene.

Conclusion

In the end, I would like to recommend if you choose what suits you, do not rush to pay. First, you should carefully examine the product package, you may need to purchase something else from the hardware (see also the article Built-in sink for the kitchen and bathroom).

Also, do not be amiss to ask about the conditions and terms of warranty service.