What is a shower thermostat and why is it needed?

Many people have heard of a device such as a bath or shower thermostat, however, they do not have information about what it is. At the same time, this device provides maximum comfort and safety of water treatment, therefore it will be useful to everyone. So, a shower thermostat - what is it, and how justified is this device in our apartments?

In this article we will take a closer look at this device, its principle of operation and the features of the installation.

What is a thermostatic mixer?

Why do we need a thermostat

In conventional mixers, as is well known, the pressure and temperature of the flow must be controlled by hand. Moreover, in the process of bathing it is often necessary to adjust the water, since it becomes cool, then vice versa - unbearably hot. This is due to the pressure drop of cold or hot water in the system.

This phenomenon is not only unpleasant, but even dangerous, as in the process of taking a shower you can get a serious burn. Thermostat, or as it is also called, thermostatic mixer allows you to avoid such troubles.

Thus, a thermostat is a device that controls and regulates the flow of hot and cold water, keeping the flow and temperature of the flow at a user-defined level.

Principle of operation

So, with the purpose of the thermostat, we figured out, now consider how this device works. To do this, first take a look at its main elements.

Any bath and shower thermostat consists of two main elements:

• A handle with a scale with which to set a certain level of temperature flow.
• The thermostat that controls and regulates the process of mixing hot and cold water. The main elements of this device are paraffin and copper rods. At the last there is a plastic cylinder.

The principle of operation of the thermostat is quite simple:

• When the temperature of the stream rises, the paraffin rod, which reacts to any temperature changes, expands.
• As a result of paraffin expansion, a copper rod is pushed out, which leads to an increase in the space (cold water passage) between the plastic cylinder and the metal case of the thermostat.
• As the pressure of cold water increases, while hot pressure decreases, the temperature of the flow decreases.
• When water temperature drops, paraffin shrinks, respectively, the passage of cold water decreases.

Thus, the flow temperature is maintained at the same level. This process is continuous, so we feel the flow temperature as constant.

It should be noted that the thermostatic mixer has two handles - to adjust the water temperature and adjust the flow pressure. The latter is an ordinary valve that allows you to completely shut off the flow.

Tip! Before taking a shower, it is recommended to first set the optimum water temperature, and then adjust the pressure. If necessary, you can adjust these parameters during a shower.

In practice, as a rule, it is enough to adjust the temperature once, after which you can use the shower only including the water supply.

Features of the device

Merits

This device has many positive points:

• Completely eliminates the temperature rise to a critical level.. The same goes for her downfall. Thanks to this, it is safe and comfortable to take water treatments.
• The surface of the mixer does not heat up to a high temperature., therefore, by touching it, you will not get burned.
• Maximum flow temperature does not exceed 43 degrees.
• In the event of termination of cold water flow is completely blocked.

In addition, it should be noted that the thermostat is much easier and more convenient to use than a conventional mixer.

disadvantages

Perhaps there are only two drawbacks to this device:

• Higher price than conventional faucets. True, we can say that the high cost is justified.
• Sensitivity to water quality. Therefore, it is recommended to install water softeners and filters in front of the mixer. Otherwise, the device will quickly fail.

The rest of the device has no flaws.

Kinds

Recently, various shower systems have been equipped with thermostats. Below we take a look at all of their species:

I must say that any shower system with a thermostat, whether stand or panel, works on the same principle, which is described above. Therefore, the choice depends solely on the purpose of the shower system and your wishes.

Tip! If the dimensions of the toilet do not allow to install a bidet near the toilet, an excellent alternative to this sanitary device is a hygienic shower with a thermostat, which is installed on a regular toilet or a wall next to it.

Installation Features

The main condition for connecting a thermostatic mixer is the correct location of hot and cold water pipes. It should be noted that in the majority of Soviet-style houses, communications do not meet the requirements of thermostats. Therefore, the installation of the device should take care at the stage of performing repairs in the bathroom.

Cold water supply must be located on the left, and the hot water supply pipe on the right. If the pipes are located in a different way, the device will not work correctly, and therefore it is out of the question to take a comfortable shower.

Note! On sale you can find devices adapted for use in our country, in particular under the Soviet standards for the location of pipelines. This moment must be taken into account when choosing a device.

The rest of the instructions for connecting a thermostatic mixer is not much different from the usual. As a rule, the set includes a diagram, which shows in detail how this is done.

Here, perhaps, all the basic information about thermostats for shower rooms and baths.

Conclusion

Installing a thermostat allows you to forget about moving the lever in millimeters or synchronous rotation of the valves to adjust the optimum water temperature. And most importantly - this device eliminates the possibility of getting a burn, even in the case of a strong pressure drop in the pipeline, since under no circumstances the outgoing water does not heat up above the safe maximum.

You can read more information on this topic from the video in this article.