How to choose a bathroom sink faucet?

It’s hard to imagine a bathroom or kitchen without a sink, or a sink without a faucet. We use this plumbing fixture every day when we brush our teeth, wash our hands, food, and dishes. It helps to mix two streams of water - cold and hot - into one, regulate its strength and temperature.

Which material is better?

Brass – the best option in terms of price and quality ratio – an alloy of copper (at least 60%) and zinc, resistant to corrosion. Housings for high-quality faucets are made from it - reliable, sealed, easy to process, and complying with plumbing standards.

TsAM or ZAMAK – a compound of zinc (93-95%), aluminum (4%), copper and magnesium (1-3%). It is less durable and airtight, but most importantly, it quickly collapses upon contact with tap water, especially chlorinated water.

Silumin – aluminum with the addition of silicon (4-22%) – like ZAMAK, is actively promoted by Chinese manufacturers. Mixers made from it are cheap, but very fragile and short-lived.

By the way! The body of the mixer made of brass, TsAM and silumin is covered with a layer of chromium or nickel, less often - bronze. This provides its surface with a presentable appearance and protection.

Stainless steel – an alloy of iron, carbon and chromium – a material that has been proven over the years.Products made from it are durable, wear-resistant, do not fade over time and do not require additional coating or special care.

Some faucet parts can be made of plastic or ceramic.

How do you know which mixer you need?

In order to decide on the type of faucet for already installed plumbing, you need to pay attention to some points.

First of all, it is important to consider the shape and purpose of the sink. If the bowl is shallow and you don't wash your hair, pots or rubber boots in it, you won't need a long, moving spout. You can get by short and static.

Faucets can be mounted in different ways:

• into one or more holes on the sink or countertop, if any;
• into the wall above the washbasin, if an appropriate water supply is provided;
• on a special stand.

The remaining parameters depend solely on your preferences and financial capabilities. Choose the one that suits your taste and budget.

Types of faucets and spout types

Mixers are classified according to the control method:

• valve - well known to the older generation. There is a hot water tap on one side of the gander and a cold water tap on the other. It is easy to use, quite reliable, and easy to repair. This is the safest option for a home with gas heated water (boiler);
• single-grip – the most common today. Its convenience is that with one hand using the lever, moving it horizontally and vertically, you can easily adjust both the temperature and the water pressure. Models with ceramic cartridges, which can be replaced without problems, are more popular than those with a ball mechanism;
• thermostatic is a good choice for families living with children and elderly parents.Using two regulators, you can set the optimal parameters of the water flow at the outlet so that you cannot get burned or splashed;
• portioned - an even more economical version of the previous one. In addition to the thermostat, it is equipped with a button instead of a lever or valves. When pressed, a portion of water is dispensed, which flows for a specified amount of time (for example, 7, 15, 30 seconds);
• touch – with a special built-in photosensor. When hands approach, it turns on; when movement stops, the water supply stops. No grips or cranes, all options are customizable.

The latest versions of mixers are more advanced, but they also have disadvantages: they are an order of magnitude more expensive than valve and lever ones, and for their correct operation, an uninterrupted supply of hot and cold water and constant energy supply are required.

In washbasins, it is mainly practiced to install classic faucets: most often - with a low straight spout - “height” no more than 15 cm and length no more than 20 cm, less often - with a high and long one - from 25-30 cm. Along with traditional forms, original shapes and designs are gaining popularity.

Availability of additional options

A number of modifications are equipped with additional elements that provide more functionality and comfort:

1. The aerator is a special nozzle installed on the spout of the gander. Its functions include filtration, dispersion and reduction of water consumption, enriching it with oxygen. Can be fixed or rotating. The latter helps regulate the direction of flow. Comes complete with almost all modern models.
2. The pull-out spout was originally designed to make washing vegetables and fruits more convenient in the kitchen sink.Its tip is extended due to a hidden flexible hose, which allows you to direct a stream of water to a specific place in the sink or beyond.
3. Shower head - connected to the faucet with a movable metal hose and attached to the wall next to the sink or toilet. By turning it on by pressing a special key, you can wash a small dog in the sink or solve a hygiene problem if there is no bidet in the bathroom.

How to navigate design?

It is desirable that the faucet is in harmony not only with other metal objects in the bathroom, but also:

• duplicated the outline of the shell (round or straight);
• fit into the general concept. For example, models with bronze plating are suitable for retro style, and cascading touch models with chrome coating are suitable for high-tech.

Rating of the best bathroom sink faucets by manufacturer

The entire podium is rightfully occupied by German manufacturing companies, who have proven themselves to be the best. Their products - faucets made of high-quality brass with chrome, bronze or gold plated - are distinguished by good assembly, aesthetic appearance, a variety of models, high anti-corrosion properties and durability:

1. Grohe is a leader in the plumbing market, founded in the 30s of the 20th century. It produces a full range, from simple valve mixers to high-tech electronic mixers, at very reasonable prices: a lever mixer can be purchased for 4-5 thousand rubles, a sensor one will cost at least 17 thousand rubles.
2. Hansgrohe, a company with more than 100 years of history, offers a huge selection of models from classic to avant-garde. Among them you can find ones that suit any design idea; prices range from medium to premium class.A significant advantage is saving about 60% of water and energy resources.
3. Hansa is a brand whose products are also economical (up to 50%) due to the built-in water pressure controller. Unique patented technologies prevent faucets from clogging, thereby increasing their service life. Cost from 8 to 140 thousand rubles. depending on the collection.
4. Vidima is a Bulgarian manufacturer of high-quality sanitary ware in the mid-price segment with a service life of up to 15 years. Its faucets with a cast brass chrome-plated body are equipped with cold and hot water indicators, systems for easy installation and protection of the handle from heating.
5. LEMARK is a Czech brand that represents a large range of certified products that have been tested for tightness and performance under water pressure of 9 atmospheres. Complies with both European standards and Russian GOST, and implies different installation options. The manufacturer's warranty for faucets made of brass is 4 years, for faucets made of stainless steel – 5 years.

If you want to support a domestic manufacturer, pay attention to brass chrome-plated single-lever faucets Rossinka, Iddis, Aquanet.

Tips for choosing

Decide on design and functionality faucet for a bathroom sink: what shape, color, size it should be, how it will be installed.

Don't forget to take into account the structure of the shell, if necessary, take measurements (for example, the horizontal distance from the faucet mounting point to the drain and the height from the drain hole to the vertical mounting). Then you can calculate the approximate flow angle so that the stream of water coming out of the gander spout does not hit the walls of the washbasin, but the bottom, preferably directly into the drain hole.

All you have to do is choose the right model for the amount you are willing to spend. When purchasing, give preference to:

• trusted brand;
• wear-resistant material, such as brass. It is quite heavy in weight, the inner surface is smooth and yellow in color. In modern markings it is designated by the letter “L”.

By the way! Sometimes in the technical characteristics of mixers, the material is designated by the generalized word “metal” (which is not clear). It is better to be skeptical about such specimens, especially if their price is low.

Don't be lazy study the documentation and quality certificate. A conscientious supplier will always provide them to the buyer.

You can choose any type of washbasin faucet: from valve to electronic. The main thing is that it is of high quality. It may not be very cheap, but it will serve you for many years.