How to choose a bathroom faucet with shower

No matter how much we delay the upcoming repairs, time takes its toll and the moment comes when the equipment breaks down. The plumbing has to be changed. There are various reasons for this - something is broken, something is already morally obsolete. Or maybe it’s just that after renovation, the old appliances don’t fit into the new design of the room. Among the many questions that people face, one is heard more often than others: “How not to make a mistake when purchasing a bathtub and shower mixer?” Let's try to figure it out.

Choosing a bath and shower mixer

When choosing a mixer, you should be guided by several criteria.

Material

Typically, the faucet material that is installed in bathrooms is metal. However, this is not entirely necessary; there are other options:

1. The most commonly used materials include brass. It is very durable and successfully resists corrosion. Often brass is plated with nickel or other materials to make it attractive. Faucets made of this material weigh a lot.
2. Slightly less commonly used alloy steel. It is expensive, and the strength is not up to par.
3. Some mixer elements are made from plastic. For example, faucet handles are coated with chrome, nickel or enamel. In special cases, designers use gilding. The best purchase would be faucets with a chrome finish. It lasts a long time and does not cause allergies.
4. Individual parts are made from ceramics.

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Mixers are classified by type.

With two valves

Recently, single-lever options have become very popular. Since their design is somewhat complex, they are correspondingly more expensive, but this is compensated by convenience.

At the same time, devices with two valves are not going to give up the palm. Very often they are purchased for rooms with a classic design, and it is no secret that matching the style is very often the point that decides the issue of choice.

The operation of this device is carried out by a faucet that regulates cold and hot water.

Everything seems to be good, but in these versions of the mixer you constantly need to change the gaskets. They begin to leak due to wear and tear.

A classic-looking mixer with two valves is not very convenient. Due to the rotation of the heads by three hundred and sixty degrees, it is not possible to accurately set the water temperature.

More advanced models of this type have two valves. Ceramic plates are attached to them. This made it possible to make the settings more accurate.

When purchasing, you can easily settle on this model, but you should not forget that such options are gradually losing their positions to, albeit more expensive, but also more convenient models.

With one lever

The most common and popular type of device. They have only one handle that solves all problems. It can change both the pressure and the temperature of the water.

A ball mechanism is responsible for the operation of the device; in some models, it is a cartridge.

The design is very convenient and practical. You should definitely keep this option in mind if you are faced with the task of choosing.

There is one more option. The control handle is installed vertically. Slightly less common.

Cascade type

If you need not just a mixer that will clearly fulfill its purpose, but also decorate the room, then cascade-type devices correspond to this quite well. The operating mechanism is approximately similar to single-lever type mixers. The main difference is the type of water discharge. It flows like a waterfall. Often such models have built-in lighting.

Thermostatic models

Models that have appeared recently have the ability to be programmed. They allow you to set the desired temperature, which is then maintained automatically. Water pressure does not affect the performance of the device.

The model allows you to decorate the interior and make use more comfortable. Two knobs of the device allow you to select the required pressure and temperature. The settings are used automatically in the future.

A good option for families with children. The possibility of burns is completely excluded.

Non-contact models

This faucet does not have the usual handle, but it does have an infrared sensor. As soon as you put your hands near the device, water flows, and when you remove them, the water supply stops. The device is convenient and economical. Particularly common in public institutions.

For it to function, you need to supply power or install batteries.

Combined models

The rotary jaw of this mixer makes it possible to regulate the water supply at the same time in the tap and in the shower head.

The model is not reliable. It is better to refrain from purchasing this device.

Fastening method

If the choice of a suitable mixer has led you to a dead end, then you can consider what types of fastening there are. Perhaps this will help.

Wall devices

Mount them directly on the wall. They are quite popular these days. Models of a combined type, as well as with one handle, are available for sale.

Floor-standing devices

Innovative installation option. Looks good in the center of a large room. The device is installed on the floor. This is a kind of tube on which a device for supplying water is attached. If the appearance of such a mixer does not stand out from the interior, then this is quite a good option.

Mortise devices

Mortise-type devices have a unique appearance. These are not just faucets, but luxury items. Their fastening is designed in such a way that no protruding hoses and pipes are simply visible. At the same time, it is very convenient and easy to use.

Embedded devices

If you want the water supply pipes not to be conspicuous, then this is what you need. The problem is that for installation you need to disassemble part of the wall. Beauty requires sacrifice! Additional problems will arise if repairs or replacements are required. This will mean opening the wall again.

Which mixer is better

You can select a mixer based on its weight. A quality product should have a lot of weight. There should be no scratches or other damage on the top coating. The movement of elements should not require force.

The aerator must be made of metal. No plastic or thin-walled brass.

The internal thread on the supply hoses must be made of metal.

All threaded connections should not produce squeaks or rattles. Everything should be twisted only by hand.

The shower head should have silicone nozzles. This facilitates easy plaque removal.

Which brand of shower mixer is better to choose?

Below are mixers from the most popular manufacturers.

Grohe

Well-known German manufacturer. The devices are of good quality at an affordable price. Having entered the market at the very end of the nineties, the company not only conquered its niche, but also continues to increase production rates without compromising product quality.

Production Features and Product Features:

1. Constant quality control at all stages of production.
2. Strict compliance with production standards and requirements.
3. Presence of anti-corrosion coating.
4. Random quality control.

DAMIXA

Production is located in Denmark. The developers were able to combine quality and style in one device. They entered the market more than eighty years ago.

Features of production and product:

1. Developments are constantly being improved and the latest innovations are applied.
2. Extended five-year warranty from the manufacturer.
3. Economical water consumption.
4. Beautiful appearance.

ORAS

The Finns have managed to combine a beautiful appearance with electronic filling and high-quality materials in their products.

Features of production and product:

1. Each device is required to be tested on a bench.
2. Automation allows you to equalize the difference in pressure and temperature.
3. Simple operation combined with quality and reliability.
4. Saving water consumption.

When choosing a device, you need to be guided not only by personal taste and financial capabilities. It is important to decide on the type of material from which the device is made, and carefully examine the quality of the threads on all connections. It is also important to evaluate the design of the model. No matter how high-quality it is, if the design does not match the overall style of the room, then the product will look ridiculous.