What is a mixer, its purpose

It is difficult to imagine the life of a modern person without a variety of household and plumbing devices. All of them are designed to make it easier and more comfortable. One such accessory is a faucet.

Every day we are faced with the need to maintain personal hygiene and prepare lunches and dinners. All this cannot be done without a mixer. At the same time, the modern consumer faces a difficult dilemma: buy inexpensive Chinese plumbing fixtures or higher-quality European ones, choose a single-lever or two-valve option? To make the task easier, you should understand the nuances of the device.

What is a faucet in plumbing?

A faucet is a plumbing product necessary for mixing cold and hot water. In addition, it can be used to regulate the intensity of the jet and its direction.

The main material used to manufacture the device is brass. Galvanic coating is applied on top of it, which plays a decorative role.

Reference. A device designed to mix two streams of water was invented by Sir Thomson, better known as Lord Kelvin. This happened at the end of the 19th century.

In the mid-twentieth century, Lord Kelvin's invention was improved by Alex Manukian, who introduced a single-lever design.After this, mass production and sales of plumbing fixtures began.

For full operation, the device is connected to two pipes. Cold water flows through one of them, hot water through the other. The type of tap installed on the mixer influences how liquids are mixed.

What types of mixers are there?

Depending on the internal design of the device, there are several options for mixers.

Valve mixer

Valve models are equipped with a valve axle box, which can be:

• with plates made of sanitary ceramics;
• with rubber gaskets.

Distinctive characteristics of the first variety:

1. In one minute the device is capable of passing up to 25 liters of water.
2. The product is convenient to use. The ceramic faucet quickly opens and closes the liquid supply.
3. It is sensitive to various impurities contained in water. Small stones and rust deposits wear out the internal structural elements, so the product can quickly fail.

The features of the crane axle box with rubber gaskets include:

1. The product completely opens the passage hole. At the same time, it does this smoothly, which allows you to more accurately adjust the required temperature regime.
2. A rubber gasket is responsible for locking the passage hole. Unlike ceramics, it is less sensitive to various contaminants. But it can quickly become unusable due to constant exposure to hot water.
3. Using the device is accompanied by quite a lot of noise.
4. Over time, using the device becomes difficult. This is explained by the fact that the brass rod is gradually coated with a layer of brass oxide, which is why it increases in size.

Single lever models

This is the most modern option, which is in great demand among consumers. This is explained by the fact that the device is convenient to use. To adjust the required temperature and pressure intensity, you only need to turn the lever in the desired direction.

This takes much less time than using two-valve models. This means that you not only save a few seconds, but also reduce the amount of resources consumed.

The disadvantages include difficulty in maintenance and difficulties in finding the necessary cartridges. Cartridges vary in size: 20, 35 and 40 mm. The larger the diameter of the device, the faster you will fill a bathtub or other container.

Thermostatic

The development of modern technologies has not spared plumbing products. Models equipped with a thermostatic element are becoming increasingly popular. A small device controls the flow of hot and cold water. You just need to set a comfortable temperature and pressure.

In such models there are no usual levers and valves, and control is carried out using regulators and buttons. On one side there is a handle for regulating the flow intensity, on the other there is a temperature scale. With its help you can set the required temperature. This option is especially convenient if you have small children - you don’t have to worry about the baby’s safety.

But don’t forget about the “fly in the ointment”. Unfortunately, our water supply system cannot boast of stable operation and uniform water pressure. In the event of pressure surges and temperature changes, thermostats may not be able to cope with the load. This leads to malfunctions of the mixer.

Sensory

The most innovative option. The operation of the device is based on electronic and infrared sensors. Such options are intended for public places, as they can significantly reduce water consumption. The device operates from various power sources: batteries, accumulators, and mains power using a 12 V power supply.

When choosing a faucet, consider not only the design of the product, but also the design. A convenient model will not only make daily manipulations easier, but will also save time.

The appearance of the device is also important, because the mixer should not stand out from the overall style of the room. A correctly selected model can complement the room, highlighting its design.