Bathroom faucet with shower, how it works

Each modern bathroom is equipped with different sanitary ware. A special place in it is occupied by a bath or shower. For full functionality, they are equipped with a mixer. It is designed to give the water a comfortable temperature. In addition, it performs the function of switching the water supply from the tap to the shower head.

But, like any other product, the mixer is not immune to breakdowns. Therefore, you should know its structure so that, if necessary, repairs can be made without the involvement of specialists.

What is a bathroom faucet and its purpose?

In most countries, hot and cold water are supplied separately. With this option, to obtain water at a comfortable temperature, you would first have to fill the bathtub with hot water and then dilute it with cold water. But this is not only inconvenient, but also uneconomical. Therefore, a special device was invented - a mixer. Its functions are as follows:

1. Giving the water a comfortable temperature. The device mixes cold and hot, and water at the desired temperature is supplied from the tap. This saves time and money.
2. Formation of a stream of water. Water is supplied under pressure. This allows you to avoid splashes that would fall on the walls and floor of the room.
3. Redirecting water from the tap to the shower head. An additional function that makes using the mixer more convenient is switching the water supply from the tap to the shower and back.

Reference. In some European countries, faucets are not used. For example, residents of Foggy Albion, in order to get water at a comfortable temperature, have to turn on cold and hot water separately.

What types of bathroom faucets are there, features of their design

Of course, a bathtub is the most comfortable sanitary product, allowing you not only to wash, but also to completely relax. After all, how nice it is sometimes to soak in warm aromatic water after a hard day.

But there are situations when there is not enough time for this. A shower comes to the rescue. In addition, the shower stall has become a full-fledged alternative to a bath in rooms with a small area. Each shower is equipped with a mixer. At the same time, there are several models that differ from each other depending on the design.

The following options are available for sale:

1. Valve. One of the most common mixer options. Regulation of flow power and water temperature is carried out using valves. Inside the structure there is a small chamber in which water of different temperatures is mixed. Perhaps this is due to the presence of a crane axle box. The popularity of this type is due to the reliability of the design and ease of use. The disadvantages include the fact that it is quite difficult to accurately adjust the required temperature.
2. Single lever. This is a more modern version of the plumbing device. The design assumes the presence of one “lamb”. To adjust the flow power and the required temperature, it should be turned in the desired direction.If you move it in a vertical plane, the flow intensity will be adjusted, if in a horizontal plane, the water temperature will be adjusted. Mixing is carried out using a ball mechanism or a small ceramic cartridge, which is located inside the structure.
3. Sensory. The most modern model. The built-in photocell is responsible for turning it on and off. Despite the convenience of the design, it has a significant drawback - in the event of a breakdown, you will have to use the services of a professional plumber.
4. Thermostatic. The mixer is able to maintain the required water temperature. You only need to make the necessary mode settings once. This is achieved using a thermostatic element installed inside the structure. The device reacts sensitively to even small temperature fluctuations and, if necessary, restores the desired heating level. Regulators can have the appearance of handles or be stylized as familiar “lambs”. On the market you can find models with touch controls, equipped with a small LCD display. The screen will display temperature information, and in some models, flow power data.

Types of shower mixer switches

Like any other product, the mixer is not immune to breakdowns. The switch often fails. Therefore, you need to know its structure. There are four types of switches in total:

1. Spool One of the oldest switch options. The main feature of the design is the presence of a plastic or metal handle, which is located between the “wings”.
2. Suberic. Despite the fact that such switches have already been discontinued, they can be found in some apartments in older buildings. Between the valves there is a massive rotary lever. The main feature is the presence of a massive stopper made of brass. It performs the function of redirecting the flow from the tap to the shower head.
3. Button. The main distinguishing characteristic is a button with a valve located on a long pin. To shut off the water supply, press the button. The reverse process is carried out by a spring.
4. Cartridge. The most common option. The main element is a cartridge equipped with Teflon sealing rings. The principle of operation is similar to the usual crane axle box. It is quite easy to determine that this is a cartridge version - the mixer lever turns a full turn.

Knowing the design features of the mixer, if necessary, you can repair it yourself. But in order for the mixer to serve you for many years, remember: you need to regularly clean it of accumulated dirt and change the gaskets on time.