Bathroom plumbing: types, selection criteria and location options

Plumbing is an essential element of any bathroom. Until recently, the choice of plumbing elements was influenced only by their functional components. Today, a beautiful sink or an elegant faucet is a great opportunity to demonstrate your taste and create the perfect bathroom interior.

The main requirements for plumbing are comfort in use, hygiene and functionality. Everything else is taken into account based on personal wishes and capabilities. Each type of plumbing has its own differences, we will consider them in more detail.

All plumbing can be conditionally divided into just two groups:

• products for outdoor installation;
• built-in products (or the so-called rough plumbing).

The first group has long been considered a classic and is very popular in our time. But if we talk about comfort, then outdoor plumbing is good to install in large bathrooms, where there is enough space to translate any ideas.

If there is a need to save space, then it is best to choose concealed built-in plumbing fixtures., which allows you to free up space in the room, while being practical and easy to use.

Mostly modern bathrooms include a few must-haves.

Until recently, all bathrooms had heavy cast iron bathtubs. With the advent of new technologies, the range of these products has been replenished with lighter and no less durable acrylic products. They keep warm well, are easy to clean and durable. Acrylic is a high quality material that is resistant to mold and mildew. But its biggest plus is the ability to take any shape. Thanks to this, the production of shaped and non-standard baths was put on the conveyor.

However, even today there are manufacturers (French and Italian companies) producing cast iron bathtubs. Their retro style and excellent quality are still highly regarded in the market.

Almost all modern manufacturers offer products with additional functions: jacuzzi, seats, armrests, LED lighting.

These products have appeared just recently, but have already taken their rightful places among the most popular plumbing fixtures. Their advantages are compact size, low weight, high strength. For small bathrooms, showers are the right way to usefully organize space.

The usual cockpit is familiar to everyone and everyone. Hydrosauna is a “steam room at home”, but a hydroshower is something between a simple shower and a “Charcot shower”. Jacuzzi cabins are small hydroboxes, in which instead of a pallet there is a small bathtub with built-in Jacuzzi elements.

The choice of these products is the widest. In stores you can find products of different shapes, colors, sizes. And they all look just gorgeous.

Models of washbasins, in addition to design, differ from each other in the way of installation. There are so-called tulip shells (with a pedestal) that are fixed to the floor, furniture cabinets and products with wall brackets. Each of them is good in its own way, but consumers are especially fond of sinks with pedestals, inside which you can hide water pipes and a siphon.

Typically, mixers are made from brass or stainless metal alloys. The former are considered more durable and durable, the latter are inferior in quality, but with proper care they can last for many years.

Modern manufacturers use a number of materials for the production of sanitary ware, among which ceramic products are in the lead. There are also more modern materials.

Earthenware plumbing is distinguished by its impeccable appearance and at the same time is quite cheap. It is lightweight and durable, but there is one drawback - the porous surface quickly accumulates dust and dirt, which is difficult to remove.

Porcelain has a smooth, dust-repellent surface that makes it easy to clean. But porcelain is a more heavy and expensive material that “does not like” bumps and other influences - any scratch will be clearly visible on the shiny surface of a porcelain sink or toilet bowl.

Such plumbing appeared thanks to the achievements of modern developments and has solid advantages: impact resistance, resistance to chemicals and acids, ease of maintenance, smooth surface. The only drawback is the high price, which not everyone can afford.

The luxurious appearance of sanitary ware made from natural materials outshines all other products. It is strong and durable and is included in the premium model lists. But it is very difficult to care for such products due to their porous structure.

Attractive glassware has recently hit store shelves. They successfully compete with the most luxurious models made from more reliable materials in appearance, but their strength properties are much worse than earthenware or porcelain. Difficulty in leaving is another drawback.

This material is used in the manufacture of bathtubs and is still recognized as the most durable and reliable of all. It keeps heat well, but the heavy weight of the structure and the modesty of the design of the products clearly loses against the background of other materials. In addition, chips and cracks can form in cast iron baths.

One of the most popular materials with many advantages: light weight, easy care, low cost and unlimited processing possibilities. From acrylic, original bathtubs and sinks are obtained in a round, rectangular, triangular or wave-like shape. The disadvantages of acrylic include sensitivity to mechanical stress: it is "afraid" of abrasive and powdery products, metal brushes, as well as cuts, scratches and impacts.

This material is the best suited for the production of mixers. Bronze products are classified as elite plumbing fixtures, as the products have a stunning appearance. In addition, they turn out to be very strong, reliable and durable. However, their original design cannot be called universal for any interior - it needs an appropriate environment.

The beauty of a bathroom interior depends on the harmony of all its elements: plumbing fixtures, furniture, hanging shelves, mirrors and much more. As a rule, laundry baskets, cabinets or shelves with towels are placed here. If the room allows, you can install a solarium cabin. When choosing one or another element of the interior, it is worth considering some factors on which the durability and quality of their operation depend.

Everything that is purchased for the bathroom must be moisture resistant. This is especially true of furniture, which, moreover, must combine several functions and, of course, be attractive.

When choosing a place for pedestals and sinks, sets for sinks and other plumbing fixtures, it is better to place them at a short distance from the wall - this will extend the life of the products. If a heated floor is installed in the bathroom, then it is better to choose furniture on legs in order to avoid deformation of its lower parts. When choosing furniture, it is better to abandon bulky models: narrow, tall cabinets will look much more modern.

If the house has two bathrooms: master's and guest's, then the set of furniture and plumbing may differ. Almost always, in the first case, the room is equipped with additional elements, in contrast to the guest room, where you can limit yourself to a modest set of components.

In apartments, it is preferable to use small but functional products. The cabinet with a sink and a mirror is very popular - a convenient and elegant piece of furniture.

Using mirrors in the design of the bathroom, you can visually increase the space, and all kinds of shelves and cabinets will help you use the space more efficiently.

Several years ago, colored plumbing appeared, which consumers immediately fell in love with. Experiments in the design of interiors with sinks and toilets of all kinds of colors are especially loved by modern designers. Of course, white is versatile and fits harmoniously into any room. But plumbing in contrasting colors will look no less beautiful: red, black, blue.

Modern manufacturers offer both products of the same tone and patterns. Today you can even order the printing of any image on ceramics.

German company Grohe is considered one of the best among analog manufacturers and rightfully occupies a leading position in the world ranking of quality sanitary ware. The products of this brand are one of the most durable, and their luxurious design is almost unrivaled.

Technical properties, functionality, practicality - that's why many consumers choose this German company. Mixers Grohe - this is the standard of plumbing: smooth operation, ease of installation, ease of maintenance, economical water consumption. The only drawback of the product is its rather high cost. The price range for luxury models ranges from $ 1,000 to $ 1,500. But among the collections of this company there are also budget options costing from 50 to 80 dollars.

Roca company Is a Spanish manufacturer of quality products from environmentally friendly materials. Roca sanitary ware will appeal to lovers of unusual and original products. The products of this company are striking in their originality, but it should be noted that not all of them can be called convenient to use.

Firm Cersanitprobably the most famous at the moment in the domestic market. This Polish plumbing has a fairly affordable price - from $ 70. Most of the models are equipped with modern options such as anti-splash and microlift. Polish products are distinguished by classic shapes, compact dimensions, durability and reliability, and ease of maintenance.

Sanita is a famous brand domestic plumbing, which harmoniously combines high quality and affordable price. The company has existed for about 100 years and today boasts the widest range of designer sanitary ware. Sanita products are manufactured under the strictest quality control, and thanks to the use of modern technologies, the products will last for many years. Most consumers note the excellent quality, durability, luxurious appearance of Sanita sanitary ware.

Jika Tansa Company specializes in the manufacture of bathtubs. The quality of its products meets all European standards.Many consumers note the high wear resistance of Jika Tansa products, which makes them popular both in their homeland and far beyond its borders. A high level of quality control in production guarantees the reliability and durability of each product.

Most consumers note a fairly wide selection of plumbing products in Ikea retail chain... Here are examples of quality products, and a large price range allows you to choose affordable plumbing. In addition, it is possible to choose all the elements for the bathroom at once, including a sink, a bathtub, a cabinet, a toilet bowl, all kinds of shelves and small decor.

When choosing a sink, it is better to give preference to models with a protective hole against overflowing water. It is also good if they are equipped with special fasteners and an individual siphon. Be sure to consider the method of attachment and the shape of the product.

When choosing a toilet, it is better to consider options for modern production. For example, toilet bowls in recent years have been equipped with a silent water intake system. There are economical models that use less water. Products coated with special water-repellent and antibacterial agents are especially popular today.

If we talk about the practicality of use, then shower toilets are clearly in the lead. At first glance, they are no different from ordinary toilets. Their feature is a special water supply system located on the sides of the toilet. In general, such products function perfectly both as a bidet and for their intended purpose.

When choosing heated towel rails, it is better to give preference to durable brass products, with polymer or chrome-plated coating. There are also more budget options, but their shelf life does not exceed three years.

When decorating a bathroom, the correct location of the plumbing is extremely important, because its comfort and coziness depends on it.

According to the designers, in the center of the room there should be a sink with a mirror and a cabinet. There should be at least 0.7 m of free area in front of the sink. If the family is large, you can install two sinks, this will save time getting to work and school. A distance of about 25 cm should be left between the edges of the sinks.

In standard apartments and private houses, the location of the toilet depends on the location of the sewer riser. Of course, if desired, you can achieve a remote placement, but this is much more difficult to implement than the standard habitual installation. There should be about 0.6 m between the front edge of the toilet and the wall, and there should be at least 25 cm on the sides of the free distance.

A freestanding bathtub will be an effective solution. But such a model requires a large room area: at least 9 m2. In small rooms, it is more practical to use showers or corner plumbing options. In any case, for comfortable operation, at least 0.7 m should remain in front of the structure.

Plumbing maintenance is the key to its durability. All plumbing should be washed at least twice a week. Do not wait until plaque forms on the sink or mixer, otherwise scale will form, which will be more difficult to remove.

Do not forget about precautions and safety when caring for plumbing fixtures. Most products contain acids or chemicals that can harm your hands.

It is worth noting that too concentrated cleaning agents can damage the sensitive enamel of the toilet bowl or sink and even leave marks on the chrome surface of the faucet. To avoid such problems, it is recommended to use mild detergents.

If cleaning the plumbing doesn't work as expected, you can try home remedies., which are sometimes more effective than store-bought ones. Regular baking soda works well for descaling; just apply the product to the surface and leave for a few minutes. You can remove old plaque with the same tool, rubbing the coating with a special brush or brush.

Another great anti-pollution agent is table vinegar. To do this, you need to warm it up a little and wipe the problem areas.

As a preventive measure for the smooth operation of the cranes, it is not recommended to twist them.

Extreme changes in water temperature, the use of cold water only, or the use of products for other purposes may impair the operation of the equipment.

Proper care of your bathroom fixtures guarantees smooth operation and a long service life.

A wide range of plumbing equipment allows you to choose it for any style and interior.

• Plumbing in a classic style will be appropriate in any interior. The severity of forms and clarity of lines - this is something that will never go out of fashion.
• Choosing plumbing in a classic style, remember that the classic requires the appropriate design.

• Fans of extravagant products will like colored plumbing from world manufacturers. A wide assortment will allow each consumer to choose the best option for themselves.
• Eco-style is recognized as one of the popular styles of modern designers. It is not difficult to create a bathroom in this style. Plumbing of an unusual shape will add color and emphasize the originality of the design.

For information on how to install plumbing in the bathroom, see the next video.