Bottom valve in a mixer: what is it?

In the domestic market of sanitary equipment, the bottom valve appeared relatively recently. Although at first it was perceived with distrust, it turned out that the device is quite convenient, has a pleasant appearance and can significantly save water consumption.

The bottom valve in faucets is a design that serves to block the hole at the bottom of the sink, if you need to draw a certain amount of water into it. Abroad, the issue of water consumption is quite acute, so people are accustomed to being careful with this resource, and the bottom valve is exactly the device that can help with this. It is a more reliable option than plastic and rubber plugs, which, when used, often fail and wear out quickly.

Uncomplicated device mounted at the bottom of the washbasin, into its drain hole and, if necessary, closes the pipe connecting to the water supply. At the same time, a conventional tap is installed with two valves that regulate cold and hot water.

There are two types of bottom valves.

• The mechanical type works on the basis of a spring mechanism. The device has nothing to do with the operation of the mixer, which can be considered its advantage.
• The second option is a lever-operated foot valve complete with a mixer. The drain is overlapped by pressing the lever.

This technique includes the following details:

• drain plug;
• control lever;
• a rod-shaped base connecting the valve and the lever;
• siphon for draining water into the sewer;
• connecting threaded element for installing a siphon.

The mechanical Push Open valve system is not as hygienic. In order to open the cork, you need to dip your hands into the water. However, it also has its advantages - due to the lack of unnecessary parts, in general, such a bottom valve looks more aesthetically pleasing.

By their design, the plugs can differ in shape, color, which is not decisive, therefore the color range is limited - these are silver, golden, bronze shades of metal.

The relevance of this technique is due to the possibility of multifunctional use of the sink. You can wash in it, soak small things for a while, wash dishes.

There are other advantages of this device:

• more attractive appearance - instead of a hole, a beautiful metal valve cover is visible;
• Convenience and ease of use - the lock is controlled by one movement;
• ease of cleaning;
• valve resistance to water and mold, unlike plastic and rubber plugs;
• prevention of annoying odors from the drain hole;
• fast, uncomplicated installation;
• optimal water saving is perhaps the main advantage of the bottom valve.

As for the shortcomings, they are practically absent, apart from the fact that it is necessary to monitor the water level and regulate its supply and discharge in time. Particularly forgetful ones can be advised to purchase a washbasin with an overflow in order to avoid accidental floods.

Unaccustomed to this way of using it can hardly be called a disadvantage.Having accustomed yourself and your family to take care of water consumption, it is unlikely that anyone will complain about the inconvenience, especially with obvious savings.

The valve can be installed independently without special skills, but you should always pay attention to the installation of the mixer, which is located in close proximity to the device.

It is important to carry out all the work sequentially, starting with the installation of the crane.

• first, it is necessary to pass through the hole the hoses connecting the bottom valve (its lever) and the tap;
• then the mixer is fixed on the sink and fixed with a special nut, on both sides between it and the sink for maximum sealing, the rubber gasket that comes with the tap is placed;
• so that at the joints the dimensions of the hoses and pipes completely coincide, in some cases there is a need for cutting and stripping, while it is necessary to ensure that the cut particles do not fall into the drain mechanism - this can lead to malfunctions in its operation;
• the connections of pipes and hoses are secured with nuts with gaskets carefully, avoiding kinks of the pipes, as a rule, a U-shaped arrangement is used.

Next, the bottom valve is installed:

• the fixture fits neatly into the hole;
• the device has two crossed mounting spokes, they must be fixed with a plastic cross;
• then they must be connected to the tab of the valve and its lever so that when pressure is applied to it, the spoke closes and opens the plug.

Only after that, a sink siphon or a corrugated spout, which is present on some taps, is connected to the mounted equipment. The siphon is screwed in from below, and the hose is connected to the sewage system.

The serviceability of the equipment is checked in stages. After turning on the water supply, you need to make sure that there is no leakage at the joints, as well as in the design of the mixer itself. If water seeps out, a special fluoroplastic tape "Fum" is additionally used for the thread, and the nuts should also be tightened.

To check the tightness of the siphon, unscrew the entire tap. In this case, you should also make sure that the valve is working properly. To do this, open and close the cork 2-3 times, collect and drain water into the sink. Carrying out such a check is a necessary condition for the further, uninterrupted operation of the system. It will not hurt to check the strength and reliability of hoses and pipes even before installing the mixer and valve.

Different designs are available to suit specific needs. It all depends on where you need a bottom valve. If it is required for a shower tray or bath, then it is preferable to choose a mechanical model. It is possible to purchase the device complete with a siphon or separately.

For sinks used for washing, a set with an automatic factory-made valve is suitable, such equipment is also completed for a bidet. Buying a tap and a valve separately, you can opt for chrome-plated models, this combination will be optimal.

The main criteria to be guided by:

• the quality of the locking system, lever or mechanical;
• overflow device (its presence or absence);
• aesthetics of appearance;
• product manufacturing company.

By the way, almost all of these nuances affect the cost of the structure. Of course, the most important thing is high quality and durability, so this technique is chosen only from trusted manufacturers. As a rule, this means a high degree of tightness, immunity of parts to the aggressive effects of hot water, salts contained in it.Any product of this type must have a quality certificate and other important documentation that must be consulted. In case of any breakdown within a specified period, the device can be replaced thanks to the warranty card.

The bottom valve is a functional set that helps to make water consumption more economical and convenient in operation, and thanks to the instructions, it is possible to carry out the installation with your own hands.

How to install the bottom valve, see the video below.