Floor-standing bath mixers: types and installation features

Returning to his house or apartment, a person expects that he will rest and relax. This can be helped by something as simple as taking a bath. Therefore, choosing a high-quality, stylish and durable bathroom faucet is a very important task. Floor faucets are becoming more and more popular. They fit perfectly into the interior, look great in a large space. They are recommended to be installed if there will be two baths in the room. And also if the layout of the premises is individual and non-standard.

The faucets are in the form of a tall stand (1.5 m), equipped with a spout and holders for towels and a shower. They are installed in the floor next to the bath. It is advisable to connect them to the plumbing system during the repair, and not after it. Otherwise, you will have to additionally hide the piping in drywall boxes.

There are many models on the plumbing materials market that can be classified by type.

• Classic design assumes the presence of two levers or valves. But it has several drawbacks: quick wear of the gaskets on the valves and manual adjustment of the water pressure, which not everyone likes.
• On a mixer with one lever more advantages as it is operated with one hand. The main advantage of this model is that it has a ceramic cartridge. It requires regular replacement, as it is operated in hard water conditions.
• Cascade mixers have an effect on the buyer, but in practice they are not very practical. The mechanism responsible for simulating a waterfall may break.

• Floor standing mixer controlled by sensors. It is hygienic as hands do not touch the taps. These species help to reduce water consumption.
• Models with electronic movement. This is a non-contact faucet that can create a water regime, and more than one. You can adjust the temperature and the required pressure to it. Electronic products do not perform well in hard water conditions.
• Combined mixers, differ in that they have an elongated swivel spout, so it is used both above the bathtub and above the washbasin. The mixer is creative, easy to use, but its movable structures are subject to rapid wear.

The stand of the mixer hides the water inlet. It is operational, since at the top of the system there are a spout and taps, with which you can adjust the pressure. After all the installation work, the mixer on the stand takes up 1.5 m in height. Such columns must be securely fastened. For Cezares boilers, it is necessary to select separate options. The mixer can be controlled with one lever or two. It has protection against electric shock, as well as a mode of economical water consumption. In addition, the models have an aerator and a leakage protector.

Modern plumbing is so diverse that the design can be in styles such as high-tech, retro, classic or Victorian. Models in the "retro" style are popular, they are made in bronze, outwardly they look like antiques. For example, such a mixer would be appropriate in a classic interior design.

The faucet finish is glossy or matt. In the production of sanitary ware, high-quality steel is used with special protection of the product against corrosion and dirt.The chrome plating not only protects the faucet, but also lends it a touch of elegance. The surface is bronze, gold, colored. Brass faucets are sturdy, heavy and durable.

Floor faucets can be equipped with a hand shower (Chinese brand Kanggu). This design immediately acquires several functions. The German brand Kludi has developed mixers specifically for bathtubs. They have a wall-mounted control lever that takes up little space and looks out of the ordinary. The Italian company Migliore offers elegant luxury in a retro style. The spouts are made with an aged bronze finish. Lovers of the classic style will like such models. They will take their rightful place in the antique interior.

With the help of mixers, you can achieve the optimal water temperature. Modern faucets have options for keeping the temperature. There is no need to adjust the degree of water heating every time, everything will be adjusted automatically. It is not cheap to install a floor-standing model, but it will quickly pay for itself. And also fits perfectly into the interior.

Before installation, you need to prepare the room, buy tools and materials. It is better to carry out the installation before finishing the room, when it is still possible to hide the pipes. But if it so happened that the decision was made to put the mixer for finished repairs, then drywall will still be needed. Boxes are made of it, in which the piping is hidden.

It is imperative to check the connecting elements for tightness. Before bricking up the supply pipes, a test is carried out. The water turns on at full capacity, the master makes sure that the fittings do not rip off and do not leak anywhere. After testing, you can attach the stand and fix it with screws.

To install correctly, you will need the following materials:

• polypropylene pipes (PN16-25);
• soldering tool;
• cement mortar;
• mixer gaskets;
• fitting;
• tow or tape fum;
• eccentric.

Installation of a floor mixer usually includes the following steps:

• make two rectangular holes in the base, into which pipes should pass freely;
• lay pipes with cold and hot water;
• close up the holes from where the pipes come out with cement mortar or a special mixture for masonry;
• then close everything with concrete screed and tiles;
• install the mixer stand using 4-6 screws that come with the kit;
• fix the mixer using an eccentric, gasket and fittings, the installation is exactly the same as in the case of a conventional mixer.

Installation tips:

• installation is carried out before laying the tiles;
• before work, you need to shut off the water supply;
• follow the instructions carefully;
• call a specialized installation team so that all work is done under warranty (if the installation is not done correctly, then you can lose both the mixer and the warranty for it);
• choose quality components;
• always inspect the purchase for mechanical damage - if found, you should refuse to purchase.

This type of mixer has many advantages, but it also requires a certain investment. In case of repairing the floor mixer, you will have to call a team of specialists. On the plumbing market, floor models appeared not so long ago, but they are already at the peak of popularity, because it is convenient, stylish and beautiful.

The advantages of floor standing mixers are as follows:

• easy to use;
• easily fit into any style;
• easy installation;
• mask pipes;
• available for renovation work.

Floor faucets have their drawbacks:

• take up a lot of space;
• not suitable for all bathrooms in design;
• both the mixers themselves and their installation and repair are expensive.

Floor faucets are best placed in the center of the bathroom, especially if you plan to use a washbasin appliance. It must turn in any direction. The downside of this layout will be the visible clutter of the space. Floor faucet models should fulfill their intended purpose and supply water for the bath. Then all the levers will be available. To turn on the water, you just need to reach out.

Designers love contrasting shades: in cases with bathroom decoration, the bathtub can be white, and the mixer is chrome-plated. Or red and white colors are beautifully combined in the interior. For lovers of antiques, there are exclusive models made of bronze and inlaid with stones. They will favorably emphasize the owner's taste and status.

Floor faucets are one of the types of new plumbing equipment, with their own nuances in use. The most famous manufacturers are Grohe, Hansgrohe, Kludi, Miglore, Kanggu. Floor standing models have a non-standard look and can be installed indoors and outdoors. This is true for residents of the southern region, because they install a bath tub on the terrace. Do not forget that this product ideally requires a hidden connection to the plumbing system. It is recommended to engage in the installation of mixers during the overhaul of the premises.

You will learn how to install a floor-standing bathroom faucet in the following video.