Single lever basin mixers: features and benefits

For a long time, the only type of taps were double (separate for hot and cold water). This changed when the single-lever mixer was introduced in the 1950s. Its name is due to the fact that the device can be controlled using one handle. Since then, there have been many technical advances, and engineers have been able to create a range of designs that mix water devices with a single lever.

There are two main types of mixers.

• Ball. The special sleeve has an inner metal ball that rotates in a strictly predetermined manner. During rotation, contact with the seals is constantly maintained, which allows maintaining the desired tightness. In the upper part of the working element, a pair of small holes is provided for the passage of cold and heated jets into the interior. There is also a larger hole, which serves to exit their mixture outside. To supply water to the ball, pipes with spring seals are used. The advantage of this solution is the minimum number of repairs, no need for mechanical water purification, if only it meets the minimum quality requirements. In all modern models, Teflon is applied to the O-rings, which simultaneously increases the service life and improves ball glide.

• Ceramic. It is named for the material of the plates located inside it. To obtain them, aluminum oxide is used - this is the third most hard substance in nature. As in the previous version, two holes work at the entrance, and one only at the exit; for mixing flows, the plate that is located above all is used. If the lever moves, it slides, and the holes in the lower part of the structure are sequentially opened.

Installing a single-lever ball-type faucet for the sink is attractive because such a device is convenient and allows you to set the required water temperature faster than any valve mechanism. But you will have to change the O-rings at least every 24 months, even if they are very strong and of high quality, and they do not use the water supply too actively.

The advantages of ceramic structures:

• last longer;
• allow you to adjust the heating of water, acting with only one hand;
• readjust the flow temperature faster than ball counterparts.

But their installation has not yet become widespread due to certain inconveniences for users. A ceramic faucet, sold at an affordable price, allows you to adjust the water temperature only in increments of 6 to 8 degrees, that is, to get into a narrow “comfort zone” (from 34 to 42 degrees), and it is quite difficult to vary the heating inside it. The most successful firms that sell their goods in various countries have already learned to solve this problem.

Single-lever mechanisms, like all others, in case of a breakthrough or leakage of the tap, must be repaired after the water is turned off.

Changing the rubber gaskets on the ball valve is done using:

• screwdrivers;
• hexagon (they remove the fixing screw);
• a new set of gaskets.

An ordinary sponge helps to remove plaque accumulated on the O-ring.After assembling the entire structure, it is imperative to check its performance and tightness. The cartridge cannot be disassembled. It can only be changed entirely to a new one.

A swivel mixer with a high spout seems to many to be the height of perfection, but it is important not to forget: spray, especially individual trickles, should not go beyond the sink or bathtub. You should pay attention to how exactly the mixer is attached: experts consider the nut to be screwed onto the bottom of the body to be the most stable option.

Choosing a rotary mixer is also beneficial because it gets less dirty during normal use. But you have to take precautions and not apply a heavy load to the product, otherwise it can easily collapse. You need to think about the balance between convenience and reliability. The cast body is stronger than the rotating one, but less convenient, and the control element is placed only on top, which does not suit everyone.

The wall mixer is mostly hybrid (for bath and shower at the same time). It is mounted according to the scheme next to the plumbing fixtures. The holders are hidden under the cladding materials. The vast majority of bathrooms are equipped with just such products.

Brass and bronze are recognized as optimal solutions by most specialists., but they also have a significant drawback - it is a high price. Attention: you should not buy externally similar silumin mixers, they serve a maximum of two years. The choice of stainless steel is justified if you want to buy a product that looks harmonious in any interior and is beautiful in itself. Ceramic cases are more expensive than all others, but extremely fragile.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to the color of the mixer. The white tone is considered universal, as is the standard polished aluminum finish. In a minimalist environment, it is better to give preference to products with strict geometric contours. In the Provence style, shiny dusting is completely inappropriate.

You can find out how to install a single lever mixer in the kitchen from the video below.