How to choose a reflector for a mixer?

The arrangement of bathrooms and showers does not end with the installation of tiles and plumbing. As a rule, a number of small nuances remain that cannot be ignored. This primarily concerns the gaps between the wall and the mixer. Such imperfections in the interior are hard not to notice, but they are quite simple to fix - it is enough to close the joints with special devices - reflectors.

The reflector for the mixer is a decorative ring that hides the space between the wall and the outlet of the water supply pipe. In addition to the decorative function, this device performs a protective role, because due to the sealing of the seams, the likelihood of the formation of fungus, which often occurs when the room is over-humidified, is nullified. The flanges also keep dust and dirt out.

In addition to sanitary facilities, bowls can also be found in the kitchen. In this place, they look especially beautiful and are installed mostly for decoration.

Typically, the reflectors are put on the branch pipe before installing the mixer. But in production there are different models of decorative flanges that can be installed at any stage of the installation of plumbing systems.

The range of reflectors for mixers is quite large. Today, there are two main groups of these products. The first is represented by ordinary reflectors, the second is plug-in.

Conventional nozzles are installed before installing the mixer, they do not have any slits, they resemble a solid ring. Visually, they look more aesthetically pleasing, but it is rather difficult to fix them - they interfere with the subsequent installation of the plumbing system. There are different shapes (square, rectangular), as well as different depths (flat and deep), and differ in width.

They are also decorative rings, but their main difference lies in the presence of slots, with the help of which the flange can be opened into two or more parts. This reflector is also called telescopic. It is convenient to work with it, as it can be put on after the mixer is installed. Of the shortcomings, it should be noted that after installation, the slot can be visually visible. However, this can only happen when one is looking too closely at the reflector.

In the manufacture of mixer reflectors, the modern industry has surpassed all customer expectations. The abundance of materials for production cannot but surprise. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages, so before buying a product, you need to find out all the possible nuances.

Decorative bowls can be made from:

• plastic;
• nickel plated steel;
• of stainless steel;
• non-ferrous metals.

Plastic models are considered the cheapest, but also unreliable. Most often, polyvinyl chloride is used in production, on which a metal coating is additionally applied.

The main advantages of the material are its low price and attractive appearance.

Disadvantages are also present:

• fragility of plastic - it can be easily damaged without much physical effort;
• rapid abrasion of the top layer of the product, as a result, deterioration of aesthetic indicators.

It is also worth noting that under the influence of hot water, plastic can decompose, releasing harmful substances into the surrounding space. Their effect can manifest itself in the form of allergic reactions in humans; with constant penetration, health problems can worsen.

Nickel-plated steel is a more reliable material. It is not toxic, but it is susceptible to corrosion processes. As a rule, decorative bowls are covered with rust, because manufacturers quite often apply poor-quality coating in order to save money. As a result, the service life of the reflector is significantly reduced.

The only advantage of nickel-plated steel flanges is their high decorative performance. There are more disadvantages. The first disadvantage is the high cost. The second is a short service life due to the appearance of a blue plaque, the third is a finickyness to detergents.

Reflectors made of non-ferrous metals (aluminum, copper, bronze) are rarely used. They are usually ordered or sold with a mixer.

A reflector for a faucet can be purchased at any plumbing showroom. But before buying, it is worth figuring out what sizes and shapes of these devices exist.

By their shape, decorative flanges are divided into: round, rectangular and square. In the bathroom, wide bowls of 5 cm in width and height are often installed. There are also products measuring 3 cm and 4 cm.

A reflector for a single-handle crane D = 35 is called universal (it is round and deep - 15 mm); there are also flanges for a handle of 40 and even 80 mm. This is a rather large reflector that cannot be overlooked, so it is better not to save on such a product, and buy more expensive devices that will last longer due to high-quality material and will look aesthetically more attractive than cheap options.

When buying a decorative flange, however, as in all cases of purchasing plumbing, you must definitely pay attention to certain points. It may seem strange, but first of all you need to hold the reflector in your hands and understand its weight. A decorative stainless steel cup will be weighty, much heavier than plastic and chrome counterparts, which means that it will be able to withstand any stress and will last longer.

External examination is also very important. There should be no chips, any visible damage or irregularities on the surface of the product.

The diameters of the reflector (wide and narrow) also need to be measured well. This is done so that all gaps and slots are completely closed. A large diameter should be taken with a margin, since the reflector may move slightly to the side.

You should not chase cheapness. There is a high probability that low-cost products are made of low-quality material, or unscrupulous manufacturers are trying to hide a manufacturing defect at an attractive price. It is better to choose more expensive options from well-known manufacturers, which guarantee the quality and long service life of the product.

If financial possibilities do not allow regularly replacing the reflector, it is better to refuse decorative bowls made of non-ferrous alloys. They are often "corroded" by corrosion, which can be identified by the blue bloom that appears on the surface of the product.

For how to install the display and mixer, see the next video.