Shower faucets: how to find the perfect one?

Choosing a bathroom faucet is a very demanding task. It is necessary to combine the quality indicators of the product and its aesthetic appearance. Therefore, it is very important to learn about the features of choosing a good tap, which would serve for a long time and delight the household every morning.

In a shower faucet, several parts are distinguished. This is a mixer body, a sidewall, a spout of different lengths, pipes for cold and hot water, a valve box, a nut and a moving part of the body.

There are a number of faucets used in the bathroom or shower.

• Mixers used exclusively for showers. In such models there is no spout, and the water immediately flows into the shower head. This option is perfect for showers. It can also be used in the bathroom if the spout gets in the way of the user.
• Universal taps for baths and sinks. These faucets have a long spout that moves from the sink to the bathtub. This type of faucet can be used if the bathroom is small and it is necessary to save space. However, due to the frequent movement of the mixer spout, the service life may be shorter. This is precisely the disadvantage in models of this type. Most often, the mixer is supplemented with a shower head with a flexible hose.
• Mixers with low spout in the bathroom. Includes a water switch for the shower head. When choosing this type of mixers, you need to remember the ease of use. To do this, you need to estimate the approximate trajectory of the fall of water and calculate whether buckets for pouring water will fit under it.

There are different types of mixer arrangements. It is important to determine the location of the mixer in advance in order to avoid difficulties in assembling and installing the structure.

The location can be as follows:

• Location on the side of the bathroom.
• Faucet with shower on the counter. This option is used in designer bathrooms with large areas. Baths are often installed in the center of the room, and all communications are hidden under the floor. This option is very expensive to perform, since this mixer cannot be installed independently, without special skills.
• Faucet location on the wall. The most common location for the crane. Easy to install, no need to call a specialist for installation.

Currently, the variety of shower mixer models is huge. The types and features of each will be presented below.

This is a classic among faucets and is still actively used in the interior, especially if people want to add a touch of vintage to their bathroom. The water temperature is set manually using two valves, so cold and hot water is mixed. Then the warm water flows under pressure either into the spout or into the shower head. Experts advise putting on a special mesh on the tip of the tap to avoid splashing water.

To install a two-valve shower, you need eccentrics (adapters for supplying to water pipes). Most often they come with a mixer. For plastic pipes, plastic eccentrics are used, and for metal pipes, exclusively made of metal.

Do not forget about rubber or silicone gaskets for sealing. Replace them regularly to avoid leaks.

Currently, this model of mixers replaces the classic two-valve faucet. Many people opt for this model because of the ease of use and the ability to adjust the water to the desired temperature.

Single-lever taps consist of a mixer body, spout and cartridge. It is recommended to take a ceramic cartridge itself, as it lasts much longer. It should be noted that this option is more expensive than the metal one. Water mixing occurs in the cartridge, so this part is most likely to break. It is impossible to fix it, you can only replace it with a new one. Such mixers can be with a lever or a joystick.

An infrared sensor is installed in the body, which captures the heat of a person's hands and turns on the water supply, set according to the set parameters. There is a screw under the body of the structure, with which you can set the pressure and temperature of the supplied water. It is important not to forget that the device requires timely battery replacement. Sensor taps allow you to control the flow of water and reduce it to a minimum.

This crane model is the most advanced. In each operating mode of the mixer, the parameters of water pressure and temperature are set. Experts do not recommend using this option in areas with high water hardness. Electronic mixers are classified into two types: contact and non-contact.

In contact control, instead of classic valves and levers, a push-button control panel is used. It can be located both on the body of the structure and isolated.

Non-contact electronic devices (or automatic ones) are considered the most modern and technologically advanced. The principle of their operation lies in the presence of infrared sensors or photocells in the mixers that react to foreign objects.

In addition to the simple inclusion of water according to the specified characteristics, some models imply a change in the temperature of the water by changing the position of the hands in space. For example, if your hands are close to the sensor, then the water will be hot, and if farther, it will be cooler.

Electronic faucets can work in several ways:

• From the electrical network. In this case, turning off the light is fraught with the risk of being left without water.
• From batteries. In this case, it is important to remember about their timely replacement.
• Built-in rechargeable batteries.
• Some products can be remote controlled and adjusted from a certain distance.
• There are very advanced options. They can memorize a person's face and water parameters that are comfortable for him.

Automatic faucets, of course, save water and are very hygienic. They can be quite comfortable, because if your hands get dirty, then you do not need to touch the mixer itself. It is a valuable quality for a kitchen faucet. If the family has small children, you do not have to worry that they will forget to turn off the water. And again, no burns from too hot water, since all water parameters are set in advance. And, of course, an automatic crane will add solidity to the house.

Sensory mixers have a number of inconveniences. The main disadvantage of such structures is their high cost. The price of a simple model of reliable cranes in this category varies in the range of 8-12 thousand rubles. The more interesting the design and the more functions, the higher the price, respectively.

Another disadvantage of this type of faucet is that constant water temperature settings can be inconvenient in the kitchen.During cooking and cleaning, you may need both hot and cold water. And constantly changing and setting a new mode is not entirely comfortable. And if the user decides to fill the bathtub, they will have to stand and wait until the water is completely filled. Because without it, the recruitment process is impossible.

Watering cans can be of various shapes: rectangular, round or square. It is possible to choose the most convenient diameter. Standard diameters range from 6 to 40 cm. Height is set in the range of 90-200 cm. But it is often better to choose an option for yourself and your family, depending on your height. The most used option is a height of 120 cm and a diameter of the watering can itself 15-20 cm.

This type excludes the mobility of the flexible hose and is rigidly fixed at a certain height. Often used in shower stalls. Usually installed with a sufficiently wide shower head. Thus, you can simulate the effect of tropical rain. However, many users, in addition to a stationary shower, install a shower with a flexible hose, so it is more convenient, they believe. The advantage of a hard shower is its long service life.

Flexible hose allows you to wash the desired part of the body. It is also possible to shower while seated. Plus, you can find a comfortable height for a specific person. Increasingly, the overhead shower head is combined with a head shower with a flexible hose. In this case, the possibilities of the soul increase.

This type is used in combination with acrylic bathtubs, which can have many design configurations. As the name suggests, this type of mixer cuts directly into the bathtub. From an aesthetic point of view, this is a big plus, as the mixer looks very stylish and all unnecessary and unused details are hidden.

Even the flexible hose of the shower head is hidden under the bathtub and is removed only at the time of use. But on the other hand, this nuance is also a danger in the future. This movement of the hose leads to a decrease in its service life. And if a leak occurs in the hose itself, then it will be almost impossible to notice it in time. And in this case, there is a possibility of flooding of neighbors or water getting under the bath. It is important to remember these features when operating mortise mixers.

All communications and installation elements are hidden in the wall. It is necessary to plan the installation of such a mixer before finishing work begins. The built-in hidden mixer looks very stylish and helps to visually expand the space, since only the necessary elements will be visible to the eye.

This type of mixer does the best job of saving water. The principle of its operation is simple: when you press the power button, water comes from a specific reservoir hidden in the body of the case. Usage times are set in advance. When it comes to an end, the water supply is stopped and the reservoir is refilled with water.

The main advantage of the batch mixer is water saving. In addition, it is convenient to turn on and off the water, this action takes a minimum of time. But the push-button mechanism may fail.

As the name suggests, it is located on the bathroom wall. The most popular model by location. For installation, it is not necessary to call a plumber, you can handle this work yourself.

The materials used for the manufacture of mixers can be of several types.

There are brass taps. They are durable, practically not susceptible to rust and are resistant to any temperature conditions. Brass contains copper and zinc. There is more copper in such taps: from 60-80%. This material is harmless and does not have a toxic effect on the human body. The cost of these products is quite affordable for a person with any income, which is also an advantage of brass mixers. Brass itself does not require additional coating, as it is a durable material. However, crane manufacturers still prefer to use electroplating or enamel / paint. This is not done to improve the quality of the brass, but solely for aesthetic reasons.

Chromium and nickel are used more often than others. Nickel can be an allergenic metal, so if the user suffers from this disorder, it is best not to use a faucet with such a coating.

Copper and bronze popular for brass mixers. This is done to give the product an antique look. Bronze-plated faucets are usually more expensive than chrome or nickel, but they look very elegant.

Paint and enamel are not durable materials, therefore, when using brass products coated with these materials, chips and cracks may occur.

Correct installation of the mixer will allow you to use it for as long as possible. Currently, there are a number of parameters that should be considered when installing any type of mixer. These parameters are written in SanPin.

Let's list the main ones.

• Height of the tap above the bathroom. This parameter sets the height from the edge of the bath to the mixer. This distance must be taken into account in order to control the noise of pouring water and wash large items, fill buckets, cans and other reservoirs with water. According to the standard, this height is no more than 25 cm, so that the water jet is not noisy and does not splash too much.
• Distance from floor to mixer. This height from the floor must be correctly calculated so that the pressure in the pipes is stable. This means that the pressure of the water in the tap depends on this indicator. The standard height of the mixer from the floor is about 800 mm. It should be noted that the mixer should be installed only after the bathroom has been installed. Otherwise, you may face a situation where the mixer is too close to the edge of the bathroom and it will be inconvenient to use it.
• Mixer dimensions can be calculated based on how it will be operated. If the mixer will be used for both the bath and the sink, then the faucet spout itself is advised to be chosen as long as possible. But then you need to take into account the installation height of the sink. If the faucet is to be used in isolation in the bathroom, you can choose between a medium or short spout. In addition, the choice may be driven by design vision.

There are many design solutions for mixers. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. There are chrome and more laconic forms, there are matte and retro options. The choice depends on the person's taste preferences, as well as on the material condition.

There are faucets in which the water flow is highlighted in different colors. Most often blue and red. The color emphasizes the temperature of the water: for hot water - red, for cold - blue.

There are mixers with various modifications of the water jet. You can put on a special mesh on the spout of the faucet, which would prevent water from splashing. And it is possible to install a cascade mixer, then the water flow will flow in a beautiful cascade or waterfall.

You can choose between valve taps that bring a retro touch to the interior, especially if they are covered with bronze or copper, and lever devices.

For people keen on originality in the interior, there is an opportunity to opt for cranes made in the form of toys or miniature copies of motorcycles, steamers and much more.

The black color of the taps looks very attractive and stylish. It does not get as dirty as chrome plated, water smudges and drops are visible on its shiny surface. The black color is given by bronze or copper, which are applied to a brass mixer. They usually look antique and noble. The cost exceeds the average price for mixers. But the quality and beauty are worth it.

White faucets are also very popular. It comes from chrome or enamel. Care must be taken with enamel, as a poorly coated faucet can quickly crack. Therefore, in this case, you cannot save on mixers, otherwise you will have to buy a new product.

The faucet's durability depends on quality components.

This is often a weak point for cranes. This detail helps to turn the water on and off. If the tap started to leak or drip even when closed, then the crane-axle box is broken. This is the main component of valve-type mixers. If a breakdown suddenly occurs, it is important to replace the part and choose the right size. Moreover, you can do this on your own, without the help of a specialist.

It is important to go to the store with a broken axle box so that there is no error in size. Crane axles are worm and ceramic. The former are cheaper than the latter. The service life of worm gears is short-lived. In addition, they produce more noise during operation and are not very smooth when turning the valve.

Ceramic crane axles are resistant to various temperatures and last much longer. To open the tap, you do not need to make as many turns as when using a metal part, which is much more convenient and comfortable to use.

In the touch-sensitive models of luxury mixers, there is a touch screen with which you can set the temperature of the water flow and other parameters. Some very expensive and innovative models offer Internet access, e-mail, and music. This is a nice addition, but it is expensive and not used by all consumers.

There are a lot of plumbing manufacturers. Almost every country has its own mixer manufacturers.

German plumbing is popular not only in their country, but all over the world. The Grohe firm is especially popular. She is rightfully considered one of the best. It owns 8% of the plumbing market worldwide. For more than 80 years they have shown themselves exclusively from their best side. Their faucets are of high quality and are made of excellent materials using the latest technical innovations. Grohe uses only high-quality ceramic cartridges in its faucets. Their water saving function is high-quality: you can reduce its consumption by 2 times. A series of contactless cranes are also presented.

In terms of design, Grohe is hard to match. Their plumbing is close to the luxury class. If this German company has any drawbacks, then the extremely high cost of their products. Although this cost is due to the high quality and stunning design.

Many fakes of this company have appeared on the plumbing market.Therefore, if the product is named after Grohe, but its cost is frankly low, it is most likely a fake. And it's better not to deal with fake faucets, replacing them can be more expensive. Grohe also has budget mixer options that cost from 3,000 rubles.

There is a German firm that is even older than the popular Grohe. This is Hansgrohe. The names of the firms are so similar because in a sense they are related. The founder of the Hansgrohe company had children. And one of the sons founded his own company - Grohe. Now these brands are competing with each other for the sanitary ware market.

On the technical side, Hansgrohe initially specialized in mixer taps. And even now, having slightly conceded the branch of primacy to its youngest relative, it remains known all over the world. The price range of products is medium and high. The quality is excellent. Design solutions range from ultra-modern minimalist systems to timeless classics.

Russian-made plumbing is still slightly behind foreign counterparts. But domestic firms present more budgetary lines of mixers. For example, the Russian company Iddis presents fairly high-quality products at affordable prices. The only thing is that there is no need to pretend for an exquisite design. But high quality, functional and without a claim to luxury. Feedback from users is mostly positive, and this is the main thing. Iddis has not yet approached unusual design solutions either.

The country of refinement and luxury presents its Jacob Delafon company. The products of the French company are distinguished by their design. Still, the French know how to create beautiful things, and this feature has not bypassed shower faucets. The design differs from German products in soft lines and smoothness. Looks very stylish in any bathroom. Like all European plumbing, it is not cheap. Average price category - from 15,000 rubles and above for luxury plumbing.

The Spanish products of the Roca company are distinguished by their original design. Faucets of their company are of very unusual shapes and can look quite interesting in the interior. However, care must be taken in determining the usability of specific models. Sometimes it happens that beauty and uniqueness replace practicality and ease of use. Prices are quite democratic and affordable for a Russian with an average income level.

If you have a desire to use a European brand, but for some reason, German mixers do not suit you, then you should pay attention to Czech products. There are a number of companies that produce high-quality mixers, but their pricing policy is softer than that of German manufacturers. For example, Lemark or Zorg. Their mixers combine quality, affordable price and attractive design.

Hungarian mixers keep up with their competitors. The Mofem company presents on the market its products, which exceed the general European standards in terms of quality requirements. The warranty period for their products is 5 years. Reviews of people who use Hungarian mixers are only positive.

The most famous Finnish manufacturer of sanitary ware and faucets, in particular, Oras. The company has been on the market since 1930 and has established itself as a pioneering faucet company. Scandinavian countries are fighting for maximum environmental friendliness and economic efficiency of products. A distinctive feature of this company is mixers with a thermostat and touch control. These features save water consumption. However, the reviews at the moment are rather controversial. Some users are satisfied with the work of the faucets and for more than a year. Others, on the other hand, are very disappointed with the quality. And the price for these mixers is not small. Therefore, there is something to think about when choosing this mixer.

The feature of Italian firms is the design of the mixers, very elegant and close to the classics.One of the firms, Paffoni, is distinguished by both high-quality design and reliable assembly. The characteristics of Italian mixers are no worse than German ones. And the price is much nicer.

The German company Grohe is still in the lead in the rating of the best mixer manufacturers. But other firms also have very high quality mixers at prices that are much more affordable.

It is important to pay attention to certain parameters when choosing a mixer:

• the convenience of use;
• long service life of the product;
• ease of care.

Experts prefer brass faucets because they are durable. Be sure to put on a special mesh aerator on the tip of the spout. Then the water will not spray like this, and the stream will be more pleasant. The advantage is also the saving of water when using the aerator.

When choosing an automatic crane, it is important to pay attention to what sensitivity range it is equipped with and what additional functions it has. For example, is it possible to change the duration of the water supply and how much the temperature of the water flow can be adjusted. Automatic mixers are far from affordable in terms of price.

In order to properly install the wall-mounted mixer, you first need to determine the height at which the product should be. Above in the paragraph on dimensions, advice was given on the height of the mixer from the floor and from the edge of the bathroom.

The distance between the centers of the fittings is 150 mm. With the help of eccentrics, you can maneuver it horizontally and vertically by another 5 mm.

Please note that you do not need to use tow (flax) for sealing. For the best effect, it must be smeared. This will create difficulties that can be avoided by using fum tape. They are easy to use and as reliable as a sealant.

Installation diagram:

• It is necessary to carefully study the instructions and check the integrity of all structural details.
• Clean the pipes by opening the water. This must be done to avoid blockages.
• Take two eccentric bushings and see if they fit the thread. If suddenly they are too small, then compensate for this with a large amount of fum-tape.
• Install one eccentric in the pipe without applying great effort.
• Install the second eccentric. Do not tighten up to the end. See if the mixer fits the eccentrics. The clamping nuts must fit exactly the threads of the eccentrics.
• Install decorative bowls. They should fit snugly against the wall.
• Install the seals that came with the mixer into the tightening nuts. Screw the nuts onto the eccentrics. Do this very tightly and tighten with a wrench to be sure.
• See how tightly the eccentrics and nuts are installed. To check this fact, it is recommended to open the water. You need to take this step very carefully and pay attention to any leak.
• Completely assemble the mixer, refit the spout, flexible hose and shower head.
• When finally connecting the mixer, be careful not to damage the surface of the mixer.

The installation process is shown in great detail in the video below.