Shower faucets

Modern showers are quite complex and functional designs. Water, depending on the model, is supplied from different places. Based on this, shower faucets can differ significantly from their usual “counterparts” installed on sinks and bathrooms.

The main task of any mixer for a shower cabin is mixing water and the direction of its supply, taking into account the selected mode. The design features of such devices are determined by the algorithm of their functioning.

The latter is as follows:

• water enters the unit and mixes to the required temperature;
• water is sent to the second unit, from which it is distributed depending on the set supply mode, this unit includes one input and several conclusions, the number of which depends on the provisions of the mixer provided by the design.

Temperature and pressure are controlled from the cab itself using valves and handles (levers). In the vast majority of cases, all other elements of the working system are hidden by a panel with various decorative overlays.

Special attention should be paid to the faucet in the shower. As a rule, it is much smaller than similar devices for the bathroom and washbasin.

Most often, such faucets generally do not have a valve for injecting liquid and an appropriate mechanism for switching the flow of water.

The design of the considered nodes of modern shower cabins includes:

• a case of two glasses and a connecting tube;
• a cartridge, which is a device for mixing cold and hot water;
• a divertor cartridge, which is responsible for the distribution of water flows along the drains of the cabin;
• fasteners for cartridges, their list may include clips, gaskets and nuts of the corresponding diameter;
• flywheels, which are external controls of the device;
• various decorative elements.

An impressive selection of shower cabin models is now on the market. Their list includes, for example, options with a rain shower. In parallel, developers strive to constantly expand the range of mixers.

Today there are different types of mixers, which are classified according to several basic parameters. Considering the installation method, the devices are divided into wall mounted and embedded. In the first case, we are talking about the classic version, which many consider universal.

By and large, these are ordinary bathroom faucets that do not have a spout. They have the usual joystick or half-turn, as well as touch control mechanisms. In addition, some models of wall-mounted devices can be supplied with racks and equipped with thermostats.

Built-in faucets are mounted behind the cab panel. In this case, only the controls remain in sight. It is worth highlighting the following main advantages of such devices:

• aesthetics;
• compactness;
• the ability to control multiple spouts simultaneously.

One of the common varieties of mixers are mechanical models. They are at the moment the simplest system, which provides only mixing water. Such models can have two different control mechanisms. In the first case, we mean single-lever mixers, which in turn are divided into ball and cartridge.

The main element of the ball mixer is a ball with three holes (for cold, hot and mixed water). The flow rate and temperature are controlled by changing the position of this ball.

The disadvantages include the need for periodic replacement of sealing gum.

The second option is devices based on two cartridge plates. In the upper part of the device, hot and cold water is mixed, and the bottom has openings for its distribution. When changing the position of the joystick, the mixing chamber is combined with one of the holes.

Another type of mechanical faucet is a device equipped with two control valves. One of them controls the supply of cold water. And the second is responsible for the hot. The valves themselves come in two varieties - with crane boxes and half-turn. The action of the latter is based on the alignment of the holes of the two plates.

This category of mixers does not require hot water, since the cold is heated to the desired temperature directly in the device itself. The miniature heating element of the built-in type is responsible for this.

Electric faucets for showers are controlled by joysticks and touch panels.

The main disadvantages of systems include fairly weak flow of water. One solution would be the use of pressure boosting pumps.

Another important point is the formation of scale. Also, when buying electric models, their power should be taken into account. Experts recommend using them in tandem with thermostats that control the temperature regime. This is most relevant in cases where the water pressure drops sharply.

In this case, we are talking about programmable models. Thanks to the corresponding function, it is possible to set the temperature, which will be maintained in automatic mode. In parallel, a similar adjustment of the pressure of the supplied water is possible. Thermostatic faucets for cabs are equipped with two appropriate controls. The temperature regime is set by levers or valves.

In accordance with the reviews and opinions of experts, the main advantages of these models include the following important points:

• it is possible to set the desired temperature one-time, and then change only the water pressure;
• the risk of burns, including with a sharp drop in pressure in the system, is practically reduced to zero.

In this case, the key role is played by the absence of a stage of manual adjustment of pressure and temperature. Naturally, there are certain disadvantages. The main disadvantage of the described models is their rather high cost.

Modern faucets for showers can have several outputs, allowing you to connect different types of sprayers. For various modifications, their number varies from 1 to 7. Moreover, the devices work in different modes: classic shower, hand watering can, hydromassage and many others. You can choose both a traditional single-mode or dual-mode option.

Budget models, as a rule, have one position. In such cases, it is not possible to turn on the shower head and hose simultaneously. At the same time, maximum simplicity and reliability of the design are at the forefront. Devices for 2 positions are more functional and allow you to create comfortable conditions during the operation of the shower system.

Currently, such modifications are installed on relatively inexpensive cabs.

It is this option, according to statistics, today is most popular. Devices in this category allow you to activate the upper shower head, side nozzles and various combinations. As a result, it turns out to form a stream of water in three directions. It can be a standard issue through a hose and a watering can, as well as the activation of a hydromassage and a rain shower.

Externally, the three-position mixer resembles traditional single lever crane. However, in reality, the device is more complex and has two cases interconnected by a copper or brass tube. The bodies themselves can be made of plumbing bronze or the same brass. A ceramic cartridge is located in each of these structural elements. In the first cartridge, hot and cold water are mixed, after which they enter the second. It is he who performs the function of switching between the provided modes.

These modifications of the mixers are multifunctional mechanisms that allow you to choose the most comfortable mode of operation of the shower system. Device designs include the following elements:

• divertor - a mechanism that changes the direction of the water flow, taking into account the user selected operating mode of the entire system (depending on the model, a rain shower, massage nozzles and other spout options can be activated);
• nestsin which water is mixed;
• tubeconnecting nests;
• cartridges
• flywheel;
• decorative elements.

This type of faucets for modern showers provides for the connection of not only the listed water sprayers. We can also talk about nozzles for hydromassage of the feet. The list of functions will directly depend on the model of the cab itself.

First of all, each additional sprayer is an increase in cost. At the same time, not all outputs will be involved in the end. Often, having purchased a mixer for 4 or more positions, their owners use no more than three.

From what material the mixer is made of, its operational qualities, including durability and aesthetics, will depend.

Traditionally, the market presents models made of materials, which will be discussed below.

• Brass, which is an alloy of copper (60-80%) and zinc. This is the most popular and common raw material for plumbing products and valves. The key characteristics of brass include resilience and relatively high strength. The material is resistant to corrosion, pressure drops in the system and temperature. In order to ensure an aesthetic appearance, electroplated coatings or enamel are applied to the surface of brass devices.

• Stainless steel with a chromium content in the alloy of at least 13%. This material with appropriate quality is characterized, first of all, by increased strength and wear resistance. Unfortunately, due to the unique performance indicators in the market, one can find many fakes of stainless steel products from famous manufacturers. And the model lines themselves of such plumbing fixtures of leading brands are quite uniform.

• Plumbing bronze, superior in basic characteristics to copper and brass. The fluidity of this material in the molten state allows you to create products of different shapes and with many decorative elements of any complexity.

In addition to everything listed on the market are products from modern polymeric materials. In particular, high-pressure polyethylene is meant. Products made from this material are usually offered by Chinese companies. Despite the low cost, experts do not recommend purchasing such mixers, since their service life rarely exceeds 2-3 years.

It is no secret that the life of a device directly depends on the correct installation of any plumbing device.

When choosing and installing faucets, it is important to take into account existing standards enshrined in the relevant rules.

• The height of the mixer from the edge of the pan in the presence of a tap. This indicator affects the noise level of pouring water. Also, the ability to fill containers of various sizes depends on it. For the vast majority of modern showers, this moment is irrelevant. However, when it comes to open models, it is worth considering the height of the installation.

• Height from floor level. It is from this parameter that the indicator and stability of water pressure can depend. In accordance with current standards, the height should be about 0.8 m. As in the first case, these requirements are relevant only for open booths when installing wall-mounted models of mixers.

• Directly the dimensions of the plumbing device itself. When choosing a specific model, they are calculated taking into account the characteristics of the operating conditions. No less important point will be the dimensions, design and functionality of the cab itself. The design style, including the entire bathroom, also matters.

In accordance with current standards, wall-mounted faucets are manufactured to certain standards. So, the distance between the centers of the water supply fittings can be 100 or 150 mm.

The quality, performance and durability of the mixer largely depend on its manufacturer. For this reason, it is recommended to pay special attention to the brand of products.

So, at the moment, the most popular German brands include Hyber, Kermi and Huppe.

In addition, the undeniable advantages include a wide range of products and the functionality of mixers. Certified devices that fully meet all applicable standards are made of alloy bronze and stainless steel.

Italy is represented by Cerutti and Jacuzzi in the ranking of leaders in the global plumbing market. The products of these companies belong to the premium segment. Naturally, the list of advantages does not include low cost, and in Russia there may be problems with the acquisition of components if repairs are necessary. However, this is fully offset by high quality and performance.

Italian shower faucets are equipped with integrated heaters, multi-profile divertors and electronic thermostats.

Finnish companies Timo and IDO Showerama offer high-quality sanitary fittings for showers of different models. Manufacturers give a five-year warranty on their products.

It is worth noting that due to the sharp increase in demand, Timo launched production facilities in Hong Kong. In accordance with some reviews, such a decision negatively affected the quality of products.

First of all, it should be noted that according to the principle of operation, most shower faucets differ from similar devices for conventional bathtubs and sinks. Based on this, it is required to competently approach the choice of device.

There is a fairly wide list of criteria to consider.

• Number of modes which should correspond to a similar characteristic of the cab itself.
• Features of connecting the device (clamps or threaded elements).
• Distance between mixer bodies.
• The diameter of the cartridge. The best option would be models with standard sizes so that there are no problems with the replacement.
• Mixer Material. Experienced experts advise you to opt for sanitary bronze and brass. However, do not discount the stainless steel models.
• Control coverage quality (valves, levers and joysticks), which determines the length of the life. If we are talking about chrome elements, then an indicator of good quality will be a monophonic gloss without sagging.
• The material from which all parts are made, including fasteners. Brass and bronze are also preferred. Steel elements in contact with water will inevitably begin to rust.

When selecting these elements, attention should be paid to the quality of the material and the manufacturer. Otherwise, you will have to face the need for frequent replacement.

In the next video you will learn how to install the mixer in the shower.