Bathroom taps: a description of the types, the best brands and secrets of choice

A faucet may be small, but one of the most important details in the bathroom. Each of us had to deal with the problem of choosing a new crane. Today, in the plumbing stores, there is simply a huge variety of models available. From this immense amount you need to choose the crane that fits all parameters. Despite its simplicity, the crane has many varieties that differ from each other in their design, installation method, shape, size, manufacturing material, design and many more parameters.

If your head is spinning from such a variety, check out our article. In it we will try to sort through everything related to taps for the bathroom. We will tell you not only about the types available today, but also the most famous brands. In conclusion, we will give some useful tips on how to choose a good and suitable crane.

During the existence of such a device as a crane, a lot of models managed to appear in the world, differing from each other in many respects. Nevertheless, it is still possible to combine them into several groups according to certain criteria. Let's look at the main varieties.

This group includes 4 types of taps and mixers.

• Single lever - bathroom faucet, which, as the name implies, is controlled by one lever. Inside is a ball cartridge, which provides rotation of the lever and switching modes. Most often, such models are equipped with an additional control element that switches the water supply to the shower head.A plus of the variety is the convenience and the ability to adjust the temperature of the water. The disadvantages include the demand for careful care.

• With two valves - more traditional faucet for sink or bathtub. It continues to be in demand for many decades. It is equipped with two controls, two valves, one of which is responsible for the supply of hot water, and the second for cold. Inside the faucet is a chamber for mixing this water. This variety fits perfectly into any interior and has many design options.

• With thermostat - a tap capable of maintaining a given pressure and temperature of the water, regardless of its pressure. Residents of Russian high-rise buildings like no one else are familiar with the problem, when during a shower, the power of water supply decreases sharply, and it becomes cold. This causes terrible discomfort. In the tap with the thermostat, it is enough to put the pressure and temperature settings once so that it continues to support them independently.

• Contactless - An innovative faucet in a modern bathroom. Additionally requires an electrical connection. Some models may be powered by batteries or batteries. Inside the faucets are infrared or touch sensors that respond to the presentation of hands. Then the automatic water supply mechanism is activated. As in the previous version, you can add temperature and pressure parameters to the tap. Contactless models are very convenient and economical.

The spout of the crane is a separate part having its own varieties and features. There are also 4 types to choose from.

• With a long spout - a classic and convenient type of cranes. If the sink and bathtub are adjacent, you can use one such faucet. This allows you to save finances, and also facilitates installation, because you do not have to equip the piping.

• Short spout - no less popular variety. Great for small sinks, but can also be installed on the bathtub. It is placed, as a rule, directly on the sides. The structure of these models allows you to create a strong jet of water, virtually eliminating splashing.

• With cascading spout - original crane of unusual shape. It can be an interesting decoration in the interior of the bathroom. Therefore, the variety is very popular among designers. The flat but wide shape of the spout allows you to organize a real small waterfall in your apartment.

• With swivel spout - a crane that can turn in any direction. It is very convenient and effective if several sinks are located nearby at once.

Methods of mounting a crane over the years have also been improved and modified. As a result, we have 3 varieties, depending on the installation.

• Wall - The faucet is built directly into the wall above the bathroom or sink. A traditional option for Russian apartment buildings. The length of the spout plays a large role, so that the water does not flood the sides when it falls.

• Floor - An unusual arrangement for the tap, which is used in the development of special designs of the bathroom. Looks great when the bath itself is located in the middle of the room and is also built into the floor. However, this solution is very expensive and time consuming.

• Mortise - a faucet placed on the sides of sinks and bathtubs, which most often have holes already prepared for this.

These are all the main types of cranes, but the differences between the models are not limited to this.

The material has a great influence on the overall quality of plumbing. Reliability, functioning features, appearance and service life depend on it. Therefore, it is worthwhile to carefully study the advantages and disadvantages of materials when buying a crane.

• Copper, bronze and brass - most popular metals. Specialists in the field of plumbing recommend giving preference to them. Cranes from these materials have an affordable price, are durable, and also have a stylish appearance.

• Stainless steel - no less popular material. It may not be as stylish as the above metals, but it still looks very pretty. At the same time, it costs less, and the strength indicators are much higher.

• Silumin and plastic - materials that are less and less used for the manufacture of cranes. They are the cheapest, but have extremely low strength indicators. Such plumbing is barely able to withstand at least one year of operation.

• Ceramics - the most expensive material for the most luxurious interiors. It features a variety of shapes and designs. For example, few people can afford a gilded ceramic mixer. The disadvantage of ceramics is its fragility at such a high price. With such plumbing, you must observe maximum accuracy.

In everyday life, the crane is ranked as an essential item, and no one wants it to fail at the most inopportune moment. therefore Do not chase the cheapness.

If you want your faucet to be not only convenient and efficient, but also look great, you should select it for the bath. Here are the most suitable options:

• steel baths - combined with wall-mounted or mortise models, but enamel can be easily damaged when drilling holes on the sides;
• cast iron bathtubs - can be combined with all types of taps, except for mortise taps, as it is simply impossible to make holes in cast iron;
• acrylic bathtubs - the most universal in terms of compatibility, but the material is easily damaged, this must be taken into account during installation;
• freestanding bathtubs - are located in spacious bathrooms, where it will be appropriate to put a floor crane or placed on the sides.

Now let's take a look at striking examples of design.

• Unusual design of the crane belonging to the variety of cascading.

• Stylish white tap with a short spout.

• A classic example of a floor crane.

• Elegant ceramic tap with gilding.

• Standard wall mounted crane with lever.

The name of the manufacturer plays an equally important role in the quality of sanitary ware. It’s better to slightly overpay for a well-known, but trusted brand, than to spend money several times on cheap products from unknown companies. You will have to choose from imported and domestic models. Germany produces the most reliable products, "German quality" has long been synonymous with high-end products, known throughout the world. The most famous manufacturers of plumbing are:

• Hansgrohe;
• Edelform;
• Wasserfale.

Italy and Sweden produce plumbing, no less popular and high quality than German. Especially their products are popular in Europe:

• Geberit
• Valencia;
• Albatros.

China is known to many for its cheap but low-quality products. However, this is not quite the correct opinion. Certain of its representatives are in no way inferior to European companies. In addition, most German and Italian plumbing is assembled in Chinese factories. Noteworthy Chinese manufacturers:

• Goldman;
• Appolo;
• Baraka.

In terms of price and quality for a Russian resident, the most noteworthy are domestic manufacturers:

• Rossinka Silvermix;
• Aquatic;
• Arcon.

Choosing a crane from one of these companies, you definitely will not lose. However, all of the above items, this is just a drop in the bucket of brands existing in the plumbing market. In order not to get lost in it, check out our selection tips.

The choice of a faucet primarily depends on the installation location, whether it is a sink or a bathtub, as well as on their parameters and features. You should also consider your own financial capabilities. If the room has a small area, and the bathtub and sink are located close to each other, it is worth choosing a swiveling faucet with a long spout, so that if necessary you can redirect the flow of water to the right place. This will save space.

It is better to purchase all the plumbing elements like a faucet, watering can and mixer from the same manufacturer. Also, they must be combined with each other externally and fit into the general interior of the room. We have already said about the importance of the brand.

If practicality and convenience are more important for you than design and multifunctionality, do not overpay. Take a conventional single lever tap or type with two valves. The same applies to the fabrication material, then steel or brass is an ideal choice. In general, this is enough to find the crane that is right for you. But before grabbing your favorite model, you should familiarize yourself with its detailed characteristics and requirements. Even one small discrepancy can significantly increase the number of works and installation problems.

See how to choose the right bathroom faucet in the video below.