Bathroom faucets are an important element of plumbing, the comfort of water procedures depends on the work of which. That is why the choice of the mixer must be approached thoroughly. It is necessary to study the basic selection criteria, as well as get acquainted with the reviews of specialists.
Reliability criteria
To choose a quality mixer, It is necessary to focus on the following criteria:
- appearance;
- functionality;
- the material from which the product body is made;
- decorative coating;
- type of mount;
- spout shape and length;
- view: vertical or horizontal.
Also, mixers are single-lever and two-valve, and this also must be taken into account in the selection process.
The first thing you need to pay attention to is the material. In most cases it is an alloy of bronze and brass. But you can also find specimens made of alloy steel or alloy silicon with aluminum. The latter option is lightweight, but it is short-lived.
Faucets from silumin (alloy) are a cheaper solution, but wear out pretty quickly. Chrome stainless steel products will last much longer, but for the price it is a losing option.
You can determine the material by the weight of the product: silumin is light, metal is heavy.
By functionality, the mixers are divided into the following types.
- Single valve devices. The most common and convenient model. It has one lever that can be turned up and down and to the sides. With its help, you can adjust both the pressure of the jet and its temperature.
- Dual valve. Also a good option, but less convenient. In addition, frequent leaks become their minus. The advantage is economical water consumption.
- Touch panels. Their advantage is style.The disadvantage is frequent breakdowns.
- Mixers with non-contact infrared sensors. This option is the most modern. A stream of water begins to flow as soon as the sensors capture the heat of the brought hands. But this option for the bath is not very suitable, it is better to leave it for a kitchen sink.
- Cascade devices. This is an even more modern option. Installed on one of the sides of the bath. The flow of water in this case is quite strong, resembles a waterfall. Only high price scares me off.
Another important factor that should also be guided by is water pressure. If the pressure is good, for example, 3 atmospheres for hot and cold risers, then the choice can be made in favor of any mixer you like. But in the case when the pressure on both risers shows 2 atmospheres and below, it is not recommended to buy and install mixers with one lever. Weak pressure will have a bad effect on the internal adjustment, so there is a chance that the tap will alternately flow either too hot or too cold.
By the type of mechanism, mixers are spherical, cartridge and eccentric.
- The last option is simple, easy to repair. Its shortcomings mean a short service life, due to the frequent replacement of gaskets.
- Cartridge mechanism also reliable. If the cartridge itself is broken, then it can easily be replaced.
- Ball mechanism the most durable of all possible, but, unfortunately, can not be repaired at all.
Manufacturers
Faucets can be bought at any plumbing store. Moreover, the assortment is very diverse. The most popular are faucets produced under the following brands:
- Grohe and Hansgrohe - Germany;
- Vidima - Bulgaria;
- Roca - Spain;
- Jacob Delafon - France.
Among Russian manufacturers deserve respect mixers from Iddis, Edelform, ROSSINKA (Russian-Chinese production), Santekhpribor.
The most expensive in value are faucets from the Spanish brand Roca. The average cost of such a mixer will be 10 thousand rubles. Mixers from Russian manufacturers boast good quality, but their design is not always the best.
Reviews of specialists
In most cases, plumbing experts leave positive feedback on imported faucets. In their opinion, the most reliable will be those that are released German company Grohe and Finnish Oras. Among the benefits most often noted quality, durability, impeccable design, reasonable price.
Iddis mixers are a worthy response to Russian manufacturers. They are made to last, easy to repair and have a low cost. Faucets from Chinese manufacturers have a low rating. They often produce fakes (replicas of famous brands). Such products do not differ in durability, have an unsightly appearance, but are very cheap.
Given all the above factors, it will be easy to make a competent choice of a bathroom faucet. A correctly selected product will delight you with aesthetics and functionality for more than one year.
You will learn more about how to choose a durable bathroom faucet.
