The mixer is a plumbing fixture used to mix two streams of water with different temperatures. Designed to optimize the thermal performance of the water flow in accordance with human needs. The principle of operation is the controlled expansion / contraction of the lumen of the water channels passing inside the mixer.
Changes in the parameters of the lumen can be made both in one of the channels, and in both at once. According to the type of internal mechanism, the mixers are divided into several types. One of the most popular is the single lever mixer.
Features
Mixers with lever method of mixing liquid can have different indicators of external design and internal structure. However, the principle of their operation remains identical regardless of model and class. A distinctive characteristic of a single-handle crane is a typical device of its internal mechanism. The lever, visible from the outside, controls the moving parts of the adjustment system located inside the device.
Ceramic parts of a plate-like appearance are parallel to each other. They have openings for hot and cold water. Tightly fitting, the plates prevent the passage of water flow through the holes. The lever mechanism is designed in such a way that the mechanical force exerted by the operator of the device is transmitted to the plates and allows you to control them.
As the lever moves, the holes in the plates move with them and are aligned. The amplitude of movement of the lever is calculated for its movement in two planes: vertical and horizontal. In other words, the lever can only be moved up and down and left and right.
Depending on the degree of alignment of the holes located one above the other, the supply volume of one of the water flows changes. When the holes located along the diagonal line in relation to each other are combined, the degree of mixing of the hot and cold flow changes.
The design of the lever mechanism allows the combination of holes in a horizontal and vertical line at the same time.
pros
The positive characteristics of single lever mixers include their durability and aesthetics. The design of the mechanism and the material from which its internal parts are made compensate for the effects of destructive loads exerted on the device during operation. Parts are resistant to friction, which is minimized and reduces the presence of fluid - a lubricant. The external characteristics of such faucets meet the trends of modern trends in the design of plumbing. The availability of a wide selection of shapes, sizes, colors and functions makes single-lever taps popular among the target audience.
The disadvantages include the presence of problems with the factor of effective control of the mechanism of water supply and its mixing. During continuous operation, the smoothness of the lever mobility decreases, which leads to a more complicated mixing process. When the tap is opened, the handle can shift by a larger amplitude than necessary. Also, when closed, it may shift too much.
As a result, indicators of the intensity of the water flow and its temperature may vary not as needed by the user.
Kinds
Single lever mixers are divided into types, the name of which is determined by the purpose of a particular device. Depending on the characteristics of the room, the needs of users and the type of plumbing system, such faucets are divided into groups:
- bath mixers;
- for kitchen;
- wall mounted;
- vertically standing;
- two and one-handed;
- for shower with spout and without spout;
- inkjet and cascading.
The one-handle bath mixer is wall mounted - it is attached to two water points by means of eccentrics. Often has an additional output to a shower head. There is a gander - a diversion movable tube that increases the range of water supply. Also in the bathrooms a faucet mounted on the sink can be used.
For kitchens, vertically standing taps mounted on the sink are often used. In rare cases, wall models are used. The main difference between the kitchen modification is the height and shape of the gander. These parameters are calculated taking into account the achievement of the necessary functionality.
In both cases, various design additions may be involved. For example, the special structure of the gander of the mixer can determine the configuration parameters of the flow. He can be ordinary, foamed, multi-jet, cascading, or some other.
Faucets without spout are equipped only with a shower outlet. Such modifications are often used in public showers or, if necessary, the absence of a gander. This design solution is effective in small enclosed showers, within which space is limited.
The choice
The approach to choosing a mixer should be individual. This is due to the fact that its design and functional features should best suit the intended purpose. If the basic characteristics of the crane do not meet the stated needs of the user, the operating efficiency will decrease, and its use may also become impossible. Thus, the main selection criteria are as follows:
- purpose and characteristics of the room;
- purpose and characteristics of the mixer;
- features of the plumbing system;
- other individual target needs.
In the next video you will find instructions on how to easily install a single lever bath / shower mixer.
