Due to their operational properties, bathtub taps with a long spout are in high demand. Like all similar plumbing devices, they perform several important functions. In this case, we are talking about both water supply and temperature regulation.
Features
All existing plumbing fixtures for bathtubs differ from each other in several ways.
In the situation with mixers, we can talk about the following points:
- method of opening (supplying) water;
- the presence and type of spout;
- list of additional features.
In models equipped with a spout, water is supplied through a special tube, which has a round or rectangular cross-section. Faucets with long bath spouts are characterized primarily by their functionality. Modern models are equipped with hoses and watering cans.
In addition, their design provides for the presence of feed mode switches.
Consideration should be given to cases in which long spouts have a distinct advantage over short ones. As practice shows, the choice of plumbing, taking into account only the design of devices, does not always become the right one.
The best option is a long gander in certain situations.
- If it is not possible to supply water to the sink and bath, a mixer with an extended spout cannot be dispensed with.
- At the forefront is the reduction in the cost of bathroom equipment. This refers to the installation of one tap instead of two plumbing devices.
- The mixer will be used in the future during washing and will relieve the owner of the need to keep the container on weight while filling it with water.
- Small children or animals live in the house (apartment). Long "gander" allows you to change the direction of the jet of water in the right place.
- Residents prefer to wash different parts of the body just under the tap, rather than the shower. In this way, it is possible to save time and reduce water consumption.
- The bathroom has a large and deep washbasin, which a short tap cannot reach and provide comfortable conditions.
In addition to the listed competitive advantages of the devices under consideration, attention should be paid to another important point - models equipped with an overhead shower are the most comfortable to use. It is important to remember that one sink and bath mixer will function for two. Based on this, special attention should be paid to the quality of the plumbing fixture. It is also not worth saving on the services of professional plumbers when installing taps.
As you know, nothing is perfect, and faucets with long spouts are no exception in this case. The main disadvantages of such structures are, first of all, the relatively low tightness.
Also, far from all cases, the installation of such models is possible. Examples are situations with showers and sinks located far from bathtubs.
Species overview
On the modern market, more than a wide range of the described plumbing is presented. These devices can be with or without a shower, and also differ from each other in control systems. Conventionally, two large categories can be distinguished - these are two-valve and single-lever models. There is no need to talk about universal mixers, since in each case the choice will depend on a number of criteria.
Dual valve
These models can be safely called traditional and enjoy a well-deserved reputation. Their main characteristics and competitive advantages include simplicity of design, ease of use and affordable cost.
Two types of mixers can be distinguished in this category.
- Worm Mixershaving a locking cuff (most often we are talking about silicone gaskets). Their main advantages are reliability, ease of maintenance (gasket replacement), and relatively low cost. The disadvantages include some inconvenience of use. To open the water you have to turn the valve several times, and the process of adjusting the temperature requires a certain amount of time.
- Ceramic models, the mechanism of which includes two plates with holes. One of them is connected to the rod, and the second is rigidly fixed in the mixer body.
The list of advantages of ceramic products includes ease of use, increased strength and the longest possible life. No effort is required to open the water and adjust its temperature.
Naturally, there were some obvious shortcomings, which include:
- dependence of performance on water quality - due to sand and various solid impurities, the wear of parts of the mechanism is significantly accelerated;
- problematic repair - as a rule, the axle box is much easier to replace in the assembly;
- the need to install coarse filters to extend the life of the mixers.
In accordance with the numerous reviews of owners and professional plumbers, the choice is best made in favor of ceramic models. However, the pressure of the water in the system should be considered. If there is insufficient fluid supply, it will be rational to install devices with a worm gearbox.
You can determine the type of mixer by simply turning the knob. In ceramic devices, the angle of rotation will be from 90 to 180 degrees.
Single lever
The popularity of these cranes is actively growing at a truly record pace. Their main distinguishing feature is maximum ease of use.
Now in the plumbing market, two varieties of single lever mixers are available.
- Models with a metal ball on boardhaving three holes. Their main advantages are increased tightness and durability. The main disadvantage is the sensitivity to water quality. The presence of calcareous deposits as a consequence of prolonged downtime can significantly complicate the use of the device.
- Cartridge-equipped devices and having ceramic plates with holes for supplying water.
Speaking about the advantages of mixers with cartridges, we should first mention the simplicity and long service life. Of the minuses, demanding water quality and a relatively high cost deserve special attention.
Thermostats
Such models still have the status of new products in the modern market of sanitary devices. However, taking into account the operational qualities, specialists quite highly evaluate their prospects.
Taking into account the features of control systems, three categories of thermostatic mixers can be distinguished.
- Mechanicalwhich are controlled by handles, levers or conventional valves. It is worth considering that the main advantage of such a thermostat is the absence of dependence on the power source.
- Electronic - devices equipped with LCD displays and a touch or button control panel. These thermostats operate on battery or household network. The electronic system allows you to set the parameters of the water flow with maximum accuracy. The downside is the dependence on the availability of food.
- Contactless - Thermostats equipped with infrared sensors and which are by far the most comfortable to use. Special temperature controllers and pressure control devices are responsible for changing the parameters. The user makes all the settings before turning on the water.
The main competitive advantages of these new products are safety and maximum comfort. In the first case, we are talking about the absence of the risk of a sudden supply of too cold or hot water.
Ease of use is ensured by the fact that the thermostat is able to very quickly adjust the temperature and pressure of the stream.
Sensory
Another “young” generation of high-tech plumbing devices is faucets equipped with a thermostat, pressure compensator, photocells and sensors. Similar models of mixers with long spouts provide non-contact control of instrument functions.
The main features of new products include:
- lack of levers, handles and control valves;
- the possibility of active and at the same time trouble-free operation;
- water supply is carried out with constant temperature and pressure.
In the case of most models, a motion sensor is integrated. It is worth bringing a hand to it, and the water supply begins. It is worth noting that the sensitivity zone of these electronic devices varies in the range from 10 to 30 cm. Some mixers can be equipped with a lever responsible for adjusting the temperature. Others provide a different control mechanism: to reduce or increase the temperature, just touch the right or left side of the device. The market also offers models that allow you to set all parameters in advance.
Designs of various modifications of touch taps include:
- electronic unit;
- Valve
- filter element;
- connecting hose and directly to the spout;
- lithium battery in cases where the device does not work from the mains:
- some devices are equipped with a stationary control panel or remote control panels that allow you to set parameters in advance and at a distance.
The described innovative mixers can significantly reduce water consumption. It is worth to move away from the tap, as the flow immediately shuts off.
Also, do not forget about hygiene standards (crane control is almost completely non-contact). By the way, it is for this reason that initially such models began to be used in medical institutions, catering establishments and public places.
Today, the number of homeowners making a choice in their favor is growing steadily.
Materials
Modern plumbing is made from different materials. The most common models are stainless steel faucets with long spouts.
The main advantages of this material include:
- increased strength and resistance to damage;
- durability;
- availability;
- aesthetics that allow products to blend in seamlessly with any bathroom interior.
Evaluating Characteristics brass and bronze, attention should be paid primarily to the long service life. An equally important feature is the appearance of the material, which can emphasize the style of a luxurious interior. Such products are not cheap, but the high price is justified.
Ceramic models from products from other materials differ in attractive appearance and most often in non-standard design. Their main disadvantages include fragility, fragility and a rather high cost. In general, such expensive plumbing must be handled as carefully as possible.
In addition to these materials, in the manufacture of used enamel and chrome to create a decorative and protective coating. Enamel (due to the matte texture) makes invisible fingerprints on the surface of the taps.
Chrome products are distinguished by aesthetics, ease of maintenance and durability.
Top best brands
Now Germany, Czech Republic, Finland, Denmark, Turkey and, of course, China are represented on the domestic market. The products of German companies are reliable and durable. However, it is difficult to attribute it to inexpensive goods. The budget segment is represented by models from China and Turkey, and Finnish and Czech manufacturers offer a kind of “middle ground”.
Analyzing the ranking of the most popular brands in Russia, we should first mention Grohe brand. In this case, three important points can be distinguished.
- From the very beginning, Grohe and Hansgrohe were two production facilities of one German family, the head of which was Hans Groe himself. Later, his son launched a separate production under the brand name Grohe, specializing in the production of fittings and other little things.
- Grohe is currently bought out by the Japanese (the Groe family owns approximately 12% of the shares). At the same time, Hansgrohe remained a purely German brand.
- Products appeared in the Russian Federation earlier and therefore are now better known. The opposite is true in the global market.
It is important that Grohe supplies more affordable models of plumbing devices to Russia. In turn, Hansgrohe does not distinguish between domestic and other markets.
The main characteristics and competitive advantages of products of these brands include:
- high quality products, tightly controlled at all stages of production;
- strict adherence to all implemented technologies;
- maximum protection of materials against corrosion.
Denmark is represented by products Damixa brandsrecognizable style and high quality.
The list of the main advantages of the manufacturing company includes:
- active implementation of innovative solutions;
- provision of a five-year warranty;
- economical mixers;
- stylish design of plumbing devices.
One of the most famous Czech manufacturers is Lemark company. Its products were able to quickly gain recognition not only in the Russian market.
The increased demand for Czech faucets of this brand is due to:
- reliability;
- resistance to hard water;
- durability;
- aesthetics.
Finnish is well known to consumers. brand Oras. This product organically combines modern electronic devices and high-quality materials. All bath mixers pass bench tests.
Another important advantage can safely be called profitability, as well as a system of automatic compensation of temperature and pressure.
How to choose?
Faucets with elongated gander for decades have been and remain integral attributes of many bathrooms. As noted above, their installation is ideal for small rooms. Also, a mixer with a long spout will be the best solution in situations where it is not possible to connect two devices.
At the initial stage, when choosing a specific model, attention should be paid to its type, as well as to the manufacturer. No less important point will be the features of installation and connection.
The key criteria will be:
- features of the location of communications;
- length of connecting hoses (can be selected separately);
- features of installation and fasteners.
In addition to all of the above, it is strongly recommended to pay attention to water quality. Some models are so susceptible to its rigidity that their operation is possible only with filters. The right choice will significantly reduce operational costs in the future.
No less important point will be the aesthetics of plumbing. In this case, the determining factor is the interior of the bathroom. Fortunately, modern manufacturers offer more than a wide range of models that can satisfy almost any request. And the financial side of the issue will play not the last role.
Determining the choice, it is recommended to take into account the cost of not only the purchase, but also the further maintenance of the product.
In the next video you will find instructions for installing a mixer with a long bath spout.