Faucets with a thermostat for a bathroom: features and varieties

The mixer with the thermostat allows you to maintain the set water temperature, regardless of the unexpectedly changed pressure. In addition, its use reduces the cost of housing and communal services. We will talk about the features of such models and the rules of his choice in the article.

The main advantages of thermostatic faucets are safety and ease of use. By setting the necessary temperature parameters, the user does not depend on the changed pressure, pressure or water temperature that comes from the central water supply. It is not only convenient and guarantees comfort during water procedures, but also safe. The issue of security is especially relevant for families in which there are elderly people and small children.

Special such faucets are in demand in houses with centralized heating. Here the pressure of water depends on how many residents use water at the same time. Residents of the upper floors suffer the most, because in the evening (when the bulk uses the bathroom or kitchen), the water pressure changes, and with it the temperature.

However, temperature “jumps” are detected even when using modern instantaneous water heaters and gas boilers. These units must supply water of a certain temperature (and adhere to a predetermined range). But if this does not happen, it makes sense to think about purchasing a thermostatic mixer.

Thanks to the ability to regulate the volume of hot and cold water, it is possible to achieve an economical flow of water and, accordingly, reduce spending on rent. The device controls the flow of hot water, which has a higher rate.

In appearance, the model of the mixer with thermostat is not much different from the traditional one. The same can be said about its installation - the device is connected to the pipes of cold and hot water supply. But the principle of operation of the thermostat model is different. Inside the device is a valve that can expand and contract when cold and hot liquids flow. Being programmed to a specific temperature (the user selects a head for this and sets the desired temperature), the valve becomes wider or narrower and thereby letting in more hot or cold water.

The thermostatic temperature sensor is located inside the device and is characterized by increased sensitivity. Mixing of hot and cold water also takes place inside the device, warm water of the temperature set by the user flows from the tap. The main structural elements of the thermostatic mixer are:

• water tap - an element that provides pressure control;
• thermostatic valve - estimates the temperature of the water, after which the clearance is adjusted for cold and hot water;
• thermostat knob - allows you to configure the desired temperature indicators of the thermostat.

Depending on the installation method, heat mixers of open and closed type can be distinguished. The first are mounted on protruding pipes, that is, the entire communication system is noticeable to others. Closed type (or built-in) - these are faucets in which only the handles and the tap itself are visible, that is, all communication is hidden behind the wall. And by the way the water is turned on, we can distinguish single, double and single lever mixer, as well as non-contact (touch) models. Depending on the principle of action, 2 types of thermostatic mixers are distinguished. Consider the features of each group in more detail.

More simple in installation and affordable are mechanical thermostat models. They are hermetically connected to the pipes for supplying hot and cold water. Then you need to turn on the water, use the knobs and tap to set the desired temperature, as a rule, mechanical mixers are equipped with regulators with scales.

The advantage of mechanical devices is their availability, reliability and ease of installation - No special equipment or knowledge required. However, such designs will not allow you to set the water temperature to the most accurate temperature (up to a degree).

More modern and easy to use heat mixers, in which the electronic "filling" is responsible for setting the most accurate temperature (and maintaining it). Also, by means of electronics, pressure indicators and water temperature are analyzed, after which the device decides how much hot or cold water needs to be mixed. And all the data is displayed on the LCD screen.

The device is controlled by pressing mechanical or electronic buttons, even more modern models require contactless control (infrared sensors) using the remote control. Such models provide the most comfortable operation - the temperature is regulated as accurately as possible (up to 1C), by pressing a single button. In addition, for the most part, electronic heat mixers have additional functions, and they look modern and stylish.

The use of an electronic heat mixer is a more rapid and accurate adjustment of water, in addition, many models are equipped with water analysis programs, touch controls and other useful options. However, mixers with an electronic thermostat have a higher cost, and also require the involvement of specialists for installation. It is worth noting that the repair of such a model will cost more.

The best mixers - German and Italian production. They are of high quality, however, and the cost is considerable. Among the companies that invariably occupy a leading position in the rating of thermostatic faucets, Brand from Germany Grohe. In the manufacturer's line there is thermostatic model Grohterm 800 34558000. The mixer is made of brass and has a chrome surface. Ceramic cartridge, design is characterized by ease of installation due to S-shaped eccentrics. Also has a deep filter and check valve.

There is also a model of a shower mixer in the brand’s line - Grohtherm-1000 34143000. It is a chrome-plated brass construction with a ceramic cartridge. The water flow is regulated by the handle, the type of mixer is valve, it is mounted vertically on the wall. Equipped with a stopper for mixing water, which eliminates the risk of burns. And the dirt-repellent filters available in the design help protect the equipment from damage even with poor-quality (with impurities) water. Of the "minuses" - too much noise of the device with insufficient pressure.

For the bathroom, you can use a mixer with a long spout Lemark Thermo LM7734C. However, it is more correct to call the design universal. Single lever model, has a solid brass and copper case, chrome coating. Installation - vertical, the spout itself rotates. The lever that controls the pressure and temperature has a smooth stroke. The device works even with insufficient pressure in the pipes (however, it makes noise at the same time).

Another popular model is a mechanical thermostatic mixer. IDDIS Monet MONSB00i74. The model is designed for the bathroom - it has a standard spout, a shower head on a flexible hose, as well as an aeration function (a softer stream due to mixing water with air bubbles). If we talk about more affordable, but reliable and durable heat mixers, then it is worth paying attention to Oulin OL-8006. This is a single lever ceramic cartridge model with a high spout. It is considered a universal model, but it is most convenient to use this mixer in the kitchen.

A similar model is Oras Elektra 6150F, This is a small model for washbasins and kitchens. The thermostat as well as the electronic valve are operated by foundry batteries. This device is a touch-type device (water starts to be supplied automatically when hands are raised under the tap), which ensures an economical flow of water.

When choosing a heat mixer, it is better to give preference to products of famous brands. This guarantees high quality and reliability. Be sure to purchase the original model, not a fake. Remember that high-quality thermal mixer can not have a very low price. When buying products of a foreign brand, specify whether it is adapted to domestic pipe routing schemes. You should also find out what should be the minimum pressure in the apartment for installing a heat mixer. This is usually 0.5 bar.

The next criterion is the purpose of the mixer with a thermostat. It is important to consider in which room the device will be used. For example, kitchen models can be equipped with swivel spouts (more comfortable washing dishes), nozzles with aerators. In addition, they have a higher spout so that, for example, a sink can be washed in the sink.

The next criterion is material. Preference should be given to brass, copper or bronze models. Such devices will last a long time. If appearance is a priority, it is worth paying attention to ceramic mixers. But it is better not to buy models made of plastic or aluminum-silicon alloy, their operation will not be long. Another parameter that you pay attention to when buying is the type of valve. It is ceramic, leather or rubber. Ceramic valves are installed on more expensive mixers, it is more reliable, since the settled impurities and debris do not disable this element.

The operation of the mixer with a ceramic valve does not imply the use of brute force when closing the valve - this is fraught with a breakdown of the tap head. Leather and rubber valves have a shorter life, however, and replacing them does not cause much difficulty (the process is similar to the process of replacing gaskets on a conventional mixer).

Equally important is the type of regulatory element. There are 2 possible options - wax and made of a biometric plate. The first is considered obsolete because it has a response time of more than 2 minutes. Well-known manufacturers prefer to equip their heat mixers with a safety valve. This is a very necessary function to avoid accidentally switching the water temperature during use of the mixer. Usually this valve looks like a red button. To change the water temperature, first press this button, and then the necessary temperature parameters are built.

To find out how easy it is to install a Grohe thermostatic bath mixer, see below.