Mortise bath taps: varieties and secrets of choice

A modern bathroom is distinguished by its functionality and stylish design. At this time, there are a large number of advanced developments in the field of plumbing, and among such new products, mortise mixers for the bath should be especially noted. Thanks to these modern devices, the interior of the bathroom becomes truly convenient and practical, and also acquires a special laconic style. So that the purchase of new bathroom equipment really brings new opportunities and fully justifies itself, let's look at what features of these devices you need to pay attention to when choosing.

In small apartments of the Soviet era, bathrooms have a very small area, therefore and all the plumbing of those years was designed in such a way as to save space as much as possible. As a rule, a two-valve mixer with a long gander was attached to the wall, which could turn and at the same time serve to wash above the sink and to draw water into the bath.

The mortise mixer includes:

• spout, which is simple or cascading;
• a watering can located near the spout (its hose is hidden under the bathtub, so before using the product, you need to pull out the hose and fix the watering can on the wall above your head);
• one lever.

The usual wall-mounted mixer belongs to the two-gripping category, which provides for the presence of two different valves, with the help of which separately hot and separately cold water is supplied. As the name implies, mortise mixers differ from the usual wall-mounted mixers in that for their installation it is necessary to drill holes in the bathtub.

These models have a completely different design, since all the supply lines (hoses, pipes and fixtures) are located under the bathtub and are out of sight. Water supply is also carried out on a different principle than that of conventional plumbing for a bath.

We will conduct a short review of the models of mortise mixers existing in our time.

Depending on the method of wiring the supply pipes, there are:

• horizontal
• vertical mixers.

If we talk about the design, then on the market you can find the following models.

• Two-valve. These are products with two handles.

• Single lever They consist of a housing in which hot and cold water is mixed, as well as a lever controlling the mixing process.

• Mixers with thermostat. They are similar to dual-valve models, since one handle controls the pressure and the other sets the desired water temperature.

• Non-contact. These mixers are equipped with special sensors that control the flow of water. To wash your hands, just bring them to the tap. Some contactless models are equipped with a special backlight that allows you to change the color of the current jet. Such models are the latest innovative product in the field of plumbing.

As a locking mechanism, mixers are:

• ball: with a metal ball with three holes through which mixed water flows;
• cartridge: there are ceramic plates instead of a ball (there are three holes in the bottom, and the top is for mixing water).

Mortise mixers are also divided into the following additional categories.

These models have appeared recently, they are considered a plumbing innovation. Such devices have an unusual and effective design: from a wide body, the shape of which is different, water pours out through a narrow slot under a large pressure. A similar design resembles a small waterfall. A backlit model gives the interior a unique and grace.

Strong head is achieved thanks to the wide feed pipes, due to which the throughput is increased.

These are ordinary mortise mixers with a standard faucet installed on board the bathtub and consisting not of a monoblock, as is the case with a wall design, but of separate parts, each of which performs its function. Each structural element crashes into the side of the bath individually. All fasteners and leads are hidden under the bathtub, which gives it an aesthetic appearance.

Depending on the number of elements, models are produced:

• for one;
• two;
• three;
• four;
• five holes.

3-hole mortise mixers include the following components:

• spout;
• watering can;
• lever arm.

In this case, the spout is combined with a shower, which is not always convenient. For example, if the shower hose fails, you are deprived of the opportunity to use the bathroom at all for some time.

Mortise mixers are designed for acrylic bathtubs, since it is not possible to drill holes for insertion in cast-iron and enamelled structures.

First of all, you need to carefully consider which model you want to see at home.A model with a simple tap is similar to a traditional mixer, the only difference is in the installation method of such a design. Cascading cranes attract with their unusual design, but such models have quite a few drawbacks:

• such cranes cannot be turned in the right direction;
• the pouring stream is too wide to pour water into any container with a narrow neck (for example, in a flower vase);
• salt deposits constantly accumulate on the surface of such a structure, which must be regularly cleaned;
• cascading mixers increase the humidity in the bathroom.

If we talk about such a moment as installing all communications under the bath, then this can be both a plus and a minus. The pluses are that the bathtub looks beautiful and strict, there are no extra elements, nothing prevents, space is saved. Cons here are the following.

• The shower hose in mortise mixers fails much more often than conventional wall-mounted faucets. This is due to the constant bending and deformation during its operation.
• If a leak occurs, you will not know about it until you notice a puddle flowing out from under the bathtub. And this is fraught with the appearance of mold and other unpleasant moments.

Thermostatic models are good because you yourself set the temperature of the water. You regulate the pressure with a separate knob, but the temperature after adjustment remains constant until you deem it necessary to change its parameters.

The more options the mixer provides and the better the materials of manufacture, the higher the price, so you need to weigh everything well before buying. Most importantly, do not buy cheap goods from unverified sellers. It is better to spend more money once and purchase high-quality sanitary ware from a well-known brand than to experience constant inconvenience and anxiety from a failed shower.

We offer you to get acquainted with photos of bathrooms in which mortise taps are not just a functional piece of sanitary ware, but also an important element of decor.

Three-hole mixer mounted on board the bathtub.

Cascade mixer with shower.

Single hole cascade mixer.

Cascade mixer-waterfall with backlight.

Five hole mortise mixer for acrylic bathtub.

For a step-by-step description of connecting the mortise mixer to the bathtub, see the video below.