Built-in shower faucets: advantages, disadvantages and rules of choice

To ensure comfortable use of water resources, manufacturers produce a wide range of sanitary products that make our life convenient. Modern equipment and innovative technologies enable specialists to work on improving these products and developing fundamentally new designs. One of the novelties of this group of products is the built-in shower faucets, which have an unusual installation system and attractive appearance.

The built-in shower mixer is a new development in the field of plumbing, which has a hidden communications system. The peculiarity of this product lies in the fact that all pipes and connecting elements are hidden behind a special panel, on the front of which there is only a crane. These devices can be used both for the bathroom and for the shower.

Like any plumbing fixture, the built-in mixer has a number of positive and negative sides.

Advantages:

• high quality of raw materials used;
• reliability;
• saving of internal space;
• inability to injure while taking a shower;
• long period of operation;
• high esthetic indicators;
• lack of attachment to a vertical shower rack;
• lack of water spray effect;
• hiding the hose behind the panel;
• simplicity of operation;
• the most convenient organization of space.

Disadvantage:

• installation complexity;
• high price range;
• the need for cavity formation in the wall;
• the difficulty of repairing leaks and repair work;
• the need for timely and regular replacement of o-rings;
• bending of the hose during placement behind the wall.

The single-lever built-in mixer is the latest development of engineers. On the shelves of modern stores you can see a huge number of types of built-in faucets, which are divided into three groups.

• According to the functional purpose - for a shower cabin, for a sink, for a hygienic shower, for a bathroom. The main feature of mortise single-lever shower faucets is the presence of one outlet through which mixed water passes into the watering can. Experts recommend paying attention to the peculiarity of installing a rain shower, in which the main part is located on the wall, and the watering can on the ceiling.

• At the installation site - on vertical architectural elements or a horizontal surface. Mixers that are mounted on vertical surfaces are universal devices with two inputs and several outputs. Due to the presence of several outputs, this unit can be connected to a spout for a bathtub, a stationary shower, a shower with a flexible hose and a hydromassage.

• By the method of adjusting the water flow - joystick, half-turn, standard, touch, with thermostat. A distinctive feature of thermostatic mixers is the possibility of a one-time adjustment of the temperature regime of water with the subsequent use of only one lever. Touch devices are electromechanical devices that are controlled by pressing special buttons.

The quality and durability of the mixer does not directly depend on its design features, but on the material of manufacture. Manufacturers use the following types of raw materials for the manufacture of mixers:

• stainless steel;
• brass (bronze);
• plastic;
• ceramics.

The most reliable material for the manufacture of plumbing is brass. It is this multicomponent alloy, the main element of which is copper, that makes it possible to produce products for work in difficult conditions. To give the necessary stylistic orientation, some manufacturers coat brass products with enamel or chrome. Due to the species diversity of brass faucets, they can be used in rooms with different stylistic directions. The disadvantage is the high price range.

Products made from plastic are in much greater demand due to the low price range.. Advantages - the ability to coat with special paints for metal. The disadvantage is a short period of operation.

Before you go shopping for a built-in mixer, experts recommend carefully studying the recommendations of experts on the selection of this product:

• the purchase of a product of simple design will significantly extend its service life;
• mixers with bottom water supply do not need corner fittings;
• for servicing products with integrated brass outlets, there is no need to purchase a mounting vice;
• the presence of three outputs makes it possible to create various combinations of water supply.

For the most comfortable showering, experts recommend paying special attention to the choice of a watering can, which is included in the kit and can have various sizes, shapes and modes of water supply.In cheaper models, manufacturers have provided no more than two modes of water supply, but expensive plumbing has not only several times more, but also additional functions, such as lighting, saving mode and water treatment.

The modern market for plumbing fixtures is crowded with a huge number of products from various manufacturers for both acrylic and steel bathtubs and showers. When choosing a product, experts recommend giving preference to products of well-known brands, the products of which comply with all international standards and have quality certificates.

The most famous and sought-after manufacturers of built-in faucets are the brands presented below.

• Grohe - A German brand whose products occupy a leading position in the ranking of sales of sanitary products over the past few decades. The disadvantage is the high price.

• Hansgrohe - A German company whose products have been under warranty for 5 years. A distinctive feature of the product is minimalism.

• Oras - Finnish brand whose products harmoniously combine price and quality. Most products of this brand are equipped with a thermostat.

• Jacob delafon - French manufacturer, most of whose products have a classic design.

• Roca - A manufacturer that produces a huge range of mixers of various designs and shapes. The disadvantage is the presence of frequent technical defects.

• Mamoli - An Italian manufacturer whose products are durable and meet all international standards.

High-quality and proper installation is the key to durability and uninterrupted operation of the device. Before proceeding with the installation of the device, it is necessary to carefully study its design, which consists of the following elements:

• mounting box;
• mixer with valves;
• the outer part with control showers.

An integral part of a modern mixer is a thermostat, which makes it possible to maintain the selected temperature regime regardless of the pressure of water. This device can be either mechanical or electrical. The mixer, powered by electric current, must be powered by mains or battery.

The principle of operation of a mechanical device is based on the operation of a special cartridge with synthetic wax, which mixes water in short intervals, and when cold water is turned off, it blocks its flow. Some models have special temperature limiters to prevent burns in children.

A distinctive feature of the built-in mixer is the ability to mount on a surface made of brick, concrete, foam concrete and wood. To install the mixer, it is necessary with special construction tools to make the required size of the niche and pipe channels. The manufacturer must indicate the size of the recesses in the product instructions. The width of modern models of built-in mixers often does not exceed 8 cm, which greatly simplifies the installation process.

During the laying of pipes, novice masters should definitely pay attention to the fact that cold water should always come in on the right and hot water on the left. To prevent water from entering the enclosure or behind the wall, manufacturers have provided special seals.

Mandatory work during installation - checking the installation height of the device, measuring the level of the clean floor of the room. The height of the mixer should be 20 cm above the height of the highest member of the family.

The main stages of the work:

• drilling holes of the required size;
• laying out the strobes for pipes;
• connection of the mixer with water pipes;
• installation of angled threaded elements;
• installation of a decorative panel, watering can and control levers.

To install the mixer yourself, you will need the following tools:

• Bulgarian;
• hammer drill;
• electric drill;
• construction hammer;
• chisel;
• spanners;
• personal protective equipment (glasses, gloves, respirator).

Due to the appearance and versatility of built-in faucets, designers have the opportunity to create unique projects that are beautiful, stylish and light.

Built-in shower faucets are indispensable items when designing a bathroom in a minimalist or hi-tech style. The laconic appearance of the plumbing allows you not to clutter up the space of the room, and the ability to connect several hoses will allow you to install not only a hygienic shower, but also a tropical and massage one.

Equipping a shower cabin with expensive and multi-functional mixers will allow not only to create a beautiful interior space, but also to take a shower with pleasant lighting, as well as save a significant amount of water during bathing.

A large and multi-functional bathroom with a huge panoramic window is the dream of every woman. Nothing should distract attention and create inconvenience, including a shower, which in this case carries two functional loads - it supplies water and is an art object.

To create a harmonious and elegant space, designers offer a huge number of stylistic options that will appeal to even the most demanding customers. Special attention is paid to the design of the bathroom, which is one of the most important rooms.

The projects of most apartments include very small bathrooms, the organization of the space of which requires special attention. Built-in faucets - an indispensable plumbing equipment that allows you to save space as much as possible and create a stylish interior.

The following video provides an overview of the built-in shower faucet, as well as its installation.