Bidet mixer: types and selection recommendations

The mixer is an important element in the design of the bidet. It makes hygiene procedures convenient and comfortable. Thanks to a large selection of models on the plumbing market, each consumer will be able to choose a product in accordance with their taste, interior of the bathroom and prosperity.

The history of the appearance of the bidet as a plumbing fixture dates back to the second half of the 18th century, when the first prototypes of such equipment began to appear in the palaces of French royalty. However, the early bidets were not equipped with a faucet, much less with a mixer, but were an elongated bath in which cold and hot water were mixed.

The situation changed only during the time of Queen Victoria, when engineering thought “started” water supply and sewage pipes in houses. Since then, the bidets began to be equipped with a water tap and acquired the forms with which they have survived to this day.

In earlier classic bidets, water was supplied by the principle of a fountain, the pressure opening of which was located at the bottom of the tank or slightly to the side. However, this method of water supply was not entirely convenient and often caused difficulties with setting its temperature. For this reason, they abandoned the idea of ​​ablution by the gushing method and began to equip the appliances with special bidet mixers.

Around the mid 60-ies of the last century, the bidet was combined with the toilet, so the need to place two devices in small bathrooms at once disappeared. However, if the size of the toilet allows, most consumers prefer to install both a toilet and a bidet.

The latter was made possible by the installation of a floating head, which is able to easily move and lock in place. Due to the nature of their use, the outside of the bidet mixers is anticorrosion treatment by coating with chrome, nickel or colored enamel. Big variety spraying options, naturally imitating gold, bronze and even marble, allows you to choose a faucet for any room, from the retro interior to the ultramodern style.

As materials for the manufacture of the housing and the outer parts of the bidet mixers use stainless steel and brass. These metals have a long service life and are not subject to corrosion. Ball regulators and fasteners are also made of steel, and ceramic, plastic or aluminum are used to make cartridges and seals.

Despite the resemblance, faucets for bidets are fundamentally different from faucets for sinks and sinks. Their main difference is equipping bidet taps with an aerator that gently sprayes a stream of water. In addition, most models are equipped with a thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature of the fluid supplied, and nozzles that make it possible to direct a stream of water in any direction.

The classification of bidet mixers is made according to several criteria, the main of which is the type of installation of the device. According to this criterion, two types of faucets are distinguished - built-in and wall-mounted.

• Spout mixer mounted directly on the bidet in a special hole on the housing. Such models are mainly installed on classic bidets and are practically not used for toilets. Built-in faucets are small and equipped with a floating head for easy changing the direction of the jet.

• Wall models mounted on the wall to the side of the bidet or toilet and suggest hidden installation. At the same time, communications are hidden in a wall or a niche and covered with a decorative coating. When using wall-mounted models, it is necessary to foresee the possibility of direct access to the water pipes located in the wall; therefore, instead of ceramic tiles, it is recommended to cover them with easily removable patch panels with a viewing hatch.

Wall-mounted models are equipped with a retractable spout or a flexible shower hose with a watering can, better known as a hygienic shower. This allows you to fill standing on the floor with water tanks, as well as use a shower to wash your feet.

The next criterion for classifying bidet mixers is the type of control. On this basis, valve, lever and non-contact (touch) models are distinguished.

• Lever mixers equipped with one handle, with which the regulation of the pressure and temperature of the liquid occurs simultaneously. The presence of a lever allows you to make adjustments with one hand and makes this type of faucets very convenient and hygienic.

• Valve models equipped with two hot and cold water valves that supply water to the faucet independently of each other. Such models fit perfectly into classic interiors, especially if the mixer is made in the same style, has a gold or bronze finish and is equipped with a florid spout.

• Contactless faucets are the most hygienic and easy to use devices.Their work is based on the principle of the response of the photosensor to ultraviolet radiation, which is interrupted when a person’s hands are placed under a tap. In this case, automation automatically turns on the water, the temperature of which is previously set by the user with the help of a regulator installed on the thermostat. Such mixers operate on a lithium battery and are considered the most convenient and economical type.

The modern market of sanitary equipment offers a large number of bidet mixers, among which there are models of little-known young enterprises, as well as samples of famous brands. Below is an overview of the most popular, according to the version of online stores, manufacturers whose products are most often mentioned in consumer reviews and are in high demand.

The undisputed leader in the production of bidet mixers is a German company Grohe. The company produces a large number of quality models of different price categories, which allows you to choose a product for any wallet.

For example, a simple but very aesthetic single lever mixer with a ceramic cartridge Grohe Eurosmart New 32927002 will cost only 4,500 rubles. The model is made in a modern design, equipped with a function to limit the temperature and water flow, has a fixed spout, aerator and a 5-year warranty.

The product is equipped self-cleaning aerator, bottom valve and dual-valve control.

Polish creates high-quality and inexpensive products Armatura, offering its customers reliable and durable plumbing. As an example, consider Ecokran Azuryt 5517-025-00 model with bottom valve costing only 1274 rubles. The model has single lever design and chrome plated. All products are warranted for 2 years.

Original and durable bidet mixers produces Czech company Lemark, in the assortment of which there are not only models of modern design, but also products in retro style. A good example is Model Villa LM4808B worth 11800 rubles, made of brass and stylized antique. The product is equipped fixed spout, aerator, bottom valve, has a guarantee of 4 years.

The Italian company Artis is well known in the world market. It offers consumers high-quality and very interesting plumbing in their design. Of particular note is the collection of black bidet mixers that impress with their design and blend perfectly into any modern interior.

For instance, Model Cristallo 3950NO Black It has single lever design, matte finish and striking chrome elementswhich are very harmoniously combined with the black case. The product is equipped with a bottom valve and costs 10300 rubles. All products of the manufacturer have a five-year warranty.

Of the Russian manufacturers can be noted young venture Rossinka and in particular his wall-mounted model with a hygienic shower X25-51. The mixer has a single lever design, chrome finish and costs only 3430 rubles.

Before proceeding with the selection of a bidet mixer, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with a number of important points on which the ease of use of a plumbing fixture depends.

Primarily it is necessary to determine the type of model, the choice of which will depend on the design of the bidet. Structurally, there are two types of bidets: with top filling when water comes from a tap located on the wall or the device itself, and with internal (bottom) filling in which water comes directly from the side or wall of the bidet.In the first case, the choice of the mixer depends on the availability of holes for the mixer in the tank body and involves the purchase of a wall or built-in option.

For internal filling, a special type of mixer is required, consisting of two separate taps and a special switch located between them.

The next important selection criterion will be compliance of the sizes of the mixer with the dimensions of the bidet. In this case, common sense should be followed and the tap should be selected so that it is not too large for a compact tank. Otherwise, it will be inconvenient to use it, and it will look somewhat bulky.

Should pay attention on the appearance of the product and choose it so that it harmoniously fits into the space of the toilet and does not seem something foreign. It is advisable to purchase a faucet along with other bathroom accessories, such as toilet paper holders, towel hooks and napkin baskets. In this case, it is desirable to select objects in a single style and with the maximum presence of the same elements. In addition, if the bathroom is combined, then the bidet mixer should be similar in design to the sink and bath faucets.

It is necessary to pay attention to the complete set of the mixer. Responsible manufacturers must equip the device with a flexible or rigid hose for connecting to the water supply and fasteners for installing a faucet with a hygienic shower on the wall. In addition, the passport of the product with a warranty card and detailed instructions for installing the mixer must be present in the box.

When buying a mixer, it is important not to forget to purchase special siphon designed to connect the bidet to the sewage system.

To increase the life of the mixer, models containing plastic parts are best avoided. Such cranes cost a little cheaper, however, given their fragility and fragility, the savings are very dubious.

If funds allow it is better to purchase a mixer with additional functions. For example, in order to set a certain water temperature once and for all and not touch this issue anymore, it is recommended to purchase a heat mixer. In order for the bidet to be used as a container for washing or washing, it is better to buy a model with a bottom valve, which will allow you to use the tank as a capacious basin.

If the water in the tap is too hard, then it’s wiser to buy a two-valve model. Compared to lever models, such mixers are much easier and cheaper to repair. In general, with problematic water, you need to choose a mixer with an aerator equipped with an anti-lime filter. This will help to improve the quality of the water supplied and reliably protect the plumbing from the negative effects of water suspensions.

For information on how to install a hanging bidet with a mixer yourself, see the next video.