The device and the advantages of the thermostat for the shower

One of the benefits of modern civilization is the opportunity to take an invigorating or, on the contrary, relaxing shower. However, this process is often disturbed by an unexpected change in the temperature of the water pouring from the shower. And if an unplanned stream of cold water becomes just a nuisance, then the pouring water of high temperatures is even dangerous to health.

To prevent such situations will help a special device - a thermostat. He also helps the residents of the upper floors of high-rise buildings, who suffer from insufficient water pressure. The thermostatic device is a useful unit that lovers of comfortable water procedures will appreciate, as well as residents of the upper floors of apartment buildings.But before buying and installing everyone should take into account all the features and purpose of this design.

A thermostat is a unit that is built into the mixer or installed on its surface and is designed to automatically maintain a given temperature, as well as a constant pressure of water. The unit operates on the basis of the obtained indicators of temperature and water. When the pressure parameters change, the temperature regulator instantly catches these faults and restores the previous temperature. In other words, when the pressure changes, the temperature for the user remains unchanged due to the functioning of the thermostat.

The system is equipped with a pair of gearboxes and a temperature scale. At the last user can specify a comfortable temperature. The device "remembers" the received data and in the future keeps the specified water temperature. Before taking a shower, it is enough to choose “your” mode, after which the device will automatically make the necessary settings, and water will flow to the desired temperature.

The principle of operation is ensured by the presence of a valve.It regulates the change of water flow in one pipe, at the same time changing the pressure in the second.

The main element of the design is a sensitive thermostatic cartridge or cartridge. It is located in the housing of the mixer and responds to the slightest temperature "jumps". Sensitivity due to the use of special materials, characterized by the ability to expand when changing temperature. As such material often act biometric plates.

The cartridge itself is filled with wax. These materials react so quickly to a decrease or increase in degrees of water that the user does not notice the changes and does not experience discomfort. The cartridge is connected to the adjusting screw, so that the temperature is restored.

The cartridge also has a fuse, whose task is to block the water supply when the temperature rises above 80C. This can suddenly happen during an emergency shutdown of cold water.The presence of the fuse saves the user from dangerous burns to health and life. The pressure regulator also present in the system ensures optimum water supply.

Mechanical thermostats also have a regulator knob. For safety reasons, it is equipped with a temperature blocker button. By default, the water temperature does not exceed 38C. If you need to change it, just press the blocker button (the current settings will be reset) and set a new temperature mode.

Thermostatic mixer has an important advantage - it allows you to save the temperature and pressure. When the water temperature rises or falls, the system automatically adds water to a contrasting temperature to restore the previous temperature.

In addition, the device has other positive qualities.

• Convenience and ease of use. It is enough to set the optimum water temperature once, so that later the unit itself maintains it and, if necessary, changes it to the specified values.
• Security. Using the device, it is impossible to get burned.This feature is valuable in families with children, elderly relatives, as well as people with disabilities. For these groups of people, this symptom is important because they do not always respond promptly to suddenly pouring cold or hot water. Due to the high efficiency and safety thermostats are often used in hospitals, hospitals, nursing homes.

• Efficiency of water consumption, since water is supplied immediately under the necessary pressure and a suitable temperature, which eliminates its “discharge” in the “setting” process.
• Easy installation and operation.
• Durability.

The "minuses" of the device is the inability to use water if there is no water in one of the pipes. This is due to the fact that the water supply in the valve is closed if there is no water in the adjacent pipe. However, this flaw is not present in all models. There are devices that have a special switch. Due to its presence, the valve in the second water pipe opens. After that you can use the amount of water available in the tap.

Sometimes users talk about the high cost of devices, calling it a disadvantage. However, it is leveled due to its economical use and is offset by ease of use.

Finally, it is worth noting the rather difficult installation of thermostatic faucets. When they break not every village has a service center or a specialist who can fix the problem.

Depending on the application, thermostats are universal and “specialized”. The former are compatible with most types of plumbing, the latter are specifically designed for the shower, bidet, and faucet in the kitchen.

Here are some of them:

• Water thermostatic device for the shower, which is a product that does not have a spout.

• Thermostatic faucets, including, in addition to the required elements, a shower head, a drain and a switch. The product may have a different shape, most often - a tubular system, ending in switches.
• Thermostat for shower has no drain and watering can. The connection to the core is provided by tubules.
• Thermostats for circular showers, hydromassage devices, where it is important to maintain the same strong water pressure.

Based on the scope and design features, devices with an external fixture (for example, fixed on board a bathtub or a faucet, that is, installed over plumbing fixtures) or hidden (for example, mounted in a shower stall, or rather, in its base or a duct installed nearby) . In the latter case, the user remains accessible only panel with controls.

Depending on the features of the operation, there are 2 types of shower thermostats.

• Mechanical. They are equipped with a control system - levers, handles, valves. Arrange the necessary parameters and water pressure will have to manually turning valves and handles. However, such systems respond faster to temperature changes and pressure changes, are characterized by increased reliability and durability.

• Electronic. The device is controlled by buttons or a panel with a touch screen. On the LCD screen with which the system is equipped, the temperature and water pressure are shown (not in all models).

The advantage of electronic devices is a more comfortable use, the ability to quickly set the exact temperature. However, they are more complex installation (require a power source).

When choosing one or another type of shower thermostat, it is recommended to give preference to models of famous brands. For example, thermostats from the German manufacturer Grohe. In the collection of the manufacturer are many models with external and hidden type of attachment.

The existing model range can be divided into 3 categories:

• Authentic (retro-styled kits with a thermostat, shower, providing a 20-inch air spray, with options for hydromassage and tropical rain);

• Contemporary (more modern models, characterized by conciseness and strict grace);

• Cosmopolitan (ultramodern, different minimalism and functionality).

The advantage of the product is its wide price range. Here you can find both available models priced from 1,500 rubles, and premium class devices, which can cost up to 45,000 rubles.

Attention deserves the Precision Start device from the manufacturer Grohe. A wall-mounted device with a respectable built-in surface has a safety stopper when the temperature rises around 38C, a system of economical water flow and a ceramic valve. The device is completely safe (has protection against reverse current) and will last for many years (largely due to the valve made of ceramics and the presence of dirt-cleaning filters). The thermostat is equipped with a short spout, a hole for connecting the shower hose.

Good feedback from users is also received by products of the Oras brands (the average price varies from 10,000 to 18,000 rubles) and Hansgrohe (the average price is from 9,000 to 15,000 rubles). To extend the life of the unit will allow the installation of filters for water, which is made before the installation of the thermostat.

The quality, functionality and safety of use can only guarantee the original thermostats from manufacturers. In this regard, it is important to purchase the device in a specialty store and ask the seller to acquaint you with the appropriate certificates.

It is important to find out in advance the features of the plumbing system, since this is directly related to the type of installation of the unit.

An important selection criterion is the material type of the valve seat. The best option is ceramics with graphite coating. However, ceramic valves do not tolerate too coarse closing with the use of force. It is enough to turn the valve all the way.

Analogues of leather and rubber can attract lower cost products, but they wear out quickly. However, saddles can be easily replaced when they fail. This process is similar to the procedure for replacing the gasket in a conventional mixer.

Regardless of the material of manufacture of the valve, it is recommended to purchase a deep cleaning filter for the pressure line. Its use will extend the life of the thermostat.

It is important that the selected unit has a safety button. Its purpose is to prevent inadvertent changes in water temperature. Usually the button is colored alarm red.It is possible to change the temperature of the water in the thermostat after preliminary release of the safety function. This element is indispensable in families with children.

When connecting a thermostat, it is important that the appropriate hoses of cold and hot water are connected to the right pipes. For this purpose, there is a special mark on the thermostat. Otherwise, the product will work incorrectly and will soon fail.

It is unacceptable to mount a modern thermostat on outdated water pipes of the USSR. This is due to the fact that the output of cold water in the latter is on the left, and in European countries it is on the right. Modern thermostats are designed for distributing water supply according to the European standard. In other words, if it is necessary to install devices on an outdated sewer system, it will be necessary to change the water distribution system.

However, if you choose a wall mounted horizontal faucets with a thermostat, you only need to swap the supply hoses. This does not apply to the embedded device, it will not work on outdated designs. The best option is to select a built-in thermostat for sanitary ware of the same brand.

As already mentioned, the installation of filters will allow to prevent contamination of the thermostat elements. To avoid incorrect operation of the device due to hydraulic shocks (pressure drops) allows the installation of gearboxes. They are mounted at the water inlet point and regulated according to the thermostat readings.

The Grohe bath thermostatic bath faucet step-by-step installation guide is waiting for you in the next video.