Shower faucets: selection criteria

Most consumers prefer an alternative to a bathtub in the form of a shower. This device takes not so much space as a bath, and therefore it is especially important to choose for it a high-quality and convenient mixer according to all signs. The main task of the mixer is to provide a comfortable temperature of water and its economy, which is also important to keep in mind.

This product is characterized by maximum compactness, the absence of a spout in the form of a spout and has a switch from the bath to the shower. Thus, hot and cold water, entering directly into the mixer, are mixed.

Using the controller, you can select the desired temperature mode. The difference between these segments is in the methods of installation and is divided into external and hidden. The second method involves drowning the mixer in a wall or in a special box.Accordingly, the tap and shower head will be outside.

You can also choose a modern thermomixer.

Regulation of water flow and its heating in a mixer can be divided into types:

• Mechanical - these are the simplest of all the available options, for the functioning of which only the supply of cold and hot water is necessary, because there is no heating at all. The presence of three types of management in this form attracts a wide range of buyers. Budget price is a priority when choosing this product. The simplest and most practical is the single-lever type or joystick. Ease of use and repair, as well as the presence of a thermostat in the equipment, which ensures a constant temperature in the faucet, distinguishes this species among others. Semi-turn valve is no less popular, but is rather a retro option, as it is used less often than others.

• Electric mixers - This is a new generation of products. For heating water in the case when there is no autonomous hot water supply, a small heating ten is built into the device itself, the power of which does not exceed five hundred watts.Unlike an electric kettle, this faucet is considered very economical. In order to avoid collecting scale in the cartridge and shower watering should take care of their timely cleaning. The management of such mixers is of two types: joystick and touch. With single lever control, the water pressure is regulated when the lever is raised up and down, and in order to change the temperature of the water, it turns to the right and left.

• Electronic or Thermostatic faucets can set the desired water temperature in advance. From the name of the device it can be assumed that there is a thermostat in the unit of the device, with the help of which a light pressure of the hand changes the shower operation modes. The functionality of the device is very simple to use, and the aesthetic appearance of the touch panel, all the insides of which are hidden in the shower box, will delight any user. Also on the basis of electric control, the entire shower can be equipped with ventilation, radio and even a telephone. The technologies of this century are not standing still and the wireless electric mixer is one of the innovative products. The touch panel can be placed at a distance of ten meters from the shower. It is controlled via Bluetooth.

In the manufacture of mixers, a common material is brass. Details are enameled or chrome plated. The quality of such mixers is confirmed by their practicality and durability.

Chrome faucets are quite popular and are widely used because of the ability of this material to repel harmful bacteria, although they differ in some high cost. Plastic is used to make shower shower trays and faucet handles.

Ceramic mixer can not be due to the fragility of the material. Separate parts made of metal-ceramic will last a long time if they are made taking into account all the norms and requirements for the service life of the mixer. Otherwise, the metal may crack and the appearance of the product cannot be corrected.

Installation or installation of mixers directly depends on their types. There are two types - wall and built-in mixers.

Wall - the easiest to perform and cheap. If there is a rack in it, it assumes a complete set of a shower room or a cabin. It is much more convenient to have a top shower than a watering can with eyeliner. The advantage of these mixers is also an open panel and access to the instruments, and in the event of a failure, the possibility of prompt repair.

Such mixers are considered the most reliable and convenient, as they have many advantages. The built-in mixer takes up very little space in the cabin. Control modes for supplying water often select a joystick or a ball, and it is very easy and quick to repair such products. A big plus is the management of several spouts at once, regardless of their location.

For example, the mixer in the cockpit can be controlled using a watering can in the kitchen. Of course, such operations are not always expedient, but given all the functionality, this can be considered an additional advantage.Also, for comfort, you can position the jets for hydromassage, which are used in most shower enclosures. One of the drawbacks of this model is the high cost, which not everyone can afford.

When choosing a mixer for a shower cabin, you need to consider the place and methods of installation. More recently, to adjust the flow of water in the bath, sink or shower, used one device for three devices. Now it is possible to use a separate regulator for each case. It is important to remember that the more practical and functional the mixer is endowed with, the more expensive and not accessible it is. When choosing a mixer, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the product that is being purchased.

With regard to mechanical mixers, it is necessary to pay attention to the weight of the product. - the harder it is, the better the material is. The quality of new generation products depends on the manufacturer.

Buying a thermostatic mixer, it is enough to set the temperature once and then just control the water pressure. Due to the fact that time for temperature regulation is not used, water consumption is significantly saved, and this is already a solid plus. The disadvantage is the same overpriced model.

If there is a choice behind a digital mixer, you need to pay attention to some aspects. Undoubtedly, the design of such a mixer is amazing, besides the versatility along with the simplicity of management puts this mixer in a row with the best models. Temperature control and water saving add weight to the model and justify its high cost and unavailability.

When choosing a mixer in a shower cabin, it is important to take into account the adjustment of the water pressure and to distinguish between their types.

One of the most economical options, mounted in the cheapest cab options, is a mixer with one or two positions. One state has a switch to either a shower or a watering can. Two positions contribute to switching from a shower to a watering can and vice versa. The presented modification excludes functioning with any delicacies and is suitable for temporary installation in the country or in the summer period.

Three-position mixer adjusts switching between overhead shower, spray jets, fixed in the wall of the cabin, and shower watering can. It is considered a relatively cheap option, endowed with a sufficient set of functions. It can differ in two types: cartridge and ball. In the latter there is a ball, which has three holes, providing cold, mixed and hot water. When the lever is pressed, pressure is applied to the ball, which changes its direction, as a result of which the movement of the water flow changes.

In the sample set with four positions, the foot massage function is added. It is good to use to relieve fatigue after working days and perfectly relaxes the body. Also included in the group shower-massager.

Five positions in the mixer are not always applied, and therefore do not enjoy success with the consumer. Therefore, to determine how many provisions should include the shower of your dreams, you need to think without what features you can not do so as not to overpay for unnecessary functionality.

It is required to know that with a small water pressure some functions of the mixer will not work.The cost of the product depends on the number of operating modes. The more of them, the greater the amount spent on them.

The quality, functionality and design of the shower faucet directly depend on the choice of the manufacturer. Currently, plumbing produces a large number of companies, because the demand for this line of products is huge. Domestic and imported mixers differ in a variety of forms and design, and it is easy to get confused when choosing the appropriate option. It is important to understand what product you want to see, and then weigh the pros and cons.

In order to make a choice, you need to study the manufacturers rating, know the types and characteristics of the mixers, and be able to distinguish a fake from a quality product. The list of countries of manufacturers listed below will help you figure out which mixers are the most practical and in demand from buyers all over the world.

Germany ranks first in the production of shower faucets. Ergonomics, as well as the unique design of models distinguish them from the products of developers in other countries. Mixers with a set of modes and high reliability serve properly and at the expiration of the warranty does not lose their characteristics. A significant reduction in water consumption when using the mixer is especially important now for consumers.

Economical consumers will appreciate Swiss-made mixers, not at all imploring their practicality and ergonomics. These models are resistant to damage and work silently. In the price range, they are not inferior to their competitors and are available to every second family.

Finland having a good reputation in the global market, focuses on quality in the manufacture of its models. Their warranty is much shorter than that of other manufacturers, and is two years. But the service life is determined by 10-12 years, and this is already an excellent indicator. The composition of the alloy used in their manufacture, includes brass and plastic, and that the product is not subjected to corrosion, it is coated with zinc, chromium or nickel.

Price and quality are not separable when choosing a mixer for a shower made in Spain. Variations of styles correspond to the shape, design of the product, as well as its location. Seven years is a serious warranty period for the mixer, given that the main material used for manufacturing is cermet. With proper processing, the material is not inferior in strength even to brass.

Mixers from France are technically perfect., their details are carefully thought out, and the smooth bend of the tap hints at the charm and a touch of romance. Connoisseurs of this line of products will be pleasantly surprised by the significant period of their use. The guarantee for five years, of course, does not exclude especially careful handling of the goods.

Elite mixer made in Italy with its sophistication and seemingly frail fragility, it is in no way inferior in quality to its competitors from Germany and Switzerland. The stylish design will appeal to real aesthetes and will be appreciated properly. The service life is about ten years, and the warranty on the product is offered up to five years.

Hard mixer and water is not at all afraid of the mixer from Bulgaria. Ceramic plates, produced using a special technology, filter lime particles and do not allow rust.The mixer body is made of brass alloy in combination with a low tin content. The term of operation makes no more than eight years. The corrosion-resistant coating consists of chromium and nickel alloys.

Czech Republic, although it closes the circle of the rating, but not at all inferior in quality to other products. These products can serve for a long time without replacing components. The advantages include adaptation to water hardness, ease of installation. Among the models there are single-lever with a ceramic cartridge, as well as popular thermostatic and sensor models. Such mixer will perfectly fit into any design of the room. The beautiful gloss of the coating provides a dense protective coating that is applied in a thick layer. In addition, these mixers are quite low cost and among the proposed products you can find one that fits all indicators and will not leave anyone indifferent.

When purchasing a mixer with several modes, you need to think carefully whether all modes will be needed or whether only two will be used. With all this, the price tag of this product is large enough and not everyone will have to afford.If the pressure of the water supply network leaves much to be desired, then the purchased mixer will not bring satisfaction and will work intermittently. You can repair the mixer yourself, but it is better to call the master, since removing it is quite problematic.

Under no circumstances should you buy a mixer from your hands or in a random store. Mixers of famous brands are sold only in specialized stores with the provision of relevant documents, certificate and warranty card. In this case, there will always be an opportunity to return or exchange the purchased goods.

If the store has its own website, it is useful to go and get acquainted with the prices, see the characteristics and description of the mixer and the pallet. You must surely know all the flaws and flaws of the goods. It is desirable to be interested in products of only proven companies that have proven themselves in the market for a large amount of time.

In order not to be mistaken in choosing a model, you need to understand which materials for the manufacture of mixers are the highest quality and wear-resistant. Long-livers are mixers from brass with a cartridge from ceramics.Silumin products wear out quickly, and ceramics require meticulous care. The chrome and nickel corrosion protection is a proven time. Copper coating is not relevant due to dull color and the need for regular cleaning. Gold is a very expensive material, and the enamelled coating cracks and quickly goes astray.

You also need to remember that almost all imported models are not as resistant to water hardness, as they say and write. The percentage of water hardness in different areas is significantly different, and you need to take this into account. If, however, the choice is stopped on an imported model, you need to purchase an additional water filter, then all expectations will be met.

It is imperative to carefully inspect the mixer for the purchase of defects, chips and various shortcomings. You need to check the equipment, see whether all the details are in stock. Goods with a guarantee and a certificate of quality should look perfect and not cause unnecessary questions. Selecting a cheap model, you need to be prepared for the unexpected in the form of a sudden breakdown and not always cheap repair. A quality product will serve for a long time and smoothly and not cause inconvenience.

If, however, a breakdown has occurred, do not despair. It is necessary to follow some recommendations:

• if the shower hose fails and leaks in several places, you need to replace the hose supply;
• if there is a leak on the valve - to replace the rubber gaskets, after which the valve is screwed into place;
• if the half-turn valve is leaking, it is necessary to dismantle the crane-box, purchase a new one and install it;
• if the lever valve has stopped working, the ceramic cartridge is removed and the same is changed to a new one, since the other one may not be suitable;
• if water flows under the nut, then the broken nut is unscrewed and changed to a new one;
• if the shower head does not function, it is advisable to replace it with a plastic one with a metallic coating. On sale there is a different color scheme of such hoses, and the price for them is quite reasonable.

The decision to purchase always remains with the consumer. Perhaps this article slightly opened the door to the hitherto unknown world of shower faucets.

See a video review of shower mixers below.