Eccentrics for mixers: types and features of installation

The organization of water supply very often involves the use of mixers or taps. These devices are manufactured by many companies that adhere only to their personal standards, so it is not always possible to select products for the required dimensions. Solve such problems with the help of various auxiliary devices, which include eccentrics for mixers.

Many home masters used eccentrics when replacing mixers, although some do not know what they are and what they are for. In this article we will try to understand the features of such structures.

Technically, an eccentric is a kind of sanitary adapter.It is used in most cases to connect the mixer to the water outlet of the central network. A feature of eccentrics is the presence of an offset center. Externally, this is a kind of tube that has a thread on opposite ends. The middle part can be shifted, forming a kind of transition.

The main task of eccentrics is leveling the distance between the mixer outlets and the pipeline inlets. Thus, these products allow you to install in the house appliances from different manufacturers, regardless of their technical parameters.

Modern fittings for plumbing produced by many companies. Eccentrics are very popular because they allow to adapt all plumbing mechanisms to a certain standard size. Conventionally, these products are divided into several types.

• Extra long cams. Products have a significant length of the tube, which allows to bring the crane to a certain distance from the wall. It is often used when it is not possible to install a mixer due to pipes and other similar barriers.

• Short eccentrics. These designs are standard and often come complete with mixers. They are also supplemented with a reflector, which is a decorative overlay. Using short eccentrics, you can compensate for distances up to 80 mm.

Pay attention that such fittings can be both with external and with internal thread. Therefore, it is important to evaluate these parameters when purchasing. Many well-known manufacturers of such products are covered with decorative paints. Today on the market you can find eccentrics that imitate several materials: copper, brass, gold, silver and many others.

One of the criteria for an eccentric is its dimensions. Properly selected design allows quick connection of all devices. Almost all eccentrics are threaded at the ends. But their diameter may differ, as they are used to connect different systems. Often, these characteristics are ½ and ¾ inches, which corresponds to most standard outlets for plumbing and faucets.

Another criterion is the size on the shoulder of the eccentric. This characteristic indicates how much you can increase the distance between points when turning to the extreme position.Today on the market there are several sizes of similar structures: 40 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm.

Some manufacturers label such devices with special symbols - M8, M10, etc. It all depends on the particular brand of the eccentric and its purpose. Product sizes are often standard, which allows them to be used for most tasks.

Eccentrics for the mixer are a necessary element when installing the mixer in the bathroom. Extensions of this type allow you to securely attach the product, regardless of the location of the water outlets.

When buying eccentric for a mixer, you need to take into account certain factors.

• The dimensions of the holes. Today, some types of mixers have non-standard outputs for connection. Standard models are equipped with external thread, but there are also devices with internal threaded systems. Also, the diameters of the pipes that are important to pay attention may not coincide.
• The distance between the outputs of the mixer. This factor is one of the most important.For standard situations, an eccentric with a shoulder of 40 mm is sufficient. But if the distance between them is much more than 150 mm, then you need to select more overall models that are suitable for your situation.

• The presence of barriers. It is often the case that the mixer is located near water or other pipes and it is impossible to achieve rigid mounting using standard eccentrics. It will help to solve this problem only a long product that will move the plane of the joint a certain distance from the wall.
• Material. Today, eccentrics are made from various types of metal. Some manufacturers try to use the cheapest options. Experts recommend to give preference only to brass or bronze eccentrics. If you chose a brass model, then it should only be solid cast.

In another case, this design can easily break during installation, as it is highly brittle. However, you should not trust only the outer coating of the eccentric. Many manufacturers under artificial coating hide poor-quality material.

Another criterion is the design of the extension cord. Expensive plumbing should be complemented by products that fit her in style and color. Although many designs today are covered with decorative reflectors, which excludes the visual viewing of the eccentric.

Assembling eccentrics is not a complicated operation.

Installing these devices consists of several sequential steps.

• Initially, on the surface of the threaded connection, which will be screwed directly into the pipe, you need to wind the seal. For such purposes, use the usual jute or a special fum-tape. It is important to wind it only along the thread, so that it is then easier to fasten the system.
• In the next step, you need to twist the eccentric into the pipeline in turn. Initially, you must rotate them manually, and then clamp them with a special adjustable wrench. It is important to adjust the position of the eccentrics so that they coincide with the holes on the mixer.If the installation is skewed, then you need to unscrew and align the extension cords in a new way.
• The procedure ends with the connection of the mixer. To do this, it is wound on both adapters in a similar pattern. Please note that many plumbing fixtures are complemented with special sealing rubber bands that need to be properly set when fastening.

From the above, we can conclude that the eccentrics are very simple structurally products that practically do not fail.

That the mixer at the same time worked long and reliably, should be guided by a few simple tips.

• Clamping the extension cords should be very careful, not putting a lot of effort. Otherwise, the device may crack and will have to be replaced.
• If after installation the valve leaks, unscrew the mixer and check the quality of the gaskets. Sometimes it is also necessary to check if there are leaks at the place where the eccentric is attached to the pipe.If there is such a breakdown, disassembly should be carried out and the seal should be completely replaced with a new installation.
• Choose the length of the adapter in advance. This will save you time, which you then spend on finding the right model.
• Be sure to use special grease on top of linen seals. They are much better impregnated thread, not allowing water to leak out through the small capillaries. Do not cover the joints with paint, because after it hardens, it will be difficult for you to dismantle the cam if it breaks.

Eccentrics for mixers are universal adapters. Their use simplifies the work and installation of many plumbing fixtures. When buying such products, give preference to products of only well-known and proven brands. These conditions ensure that these eccentrics are of high quality and will last for a long time, regardless of the state of the water.

How to replace the eccentric, see the next video.