Single lever sink faucets: features and benefits

For a long time, the only type of taps were double (separate for hot and cold water). The situation changed when a single-lever mixer was created in the 1950s. Its name is due to the fact that the device can be controlled using one handle. Since then, quite a few technical changes have taken place, and engineers have managed to create a whole range of designs that mix water devices with a single lever.

There are two main types of mixers.

• Ball. A special sleeve has an inner metal ball that rotates in a strictly specified manner. During rotation, contact with the seals is constantly maintained, which helps to maintain the desired tightness.In the upper part of the working element, a pair of small holes are provided for the passage of cold and heated jets inside. There is also a larger hole, which serves to exit the mixture. Pipes with spring seals are used to supply water to the ball. The advantage of this solution is the minimum number of repairs, no need for mechanical water purification, if only it meets the minimum quality requirements. In all modern models, Teflon is applied to the sealing rings, due to which the period of operation is simultaneously increased and the ball's slip improves.

• Ceramic. It is named for the material of the plates located inside it. To obtain them, use of aluminum oxide is the third substance by its hardness in nature. As in the previous version, two openings work at the entrance, and one only at the exit; for mixing the streams, the plate above all is used. If the lever moves, it slides, and the holes in the lower part of the structure open in sequence.

It is attractive to install a faucet with a single-lever mechanism of a ball type for the sink, because such a device is convenient and allows you to set the required water temperature faster than any valve mechanism. But it will be necessary to change the sealing rings at least every 24 months, even if they are very durable and of high quality, and they are not actively using the plumbing.

The advantages of ceramic structures:

• serve longer;
• allow you to adjust the heating of the water, acting only by hand;
• reconfigure the flow temperature faster than ball counterparts.

But their installation has not yet become widespread due to certain inconveniences for users. Ceramic faucet, sold at an affordable price, allows you to adjust the water temperature only in increments of 6 to 8 degrees, that is, to get into a narrow “comfort zone” (from 34 to 42 degrees), as well as vary the heating inside it is quite difficult. The most successful companies selling their products in various countries have already learned how to solve this problem.

One-lever mechanisms, like all the others, should be repaired after a water breakthrough or leakage of a tap.

The change of rubber gaskets on the ball valve is performed using:

• screwdrivers;
• hexagon (they remove the fixing screw);
• A new set of gaskets.

To remove plaque that has accumulated on the sealing ring, an ordinary sponge helps. After assembling the entire structure, it is necessary to check its performance and tightness. Cartridge disassembly is not subject. It can only be changed entirely to a new one.

A rotary mixer with a high spout seems to be the height of perfection for many, but it is important not to forget: splashes, especially individual streams, should not go beyond the limits of a sink or bath. It is necessary to pay attention to how the mixer is mounted: experts consider the nut that can be turned to the bottom of the case as the most stable option.

It is also advantageous to choose a rotary mixer because it is less dirty with normal use. But it is necessary to observe precautions and not to put a large load on the product, otherwise it can easily collapse.You need to think about the balance between convenience and reliability. The molded case is stronger turning, but less convenient, and the control element is placed only on top, which does not suit everyone.

The wall-mounted faucet is mostly hybrid (for bath and shower at the same time). It is mounted according to the scheme next to the sanitary devices. Holders are hidden under the facing materials. The vast majority of bathrooms are equipped with just such products.

Brass and bronze are recognized as optimal solutions by most specialists.But they also have a significant drawback - this is a high price. Warning: do not buy externally similar silumin mixers, they serve a maximum of two years. The choice of stainless steel is justified if you want to buy a product that harmoniously looks in any interior and is beautiful in itself. Ceramic enclosures are more expensive than all the others, but at the same time extremely fragile.

When choosing you need to pay attention to the color of the mixer. White tone is considered to be universal, as is the standard color for polished aluminum. In a minimalist setting, it is better to give preference to products with strict geometric contours.In the style of Provence completely inappropriate brilliant coating.

You can find out how to install a single lever mixer in the kitchen from the video below.