10 tips for choosing a bath faucet

Despite the fact that bath faucets are overwhelmingly not a complex technical product with an abundance of electrical circuits and electronic components, their choice also involves a number of very specific parameters. Many of them are completely non-trivial things that at first glance seem completely unimportant, but in fact predetermine not only ergonomic indicators, but also the durability of the product. Thus, we have prepared for you the top ten most relevant selection tips that exclude the possibility of buying a knowingly bad model.

1. type of instalation

What types of cranes are available?

In terms of installation, all bathroom faucets are divided into three types:

  • wall-mounted. The most "convenient" type of faucets, which can be repaired and promptly replaced by any component that supplies water. Requires preventive installation of water outlets or supplies, which in fact is not a big problem. The rigidity of fastening of such taps (as a rule, with a shower) is provided by eccentric adapters and nuts that come in a common set (screwed onto each outlet of the mixer).
  • embedded. Type mounted in a special place on the body of the bath, which is the least convenient embodiment of faucets.When installed close to the wall, the case of such models with leads will be blocked, and in order to get close to it, it will be necessary to depressurize and move the bath away (which is not always possible). And you will need to do these manipulations often, since the average life of flexible hoses is 3-5 years.
  • floor. In the realities of the Russian market, such taps are not widely used, since the layout of bathrooms often does not make it possible to leave so much space for installation. In general, this solution looks very interesting, since it brings freshness to ordinary design solutions and does not provoke problems with the supply of pipes. However, it was also not without drawbacks: in their reviews, consumers talk about the need to raise the floor level, which is not always possible in city apartments. In addition, many report an extremely flimsy design, which can be damaged even by accidentally hitting the mixer.

2. Simplicity of design

What is meant by the concept of "simplicity of design"?

Quite a logical parameter, equally valid for any technical product. Remember the main rule: the fewer innovations and structural parts a mixer has, the more reliable it is.

Of course, no one cancels comfort, usability and original design, which are also important components of a production unit, whatever it may be. However, in the event of a breakdown, conditional thermostatic or sensor taps, the main advantage of which lies in the original control method, very often cannot be repaired.The reason is simple: since this market segment is not developed in the same way as the segment of conventional valves or mixers, there are not so many spare parts for innovative developments yet. And if they are available, they cost quite a lot of money, and they can only be purchased at official dealerships (services). Therefore, the most optimal purchase option, confirmed by user and expert reviews, is still ordinary mixers.

3. Housing material

What materials are used in the production of bath faucets?

The following options are widely used as production materials for bathroom faucets:

  • brass - the most popular material, extremely resistant to temperature changes and corrosion. With a chemical effect on brass, the maximum that can happen to it is a change in color, namely, a coating with a greenish patina. However, softness can play a “cruel joke”: when you try to screw in the crane box with a slight skew on such a mixer, it is very easy to break the thread.
  • stainless steel (chrome plated) – good corrosion resistance of this material is combined with high strength and hardness, which gives it a significant advantage over brass. However, in terms of value, such faucets noticeably lose to brass counterparts, having a 1.5-2 times higher price tag.
  • bronze - metal used in the vintage or retro style of manufactured faucets. In terms of mechanical properties, it is somewhat superior to brass, however, it undergoes a more intensive process of patina formation on the surface.
  • silumin (aluminum + silicon) - perhaps the most disgusting material ever made from mixer bodies. It has a very low strength index, and therefore it can burst from the slightest increase in load, both during installation and with an increase in pressure in the system.
  • ceramics - material, the peak of popularity of which falls on the times of 25-30 years ago. Despite the resistance to pressure drops, they still lacked practicality: small but sharp temperature changes often provoked the destruction of explosive mixers.

As the most optimal models in terms of the material of manufacture, we recommend that you look at brass and metal taps.

4. Shut-off and control valves

What is the principle of operation of control valves? What types is it divided into?

Three separate groups will be considered in this category of choice:

  • fittings screw type - a solution of an average level of reliability, widely used in modern mixers. The most common problems associated with the use of such valves include the need for periodic replacement of gaskets (seals), as well as the gradual wear of the threads of the rod included in the body of the box.
  • cartridges - typical fittings for single-lever cranes, which have the largest number of individual "malfunctions". Here there is a complete consumption of lubricant in the area between several ceramic plates, which leads to the need for enhanced manipulation to control the water mixture. As a result of the force impact, the rod or the plate retainer (or all together) “suffers”, up to a complete break.
  • fittings ceramic type - the most reliable system for regulating temperature and pressure, as clearly indicated by the statistics of breakdowns per three designated groups. This effect is achieved due to the absence of gaskets (seals), threaded elements, as well as the dimensions of ceramic plates. Full working out of the lubricant (which is also laid inside) has practically no effect on the required effort to open / shut off the tap.

5. Type of shower switch

Which shower switch is the most durable?

Traditionally, switches are divided into three types:

  • button - switching to the shower occurs by means of a button, more precisely, by pressing it or forced lifting. This mechanism for blocking and redirecting fluid is very simple and inexpensive to implement, but it has a number of characteristic "sores". The main reason for its failures is the notorious wear of the valve. It is also not uncommon for the return spring to be pressed through, due to which it ceases to fix the button in the normal position (preventing it from opening or closing the water supply to the shower). However, in case of failure, this element is very easy to replace on your own, which is another plus of the push-button design of the switch.
  • lever - overlapping and redirection of the fluid flow is carried out by turning the lever at an angle of 90-120 degrees. In this mechanism, two vulnerable nodes pop up at once: valve guides, gradually becoming unusable and provoking a situation of incomplete turning of the lever, as well as raising the eccentric above the stem, which sets the valve in motion.This type of switch is difficult to repair, and, therefore, in the event of a breakdown, it may require a complete replacement of the mixer (or refusal to use the shower function).
  • ball - judging by the reviews of experts, this mechanism is the most reliable of all presented. Switching here is carried out by means of a brass ball with a through hole, which is fixed in the middle of the saddles made of fluoroplastic. Brass has a high wear resistance, which entails a sufficiently long operation of the faucet in general and the switch in particular.

6. Gander mixer

What are the structural types of mixer ganders?

One of the important design parameters of the mixer is the type of gander (or spout). He can be mobile, providing rotation relative to the nut that fixes it to the body, or motionless, monolithically fixed on the base of the crane.

The first group includes faucets of a universal type, suitable both for installation on a sink and in a bath. Their advantage is a large radius of work, as well as ease of use (if necessary and causing interference, the gander can be set aside). The disadvantage is that the design is much less reliable, since the fixing nut and seals gradually become unusable. And if changing the latter is not difficult, then breaking the nut will lead to the need to purchase a new mixer.

In turn, fixed models include cascade mixers, as well as the most common short taps with filter screens and aerators.According to all technical features, this type is the most practical, since a break in the gander in the case of rigid fastening is possible only if there is an intentional desire to pull it out. Yes, it is a little less ergonomic, but reliability in terms of justifying the investment still plays a key role.

7. shower hose

What are the advantages and disadvantages of different types of shower hoses?

This aspect includes the choice of two possible options that are fairly equivalent in their performance and performance. Therefore, the question of which mixer with which hose to choose, in this case, is nothing more than taste.

So, the hose can be made of plastic, the main advantage of which is an almost unlimited service life. The only caveat: when using cold water, its flexibility disappears - in fact, the once plastic tube becomes a stake, and in order to straighten it, you will have to try hard. If you are a big fan of taking a contrast or cold shower, think twice about the advisability of buying a model with a plastic hose.

The second version is a combination of twisted metal armor and a rubber hose called a core. In this case, two annoying nuances are “exposed” at once, according to the number of components of the finished hose. Firstly, there is no question of any unlimited shelf life of rubber: with periodic temperature changes, it loses its properties, dries out and can lead to both water leakage from microcracks and significant breakthroughs up to the complete destruction of the layer. Secondly, armored coils can also cause considerable trouble.The fact is that, sitting in the sleeve, it provides reliable protection of the rubber from mechanical damage and kinks, but as soon as it leaves the seat, the irreparable happens - it will completely unravel until the last turn. However, this hose can be used without problems with both hot and cold water, without fear of “freezing” at low temperatures.

8. shower head

What are the optimal characteristics of shower heads?

From the standpoint of choosing a bathroom faucet for a shower head, several approaches should be noted. The first is to reduce the cost of the product to the maximum due to the complete set of the most ordinary elements. Lake is no exception. In such a case, it will have one mode of operation, providing a constant pressure without multidirectional flows (jets). As a rule, the quality of such watering cans also leaves much to be desired.

The second option is based on the choice of ergonomics, where an important attribute that accompanies the mixer is a two- or three-position watering can with multidirectional jets, as well as the ability to adjust the pressure up to the type of water spraying with small nozzles. This is especially important if a watering can is needed to knock down persistent dirt (for example, dried mud) from the surface of any objects. It is also important that at the same time the nozzles themselves are rubberized - these are easy to clean, rarely clogging with sand or lime from the water supply.

9. Finishing

What is meant by faucet finish? How to choose the most "neat" model?

An indirect selection parameter that affects the purely aesthetic side of faucets. Finishing has a lot to do with the performance of faucets, in particular how long they will be able to retain their original color.

The fact is that in order to increase the attractiveness of their product, many manufacturers cover the base metal with enamel, or apply a slight layer of paint (as a rule, it is noble metals) by electroplating. Despite the initial showiness, these layers are not very resistant, gradually leaving the product during active use and (most often) during cleaning. Most of all, faucets with surface coating of chromium are subject to the process of paint coming off, of which the vast majority on the market. The best choice here will be models with an original (uncoated) surface: bronze, brass or metal. Only these options will retain their original appearance for an unlimited time.

10. Manufacturer Popularity

How does the fame of a faucet manufacturer affect the cost of production?

An aspect that indirectly affects both the total cost of the presented products and the maintainability of individual mixer models. It can be interpreted according to two diametrically opposite points of view:

  • according to the first one, which is the most common among users, the high popularity of the manufacturer in the region affects the natural increase in product prices. Success in this field is achieved, as a rule, by firms that are commonly called "flagship". The faucets of these companies are expensive in themselves, as well as their maintenance in the event of a breakdown, if such is provided for by the features of the model.
  • the second point of view, expert, indicates that the popularity of the company affects the number of offers and the vastness of the range. Which, in turn, causes cheaper products or a significant increase in the variability of choice.However, this situation does not affect the cost of repairs in any way - spare parts for "fancy" mixers, as well as their installation or replacement, will be expensive.
0 Liked the article?

Add a comment

Electronics

Construction

Ratings