Some tips from us:
- The most important indicator of quality is the material used to make the faucet. Traditionally, the best plumbing fixtures are made from centrifugally cast brass. This production method ensures uniformity of composition and strength.
- You can distinguish a quality product by its weight. German faucets hansgrohe, Grohe, Bulgarian Vidima and Italian-made plumbing fixtures are several times heavier than the products of numerous Chinese companies.
- Authenticity will be indicated by instructions printed on white paper, color packaging and a warranty card. Sellers are required to issue a warranty, the period of which is 2-5 years, depending on the manufacturer’s policy.
- Remember that you should not prioritize cheapness. Practice shows that buying a cheap faucet is almost always more expensive than purchasing a high-quality one.
Reviews about manufacturers
When reviewing faucets, it is worth noting that buyers and professional plumbers identify several manufacturers that produce the highest quality, durable products. The ratings of faucet manufacturers should be considered before going to the store. It looks like this:
1. German manufacturer Grohe. This is a world-class company that occupies the first positions in ratings in many countries. In our country it is also a recognized leader. Grohe has been producing faucets for many years. Its models are recognized as the most reliable, durable and functional. However, among all faucet manufacturers, the products of this brand are quite expensive. Of course, the price matches the quality. During operation, the costs will be recouped, since this mixer is guaranteed not to leak or break for many years. Grohe mixers have been named the most reliable in the world. The minimum price for products of the German brand is 3 thousand rubles.
2. German brand Hansgrohe. In terms of quality, the products of this company are not inferior to Grohe. Hansgrohe is engaged in innovative developments, offering consumers new and improved faucet options. You can purchase a mixer from this company at a price of 3.3 thousand rubles.
3. Swiss manufacturer Gustavsberg. The products of this brand have a bright, stylish design. This manufacturer has a very recognizable line of colored faucets. The Swiss company offers many design options for its products. For different interior styles, you can choose the best option. The minimum cost of products of this brand is 4.3 thousand rubles.
Single lever mixers.
And here's another single-lever mixer
Single-lever faucets appeared relatively recently but are quickly gaining popularity due to their ease of use and large selection on the market. The water supply is regulated by moving the lever up and down, and the temperature adjustment is to the right and left, which is much faster and more convenient compared to two-valve faucets. Single-lever faucets use cartridges. They are reliable and durable, easy to replace during repairs. Disadvantage: high requirements for water quality and price.
Ball
A ball mixer (or single-lever mixer, as it is called differently) is equipped with only one handle for control. It allows you to set a comfortable temperature of the water that goes to the tap. If you lift the lever up or down, you can adjust the pressure. This equipment is quite convenient, has an elegant design, and is easy to install and operate.
The disadvantage of the mixer is the cartridge, which does not withstand rust, salt particles, or dirt well. All this is available in running water. For this reason, over time, such mechanisms begin to turn poorly, and then completely fail. These cartridges cannot be repaired. They are replaced, but replacement is not very cheap.
Two-valve mixer.
These mixers have been known since Soviet times. However, even now they have not lost their relevance. Two-valve faucets are successfully used for both kitchen sinks and bathrooms. The bathroom uses a faucet with a shower diverter. A two-valve mixer looks like a faucet with two valves. It will take more time to adjust the water temperature than with a single-lever mixer, but the result will be more accurate. Thanks to this, water is consumed more economically, which is important if the apartment has a water flow meter. In two-valve faucets, rubber gaskets or ceramic discs are used as a closing element. Rubber gaskets are adapted to low water quality, they are easy to replace and are cheap. But their service life is short. Ceramic discs last a long time and to adjust the water, just turn the valve half a turn, which is convenient to use.
Material selection
What material is better for bathroom and kitchen faucets? The body can be made of different alloys. This determines how long the mixer will work and what qualities it will have. The cost of the product also depends on the material of the case. It is worth noting that the lighter the mixer, the less reliable it is. High-quality models are weighty and massive. They are not afraid of high water pressure in the system and other adverse effects.
One of the popular options is the use of silumin. This alloy is quite brittle. It is made of aluminum with silicon. Therefore, care must be taken during transportation and installation. If you drop this faucet, it will most likely crack. It will leak. Also, silumin models are very light in weight. They are purchased because their cost is low. However, for those owners who do not want to change the faucet again in the near future, it is recommended to pay attention to other options.
Brass models are considered very durable and at the same time they have an average cost. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. This is a heavy alloy, which distinguishes high-quality models. These are high-quality models that are produced in a large assortment by most modern companies.
Answering the question of which faucet is the most reliable, it is worth noting that bronze models are the most reliable. These are luxury products that are not suitable for every interior. Bronze is suitable for retro style. These are products that are characterized by a special design. Bronze faucets and shower stands are characterized by the longest service life, which is half a century.
Many owners of houses and apartments today choose ceramic faucets. The entire body or only individual parts of such a product are made from this material. They are resistant to salt deposits. But with large temperature changes, these mixers can fail.
Many faucets are plated with a layer of nickel or chrome. This is necessary to protect the housing from corrosion. If the faucet is plated with nickel, it costs less. But it is worth considering that some may be allergic to this material. Therefore, it is better to purchase chrome-plated models.
Thermostats
Modern technologies do not stand still. Faucets equipped with a thermocouple that controls the flow of hot and cold water are gaining popularity. It is enough to adjust the required water temperature parameters once and they are saved, and a constant water pressure is also maintained. Therefore, thermostats have two regulators. On one side of the thermostat mixer, the water pressure is regulated by a handle. And on the other there is a temperature scale on which you independently set the temperature you need.
This is very convenient; if there are children in the house, you don’t have to worry about their safety. Well, if you need hotter water or vice versa, just change the function. Comfort and reliability are guaranteed to you. And you can choose the design to your taste. But, I want to add a fly in the ointment. Unfortunately, our water supply systems do not always work well. With unstable pressure, surges and drops, thermostats do not always cope with the load and malfunctions may occur. (this happens!) If there are no problems with pressure in the water supply, then using such a tap is a pleasure. It works ideally when the hot water is turned off in the summer and the hot water is heated by a “boiler”. In this case, the temperature in both pipes is stable and has the same pressure. You only use the flow knob, and the other is always in position 36.6
Shower Heads
After pouring, inspect the shower head and its features. It is made of metal or plastic. Plastic ones break faster, but are cheaper. But metal ones are more durable, although you need to pay more for them.
Particular attention should be paid to the nozzles. It is better if they are rubber, since they are easier to clean from limescale and sand.
Most modern watering cans are equipped with several water supply modes. You can adjust the intensity of the pressure and the direction of the jets as you wish.
Touch sensor faucets for sinks.
We have long been accustomed to the fact that when entering an airport, train station or just a shopping center, the doors open on their own. Is it nice to wash your face in the sink with water at a comfortable temperature, without using any levers? The same infrared sensors are used here, only miniature ones. Let's take a look inside the sensor mixer and see what's there. There is a monoblock with control valves and the electronics necessary for its operation, a touch sensor and a small lithium battery. Yes, yes, it is a battery with a service life of at least two years - it is designed for an intensity of use of the mixer of 3000-5000 starts per month. Such a faucet is hygienic, water is used sparingly, but most importantly, you don’t have to worry about turning off the tap, so you won’t flood your neighbors below. The simplicity of the design and the absence of different connections makes it easy to install the device yourself.
And one last thing. Which material should you prefer? Most models offered by manufacturers are made of steel and plumbing brass. Since brass darkens over time, faucet bodies are chrome plated. These combinations are the most reliable and convenient.
Coating
As already indicated, bronze items are usually not hidden under any decoration. In this case, the metal can be polished with a mirror shine or matte. In the second case, over time it becomes covered with a noble greenish patina.
But faucets made of brass and stainless steel are often coated. It happens:
- chromed - mirror or matte, silver in color or with a tint that disguises the metal as another material, for example, gold;
- enameled - a polymer layer that allows you to disguise the faucet as ceramic, give it the texture of stone or simply a colored coating (pictured).
Please note that any coating will sooner or later be erased and the “true essence” will appear. Therefore, if you choose products with spraying, then avoid cleaning with abrasive agents and be prepared for the fact that sooner or later the outer layer will begin to wear off anyway.
Enamel devices, among other things, must not be subjected to mechanical shock, otherwise the enamel will become cracked and break off.
Bath faucets
We combine the design you like with the necessary functionality (not to the detriment of the latter.) Bathroom faucets differ in that they are combined with a shower. In a small bathroom we use a faucet with a swivel spout, which makes it possible to use it for both the bathtub and the sink. Usually these are faucets with a hand shower, which can, if desired, be mounted on a holder installed at the height you need. In a country house or modern houses with a large bathroom, you can give free rein to your imagination in choosing styles and decorative designs. and also by installation method; wall-mounted, floor-mounted, table-top, built-in wall. You can install a cascade mixer. It is installed directly on the side of the bathtub. The bathtub will fill several times faster. This mixer is compact, practically does not create splashes, and is silent. True, the most inexpensive one costs twice as much as the usual one. In addition to the listed devices, electronic contact faucets are now used in luxury bathroom interiors, which are configured using buttons on the panel. When it comes to materials, there is no place for stereotypes. Starting from inexpensive but high-quality plastic, silumin, ceramic cases and ending with glass, stone, cases with wooden design. In terms of functionality, the housing can be cast or prefabricated. The cast body has little functionality in terms of mobility, but is the most durable, moreover, it is more hygienic, easier to care for, and there are no different connections. Faucets with a prefabricated body are functional, but the greater the functionality, the more connecting nodes, which means less strength and more difficult to clean. Faucets with a telescopic spout have appeared, which can not only rotate left and right and along their axis, but also extend and even take different positions.
Bath and shower thermostats Click here, you won't regret it!
How do you like it? Do you feel like taking a shower? Shower mixer . It differs from a bath faucet primarily in its size, being more compact. This is due to the absence of a spout and a bath-shower switch. The water flows directly into the shower set, mixing there and reaching the desired temperature. Installation of such systems can be either external or hidden.
Basin mixer.
Basin mixer . One of the main requirements for a basin faucet from customers is not so much technical excellence, but compatibility with other existing bath or shower faucets, i.e. creating a harmonious ensemble in the bathroom. Like similar mechanisms designed for bathtubs, sink faucets are designed for one hole or three. The latter option requires special plumbing. The first remains more common because its installation is somewhat simpler. This type of faucet must be equipped with a special kit for quick installation, as well as a connection. You can choose a rigid line using chrome-plated brass tubes or a flexible line with stainless flexible hoses. Some models of sink faucets are equipped with a special drain set. With its help, you can open or close the sink drain hole by pressing a small lever in the faucet body. Another interesting equipment is known - these are faucets equipped with a pull-out spout to provide simple and effective care for the surface of the sink. With such a mechanism, the plumbing fixtures will retain their original appearance for a long time, and cleaning will not take much time and will not require significant effort.
Bidet mixer.
Bidet mixer . In terms of its technical and functional characteristics, it is in many ways similar to a sink faucet. In most cases, the faucet is mounted directly on the side and can have one or three holes. The only difference is that the bidet faucet kit includes a special aerator with a ball joint, which allows you to change the direction of the stream and makes the use of plumbing simpler and more comfortable. Another modification of the classic bidet faucet is complemented by a hygienic shower. This function allows you to use a regular toilet as a bidet. To do this, you need to have a sink nearby. If the bathroom is not large, this is an excellent way out. The hygienic shower can also be connected to a standard shower mixer, including a concealed mixer. You can also use special thermostats for bidets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le67aIUEuZ8
How to recognize a “Chinese” faucet? Why quotes? There are decent manufacturers in China. I mean the artisanal production of cheap goods. These faucets are not only cheaper, but also lighter. For their production, advances in powder metallurgy are used and plastic and aluminum powder are often used. In the best case, the Zamak material is used - an alloy of zinc, aluminum, steel and 7-10% brass. Naturally, there is no need to talk about guarantees and service life of such mixers.
Due to the increase in prices for housing and communal services and the installation of metering devices, the demand for sensor faucets for home needs has increased. The most in demand today are non-contact thermostatic mixers , which allow you to set the temperature and water pressure with high precision.
General recommendations
There are different types of faucets. They are designed for certain conditions. Recommendations from experts will help you choose the appropriate option. It is also worth considering customer reviews. This will help you choose not only a functional, but also a durable faucet. This determines whether it will be convenient for you to use your new acquisition. Otherwise, you will soon have to change the mixer, which will lead to additional costs.
The mixer design may be different. The choice of one type or another depends on your needs and the area of use of the product. In addition to functional differences, they differ in the type of material from which they are made, the method of fastening, cost and a host of other characteristics.
Of course, many buyers choose a faucet solely based on its appearance. This is also an important aspect, since the plumbing fixtures must match the chosen interior style. There are many universal faucets on sale. They are suitable for many interior styles. However, there are special models that have a rather narrow scope. There are faucets in high-tech, classic, modern, eco-style, etc.
Appearance is, of course, important. But you can’t skimp on the quality of the mixer. Cheap models, often made in China, do not have a long service life. If a leak occurs, which often happens when the owners of the house are away, a flood may occur. Due to a low-quality faucet, your renovation, as well as the finishing of your neighbors below, may suffer. This will lead to enormous costs. Therefore, never skimp on the quality of the faucet.
Types of touch faucets.
Depending on the area of application, different models of mixers are installed in the house. For the kitchen we install a mixer with lever and touch controls, since we need constant adjustment of the water temperature. This mixer is equipped with a valve or levers.
The package may include an aerator, but a watering can and a pull-out spout are not included with inexpensive models.
The latest models of kitchen faucets are a modern multifunctional device that can be turned on and off with a button or from a touch panel, equipped with an aerator or timer to save water, and also have a pull-out spout for a pot or kettle.
In the bathroom, you can install touchless washbasin products and a sensor shower. To turn on the water supply, you need to be in the working area of the sensor, which can be configured using the remote control. Sensory showers have an undeniable advantage in saving water consumption. The delivery set includes a touch panel with a built-in touch sensor. If quite recently sensory mixers were considered an expensive purchase, now a sensory mixer can be found from 9,000 rubles. But the best choice is, of course, value for money. Touch faucets differ in the type of sensors that operate on photocells and infrared rays. The latter have a significant “plus” since they do not require special distance calibration during installation. This becomes possible due to the absence of dependence on the distance of the object. The faucets are powered by a 9V series lithium battery with a two-year lifespan. It is capable of cycling water on and off about 4000 times. Usually the battery is sold complete with the mixer.
Benefits of sensor faucets
- Using a touch-sensitive faucet allows you to stop worrying about whether you've turned off the tap. Setting a suitable temperature eliminates the need to constantly mix cold and hot water.
- If there are small children in the house, you will not be worried about the child getting burned.
- And of course, it saves water
Non-contact and pressure devices – savings and hygiene in their purest form
Touch faucets operate using special sensors - as soon as an object is brought to the tap, water is supplied through the spout. Shutdown – automatic (1-2 minutes).
Purchasing sensor taps is an excellent solution for both public places and home. There is no need to come into contact with surfaces when turning the water on/off. You can also save a lot on utility bills - no extra drops will fall from the tap unnecessarily.
Push-type faucets are also called batch faucets; water is supplied by pressing a special button. The flow through the spout stops after a certain time interval (from 15 to 50 seconds). Spouts in the form of G, I are possible.
The presented products are an excellent solution for installation in public places and medical institutions. Although such an “economical” mixer is also relevant in residential premises, given its ability to significantly reduce bill payments.
How to choose a mixer
By type of installation:
- Wall
- Single or multiple hole mounting.
- Mixer tap for free-standing basins.
The faucet for a freestanding sink is installed on the surface adjacent to it, while for wall mounting the piping and faucet body are usually hidden inside the wall. Therefore, when installing a faucet for a free-standing sink, you can choose the position of the faucet at your discretion.
To make the mixer convenient and suitable for you, decide how you will use it. Faucets with a medium or, preferably, high spout are suitable for the kitchen; then it will be easy to place a large saucepan or a tall flower vase. Accordingly, the sink (sink) should be deep. In the bathroom, if in addition to washing your hands and brushing your teeth you will not use the faucet for other needs, a faucet with a low spout and a short spout is quite suitable.
When choosing a wall-mounted mixer, it is important to pay attention to such an indicator as the angle of incidence of the jet. Depending on this, fix the mixer in height relative to the sink.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
In the video below you can hear a competent opinion on the factors that need to be taken into account when selecting a faucet for a kitchen space:
When selecting a mixer, it is important to take into account both technical characteristics and its design. The convenient model greatly facilitates routine kitchen manipulations, which allows the housewife to save time.
No less important is the appearance of the product, which should be combined not only with the sink, but also with the decoration of the room as a whole. A correctly selected faucet can become an important detail of the interior, emphasizing its style and placing accents.
Please write comments in the block form located under the text of the article. Tell us about how you chose a faucet for your own kitchen, share the guidelines that were decisive for you personally. Ask questions about points of interest, post photos on the topic.
