Despite the successes of modern housing construction, a small bathroom and a combined toilet remain a sad reality for many apartment owners. Where almost every square centimeter counts, some problems can be solved by installing a faucet on the side of the bathtub.
This fashionable novelty has many advantages. However, it also has a number of disadvantages. Let's try to understand them and the intricacies of installing faucets on the side of the bathroom.
Collection of high quality bathroom faucets
Demonstration of photos of the best bathroom faucets allows the discerning buyer to make the right choice in favor of a high-quality unit that meets not only personal needs, but also the characteristics of the room.
When making the final selection of a mixer, you should pay attention to:
- functional features;
- principle of operation;
- type of installation;
- stylistic finishing.
Problems
The mixer of the design I described, provided that there are filters at the water supply to the apartment, does not create problems for the owner in principle. Maintenance comes down to only periodic cleaning of the mixer body from drips and lime deposits.
But full-fledged mortise mixers and wall-mounted appliances in other designs can still upset you with breakdowns. I will describe ways to eliminate the most typical of them.
What to do if a single-lever mixer stops turning off the water?
Change the cartridge. To do this you need:
- Remove the plastic plug with the cold and hot water indicator from the handle of the device;
- Unscrew the screw hiding under it. Its head may have slots for a flat-head screwdriver or a hexagon;
- Remove the handle;
- Unscrew the decorative chrome nut by hand;
- Unscrew the brass nut under it - using a wrench;
- Remove the old cartridge and install a new one;
- Reassemble the mixer in reverse order.
Disassembling the mixer to replace the cartridge.
The cartridge can be 35 or 40 mm in size. If you are in doubt about your choice, take the faulty cartridge with you as a sample.
Why does water flow from the tap with very little pressure??
The reason is often the filter on the aerator. To clean it you need:
- Using your hands or an adjustable wrench (if cut), unscrew the aerator;
- Remove the plastic sprayer and stainless steel mesh from it;
- Throw out all the grids except 2 - 3 (usually there are 6 - 8);
- Rinse the remaining mesh and sprayer, if necessary, clean the holes with a needle;
- Assemble the aerator.
The removed aerator is disassembled for cleaning.
Why does a hot water faucet start to hum when opened??
Noise is a disease characteristic of screw valves with movable valves. The reason is vibrations of the axle box valve with a partially flattened gasket in a turbulent water flow. The valve closes and opens the seat in the mixer body several times per second, generating a series of weak water hammers.
The problem is eliminated by chamfering the rubber gasket on the axle box. The edge is cut with scissors or a sharp knife.
The edges of the gasket must be carefully trimmed.
Why doesn't the water switch to the shower??
The cause of the malfunction depends on the type of switch.
- For push-button valves, the destruction of the rubber valve or gaskets on the metal valve is most typical. Gaskets are sold as part of repair kits for faucets, but the entire valve is quite difficult to find on sale. It is possible that its failure will mean the need to change the mixer assembly;
Many wall-mounted faucets have a push-button switch designed as a separate unit. It connects to the body, gander and shower threads. If the unit fails, it is completely replaced, and replacement takes no more than a minute.
Push-button switches as a separate unit.
- Faucets with a lever switch (they are characterized by a handle stroke of 90 - 120 angular degrees) suffer from destruction of the gaskets on the switch valve and from the breakdown of the eccentric on the rod that sets the valve in motion. Repair kits are sold and usually include both parts.
Repair kit for lever switch.
Why does it spontaneously switch from shower to gander when the water pressure is low??
The reason is that the return spring of the push-button switch is too tight. To fix the problem, just shorten the spring by cutting off one or two turns with side cutters.
Disassembled push-button switch with return spring.
Classification of bathroom faucets
There is an increased demand for faucets with a hidden installation format, in which all communications and the water supply control mechanism are supposed to be located inside the wall, while spouts for bathroom faucets remain on the outside.
The appearance of the faucet is improved by coating the surface with chromium or nickel.
The collection of exclusive sanitary ware includes unique faucets, presented in a variety of shapes and styles.
An ultra-modern faucet model, chosen with taste, can become an indispensable decoration for the bathroom. Single-lever mixers provide direct water supply to the bathtub tank.
It is generally accepted that a good bath faucet is a multifunctional unit, the body of which is made of brass, which is considered an environmentally friendly, reliable and corrosion-resistant material.
Drilling a hole
You will need:
- permanent thick marker;
- metal drill;
- drill;
- kerosene solution;
- sanding machine (optional).
The first step is to clearly mark the drilling location using a thick marker. The mark is set small so as not to move too far to the side when drilling.
Many people cannot distinguish a cast iron bathtub from others. If you don’t go into details, it is many times heavier, and if you can’t lift it up, then it’s cast iron
To properly drill a bathtub, it is important to be extremely careful, because... The enamel is quite fragile, and it is quite easy to damage it. From the very beginning of drilling until completion, for this reason, the drill/brace should be held at the same angle
For this reason, the drill/bracer should be held at the same angle from the very beginning of drilling until completion.
Scheme of a cast iron bathtub with hydromassage equipment.
The drill must be sharpened perfectly, and it is necessary to place a special emphasis on the drill itself, which will be exclusively for metal and with an angle of 116-118 degrees. It should just dig into the metal, but not scratch it. Insufficient sharpening can cause a crack in the enamel, as well as retract the tool and ruin the material. In order to drill a cast iron bath evenly, you can use a wooden board or a metal plate, where there will already be a finished hole of a slightly larger diameter. A small difference in diameters will not have any side effect, but will guide the drill perfectly.
Many of us buy acrylic bathtubs, I think this is right because such a bathtub can last for many years. The main thing is to choose it correctly. Also, many of us embed the faucet directly into the bathroom, on the one hand this is also correct, because in this way we can avoid embedding pipes into the wall (which is more difficult to do). BUT not all of us can install the mixer ourselves; the search begins for companies (private owners) that can do this work. Although it is quite simple, and you can do everything yourself in a few minutes...
Guys, today I will present step-by-step instructions with photos, according to which you can embed and install the faucet on your acrylic bathtub. I have a cascade type faucet, that is, the handle, the gander itself and the shower separately, I bought this type because I think it is more aesthetically pleasing, because a regular sink faucet looks terrible (like a cow’s saddle).
What tool will you need?
1) Measuring tool – tape measure, pencil
3) FORSTNER drill (about this drill), DIAMETER 35 MM - NO MORE, THIS IS IMPORTANT!
Mixer
The design of the cascade mixer itself is slightly different from the usual one; it is disassembled into several parts.
1) This is the gander itself, mine is massive.
2) Water on/off handle.
3) Shower gander
4) Hoses, nuts and washers for fastening.
It should be noted that the mixer is assembled directly on the bathtub itself.
Functional mission of the mixer
A standard mixer plays the role of a valuable household tool that guarantees convenient adjustment of water pressure and temperature conditions.
When choosing a model with a fixed spout, the buyer will have to purchase two faucets intended for the bathroom.
By installing wall-mounted mixers, you can count on rational use of room space and simultaneous optimization of internal space.
At affordable prices, owners of private houses and apartments are offered the best bathroom faucets that will serve well over a long period of use.
Homeowners seeking to improve their bathroom in accordance with the current canons of interior fashion must take a responsible approach to setting up the operation of the plumbing unit.
Some useful tips
The best time to install a faucet on an acrylic bathtub is during the period of renovation and installation of a new bathtub. Installation of the device is carried out before connecting the bath to the sewer and installing a decorative screen.
If you decide to replace a conventional wall-mounted faucet with a mortise model, you will have to carry out some finishing work after installing and dismantling the old faucet.
To provide access to the communications of a mixer installed on the side of the bath, you can use a convenient folding screen, false panel or inspection hatch
It is possible that the entire bathtub will have to be dismantled and installed again. These costs of time, effort and money must be taken into account. If it is necessary to install a non-removable version of the decorative bath screen, you can make an inspection hatch in it to provide access to communications.
When installing a mortise mixer on the side of an acrylic bathtub, manufacturers recommend using a special strip. Indeed, acrylic is not as durable a material as cast iron or steel. According to manufacturers, the presence of a hole in the side weakens the structure. Planks and panels serve to strengthen the side and prevent its possible deformation.
In practice, masters do not attach importance to this point and do without any planks. This element often has to be trimmed and adjusted to the size and configuration of the side. The side usually has a rounded shape, which significantly complicates such an adjustment.
In order not to tinker with this problem and waste time, home craftsmen simply ignore the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of a collapsed faucet installed without a bracket yet. Nevertheless, one should remember this danger and wisely assess the balance of risks and costs for installing a reinforcing strip. If its shape matches the configuration of the side, it makes sense to strengthen the structure.
Mixer selection criteria
An excellent bathroom faucet should be installed with the full assistance of professional specialists who have the tools to organize a safe installation procedure.
The latest models of branded faucets can be equipped with a built-in water filter, thermostat and even a special instantaneous water heater.
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New-fangled faucets meet European quality standards, which is why they have become popular with most owners of private apartments. The unique unit is able to operate uninterruptedly with minimal noise.
It is worth buying a long bathroom faucet if you need to save a lot of money on purchasing an additional washbasin faucet. If you purchase such a mixer, you will not need to overload the bathroom with another pipe layout.
By using faucets with a long spout, it is possible to serve both the sink and the bath at the same time. Such a mixer must have increased intensity of operation.
What to look for when choosing
The simpler the faucet, even if it is a long bathroom spout, the better. This one is easier to repair in case of breakdown, and it will last longer, which means the family will have the opportunity to save on this design.
Touch or thermostatic devices are more suitable for sinks in public toilets of social institutions, airports, and restaurants. It is more common to install standard structures at home.
Where to buy a long gooseneck for a bathroom faucet? These products are sold in plumbing stores, construction markets, and shopping centers specializing in the sale of products for renovating premises and equipping a home with all the necessary equipment and devices.
Photos of the best bathroom faucets
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Ceramic crane axle boxes
Due to the existing plates with elongated holes, when the tap is turned, the movable plate moves and water is supplied.
Pros of this product:
- Convenience during use;
- Reliability of the design;
- Durability.
Read here! Green bathroom - atmospheric interior in 80 photos
Flaws:
- High price for products with this water supply mechanism;
- High sensitivity of water to impurities, which leads to fairly rapid wear of the product;
- It is impossible to repair the mechanism; a complete replacement of the tap is required.
Advice. To prevent wear and tear on the product, install a water purification filter.
How to choose a manufacturer?
Recognized leaders in the plumbing products market are German, Finnish and Italian brands.
Among the reliable manufacturers are world-famous companies:
- Grohe . A German company that uses its own developments and innovations in the production of plumbing fixtures. There are more than 30 series of faucets of different styles and materials on sale.
- Hansgrohe . Specializing in the production of plumbing fixtures for over 100 years. The company sells products under 4 brands: Hansgrohe – modern-style faucets, Pharo – bathroom accessories, Pontos – economical technologies, Axor – exclusive models.
- Oras . Finnish company that prefers modern style. Her preferences: futurism, hi-tech, minimalism and modernism. Features of mixers: laconic design, dynamism, functionality and high quality.
- Jacob Delafon . French brand, representative of the Kohler group of companies. The quality of materials meets high European standards. Jacob Delafon offers more than 10 collections of faucets.
The top ten manufacturers are completed by: Rosa (Spain), Teka (Spain), Vidima (Bulgaria), Lemark (Czech Republic), Ideal Standart (Germany), Jika (Czech Republic).
Products from the Jacob Delafon and Ideal Standart collections are distinguished by their versatility. Practical, ergonomic models made in a modern style
Disadvantages to be aware of
Despite all the advantages that are described in detail in advertising brochures, before purchasing a faucet for a rim, you should think about a number of problems, especially if the owner of the house plans to install it himself. First of all, you should not buy an inexpensive model, since due to the nature of their operation, these plumbing products are subject to high loads. A low-quality faucet will have to be replaced very soon.
The most vulnerable element of such a mixer is the shower hose. Most of the time it is in a curled state, so it gradually becomes deformed. Soon cracks appear on the hose, it begins to leak and requires replacement. Unfortunately, even expensive and high-quality faucets are not immune to problems with the hose.
The shower head hose of the mortise mixer is located in a coiled state behind the bathtub body or behind the false panel. Constant deformation of this element leads to its frequent breakdowns
You will have to come to terms with the fact that the hose needs to be changed periodically. Prudent buyers immediately take a spare hose to perform this simple repair as soon as the need arises. Particularly vulnerable in this regard are faucets whose spout also serves as a shower head.
Amateur craftsmen who do not have much experience in plumbing work should remember that at home it is easiest to install an on-board faucet on an acrylic bathtub. When working with a product made of cast iron or steel, the enamel will almost certainly be damaged, which can cause corrosion. As a result, the bathtub will have to be repaired or completely replaced.
It is better for an inexperienced master to entrust this work to a reliable specialist. Another way to solve the problem is to purchase a bathtub with a ready-made hole for installing a mixer. True, acrylic bathtubs are usually supplied with this option. Of course, when choosing a mixer, you will have to take into account the size of such a hole.
Shell color
The sink does not have to be white. Its color can be any, the main thing is that it is in harmony with the overall color scheme of the bathroom. Very beautiful majolica or hand-painted glass:
