What type of faucet to choose for a bathroom, kitchen, shower: types, characteristics

The importance of proper design of each room in an apartment or your own home is beyond doubt. A modern bathroom in visual perception should also not be inferior in any way to any other room. It doesn’t have to be the height of design art, but properly selected finishing materials, furniture and accessories will help you relax and feel truly at home. One of the most important elements in the bathroom is the faucet. In the article below we will look at all types of bathroom faucets, their types and characteristics.

Kitchen models

The tap is selected based on the width and depth of the sink. The consequence of choosing the wrong tap will be the floor and walls being splashed. The height, shape and size of the spout will be important.

There are 3 types of faucets installed in the kitchen:

• 2-ventilated;
• 1-lever;
• touch models.

Faucet model with 2 valves

The appearance of the faucet consists of two faucets with a swivel spout. Water of different temperatures is mixed using valves, which also regulates the liquid supply power. Faucets differ in the type of locking element:

• with rubber gaskets: elastic;
• with ceramic plates.

Less reliable faucet with elastic gaskets. It often fails precisely because of the gaskets. They need to be replaced. The liquid in the device flows and stops when its opening is opened and closed by the reciprocating valve.

Ceramic plates last longer. Change less often. The supply or stop of water movement is adjusted when 2 holes on the plates are aligned.

Devices with 2 valves are easy to assemble. Consumers note the low price of the product that is favorable to them.

Joystick crane

The model is easy to use. It is enough to change the power of the liquid flow and its temperature with the movement of one hand.

A single lever faucet structurally consists of the following elements:

• product body;
• the spout is not always movable;
• model cover;
• a cartridge that can be replaced if broken;
• swing arm;
• rubber gasket.

The fluid pressure in the single-lever design is adjusted using 2 elements with holes. They can be hollow spherical or plate-shaped. When the lever turns, the holes coincide with the flow channels of cold and hot liquid.

Owners of single-lever faucets install cleaning filters on the water supply in the apartment to reduce the impact of abrasive particles on its structure and increase their service life.

Types of taps according to manufacturing technology

Models made in the kitchen are installed:

• cast method, when the structure looks seamless and the body with the spout is a single whole;
• a model consisting of elements.

By material

Performance indicators largely depend on the material used to make the kitchen product. Manufacturers use as material:

• ceramics;
• metal alloys;
• granite;
• plastics

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

Choosing a bathroom faucet

The design differences between bathroom models allow you to choose from a variety of faucets that are convenient to use for your family:

• valve model - two valves regulate the liquid supply;
• single-lever device - the process of mixing liquid involves a built-in ball element or cartridge. Movement of the lever in the vertical plane starts or stops the water supply, in the horizontal plane the supply temperature changes;
• non-contact model – the operating principle is based on interaction with touch sensors;
• cascading design - imitates a waterfall. Faucets are expensive plumbing fixtures;

• Thermostat devices are the latest technological device. The thermocouple prepares the liquid for flow into the spout.

Manufacturers are developing models for the bathroom with qualities that support its performance in conditions of high humidity and temperature fluctuations. Brass plumbing is best suited to these requirements.

To make the device convenient to use, types of bathroom faucets with different spouts have been developed:

• with its position fixed;
• with the ability to make an angle of rotation.

There are known types of faucets with low spout (height up to 15 cm); with a high spout design (height above 25 cm). A flexible spout is installed in the kitchen. Outwardly it looks like a regular design, but if necessary, you can pull its end and a flexible hose of 70 cm will appear.

Non-contact models

A sensor bathroom faucet is a new technological device that is controlled via a sensor. When a person's hands approach at a given distance, the sensor is triggered. The flow stops spontaneously. The design is not in great demand due to its high price. It is installed less often in the kitchen than in the bathroom.

Components of the contactless model:

• control sensor;
• connection hoses;
• lever adjustment of liquid temperature;
• valves;
• batteries.

The control panel sets parameters on the sensor. A touch model with an infrared sensor is recommended. Then there will be no restrictions on the distance of high-quality sensor operation.

Device

The defining feature of the classification of modern household faucets, in addition to the layout, is the design of the shut-off and control mechanism .

Single lever

Revolutionary changes were brought about by the invention of the disk cartridge, which became the central unit of the single-lever faucet. The shutter consists of two disks, the upper one is moved by lifting the handle relative to the lower one, opening the holes through which water flows. Turning the lever rotates the disk, changing the degree of opening of the hot or cold channels, respectively, the temperature of the liquid.

Metal-ceramic disks made of Al2O3 oxide (corundum) are second in hardness only to diamond and some superhard materials. Exceptional wear resistance ensures an operating life of 300–500 thousand open/close cycles or 25 years of service.

Remember! The resource declared by the manufacturer was obtained in a laboratory with careful filtration, removal of hardness salts and iron. Other assembly units, components, and coatings have other warranty periods specified in the documentation.

Periodic maintenance of the single-lever version consists of lubricating the rubbing parts of the cassette with Teflon aerosol. Major repairs require replacing the cartridge; proper water treatment will help delay the trouble.

It is important to adhere to the rule: a good cartridge has a high-quality brass body, otherwise the mixer will fail before the cassette. The superiority of ceramics is offset by the inferiority of other elements.

An acceptable combination of characteristics will cost about 5,000 rubles; for delights, innovations, and a name, they pay extra 3–5 times. The initial investment pays off in durability, peace of mind, and confidence in the product.

Two-valve

The type has evolved noticeably. The place of the multi-turn head, equipped with a valve with a rubber gasket, was taken by a half-turn valve-axlebox with ceramic plates. Improvements have extended the service life, but the upgraded heads cannot compete with the cartridge. Wear of the rod seal, axial play leading to leakage of the valve are key defects.

Progenitor

A larger number of parts increases the likelihood of failures when the ceramics remains functional. Two-valve models have occupied a budget niche; high-quality products will last without repair for at least 3 years, if rough cleaning and water softening are provided. Taking into account the negative factors, the crane axlebox has to be revised after 1 – 2 years.

Supporters of the two-valve circuit note smooth regulation and low noise compared to the single-lever circuit. Indeed, an unlubricated cartridge triggers with a jerk, which can be eliminated with prevention. The working sector of a number of cassettes is increased to 120˚ to expand the comfortable flow adjustment zone.

Ball

A type of household fittings that is not very common in our country. Conservative Britons claim the superiority of the concept:

• There is no wear on the ball or seat, as the rubber replaceable liners wear out.
• Not afraid of pollution.
• Attractive price.
• An amateur can quickly repair the unit using an available repair kit.

The authors of the reviews are disingenuous: the spare parts kits contain a ball, therefore, the “original” one becomes unusable. Disassembling the ball shower switch of a two-valve mixer shows: ceramic or fluoroplastic support inserts do not save the sphere from corrosion, scale, and scratches.

At first, elastic seats compensate for deposits and defects, but you will have to pay the price by replacing the mechanism. Patent holders have developed improved variations, but the idea itself is inferior to the disc valve. Saving money and nerves is doubtful.

Thermostatic

Today is the most advanced and safe type of mixer. The set temperature is maintained automatically. The level of comfort is maximum; the valve mechanism, set to a cutoff above 38 – 42ºС, protects from burns. The function is especially relevant when heating water with a storage boiler; the liquid temperature reaches 80ºC.

The forerunner of thermoregulation.

The operation of the thermostat valve is based on the expansion of wax poured into a movable sleeve, or the deformation of a bimetallic element when heated. The resulting displacement is transmitted through an elastic link to the damper, which changes the flow area up to the overlap.

Cross-section of a thermostatic mixer.

Thermostats can be built into any layout. Among the wall-mounted options, products without a gander, equipped with a shower set, or solid “short-nosed” versions dominate. The designers' preferences are explained by the cylindrical shape of the housing, which is rational for placing the thermostat and coolant channels.

There are versions equipped with a temperature sensor, digital temperature display, and the electronics are powered by a battery. Parameter adjustment is manual, an option that is not particularly popular.

The thermostat filling cannot be repaired independently. The water requirements are identical to those for single-lever faucets. Prices are comparable to the average category of the latter.

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Shower faucet

Structurally, the models are the same as for sinks and bathtubs (double-valve, single-lever). The answer to the question of what types of bathroom faucets are available that are mounted in a shower stall is simple - without a spout.

There is a wall-mounted, built-in model. The wall-mounted model includes a shower stand. With its help, the height of the watering can is adjusted. The design of the expensive cabin is equipped with a built-in crane. Everything was done, hidden in the wall behind a decorative panel, only the control panel is visible. The structure consists of elements assembled into 2 units:

• a unit for mixing flows of different temperatures, where its temperature is regulated and liquid is supplied;
• redistribution unit, where water prepared for supply (mixed) is received and its movement trajectory is set.

Selecting a mixer for the cabin by operating modes

The consumer selects a mixer based on the number of modes, taking into account his financial capabilities and the desire to have certain additional functions:

One mode is the working position of a shower or hand shower.

Two options - the flow is redistributed from the shower from above to the hand shower.

Three options - a shower above, a hand shower and a tropical shower are used. The favorite option of this model is hydromassage of the lumbar region.

Installation and operation rules

There are 3 installation methods:

• built-in, when the internal parts of the mixer and the pipeline itself are built into the walls, floor or plumbing duct;
• typesetting, in which the mixer is installed directly on the sink or bathtub, and the wiring is routed under the plumbing;
• wall-mounted, when water pipes pass directly along the wall and a mixer is connected to them.

Required tools and materials

• Threading machine.
• Soldering iron for plastic pipes.
• Adjustable (Swedish) wrench.
• Pipe (gas) wrench.
• Pliers.
• Fum tape.
• Rags.

Work progress

1. The water flow is blocked on the working section of the pipe.
2. Threads are cut into the inside of metal pipes. An adapter is soldered to the plastic pipes.
3. The eccentrics/adapters are screwed in, and the connection is sealed with fum tape.
4. If necessary, the mixer body is assembled.
5. The mixer pipes are connected to eccentrics, sealed with fum tape and secured with union nuts.
6. Finally, the water is turned on and the operation of the circuit is checked.

Mounted crane

Built-in structures are used for full operation:

• baths;
• shower cabin;
• hygienic devices in the bathroom;
• soul.

Built-in models consist of 2 parts:

• The central unit is a plastic cylinder with a brass head with 4 holes. The first two supply flows of cold and hot liquid to the mixer. The second and third holes direct the prepared liquid to the spout and shower head;
• panel with control function.

Built-in faucets are mounted on the wall and on the sides of the bathtub. The installation process is considered complex. For built-in models, it is recommended to use single-lever faucets with a thermostat, installed on the bidet bowl.

Built-in taps on the side of the bath

The faucet mounted on the side of the bathtub is different in design from other models. Its constituent nodes do not depend on each other, each functions independently:

• valve body;
• hand watering can;
• shower design.

Each unit has its own mounting elements on board. Built-in models of some faucet designs come complete with an on-board panel. Their function is to strengthen the installation site and give it aesthetics. The panel allows you to install everything compactly, hiding excess connections and outlets from the bathtub and mixer. It becomes easier to operate the crane. Of course, such a design is expensive. In the event of a breakdown, it will be difficult to quickly get to hidden parts. It is inconvenient to use such a tap to fill a bucket.