The mixer is a device for mixing water at different temperatures and to regulate the pressure of the spray. It is a usual element of the washstand, choose which sometimes can be difficult due to the large diversity of models and different technical characteristics. Let’s look at what would be the amalgamator for a washstand, as well as what is important to pay attention when buying it.
Types according to the type of control
Single lever
This faucet with single lever is the most simple device consisting of a body, a replaceable cartridge for cleaning and a rotary knob. For their fastening is provided a circular nut, spacer, and the fixation element.
This mixer has advantages, for example, it “remembers” the chosen one position (opening the mixer the next time, you will receive the same ratio of water of different temperatures). With this device you can individually set the jet power and the temperature of the water. In addition, for the operation of the single lever tap requires that the water pressure in the network was stable and permanent.
Touch
This kind of faucets you’ll be non-contact work, especially if you are busy or dirty hands. The water is supplied automatically when the hands bring to the spout. Plus the device is to save water (it is not spent in the period when the water is turned on, and the hands to the jet had not yet presented).
If the water pressure is sufficient, the mixer will maintain the desired temperature. In many models touch mixer provides built-in memory, fixing a few parameters. The disadvantages of this type of mixer can be called a low reliability, high cost and the need for a mains connection.
With a foot valve
The device with the valve first began to use the British, in whose homes the hot water comes from one tap, but cold from the other. Bottom valve called the cover, through which the water stays in the sink, mixing at this time to the desired temperature. Faucet with this valve helps to draw water into the sink and then drain it with one click.
Using this type of mixer saves water consumption, and the design looks more attractive than rubber or plastic tube. To exploit such a product is easy, as the valve is activated by just pressing a button. Besides, if necessary, the valve can be easily cleaned.
Types
Elbow
The name of The mixer due to its shape, so that the device can be opened by movement of the elbow. It is also called hygienic, since this opening of the crane to avoid contact of contaminated hands with the body and handles of the faucet. This is especially handy in the kitchen, where it is important not to contaminate the mixer food waste and grease from dirty hands.
With hygienic shower
This mixer additionally includes a handle and a hygienic shower switch for 2 modes of operation, but there are models functioning in only one mode (feed water for the shower). Most often in such mixers provide a single lever, which you can use to adjust the temperature flowing through the water faucet, as well as its pressure. Shower switch does not affect these parameters, but simply directs already mixed need water pressure to shower.
With aerator
The so-called grid, which is at the end of the spout. Its main function is mixing of incoming water with air, whereby the water is softened. In addition, with the help of the aerator the water will flow evenly.
With sensor
In these mixers there are no levers or valves, in return for which installed an infrared sensor detecting movement in a zone of 30 cm (this area can be customized). To adjust the temperature in the mixer is a small lever. With its help establish the optimal water temperature, and, if not necessary, do not change.
Thermostats
Such a mixer is considered the most comfortable and safe, and it is very convenient. Usually in its design, there is one valve for regulating water temperature and another to regulate its pressure. Each valve has a fuse, so the risk to exceed that figure until the threat values do not exist.
Materials
The housing of the mixer can be made of such materials:
| Stainless steel | The mixer of this material is both durable and relatively inexpensive |
| Brass | Very popular material, plus of which is called practicality, reliability and high durability, and the only drawback is the rather high price |
| Ceramics | The strength of this mixer is low (the material has high fragility), and the price is quite large, but looks such a device very attractive |
| Bronze | This material is very durable faucets, however they are not as common as those made of other materials |
The coverage of the case happen:
- Chrome. The most common option that protects the device from bacteria. Looks like this case is very attractive and the strength of the product is very high. The disadvantage of this coating can be called the visibility of any dirt (dried droplets, streaks from mopping, fingerprints).
- Enamel. Looks attractive, but poorly resists mechanical stress (high risk of porcelain chipping).
- Nickel. The disadvantage of this coating is its allergenicity.
- Marble, bronze, platinum or gold. All of these options are impractical, seldom used and expensive.
Characteristics to which you should pay attention
Bandwidth product (marginal). For this indicator, it is possible to estimate water consumption for one minute at modern mixers it is within 2-60 L. If the mixer pick for the kitchen, that would be enough devices, the maximum flow rate which will be 6 liters per minute. For bathroom of the preferred device with a flow rate of 15 liters per minute.
Gasket material (gate valve). This item of mixer depends on the supply of water and pressure jets.
Strip is:
| Leather or rubber | An affordable option is easy to replace, but the rapid things |
| Ceramic | Reliable and durable option, plus of which is a uniform water flow and durability |
| Steel | Durable and high quality gasket, presents a polished ball |
The height and length of the spout. The first parameter presented in the modern faucets range 30-430 mm When the spout very low to use the sink can be awkward and unnecessarily high spout negative impact on usable space. As for length, it taps represented by the boundaries of 30-500 mm. If the length is insufficient, it will cause falling of the spray on the sink, and when very long the spout will hurt the usability of the mixer.
Number of mounting holes. With different designs of the mixer for its installation, you may need a different number of holes:
| One hole | The visible part of such a mixer will be represented by a single unit comprising a switch and spout. In the bathrooms, such mixers are used for flush mounting in other areas – for open. |
| Two holes | The most popular option. Mounted mostly vertically, connecting separately by pipes through which hot and cold water. |
| Three holes | Such a mixer is primarily used for flush mounting when the unit is inserted into the wall. The mixer for each element (handle and spout) has its holes. |
| Four holes | Products represented mount concealed taps, to which is added a walk-mesh. |
| Five holes | In such mixers, additional switch bath-shower. |
The size of The mounting holes for the mixer may be 10-60 mm.
The diameter of the feed pipe. Determined by the purpose of the mixer and the peculiarities of its use.
Tips for choosing
- Picking up the washbasin faucet in the kitchen is preferable to a model with a single lever. To open the water this faucet can be with dirty hands. Besides, for the kitchen it is important to quickly switch from hot water to cold and back, which is also very successfully implements a model of single lever mixers.
- Washbasin in the bathroom easier to install touch the faucet, as the most healthful and economical option. Besides, water will stop automatically, so there is no worry that the household will forget to close the tap.
- Buying a mixer, we recommend you to trust the proven and well-known manufacturer. If you buy products Swedish and German firms, you’ll get guaranteed quality and reliability. Good performance have the device from the British and Danish manufacturers, but the Chinese faucets should be avoided. Though they are inexpensive, but are relatively short-lived.
