Bathroom faucets
- Traditional, two-valve mixers –this is yesterday. Rubber gaskets do not last long and quickly leak. Most two-valve models are presented in the lowest price range (300-500 rubles). Although in a classic bathroom interior - with a cast-iron bathtub on lion's paws and a marble floor - such taps will look very organic. In this case, it is worth taking a closer look at expensive models.
- The most popular models today– single-lever, in which one single handle regulates both the pressure and the temperature of the water. Simple, convenient, hygienic. The cartridge inside can be ball or ceramic. Ceramic elements serve 5-10 times longer than rubber ones and are designed for 150-200 thousand opening-closing cycles or 10-15 years of service.
- Reliability of ceramic faucetscartridges is very high. However, it should be taken into account that cartridges do not tolerate sand grains, rust particles and other insoluble contaminants well. Therefore, it is better to protect good and expensive plumbing by installing mechanical filters for cleaning tap water at the entrance to the apartment or house.
- Among the reliable, well-proven onesManufacturers of faucets with ceramic cartridges include the following brands: Grohe, Hansa, Hansgrohe, Ideal Standard, Kludi (all Germany), Jacob Delafon (France), Roca (Spain), Oras (Finland), Gustavsberg (Sweden), Zucchetti (Italy).
- If it is important for you to regulate the amountwater used, keep in mind that advanced models are equipped with devices that allow you to limit the temperature and flow of hot water. A flow limiter is a kind of stop that does not allow the handle to be raised too high. When it is engaged, the flow rate usually does not exceed 7 l/min.
- Today in the world are very popular mixers withthermostat that maintain the water temperature automatically. According to many, such models are simpler and safer to handle. But, firstly, they are more expensive than conventional mixers, and secondly, they do not tolerate pressure drops. When the pressure difference between hot and cold water, even a working mixer may experience vibration and noise.
- There are special mixers,designed for a bath, washbasin, shower, bidet. By the way, there are also universal models with a long spout faucet serving a bath and a washbasin, but they are produced only for the Russian market. To decorate a bathroom in a single style, choose faucets from one collection.
- There are many options for installing mixers.Most products are mounted on a horizontal surface - in a hole in the sink deck (or on the sink countertop), bidet or bathtub. In addition, there are mixers that can be mounted on the wall or fixed to the floor (for a bathtub).
- It is best to choose faucets together with plumbing fixtures, especially since many manufacturers specially develop sets that match each other in design and construction.
- When purchasing faucets, immediately think about the appropriate supply lines (or rather, make your husband or the repair crew think about this).
If you value silence, choose a mixer with the lowest noise category; according to European standards ISO 3822, this is the first category.
Mixer on the edge of the bath in four holes. The Axor Citterio M (Hansgrohe) collection, new.
The elegant and dynamic look of the mixer from the new Hansgrohe Axor Citterio M collection underlines its slim, elegant spout.
Floor type bath mixer G Type V3.0 (Damixa), new.
Single lever washbasin mixer. Model Profile (Damixa), 10 500 rub.
Universal single lever mixer. Model Profile (Damixa), 12 000 rub.
High single lever basin mixer with molded spout, allowing you to make caring for it as easy as possible. The Symbol (Jacob Delafon) series, a novelty.
Touchless faucetsThese devices are driven byinto action on command of a built-in sensor (photocell) with a range of 20-30 cm. It is enough to simply put your hands under the tap - and water will flow. The water is turned off in the same way, automatically. Most often, such mixers operate on special batteries designed for several years (up to five), less often they are connected to a household electrical network (220 V, 50 Hz). Contactless devices are economical. According to the Swiss company Geberit, they allow you to save up to 80% of water. Of course, the savings are even more noticeable, the more often you use the sink.
- Grohtherm Wireless Remote Control System (Grohe). Even on the way from the bedroom to the bathroom, you can adjust the temperature and water pressure by pressing just one button.
Fashionable design
At the peak of popularity are strict lines and straight linescorners. The design of modern bath mixers is extremely diverse. Three main trends can be distinguished: classic (or retro), avant-garde and a combination of modern and classic styles.
- Classic implies all sorts of stylizationunder the old days. As a rule, such mixers are equipped with rotary regulators for the supply of hot and cold water. Their bodies are often made of brass, bronze, or even have a gold-plated and rotary valves made of porcelain or crystal. Among the characteristic series in retro style can be noted Adlon (Kludi), Azimuth (Ideal Standard), Tradition (Damixa), Fairfax (Jacob Delafon), Arabesk (Grohe), Axor Carlton (Hansgrohe). Along with the chrome finish, there are also models with a matte finish. This material does not look as elegant as shiny chrome, but it is imperceptible fingerprints. Thanks to this, the tap will have to be washed less often.
- Avant-garde.Nowadays, manufacturers are betting on products with regular geometric shapes, giving preference to strict lines and right angles; examples include the Axor Citterio and Axor Massaud collections from Hansgrohe and Soft from Zucchetti.
- Combination of classic and modern style – universal mixers that will suit almost any bathroom interior. Example – Bellagio and Aquablu (Zucchetti) collections.
Be careful! Designer faucets are very often forged. The probability of running into a fake in a store with a good reputation is extremely small. But in the construction markets this happens, and an inexperienced buyer can not always distinguish a copy from the original in design. However, sometimes it is enough to carefully consider the product. Pay attention to the quality of coverage. Check for nicks and burrs on edges. Look inside the case as far as possible, and make sure that there is electroplated coating, and not scale.
- Model with sliding body MX XXL (Kludi), 7400 rubles. This mixer allows you to wash large items in the sink.
How much is reliability?
How much does a really high quality one cost?bathroom faucet? The price can vary greatly depending on the design and construction of the model, the materials used in the body finish, the presence of additional functions (for example, a thermostat or remote control). A budget-class washbasin faucet, but from a European manufacturer, will cost 2,400 rubles, and top "designer" models can cost an order of magnitude more. Thermostatic devices mainly belong to the high price category. Among the bath faucets equipped with a thermostat, offered for 4,600 rubles, we can note the Oras Optima 7160 (Oras), Grohtherm 1000 (Grohe), Zenta (Kludi) models. A number of companies produce touchless household washbasin faucets costing 7,400 rubles. For example, Oras Electra from Oras, Axor Starck from Hansgrohe.
The new model range of mixers VitrA MOD (VitrA, Turkey) was developed by the famous English designer Ross Lovegrove. The collection is decorated in the style of “biomorphic plastics”, characteristic of Lovegrove.
Modern built-in mixer is a complex set of technical devices, which may require a lot of space for installation.
Bath faucet with separate handles of hot and cold water. Model 8650, IL Bagno Alessi Dot (Oras) series, from 32,000 rubles.
How to care?
To keep the tap always shining, it is recommended to do regular cleaningwater procedures. Experts do not recommend using abrasives and cleaning agents containing ammonia, bleaches, acids or other chemicals that can damage the chrome surface. A weak soap solution is quite suitable. After using it, rinse the mixer with clean water and then wipe dry. The editors would like to thank the chain of stores "Starik Khottabych", representative offices of Damixa, Hansgrohe, Grohe, Jacob Delafon, Duravit, Roca for their assistance in preparing the article. Read about how to choose a kitchen mixer tap here.
