How to choose a bathroom faucet: an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each type

Mounting

High-quality and correct installation is the key to durability and trouble-free operation of the device. Before proceeding with the installation of the device, it is necessary to carefully study its design, which consists of the following elements:

• mounting box;
• mixer with valves;
• outdoor part with control shower fixtures.

An integral part of a modern faucet is a thermostat, which makes it possible to maintain the selected temperature regime, regardless of the water pressure. This device can be either mechanical or electrical. A mixer powered by electric current must be powered from the mains or from a battery.

The principle of operation of the mechanical device is based on the operation of a special cartridge with synthetic wax, which mixes water in short periods of time, and when cold water is turned off, it blocks its flow. Some models have special temperature limiters that will prevent burns in children.

A distinctive feature of the built-in mixer is the possibility of mounting on a surface made of brick, concrete, foam concrete and wood. To install the mixer, it is necessary to make niches and channels for pipes of the required size with special construction tools. The manufacturer must indicate the size of the recesses in the instructions for the product. The width of modern models of built-in mixers often does not exceed 8 cm, which greatly simplifies the installation process.

When laying pipes, novice craftsmen should definitely pay attention to the fact that cold water should always flow on the right, and hot water on the left. To prevent water from entering the case or behind the wall, manufacturers have provided special seals

Mandatory work during installation - checking the installation height of the device, measuring the level of the clean floor of the room. The height of the mixer should be 20 cm higher than the height of the tallest member of the family.

The main stages of the work:

• drilling a hole of the required size;
• laying strobes for pipes;
• connection of the mixer with water supply pipes;
• installation of angular threaded elements;
• installation of a decorative panel, watering can and control levers.

To install the mixer yourself, you will need the following tools:

• Bulgarian;
• perforator;
• electric drill;
• construction hammer;
• chisel;
• spanners;
• personal protective equipment (glasses, gloves, respirator).

Material

From what material the device is made, its reliability and duration of work depend.

Stainless steel

Shows good operational characteristics, serves for a long time and looks decent. The disadvantages are only excessive massiveness and high price.

Brass

A popular option, because it combines two main advantages: excellent performance and reasonable price. Typically, such models have a decorative coating, and therefore provide the opportunity to choose a faucet that is suitable for design.

Bronze

It will cost more than brass, but it is stronger and more reliable. These appliances are not hidden under any coating, since the bronze itself looks very attractive, especially for decorating a retro bathroom.

Ceramics

Ceramics is used to design individual elements of the faucet: for example, valves, shower heads. This material is brittle and can crack and shatter upon impact, but is not cheap. Because of this, it is rarely used.

Silumin

An alloy of aluminum and silicon additives, a very porous and brittle material, moreover, it is subject to corrosion. Cheap Chinese devices are usually made from silumin. However, the savings here are doubtful: such a crane will not serve for a long time.

It is not difficult to distinguish a silumin product by weight. It will be much lighter than its counterparts.

Features, advantages and disadvantages

Floor faucets are stand-alone stationary devices without fastening parts to the font or wall. The device is mounted directly into the floor, so the laying of the pipeline must be carried out even at the stage of repair work, before laying the floor covering. When this requirement has not been met, hiding the pipes in specialized boxes that are arranged along the walls can help.

Floor mixers are becoming more and more popular due to a number of advantages.

1. Height. Since the floor device is a free-standing structure, it can be anything in height (within reason). The main condition is that when using it, it should be user-friendly. The same feature makes it possible to make the installation quite powerful and reliable, and there will be no excessive pressure on the font itself.
2. Free installation and fix. If you need to replace or repair the device, you will not need to dismantle or move the bath. This optimal location makes it possible to have unhindered access to all elements of the mixer design.
3. Area of ​​use. This device can be mounted not only in the bathroom, but also next to the outdoor pool, shower room (in the sauna and bath) or on the veranda.
4. Long service life.Buying a good faucet from well-known brands and adhering to all the installation rules, you can ensure a long service life of the product.
5. Design. Attractive, unorthodox floor mixers are available in a variety of styles. Choosing the one that will be the perfect "application" of the existing design, or even its feature, is absolutely simple.

The disadvantages of outdoor devices are associated with the material side of the issue. High-quality samples are quite expensive, and their installation will also cost a pretty penny. And of course, it should be noted that these modifications are intended mainly for large rooms, where there are conditions for installing a font in the middle. The device itself will also borrow space.

Mixers Grohe (Germany)

Traditionally considered the most durable mixers. It is not without reason that the guarantee for the company's products is 10 years, and in most cases the product serves faithfully much longer. When asked about the best bathroom faucet, any plumbing expert will give you an unequivocal answer: Grohe.

GROHE Eurosmart 32467002 basin faucet. Cost — 50 USD.

Grohe faucets are always the most stylish design combined with maximum functionality, the widest range to meet any custom needs and different bathroom styles, this is a guarantee that there will be no problems with sanitary equipment and that the original appearance will be maintained for many years.

GROHE Essence New 23541001 basin faucet. Cost — 160 USD.

Every year, the developers of Grohe mixers introduce new technologies into their products and present new design solutions.Smooth movement of the lever, the most accurate temperature control, ease of installation, saving water consumption - all these are the main characteristics of Grohe faucets. Each mixer of this company is tested for strength and durability before it hits the store shelves.

GROHE Eurodisc SE 36233000 basin faucet. Cost — 400 USD.

Of course, the characteristics of Grohe bath faucets also affect the cost of production. Elite models of mixers cost about 1000-1500 USD. However, the company also has a fairly large number of budget options, the cost of which is 50-80 dollars.

Bath faucet GROHE Grohtherm Cube 34497000. Cost — 350 USD.

Peculiarities

The faucet is something without which there can be no bathroom. And as is the case with many elements of the house, such as a light switch or a stove, it is taken with the expectation of a long use without the need for replacement or repair. In other words, "once and for all."

If so, then you need to take a mixer that will be durable, resistant to negative effects, outwardly attractive, functional and most importantly - it should be easy to use.

Each faucet must have a long warranty period so that it can be replaced if necessary.

Depending on the design of the faucet and certain functions, four types of faucets can be distinguished, each of which can stand out in its own way.

1. valve models. Considered a classic. They have the simplest design.The manufacture of a mixer with two valves requires the use of a ceramic faucet box with rotating mechanisms and two plates with holes in the body, which are responsible for supplying and shutting off water. This decision was made on the basis of past experience. If earlier the seal of the faucet-box was scrolled and because of this there was a problem of faucet leakage, now the ceramic faucet-box is devoid of such a disadvantage.

2. Single lever models. Another name for the type is ball mixers. Representatives of this type are extremely convenient and small in size. The lever-handle acts as a means of control. Free rotation of 180 degrees allows you to adjust the temperature of the water and its intensity to the desired state. Water is supplied by shifting the position of the lever from top to bottom or vice versa - each model has a different approach. Today, this type of faucet is offered either with a spherical locking mechanism or with a removable cartridge. Easy to set temperature and intensity compact model, which is equipped with a lever-handle. It freely rotates 180 degrees, which makes it possible to regulate the required temperature. To turn on the water, the lever is moved up and down. This model is very much in demand for installation in residential premises. To date, single-lever mixers are produced in two formats - with locking mechanisms in the likeness of a ball and with removable cartridges. This is the most popular model due to the fact that the regulation of the supply and shutdown of water is carried out with a single movement. You should not worry about the possibility of leakage - the chance of this problem is reduced to zero.

3. Models with thermostat. Have automatic control of temperature of water and its intensity.Such models have a thermostat inside them, which is responsible for connecting cold and hot water. You can regulate the water with two rotary knobs. Interestingly, the thermostatic faucet will prevent the user from getting under ice water or getting scalded by hot water. The main thing that this type of mixer can please is a valve that is responsible for changing the flow force in the pipeline with changes in water pressure. In short - this valve always equalizes the water pressure in both pipelines when the water flow becomes weaker or stronger.

4. Contactless mixers. Considered "know-how" of the twenty-first century. They are rarely installed in residential premises, rather in commercial ones, for example, in restaurants, bars, cafes or even airports. The water on/off sensors are powered by either of two power sources - household power or a long life lithium ion battery. The infrared sensor installed in the body of this type of faucet reacts to the movement of the hand and turns on the water flow. After a while, the water supply stops. This is convenient and allows you to save water, but there are two “buts” - a high price, as well as special requirements for water - hard water will not work in any case.

Example of a touchless faucet

The most reliable manufacturers of bathroom and kitchen faucets

To give a definitive answer to the question of how to choose a mixer, here is a list of the most popular and high-quality mixers from world-famous manufacturers.

Among Russian companies:

Sunmix Aquaton Santekhpribor

Among foreign, TOP 6 manufacturers:

• Grohe is a German company that gives the longest warranty on its products - up to 10 years. The real embodiment of German quality and convenience.
• Hansgrohe - A similar German manufacturer, focusing on small bathrooms.
• JacobDelafon is a French company that creates excellent quality designer faucets (warranty up to 5 years).
• Oras is a Finnish company focused on technical innovation and a higher level of value for money. Recommended for families with a careful attitude to plumbing.
• Roca - A manufacturer that produces real works of art at an appropriate cost. Quality and service life are not inferior to the beauty of mixers. It's just a matter of ease of use.
• Vidima is a "simple" manufacturer operating under the slogan "simple, reliable, high quality". Perfect for the average family with a strictly allocated budget and a craving for the traditional image of stanehuzl items.

Grohe Hansgrohe Oras Jacob Delafon Vidima Roca

Mixers of which company is better for you to decide. Since they are all the same in operation. And the taste and color, as they say ...

Connecting hose

One of the weak points of the faucet is the hose connecting the body and the shower head. It is here that a leak forms in the first place, and it becomes necessary to replace the part. Therefore, it is necessary to take a closer look at its properties. The hose can be:

• plastic - characterized by a long service life, but when cooled, it loses its flexibility. Therefore, if you are used to taking cool showers, be prepared to meet resistance in the face of a poorly flexed hose;
• rubber - most often has a metal braid, which eventually begins to diverge and fray rubber, which is already losing elasticity due to lime deposits;
• silicone - metallized or foil inner and outer braid protects against damage.And therefore the connector looks attractive, and at the same time it has significantly higher reliability indicators, in comparison with the previous version.

To prevent leaks at the hose connection points, select a device in which a swivel is installed - a bearing that allows the watering can to rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the hose without any damage.

Installation height of the shower faucet and correct installation of the shower tap

An important parameter when installing a faucet with a shower is the height of its installation. In this situation, the installation height of the mixer itself and the height of the showerhead are important. Usually the mixer is mounted at a height of 0.9-1.4 m from floor or from the bottom of the bath. and the height of the watering can is selected individually and depends on the height of the person.

At first, faucets were used for stationary showers, where water is supplied to the watering can through a fixed pipe. Later they began to use a flexible hose for supply. Showering just got easier. A bracket was used for fixing, and today a more convenient design is used in the form of a rod and a movable latch, and each family member can adjust the height of the watering can to suit their height.

Most often, the installation of faucets in a bathroom with a shower occurs on the wall, although installation is also used on the side of the bathroom and on the floor. The latter is possible for large bathrooms. In small apartments it is not always possible to find a place for outdoor installation. Here, built-in faucets are more common, which are removed or folded at the moment when they are not in use, which saves some space.

Shower cabins for bathrooms are becoming more and more popular.In small apartments, they are often installed instead of bathtubs, which also allows you to put a washing machine. In more spacious apartments, such booths become an additional bathroom equipment. Their faucet has a rather complex design and is installed during the assembly of shower stalls at the factory. The task of a plumber or home master comes down to supply hot and cold water and connecting the drain to the sewer.

Manufacturers

The guarantor of the quality and reliability of the mixer is the name of the manufacturer. Self-respecting brands necessarily provide a guarantee for their products, which inspires confidence. Among foreign companies it is worth highlighting:

• Grohe (Germany);
• WasserKraft (Germany);
• Jacob Delafon (France);
• Damixa (Denmark);
• Teka (Spain);
• Oras (Finland);
• Gustavsberg (Sweden).

Russian products also deserve attention. Positive reviews are collected by brands: Aquatika, Argo, Iddis, Milardo.

Products from famous brands cannot be cheap, and here, more than ever, the rule “the miser pays twice” is relevant. Therefore, it is better to spend money once and enjoy flawless performance for at least a few years than to buy a new faucet every few months.

The best concealed faucets

Built-in faucets with horizontal or vertical installation look stylish and modern, hiding all the plumbing. Although the installation of such devices is more laborious.

Kludi Bozz (38999 0576) - with vertical installation

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

89%
buyers recommend this product

Kludi Bozz is installed in the wall of the shower corner and is a single lever model without spout.To the end of the hose, you can fasten both a regular watering can and a hygienic shower (the latter just comes as standard).

The faucet body is made of chrome-plated brass. It is easy to maintain, although the mirror surface is prone to the formation of lime stains.

The faucet connection is strong and durable. The wall-mounted holder for the watering can is included in the set and does not stand out from the overall minimalist style.

Advantages:

• Ceramic cartridge;
• Hygienic watering can with a separate mechanical shutter;
• Wall holder;
• Compact dimensions - 70x80x80 mm.

Flaws:

Short hose - 120 cm.

Bozz is a versatile model that is suitable for installation in the shower or near the bidet.

Gappo Noar G1148-8 - for horizontal mounting

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

88%
buyers recommend this product

See review

This the mixer is installed on board bath and connects through 3 mounting holes: spout, shower head and faucet foot.

Despite the features of the built-in model, it is quite simple to mount it, and the flexible hose is easily hidden behind the bath screen.

The faucet is made in modern style of brass, covered with two-tone chrome: glossy and matt white. The fixed spout is equipped with an aerator and a water limiter to reduce water consumption.

Advantages:

• Easy installation;
• Economical water consumption;
• Reliable ball cartridge;
• Stylish design;
• Complete mounting kit.

Flaws:

No wall watering can holder.

Noar G1148-8 is a stylish and compact bath faucet that works silently and provides economical water consumption.

More about choosing and installing a faucet

What materials are best for faucets?

The bulk of inexpensive faucets that we see on the shelves are made from a combination of zinc and aluminum. They fail quite quickly - leaks appear in the housing and in the adjustment mechanism. A good bathroom faucet with shower should have a body made of copper-zinc alloy or, in other words, brass. And the entire "stuffing" should be made of stainless steel. The price for such a design can be "biting", but it is fully justified by the quality.

Chrome is preferred as an external coating. Also, the enamel coating has not bad characteristics, but it is quite fragile and a chip can form on it from an accidental impact. There are also designer shower faucets, which are finished using materials such as stone, wood, crystal and glass. But this is rather an exception, and such equipment cannot be found on a wide sale.

Which mixer is better, single-lever or two-valve?

The two-valve shower faucet is familiar to each of us. It has a simple and reliable design, internal water control mechanism – box crane or ball. In addition to the reliability of the design, the two-valve mixer has another advantage: any home master can fix it. To disadvantages can be the inconvenience of adjusting the water temperature.

A single lever system with a ball mechanism has appeared on our market relatively recently. Here, with one lever, both temperature and water pressure are regulated. This shower stall faucet is best suited, as the adjustment is faster, and there are fewer parts protruding from the wall. However, there may be difficulties with repairs - not everyone is familiar with structures of this type.

At what height are the faucets mounted above the bathtub and in the shower cubicle?

In general, there are mounting height standards specified in SNiP, and the numbers there are as follows:

• Sinks in bathrooms - 200 mm overboard.
• The height of the faucet in the shower cabin is 1200 mm above the finished floor or the bottom of the shower tray.
• For bathtubs - location 800 mm above the finished floor.

However, these standards today can be considered obsolete, and the installation of mixers should be carried out at the height that is convenient for you. For example, it is sometimes more convenient to wash your hair right under the tap, without using a shower head. In this case, the height of the mixer above the bath should be about 300 mm above the edge.

What are mixer taps?

Mixers can be divided into several types:

• "Tropical rain" - a large stationary watering can, with many nozzles. Installed as a wall or ceiling, only the tilt is adjustable, turning left and right is optional.
• With aeration - the design of the watering can is such that the water is saturated with oxygen when passing through the nozzle. This allows you to partially get rid of chlorine, which is often saturated in water.
• Shower head for the bathroom with economy mode - the nozzle has very small nozzles, and the water comes out of them under high pressure, but in a smaller volume.
• Illuminated - shower faucets with a watering can of this type may include the functions listed above: aeration, economy mode, etc.

How difficult is the installation of built-in faucets?

Installing a single and double lever built-in shower faucet is not much more difficult than an ordinary one. Actually, the main difference here is in preparation for installation: strobes are made in the wall not only for pipes, but also for the mixer itself. Only control levers, a gander and a shower head remain on the surface.If it is assumed that the hose from the shower will be retracted into the wall, then an additional niche will be organized for it.

At mixer installation for shower, built-in, the most important thing is to minimize the risk of leaks, since to eliminate them you will have to break the fine finish. If the installation is carried out in a concrete wall, then no additional security measures need to be taken. But if the work is being done on a false plasterboard wall, then it may make sense to fix a leakage sensor to the wall.

Which mixer brand is better to choose

Which mixer brand is better to choose in order to enjoy its “uninterrupted” operation for several years? Everyone decides for himself whether to give preference to Russian or imported goods, to facilitate the task, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the ratings based on an analysis of sales in the country and customer reviews. Among domestic manufacturers, the trust of consumers managed to win such brands as:

• "Sunlit-T" from the city of Kolpina;
• Iddis - St. Petersburg;
• "Arkon" from Tula;
• "Santarm" from Rostov-on-Don;
• "Santekhpribor" from Kazan.

The average retail price for them is 1500 rubles.

As for foreign manufacturers, among them distinguished themselves:

• German Grohe and Hansgrohe;
• French Jacob Delafon;
• Finnish Oras;
• Spanish Roca;
• Bulgarian Vidima.

Prices start from 3200 rubles and can reach more than a hundred thousand for some exclusive samples.

As always, do not forget about the guarantees of not only the manufacturer, but also the dealer or seller. Not everyone works conscientiously and provides full factory warranties to buyers. By the way, reliable manufacturers and sellers always provide services for the qualified installation of products, no matter in which locality the buyer lives.Payment for the service is billed separately. And for self-assembly, the passport of the branded unit always contains detailed and understandable instructions.

Best value for money bathroom faucets

Consider 4 faucets that have the best value for money.

WasserKRAFT Berkel 4802L single lever watering can complete chrome

WasserKRAFT Berkel 4802L is a mid-priced wall-mounted faucet that costs between 12,000 and 15,000 rubles.

A distinctive feature of the model is the body design. It is a hollow cylinder located in a horizontal plane. A spout is connected to it in front, a shower hose is connected to it in the back. There are no conventional valves. Instead, a small lever is placed on the right side of the device, which controls the pressure and temperature of the water. On the left side of the case there is a small button that switches the water supply to the shower.

The spout nozzle is made in the form of a watering can. This allows even distribution of the flowing liquid. The length of the spout is 40.6 cm. This does not impose any restrictions on the owner of the WasserKRAFT Berkel 4802L, since the design easily covers the distance from the bathtub to the sink.

The material from which the body of the model is made is nickel-plated brass. This ensures high structural reliability and long service life.

The delivery set includes a hose and a shower, as well as an independent mount for them, designed for installation on the wall.

WasserKRAFT Berkel 4802L single lever watering can complete chrome

IDDIS Vane VANSBL0i10 single lever shower head complete chrome

IDDIS Vane VANSBL0i10 is a relatively inexpensive mixer for installation on a vertical surface, which costs from 4,000 to 5,000 rubles.

Its design is more traditional than that of the previous participant in our rating - the water supply regulator and the shower switch are located in the center of the body one above the other.

Adjustment of pressure and temperature is carried out with just one lever.

Hose and watering can are included in the delivery. It also includes an independent mount that is designed to mount on a wall or other vertical surface.

The body of the device is made of brass and coated with a shiny anti-corrosion nickel coating.

IDDIS Vane VANSBL0i10 single lever shower head complete chrome

Grohe Concetto 32211001 single lever chrome

Grohe Concetto 32211001 is a relatively inexpensive bathroom faucet from a well-known European brand. Its design is similar to that of the WasserKRAFT Berkel 4802L - the body of the device is a cylinder with a water regulator at one end and a shower switch at the other.

The delivery set includes a shower hose and a watering can, as well as an independent bracket for mounting them on the wall.

Grohe Concetto 32211001 is only suitable for a bathroom where the sink has its own faucet. This is due to the length of the spout, which is only 15 cm. In addition, this part of the structure is motionless. Spouts are of two types:

• with aerator;
• with a watering can.

If desired, the spout can be changed by purchasing separately a part of a different variety.

The device can only be mounted on a wall.

Shower / spout switch - automatic. It turns on when the user picks up the shower hose.

The cost of Grohe Concetto 32211001 in Russian retail is from 6,500 to 8,000 rubles.

Grohe Concetto 32211001 single lever chrome

Lemark Luna LM4151C single lever watering can included

Lemark Luna LM4151C is a mid-range faucet from a European company. It is made of brass alloy, which is covered with a shiny anti-corrosion coating. The fixture is designed exclusively for wall mounting.

The pressure and temperature of the water is controlled by a single knob located in the upper part of the body. Below it is a manual shower/spout switch.

The delivery set includes a shower hose, a watering can and a bracket for mounting them, designed for mounting on a wall or other vertical surface.

Lemark Luna LM4151C costs from 6,500 to 7,500 rubles.

Lemark Luna LM4151C single lever watering can included

Russian

Rostov Manufactory Sanitary Ware SL122-006E chrome

pros

• modern design
• swivel spout
• nozzle-aerator
• vertical mounting

Minuses

weak pressure

From 3370 ₽

The bathtub faucet operates absolutely silently and has a long service life. The body of the model is resistant to corrosion, temperature changes and mechanical damage.

KIT Volna 755 734 SS 1 101

pros

• price
• quality materials
• watering can and wall holder included

Minuses

no aerator

From 2900 ₽

Another Russian-made model is an inexpensive but good faucet for a bathroom with a shower or a shower cabin. The device comes with a wall-mounted holder for a shower and a watering can. All components are made of chrome-plated brass.

What material are the mixer taps made of?

We note right away that silumin mixers are extremely unreliable. When pressurized or during installation, they often crack, the service life of this valve rarely exceeds a couple of years.Considering them for buying in the bathroom or in the kitchen is the worst option. To rank which mixers are now considered the best, you need to use devices made of high-quality alloys.

From what it is better to buy mixers:

Bronze and brass faucets are the most durable, they are not afraid of mineral deposits. Cases made from these metals are often nickel or chrome plated, giving them a modern look.

Stainless steel faucets are cheaper than previous devices, practical, look more modern, but are inferior in terms of durability.

Ceramic faucets - stylish and beautiful, always stand out with their original design

Disadvantages of ceramic devices - expensive and fragile, require careful handling.

Manufacturers

Hansgrohe

Hansgrohe - reliable and concise products with traditional German quality. On the market for over 100 years. The product range of the company contains hundreds of samples, among which any buyer will choose what he needs.

Pros:

• 5 years warranty;
• ergonomic design.

Minuses:

the fragility of individual elements that will have to be purchased on order and wait several weeks.

Grohe

Grohe - progressive German technology in fashion design. The consumer receives equipment that has passed rigorous quality testing, with a 10-year guarantee of uninterrupted operation.

Pros:

• there are all possible types of mixers in a variety of styles;
• high quality;
• ease of installation.

Minuses:

• lack of genuine spare parts in our market, so repairs can take a long time;
• high price.

Timo

Understanding the general economic situation and the solvency of the client, it manufactures its products in China.

Thus, their product is much cheaper than European prototypes, meanwhile, not inferior to them in quality. Variety of styles. Retro, classic with a hand shower and high-tech, matte, color and chrome finishes, complex breaks or clear lines - all this makes it possible to choose a device for any bathroom: for commercial or personal use.

Steel, brass, ceramic or silumin - choose the best

Equipping the bathroom, pay attention not only to the principle of operation, design and method of fastening the faucet. Be sure to ask the sellers what material it is made of:

• Stainless steel is the most practical and most popular option. The mixer made of steel is reliable, durable, inexpensive, looks good in any interior.
• Brass or bronze have a longer life, look stylish, but are also more expensive.
• Ceramics attracts with a variety of designs, interesting shapes. The disadvantages include fragility and high price;
• Silumin is a cheap, but the most unreliable material. The service life of a mixer of any configuration is 1-2 years.

If you need a high-quality faucet that works clearly and without failures, opt for brass or steel.