How to choose a bathroom faucet: an overview of the types and rating of the best faucets

How to choose a bathroom faucet?

When solving the problem of which faucet to buy for the bathroom, you have to deal with two types of devices - a washbasin faucet and a shower or bath faucet. These plumbing fixtures differ in purpose and shape, require different types of fastening and connection, therefore, they are often equipped with faucets of an outwardly completely different design.

Which bath faucet should I buy?

It is easier to complete a new bathroom, but during repairs you have to adapt to realities, not every type of faucet can be mounted on old-style plumbing. Be sure to study the type of water supply, select the faucet model based on the size and design of the room. Sometimes an expensive device of complex design does not look good in the interior and creates difficulties in operation.

How to choose the right bathroom faucet:

1. For the bathroom, you must definitely buy a faucet with a retractable flexible shower.
2. Wall mixers are cheaper than built-in samples and are easier to install.
3. Built-in plumbing looks aesthetically pleasing, the type of communications does not spoil the interior.
4. In acrylic bathrooms, it is easy to drill installation holes by mounting the faucet directly on board, saving the owner of the apartment from damage to expensive tiles.
5. In a small room, you can use a common swivel mixer with a long spout for a nearby washbasin and bathtub.
6. The rotary shower-spout switch is more reliable and comfortable than cork devices.
7. For bathing children, it is convenient to use thermostatic mixers with fine temperature control.

How to choose a basin faucet?

Dealing with the solution of the problem, how to choose the right faucet for the washbasin, you need to take into account a lot of nuances. You will have to study the dimensions of the sink, its depth and width, so as not to splash the floor during hygiene procedures

A washbasin faucet differs from a sink in one important detail - the height of the spout. For this room, a faucet with a small spout is suitable so that it does not interfere with brushing your teeth or washing your face.

If there is a need to fill a volume basin, then this can be done directly in the bathroom or use a shower hose.

How to choose a mixer

Type of installation:

1. Wall
2. Mounting on one or more holes.
3. Faucet for free-standing sinks.

The faucet for a freestanding basin is installed on the surface adjacent to it, while with wall mounting, the piping and faucet body are usually hidden inside the wall. Therefore, when installing a faucet for a free-standing washbasin, you can choose the position of the faucet to your liking.

To make the mixer convenient and suitable for you in terms of parameters, decide how you will use it. Faucets with an average, and preferably a high spout, are suitable for the kitchen, then it will be easy to substitute a large pot or a tall flower vase. Accordingly, the sink (sink) should be deep. In the bathroom, if in addition to washing your hands and brushing your teeth you will not use the faucet for other needs, a faucet with a low spout and a short spout is quite suitable.

How to understand which mixer is needed?

In order to determine the type of faucet for already installed plumbing, you need to pay attention to some points

First of all, it is important to consider the shape and purpose of the sink. If the bowl is shallow and you do not wash your hair, pots and rubber boots in it, you will not need a long and movable spout

Can be short and static

If the bowl is shallow, and you do not wash your hair, pots and rubber boots in it, you will not need a long and movable spout. Can be short and static

First of all, it is important to consider the shape and purpose of the sink. If the bowl is shallow and you do not wash your hair, pots and rubber boots in it, you will not need a long and movable spout

You can get by with a short and static one.

Mixers can be mounted in different ways:

• into one or more holes on the sink or countertop, if any;
• into the wall above the washbasin, if an adequate water supply is provided;
• on a special stand.

The remaining parameters depend solely on your preferences and financial capabilities. Choose the one you like and can afford.

Types of mixers and spout types

According to the control method, mixers are distinguished:

• valve - well known to the older generation. On one side of the gander is a hot water tap, on the other - cold water. It is easy to use, reliable enough, easy to repair. This is the safest option for a home with gas water heating (column);
• single grip - the most common today. Its convenience is that with one hand, using a lever, moving it horizontally and vertically, you can easily adjust both the temperature and the water pressure. Models with ceramic cartridges, which can be replaced without problems, are more popular than with a ball mechanism;
• thermostatic is a good choice for families with children and elderly parents. With the help of two regulators, you can set the optimal parameters of the water flow at the outlet so that it cannot be burned or spattered;
• portioned - an even more economical version of the previous one. In addition to the thermostat, it is equipped with a button instead of a lever or valves. When pressed, a portion of water is dispensed, which flows for a specified amount of time (for example, 7, 15, 30 seconds);
• touch - with a special built-in photo sensor. When the hands approach, it turns on, when the movement stops, the water supply stops. No grabs or cranes, all options are customizable.

The latest versions of mixers are more advanced, but they also have disadvantages: they cost an order of magnitude more expensive than valve and lever mixers, and their correct operation requires an uninterrupted supply of hot and cold water and constant energy supply.

In washbasins, the installation of classic faucets is mainly practiced: most often - with a low straight spout - "height" no more than 15 cm and no more than 20 cm long, less often - with high and long - from 25-30 cm. Along with traditional forms , original outlines and designs are gaining popularity.

Availability of additional options

A number of modifications are supplied with additional elements that provide more functionality and comfort:

1. Aerator - a special nozzle mounted on the spout of the gander. Its functions include filtration, dispersion and reduction of water consumption, its enrichment with oxygen. Can be fixed or swivel. The latter helps to regulate the direction of flow. It comes with almost all modern models.
2. The pull-out spout was originally designed to make it easier to wash fruits and vegetables in the kitchen sink. Its tip is extended due to a hidden flexible hose, which allows you to direct the water jet to a specific place on the sink or beyond it.
3. Shower head - connected to the faucet with a movable metal hose and attached to the wall next to the sink or toilet. By turning it on by pressing a special button, you can wash a small dog in the sink or solve a hygiene problem if there is no bidet in the bathroom.

How to navigate design?

It is desirable that the mixer is in harmony not only with the rest of the metal objects in the bathroom, but also:

• duplicated the outlines of the sink (rounded or straight);
• fit into the overall concept.For example, bronze-coated specimens are suitable for retro style, chrome-plated cascading touch models are suitable for high-tech.

What is the length of the faucet spout

What are spouts (ganders) for faucets? What should you pay attention to when choosing? What materials are modern faucets made of? What is the length of the faucet spout, its height and width? We have tried our best to answer these and other questions.

Types of spouts

First of all, there are static and rotary models. Devices of the first type are stationary. On the one hand, this is not very convenient, on the other hand, such structures are more durable. Such ganders are usually installed in cases where it is not necessary to operate the tap at the same time for both the sink and the water supply to the bath.

If there is such a need, use a swivel spout for the mixer. What it is? Such models can be moved along a certain trajectory due to the presence of a movable mechanism. The downside is that this particular structural element is a weak link that reduces the life of the crane.

Depending on the method of production, spouts are:

• tubular;
• soldered;
• cast.

Tubular

These ganders are the most sought after due to their affordable cost. They are made by bending metal tubes. At the end, which is attached to the body, there are grooves. They put a split plastic ring with two rubber bands.

It acts as a stop for the union nut. Rubber bands seal the connection, limiting "unauthorized" water movement. In some versions, they are not limited to one ring, adding a thin plastic gasket, although this does not make much sense.

The other end of the tube is threaded for an aerator.

soldered

The advantage of these spouts compared to tubular spouts is the variety of shapes, but they are more expensive. A plastic ring with rubber bands is put on the nipple here.

The latter is screwed into the body, after which a crane is inserted into it and fastened with a nut or screw. Nuts for the nipple and aerator are soldered into the ends of the product.

Unlike the production of tubular models, the metal blank is not only bent, but also inflated. Thus, ganders with an uneven diameter are obtained.

cast

This is the most expensive option. The body is cast as a monolith, threads for the aerator and nipple are cut at the ends. Such structures are easily distinguished by solid gravity. Such stopcocks are made of brass LS-59.

Brazed and tubular products are produced either from cheaper brass or from metal alloys, which are much inferior in their physical and technical characteristics. Chrome is most often used as a coating, expensive models can be finished with exquisite decorative materials.

Popular brands: Jacob Delafon, Blanco, Hansgrohe, IDDIS, Lemark, Grohe.

main parameters

Choosing spout for your faucet, be sure to take into account parameters such as height and length. The ease of use directly depends on them.

The height of the faucet spout is an indicator that displays the shortest distance between the base of the body and the hole from which water comes out.

Low (up to 15 cm) and medium (15-25 cm) faucets are preferable in cases where the sink is used exclusively for washing and brushing your teeth. They go well with shallow and flat bowls.

The length of the faucet spout is the total distance between the extreme points of the product. This parameter can range from 3.2 to 51 cm. A long tap is appropriate if there is a wide sink.

When a powerful jet constantly hits the walls of the washbasin, plaque will quickly form on them. Ideally, it should fall exactly on the drain valve.

With a short gander, on the contrary, a narrow shell is preferable.

spout selection

The answer to the question of how to choose the spout length of a basin faucet depends largely on where the device is installed. In the kitchen, it is preferable to use high taps to increase the space for washing dishes.

If you need a universal model for washbasin and bathtub, get a long swivel gooseneck. If the product is going to be used only for the sink, take a fixed short spout, installing it directly on the bowl.

You can do the same with the bath faucet.

Attention should be paid to the installation of the mixer

If you want originality, you can purchase a cascade-shaped gander. Its main difference from classic tubular faucets is a flat and wide spout.

Thanks to this design, filling the most capacious bath takes a matter of minutes. But such spouts are much more expensive than traditional ones.

Interesting models: Hansgrohe Axor Massaud 18453000, Grohe Grohtherm Cube 34497000, Jacob Delafon Toobi E8963-BN.

Mounting methods

Mixers can be installed on the wall or on the side of the bath. Traditionally, we have them mounted on the wall. Previously, the laying of pipes was open, today they are hidden in the walls.

The traditional way of mounting the faucet in the bathroom - on the wall

Faucets are rarely placed on board the bathtub.It’s very unusual for now, and you can’t put it on a steel and cast-iron bath - there are no holes for this, and cutting them without professional equipment is unrealistic. Acrylic bathtubs are optimal for installing this type of equipment: holes are cut in their sides without problems.

Installing a mixer on board a bathtub is a new installation method in our country

For this method of installation, there are even special mixers, consisting of several separate parts - the handles and the spout are installed separately.

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 faucet is installed on the side of the bath and connected through 3 mounting holes: for 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.

What materials are mixers made of?

Truly high-quality faucets are made from brass - a material that is a copper-based alloy. It accounts for up to 60%. Usually zinc is added to copper, metals such as:

• lead;
• manganese;
• nickel;
• iron;
• tin;
• aluminum.

Brass is resistant to constant exposure to water and is safe for the human body. There is one thing - before buying it is worth asking about the content of lead. The norm assumes 2.0-2.5%, however, some manufacturers increase the presence of plumbum to 5-6%. It is not dangerous for health, but problems may arise during the operation of the mixer. The risk of "hot" cracks, leading to leaks or even bursting of the tap, increases.

What are sink and shower faucets made of besides brass? Chinese models are most often made from Zamak (in our country, this composition is better known as TsAM). Its basis is zinc alloyed with aluminum, copper and magnesium.This material costs much less, thanks to which manufacturers can set low prices for the final product. But in terms of reliability and durability, Zamak is significantly inferior. Additives that are added to tap water corrode the faucet body relatively quickly.

As a result, leaks are formed that will need to be eliminated. Usually, parts that are not in constant contact with water, such as handles, are made from TsAM. This alone allows you to seriously reduce the cost of the mixer without losing quality.

How to check - brass or Zamak?

It is not always possible to be sure that the model is made of brass. Some unscrupulous manufacturers "improve" the quality of their product by providing false information about its composition. Faucets made from Zamak tend to be whiter and have a rougher surface. In addition, they are much lighter, although not in all cases. Cunning counterfeiters sometimes put a metal ball inside for weighting, so it’s better not to focus on weight.

In general, the original bath, shower or kitchen sink faucet from a well-known brand contains an engraved or lasered logo. On fakes, there is no such sign, since its application is too expensive and deprives the fraud of any meaning.

Spraying

The answer to the question of what mixers are made of will be incomplete if we do not mention the spraying of the body and tap. The surface of the device can be coated with almost any material, including:

• chrome (Grohe Euroeco 32734000, Lemark Pramen LM3306C);
• copper (Migliore Princeton ML.PRN-802 Ra, Edelform Mollis ML1812C);
• bronze (Lemark Vintage LM2806B, Elghansa Retro 2702754);
• gold (Cezares Elite LSM1-03/24-Bi, Migliore Prestige ML.PRS-744).

The quality of the coating plays an important role in the issue of durability. Most often, chrome is used, giving the mixer a modern look. If you are more interested in the noble "old", check out the models covered with gilding, bronze or copper. The surface of the product must be as smooth as possible. If, as a result of the inspection, bumps, sagging, or even color heterogeneity is simply observed, it is better to refrain from buying.

Spouts - which are most convenient for bath and shower faucets

The most popular model of bathroom faucets is with a long spout. In the case when the bathroom and the washbasin are close to each other, installation of an additional faucet above the sink is not required. A swivel spout saves money during the installation of devices, but requires additional investments during operation. Frequent turning manipulations lead to a loosening of the connection between the spout and the faucet

When buying a mixer with a swivel spout, pay attention to the angle of movement of the device and the length of the tap. Optimal option over 30 cm with a wide range

Short spouts appeared in bathrooms later than long spouts, but managed to occupy their niche. The main advantage of such models is the small area of ​​the required space and the possibility of installation directly on the edge of the bath. In small rooms, a short spout of the mixer will come in handy.

The choice of the length of the tap depends on the location of the washbasin and bathroom, on the footage of the room itself, on the planned installation location of the faucet.

Spouts which are most convenient for kitchen faucets

Depending on the location above the sink, there are:

The size of the spout depends on the depth of the sink, the greater the depth, the higher the bending of the spout is allowed. When a jet falls from a great height, water will be sprayed, respectively, for shallow sinks, which, theoretically, are intended for cranes of great height, they will not work at all. When using devices with a low spout, there is a problem when filling dishes with a significant volume of water.

They tried to solve this problem by developing several options for spouts with variable geometry. The most popular are telescopic.

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They consist of several tubes held together with permeable joints. Their main drawback is the unreliability of the design, a large number of hinges and gaskets. The more connections, the more likely there is a leak somewhere.

The next type is retractable. They are like a shower handle in a bathroom. A flexible hose up to 1-1.5 m deep is hidden inside a decorative short tap.

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This type of mixer is almost universal. Some models have an additional control, which is equipped with a retractable element, this gives additional water savings.

When choosing such devices, it is necessary to pay attention to the material of the decorative faucet, in particular to the place where the retractable head is attached to the socket of the decorative spout. Many cheap models are made of plastic, which breaks down quickly.A budget, but high-quality option can be a faucet with a movable flexible spout on an elastic holder

A budget, but high-quality option can be a faucet with a movable flexible spout on an elastic holder.

data-src=/images/santehnika/kak-vybrat-smesitel-dlya-kukhni/podvizhnui-izliv.jpg class=aligncenter alt="Kitchen faucet with movable spout" width=800 height=350 />

They are very functional and reliable, but their design is not suitable for every kitchen interior.

What material is better?

Brass - the best option in terms of price and quality - an alloy of copper (at least 60%) and zinc, resistant to corrosion. Cases are made from it in high-quality mixers - reliable, airtight, easy to process, corresponding to sanitary standards.

TsAM or ZAMAK is a compound of zinc (93-95%), aluminum (4%), copper and magnesium (1-3%). It is less durable and airtight, but most importantly, it quickly collapses upon contact with tap water, especially chlorinated water.

Silumin - aluminum with the addition of silicon (4-22%) - like ZAMAK is actively promoted by Chinese manufacturers. Mixers from it are cheap, but very fragile and short-lived.

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, carbon and chromium, a material that has been proven over the years. Products made from it are durable, wear-resistant, do not fade over time and do not need additional coating and special care.

Some parts of mixers can be made of plastic or ceramics.

Summing up

After analyzing the data provided, we can draw certain conclusions about which faucet to choose for a bathroom with a shower.

For middle-class consumers, the most optimal in terms of quality and price category is a single-lever mixer.The shower-spout switching mechanism is built-in cartridge.

Devices with a crane-box principle of operation, using an eccentric as a switch, are not only obsolete, but also have a short service life.

Thermostats are the future. As soon as the price of programmable faucets drops, their sales will skyrocket.