Bathroom sink faucets: device, types, choice + popular models

Tips

The characteristics of the mixer completely depend on the design of the sink. When choosing a sink, think carefully about how you will use it:

• for washing hands, brushing teeth and washing, a miniature model is suitable, respectively, and the tap will be small, with a short and low spout or a cascade type;
• if, in addition to hygiene procedures, you are going to wash your head, dog paws or something voluminous, choose a bowl wider and deeper. The mixer, of course, will also be taller and longer.

Match all parameters of the sink with the parameters of the faucet. When installed, the jet or cascade of water must fall to the bottom and not to the walls of the bowl, next to or directly into the drain hole. The rotary aerator will allow you to change the angle of inclination of the water and reduce the dependence of the faucet parameters on the shape and depth of the sink.

A good option would be to buy both a sink and a faucet at the same time, and an ideal one is a set of one line from one manufacturer, where everything is already combined and selected for you.

Both products should not only be in harmony with each other, but also fit into the overall interior of the bathroom.

The presence of a washbasin significantly increases the level of comfort in the bathroom and prolongs the life of the bath, relieving it of the daily additional “load”. And the right faucet will get rid of puddles and splashes on nearby surfaces and your clothes.

Peculiarities

The mixer is designed not only for water supply, but also for mixing hot and cold pressure. Today, choosing a specific mixer is not a problem, since there are cascade, wall-mounted and even touch options on sale. In addition, the plumbing market is ready to offer consumers not only a range of faucets, but also sinks and sinks. All that is required from the user is just to install the purchased model, which is not so difficult.

All models have the following features:

• technical data;
• cost;
• the material from which they are made;
• registration;
• functional features;
• innovative options.

In order to understand which choice will be the best, how to make it right, how to assemble and install, you need to familiarize yourself with a certain amount of information.

You will need to familiarize yourself with several criteria:

• reliability of the material;
• model differences;
• characteristic features;
• merits and demerits.

Types of bathroom faucets by connection type

Despite the similarity in their purpose, faucets are distinguished by the material from which they are made, the method of attachment in the bathroom and, of course, by their appearance. Depending on the design, the following types of bathroom faucets are distinguished:

• wall-mounted outdoor - mounted on pipes protruding from the wall;

• wall-mounted internal - the body is recessed into the wall, and the visible part is limited only to the rotary levers and the gander;

• mortise - mounted in the body of the sink or bathtub, while the shower hose can be retractable;

• floor - as the name implies, mounted on the floor of the bathroom.

Important! Before buying any type of bathroom faucet, you should decide on its design, and already make water distribution under it.

Wall-mounted outdoor mixers

The design of modern faucets is much more interesting than those that were installed in the baths of Soviet new buildings. In addition to the appearance, there was also a choice of the type of water flow control. There are only two of them:

• with rotary valve;

• with control lever.

For the installation of a standard horizontal mixer, piping is preliminarily made. Pipes can be hidden in the wall or in a protective box. The distance between the hot and cold water outlets is set to standard. If the purchased mixer has a different distance between the axes, then adapters for installation are included with it.

Among all types of wall-mounted bath and shower faucets, you can find the option that will best match the theme of your bathroom interior.The square shape of the faucet will fit perfectly into a modern or classic interior, and the presence of a lever as a control element and a flat shape of the body will be relevant in high-tech style.

Important! If the main selection criterion for you is cost, then mixers with rotary handles will be a clear favorite in this parameter. This is due to a more complex control system for lever-type models.

At the same time, the level of reliability of mixers with a lever will be much higher.

Both of these types of faucet can be equipped with shower hoses with a watering can. And by removing the faucet spout and connecting a faucet with three control modes and a long flexible hose in its place, you can make the faucet more versatile.

Such a three-mode faucet will be very relevant in small bathrooms, where every centimeter of space is important (a swivel spout allows you to use one faucet for both the bathroom and the sink).

Interior wall faucets

Types of bathroom faucets with a shower (photo above), which are built into the wall, require more complex installation, although they look very impressive. After their installation, only the control element and the gander protrude from the wall.

Important! Built-in mixer type allows you to place controls separately. For example, a water flow regulator is placed at waist level, and a shower head is mounted higher, which does not interfere with hiding all the pipes behind the wall.

Built-in faucets offer a more complicated procedure for replacing the cartridge in the event of a breakdown

Therefore, choosing a mixer of this type, pay attention to the quality of the product. Ceramic cartridges are considered the most durable.

Inset bathroom faucets

Equally popular are mortise types of bath faucets.Some of them can be mounted directly on the sink, in the hole allocated for this purpose. Similar mixers are also built into the countertop with two separate sinks.

Mortise faucets are distinguished by a wide variety of design solutions and can be installed in any bathroom where this type of connection is provided.

Floor types of mixers

Among all types of mixers for bathroom floor standing are the least popular. Their use is justified in interiors with the appropriate style (for example, high-tech). The faucet stand is fixed to the floor, and a long tap is directed to the bathroom. Installation of such a mixer involves laying hidden wiring under the bathroom floor. A variety of floor mixers allows you to implement the most daring design ideas.

Read the material on the topic: Wholesale faucets: a profitable offer for your business

Manufacturer rating

• Grohe is the global market leader in sanitary ware, offering German quality at affordable prices;
• DAMIXA is a Danish manufacturer offering a unique quality, recognizable style of its faucets and a 5-year warranty, a function of reduced water consumption;
• WasserKRAFT - the company manufactures faucets that meet international standards and customer expectations;
• ORAS is a Finnish company that manufactures sanitary ware that combines stylish design, modern electronics, the latest alloys and materials;
• Hansgrohe is a German manufacturer that provides a wide range of economical, innovative, stylish and quality faucets in the medium to high price range.

Depending on the materials of the product itself, its coating, type and purpose, all accessories are divided into several main categories. They will be discussed below.

Where could I buy

The best place to purchase a faucet would be a major plumbing or hardware store. It is possible to order the device via the Internet from the following sellers (the links lead directly to the mixers - open and choose):

• Baucenter - there are both familiar wall-mounted and built-in options;
• All Tools - 329 items of different types;
• Leroy Merlin - different types of models are available.

Just do not be tempted by cheap products from the markets. Most often, these are low-quality goods from the Middle Kingdom or fakes for brands. In any case, all accompanying documentation must be requested.

The main types of sink faucets and which are better

Mixers are of different types. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

single lever

Such designs are easy to use and maintain, so they are suitable for frequent use. On such a mixer there is one lever that performs several functions at once.

If you turn it to the right or left, the mixer will change the intensity of the pressure. But if you turn the tap forward or backward, it will change the temperature of the water.

Advantages:

• long service life (at least 10 years);
• ease of use;
• the ability to make repairs yourself;
• the required temperature is set quickly;
• reasonable price - starts from 3 thousand.

The main disadvantage of such mixers is the need to regularly change the sealing rings: at least once every two years.

Double valve

The crane is represented by a pair of crane boxes located in one housing.One of them is responsible for adjusting the power of the water flow, and the other for the temperature.

Advantages:

• setting the water temperature is quick and convenient;
• the design serves a long time, up to 10 years.

The disadvantages of using the described tap include the need to use two valves at once to adjust the pressure and temperature.

Sensory

A feature of sensor mixers is the absence of additional devices on the structure, such as a lever, valve or handle. Instead of all these devices, infrared sensors, photocells are installed in the crane. It is possible to set additional parameters (water temperature; distance to the tap at which water is supplied; time frame: when the water starts to flow and when it stops).

Advantages:

• ease of use - that is why such structures are most often installed in public places;
• with the use of sensor mixers, the need to constantly change valves has disappeared;
• saving water - it flows only if the hands are directly near the tap;
• hygiene - in such models it is not necessary to touch the mixing structure, which means that there is no risk of transferring pathogenic bacteria and infections;
• safety - you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn off the faucet;
• ease of use - the desired water temperature is set once and remains unchanged;
• The design is suitable for many modern interiors.

Flaws:

• not suitable for installation in the kitchen, since the water is supplied at the same temperature, and the kitchen needs both cold and hot water;
• there is no way to fill the sink with water - sometimes you need to draw a full sink of water, this cannot be done with a sensor tap.

with thermostat

Such designs are distinguished by a unique water regulation system. This feature is most relevant for families with small children.

Advantages:

• ease of use - just set the water supply parameters once, then just press the button or turn the lever to supply water;
• safety - you are protected from sudden changes in water temperature;
• efficiency - excess water is not consumed due to the fact that water of the desired temperature immediately flows;
• stable parameters - the temperature and pressure of water are constantly maintained.

Flaws:

• high price of the product;
• with a weak pressure of water, the faucet with a thermostat does not work;
• repair is difficult.

Photo 1. If you have a thermostat, you can adjust the water temperature to the nearest degree and in the future it will remain unchanged until it becomes necessary to change it.

Which mixer to choose

Recommendations for choosing a mixer are most valuable when pointing to specific examples:

1. It is obvious that for washing it is better to buy a device with 1 lever, since with dirty hands it will be possible to open / close the water even with your elbow. There is also no doubt that if there were two bowls, the spout for the operation of both containers must be swivel.

2. A high gander is suitable for deep washing.

3. Using a spout with a retractable watering can is much more convenient than without it - if necessary, you can always rinse the bowl or fill the bucket.

4. Models with filtration systems are distinguished by practicality, supplying ordinary and drinking water to choose from.

5.For small sinks, short appliances are suitable - up to 15 cm, and for overall ones - long ones (from 30 cm). In order to avoid burns, especially if there are small children in the family, it is better to install products with a thermostat.

6. For a bath with a shower, you need to buy a mixer with a short “nose” - the risk of injury is reduced.

7. If the bathtub and the washbasin are nearby, it is advisable to install a universal system with a long gooseneck.

8. For lovers of long bathing, built-in models that are mounted on the side are preferable.

9. In order to save money, it is recommended not to buy a bidet, but to purchase a special hygienic shower for the toilet.

You also need to know that regardless of the purpose, the highest quality devices are equipped with a ceramic cartridge.

How to choose a faucet for a sink by design

In order for the faucet to harmonize with the sink, become one whole composition with it, complement and decorate it, you should follow some rules.

The simplest solution is to buy a faucet and sink from the same manufacturer and from the same collection. But this is not always possible, and the proposed ensembles are not always to your taste. In this case, you should listen to the recommendations.

Choose a faucet to match your bathroom sink

1. Harmony of outlines. The shapes of the sink should be duplicated in the mixer (rounded, angular).
2. Consistency of style. The retro style of the faucet will not look in any way with the high-tech style sink and vice versa.
3. Convenience. For small sinks, the faucet should be chosen with a small L-shaped spout, otherwise the water will splash onto the walls and floor.

Advice.The sink faucet should fit into the overall concept of the bathroom, match the style with other faucets and other plumbing fixtures.

The variety of bathroom sink faucets is amazing, but choosing the right faucet can be tricky. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account many factors and consider all types of mixers for reliable, safe and durable operation. This is the only way to create a unique bathroom interior, where the faucet plays an important role.

View overview

Currently, in plumbing specialized stores you can see a wide variety of different spouts. There are several main classifications of such plumbing.

Mobility

In this category, this plumbing is divided into two types: stationary and rotary models. All samples that are too short and immobile are referred to as short spouts. The swivel type makes it easy to direct the water flow in the right direction. Such devices are considered a universal option that can be suitable for both the bathroom and the kitchen.

By location relative to the body

All spouts with faucet boxes mounted on sinks are placed slightly above the handle for switching hot and cold water. These cartridge devices and samples, which are intended for installation on a wall covering, are usually placed under the water switch.

By the presence of an aerator

This classification of plumbing includes models with an aerator (a nozzle that allows you to evenly supply water flows). Products without aerators are quite rare. An aerator can be made in such a way as to supply water with a constant flow.And also there are models in which this element can supply water with adjustment of the area, pressure or shape.

By section shape

Depending on the cross-sectional shape, plumbing spouts can be divided into oval or round devices. These types are the most common. But you can also find narrow rectangular devices that provide a cascade water supply. Rectangular models are most often used for installation in an avant-garde or high-tech style bathroom. Spouts can also differ in cross-sectional area.

By production method

This classification includes several solutions.

• Tubular. The first option is considered the most budgetary and therefore the most popular among consumers. Tubular plumbing models are made by bending metal tubes. At their end, which will be attached to the tap, small grooves are made. Special rings made of plastic with two parts in the form of rubber bands are inserted into them. These parts are designed to make a support for the union nut.
• Brazed spouts are distinguished by a wide variety of shapes. Their price will be much higher compared to the previous version. Such samples for taps also have a special ring with rubber bands, but at the same time it is superimposed on the nipple, which is inserted into the body with a nut.
• Cast. Cast models are the most expensive option. They are cast as a monolith. At their ends, threads are made for the aerator and nipple. Such products are made from high-quality brass, so they have a significant mass. During manufacture, they are coated with a special coating (most often with chrome).

Which mixer brand is better to choose

To understand which mixers are better, it is important to pay attention to the brand.Reputation, country of production, level of reliability, all this can be an indicator that plumbing is worthy of attention. Taking into account the recommendations of professionals, the statistics of repairmen, user reviews, the best manufacturers of faucets were identified:

Taking into account the recommendations of professionals, the statistics of repairmen, user reviews, the best manufacturers of faucets were identified:

• Grohe is a German company with a wide range of products in the field of design and construction. This is a recognized world leader, all devices have a long warranty of service, functionality, and meet the most stringent European standards. The latest models can be self-repaired, access to parts is simplified.
• Iddis is a Russian trademark founded in 2004 by SKL LLC. The range includes various products for the bathroom, plumbing is thought out to the smallest detail. Each unit of goods meets quality standards. Faucets are easy to install, operate, have an ergonomic design, inexpensive cost.
• Hansgrohe is a German company that has been manufacturing plumbing fixtures since 1901. Now it is difficult to find products that could compete with this brand in terms of durability, functionality, and reliability. For the latest models, the manufacturer gives a 5-year warranty, but in reality they last for decades.
• Rostov Sanitary Ware Manufactory is a well-known domestic manufacturer of sanitary ware in the market of the former CIS countries. Each manufactured unit of products complies with ISO 9001-2011, GOST standards, has a 5-year warranty. Several times the company gets into the rating of "100 Best Goods of Russia".
• Vidima is a trademark owned by the well-known European company Ideal Standard International. The popularity of the brand is associated with inexpensive prices along with good quality. The latest technologies in production simplify the process of manufacturing sanitary ware. Mixers guarantee uniform, silent water supply, a large angle of rotation.
• Gappo is a subsidiary brand of the famous Chinese company Frap. Plumbing has appeared on the market of the countries of the former CIS since 2002. Factories use constantly improving technologies and equipment. Each model includes the highest quality components, complies with UL (America), CE (Europe), IS0 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.
• Lemark is a Czech company that is well known on the Russian market. In its assortment you can see good shower sets, faucets for the bathroom, shower, single-lever, two-valve, portioned, sensory kitchens. Components for them are supplied from Germany, Spain, Europe.
• Kaiser is a trademark owned by the German company OLAN-Haushaltsgerate. A wide range includes large, small household appliances, plumbing. Production facilities are also located in China under the guidance of European specialists, each unit is tested and certified before being released for sale.
• WasserKraft is a German company that has been manufacturing sanitary ware, shower systems, and bathroom accessories since 2004. Distinctive characteristics of products - environmental friendliness, impeccable design and quality, innovation.
• Paulmark is a German brand specializing in the manufacture of high quality faucets, components and accessories. Before entering the market, products pass European, Russian certification.Eco-friendly materials are used in production, products are safe for health.
• Frap is a Chinese manufacturer that has been supplying sanitary ware to the domestic market since 2002. He announced that he was ready to provide the world with inexpensive analogues of branded world mixers that are not inferior to them in quality. All production is factory, it guarantees its reliability. This manufacturer also produces other product lines - Ledeme and Gappo.

Switching mechanism “spout - shower”

The mechanism for switching between spout and shower is:

• push-button - to switch the flow, you must press the button or raise it. Such a system quickly becomes unusable due to the weakening of the spring and valve wear;
• lever - the mode is adjusted by turning the switch by 90 - 120 ℃. This is a fairly reliable mechanism, but in the event of a failure, it is difficult to find a compatible element;
• ball - to turn on the shower, turn the handle 180 ℃. This is a quality construction that lasts a long time. But in the event of a breakdown, it is impossible to repair it - you will have to change the mixer.

Types of sensor mixers.

In the house, depending on the area of ​​​​application, different models of mixers are installed. For the kitchen, we install a faucet with lever and touch control, as we need constant adjustment of the water temperature. Such a mixer is equipped with a valve or levers.
The package may include an aerator, but a watering can and a retractable spout are not included with inexpensive models.
 
The latest models of kitchen faucets are a modern multifunctional device that can be turned on and off with a button or from a touch panel, equipped with aerator or timer to save water, and also have a pull-out spout for a pot or kettle.
 

In the bathroom, you can install contactless products for the washbasin and a sensory shower. To turn on the water supply, you must be in the working area of ​​the sensor, which can be configured using the remote control. Sensor showers have an undeniable advantage in saving water consumption. The delivery set includes a touch panel with a built-in sensor. If quite recently sensor mixers were considered an expensive purchase, now a sensor mixer can be found from 9,000 rubles. But the best choice is of course value for money. Sensor mixers differ among themselves in the type of sensors that work on photocells and on infrared rays. The latter have a significant “plus”, since they do not require special distance calibration during installation. This becomes possible due to the absence of dependence on the distance of the object. The faucets run on a 9V series lithium battery with a two-year lifespan. It is able to cycle water on and off about 4000 times. Usually the battery is sold complete with a mixer.

Benefits of sensor mixers

• Using a touch mixer allows you not to think about whether you have turned off the tap. Setting an acceptable temperature saves you from having to constantly mix cold and hot water.
• If there are small children in the house, you will not be worried about how the child does not get burned.
• And of course, it saves water.

materials

The durability of the use of mixers largely depends on the quality of the material from which they are made, so it is important to pay special attention to this indicator. For example, many people go for cheap silumin body faucets because they look nice and are affordable, but other than aesthetics, there are no other advantages to such products. These are economy-class faucets, made in China, they serve a very short time.

These are economy-class faucets, made in China, they serve a very short period of time.

Silumin is an alloy made from aluminum and silicon. It is characterized by instability to oxygen corrosion, brittleness and lack of ductility. Therefore, silumin taps do not withstand high pressure and require repairs a year after installation, which is difficult to perform.

In addition, bath faucets made of other materials can be found on sale.

Brass. Mixers are additionally coated with a layer of chromium, which increases their wear resistance and service life. Due to the brass coating, it is outwardly difficult to distinguish brass taps from silumin and steel ones. The only thing is that the latter have a lot of weight.

How the design of the mixer affects the right choice of device

There are three main reasons why you need to know the distinctive features of a particular type of mixer design:

• when buying a new device, the correct model selection will be made;

• competent installation (especially if you are going to install the mixer yourself);

• proper care.

There are many designs of faucet bodies, and you can choose based on how the water is mixed. But there can be only two ways to connect the device:

• desktop, in which the nozzles are installed vertically and hidden behind the sink;

• wall-mounted, which is used for mounting appliances in the bathroom.

It is not enough to know everything about the design of mixers of various models in order to choose the right device. You also need to understand that only high-quality plumbing will be easy to use and will not cause you trouble during the entire period of operation. High-quality plumbing fixtures and consumables can only be found from trusted sellers who have been working on the market for a long time and have earned a good reputation.