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

Modern sink faucets in the bathroom combine functionality, practicality and style. They are represented by a wide range.

In this material we will talk about such significant parameters that affect the choice of plumbing fixtures, such as: device, form of execution, dislocation of the tap, dimensions of the spout, material of manufacture, design.

Variety of design solutions

The key parameter for choosing a mixer is the device and the principle of operation. The type of water mixing partly determines the cost, convenience and reliability of the appliance. Its practicality lies in the on / off speed, ease of setting the pressure and water temperature, as well as the ability to replace broken parts.

Two-valve mixer - a classic of the genre

The traditional design with two side vents is still in demand. Adjustment of water supply is carried out due to a pair of flywheels - crane-boxes.

A hot stream is mixed with a cold stream in the body, and a warm stream is fed out through the gander. A mesh filter is provided at the end of the spout to prevent water splashing.

Scheme of the device: 1 - the case with three holes-sockets, 2 - spout, 3 - crane boxes, 4 - decorative flywheels, 5 - screws for fixing the “wing”, 6 - protective caps

In two-valve cranes two types of crane-boxes are used:

1. Worm-type locking elements. The rotation of the flywheel causes the piston to act on the rubber gasket, which locks or opens the hole. The rubber or silicone liner wears out and needs to be replaced over time.
2. Ceramic axle boxes. The basis of the locking element is a ceramic plate with holes for supplying water. When the crane turns, the plate unfolds, the hole is combined with the "water" channel. The larger the clearance area, the greater the volume of water supplied.

In ceramic models, the rotation of the flywheel is limited. The maximum turning angle is 90-180 °, which is significantly less than in mixers with a worm-type modification of the axle box.

Designations in the figure: 1 - worm type crane-axle box, 2 - half-turn crane with ceramic fittings. The main advantages of a two-valve mixer: body strength, interchangeability of parts and affordable cost

The main advantages of a two-valve mixer: the strength of the body, the interchangeability of parts and affordable cost. Their weaknesses are the need to insist on the temperature regime each time, a more frequent failure in comparison with other products.

Convenience of operation of a single lever device

Single-grip models are in high demand due to the ease of control - the intensity of the water flow and temperature are regulated by moving a single lever in two multidirectional planes.

A feature of the internal mechanism is the presence of two spherical surfaces. Their combination allows you to adjust the flow of water: vertical movement - pressure, horizontal - temperature

There are two types of switching mechanisms:

• disk (stock);
• ball.

Disc cartridge. Replaceable mechanism with ceramic rotary discs. The work is based on the mutual movement of ceramic plates with cutouts. Depending on the number of plates, two- and three-disk cartridges are distinguished.

In a double-disc mixer, the upper plate is fixed to the control rod, the lower one is rigidly fixed in the cartridge case.

With the rotation of the handle, the disks are displaced, the holes fully or partially coincide - the liquid is mixed. The head is regulated by moving the upper element

In three-disk cartridges, the middle plate is movable. Valves are suitable for low pressure water systems. Water is mixed in the valve body, and not between the plates, due to which the resistance inside the mixer is reduced.

Advantages of taps with disk cartridges:

• maintainability - enough to restore performance replace internal gear;
• an increase in the channel of cold water is proportional to a decrease in the flow of hot water - this ensures the efficient use of water resources;
• ease of management.

The disadvantage of a ceramic cartridge is its vulnerability to harsh polluted water. For their use, it is desirable to install a prefilter.

Ball mechanism. The regulator is made in the form of a hollow ball of metal. Three holes are provided inside: two - side channels for water supply, one - for the exit of the mixed stream.

Depending on the position of the lever in the horizontal plane, the gap for water to enter the mixing chamber changes. The necessary seal is provided by spring-loaded fluoroplastic inserts

Since the mixing of water flows occurs inside a metal ball, scale forms on it - one of the causes of breakdown of the mixer.

We also recommend that you read the article in which we described in detail the most common causes of breakdowns of ball mixers and how to eliminate them. Read more - read Further.

Additional disadvantages of the spherical mechanism:

• low maintainability;
• quick wear of gaskets.

Such a device is resistant to pressure drops, water hammer, and also less demanding on the quality of tap water.

More information on single lever mixer models can be found in this stuff.

Thermostat safety

Devices with a thermostat ensure the stability of the temperature of the supplied water.Outwardly, they resemble a traditional model - the case is equipped with two adjustment knobs, an inlet and a spout. All technical differences are hidden inside.

Thermostatic product device: 1 - water pressure control head, 2 - temperature setting lock, 3 - temperature controller, 4 - ceramic cartridge, 5 - “smart” mechanism - thermostat

The heart of the mixer is a heat-sensitive element, which changes its size under the influence of temperature and regulates the volume of the hot mix. It is enough to adjust the necessary parameters once, and the thermostat takes care of the subsequent adjustment.

Advantages of heat mixers:

• safe operation - there is no risk of burns with hot water;
• ergonomic modern design;
• temperature stability and ease of use;
• reduction of water consumption that could be spent on manual adjustment.

Before choosing thermostatic mixer for the sink in the bathroom, a number of points should be taken into account. Firstly, the blocker stops the water supply if the temperature does not match the set value. In a house with a central water supply, where temperature fluctuations are frequent, you can not wait for water at all.

Secondly, in systems with pressure surges, situations are possible when warm water is supplied from a “cold” pipe. The thermostatic mixer to lower the temperature shuts off hot water, but the user gets a low pressure at the outlet.

In the mixers, two versions of the thermostat are used: mechanical and electronic.

The mechanics are reliable and easier to “tune” to the instability of the central highway. Electronic models have an informative display and various types of control: push-button, touch or remote

Mixer-dispenser - short-term water supply

The portioned devices most demanded in public bathrooms found their application in everyday life. The design of the mixer has a water start button, a temperature controller and a gander. When you press a key, a portion of water is supplied for some time.

The role of the locking element is played by a gasket located on the extension of the rod. The components are placed in a special chamber - already mixed warm water enters this glass. The flow temperature is regulated by the side lever.

The batch mixer is mounted in water pipes with a back pressure valve for hot / cold water. Otherwise, hot water will displace the cold water in the mixing chamber.

Using valves will allow you to select the optimal position of the adjustable lever and set a comfortable temperature once.

The advantages of the dispenser are obvious:

• automatic shutdown;
• saving water temperature settings;
• simplicity of operation - a light touch on the button is enough.

Portion devices have a narrow purpose: hand washing, washing, easy rinsing. The mixer is not suitable if the use of the sink involves a long supply of water, fine-tuning the temperature.

Features of electronic models

High-tech mixers are equipped with electronic components that are responsible for the accuracy of temperature heating and water pressure. Built-in sensors transmit the signal to the shut-off valve.

The functionality and equipment of plumbing systems is diverse. Some devices contain a microprocessor that allows you to set the time and temperature conditions of the mixer, include decorative effects, etc.

According to the control method, contact and non-contact electronic products are distinguished.

Contact Mixers. Touch control is provided - a display with indication of current parameters and settings panel is integrated in the molded case.

The mixer is started and turned off by touching the display, the device body or the spout.Electronic contact devices are sold as stand-alone products or are supplied with plumbing fixtures.

Contactless devices. Control through motion sensors and infrared sensors that respond to thermal energy. If the heat source, in particular the palms, is brought under the spout, then the sensor will work and water will pour.

Popular electronic mixers are models with a photosensor. Automation reacts to the appearance of objects in a certain range of the built-in sensor

Electronics Benefits for Sinks:

• advanced functionality;
• ease of use;
• Modern design and decorative effects.

The main disadvantages of innovative plumbing: the high cost of the equipment itself, the complexity of the repair.

Optimal model selection options

Having decided on the design, it is necessary to take into account some significant criteria: the material of manufacture, geometric dimensions and the shape of the gander, evaluate the functionality and method of installation of the device. Do not forget about the compatibility of the design of the crane with the interior of the room.

Mixer Material

The determining factor in the durability and cost of a plumbing fixture is the material of manufacture.

Variety of mixer bodies:

• siluminic;
• plastic;
• ceramic;
• steel;
• copper alloy products.

Silumin Mixer. Products of the economy segment are made of aluminum with the addition of silicon. The material is characterized by brittleness, low ductility and low ability to resist oxygen corrosion.

Silumin products are susceptible to high pressure, the maximum allowable rate is 3 bar. In apartment buildings, the pressure in the water supply network can fluctuate up to 10 bar.

The weak point of the aluminum-silicon mixer is a threaded connection. Thin walls are constantly in contact with water and burst quickly. When used carelessly, the chrome coating is easy to damage.

The only argument for the silumin mixer is its low cost. However, a cheap purchase is fraught with the danger of an emergency.

Plastic case. Polymer products are affordable and do not corrode. Some models have an external coating imitating artificial stone or chrome.

Cons of plastic: low strength, fragility, vulnerability of the body to mechanical damage. Basic technical and operational characteristics depend on the type of plastic

Acceptable material is ABS plastic. It is an impact resistant, non-toxic thermoplastic polymer approved for the manufacture of plumbing fixtures.

Ceramic mixer. Case material - durable reinforced porcelain. Ceramics calmly reacts to contacts with water, is durable and ductile, which allows the production of mixers of any shape. The finished product is perfectly smooth, easy to clean, does not wear.

Porcelain mixers are highly decorative and exclusive in execution. Designer pieces are selected for a certain interior style of the bathroom

Stainless steel. Faucets in this category - a balance of reasonable price and decent quality. High-grade stainless steel withstands high system loads, is not afraid of moderate mechanical stress and is durable.

When choosing a steel product, the main thing is not to be deceived with the composition of the material - the risk of acquiring a fake is high. Little-known manufacturers add lead to brittle alloys to achieve the brilliance of true stainless steel.

Verified companies provide a five-year warranty on the product, but in practice the term of use reaches a quarter of a century.

Brass and bronze. Copper alloy mixers are considered the most reliable and durable. The material is undemanding to water quality and does not rust. On the bronze and brass body, drips from water and scratches are hardly noticeable.

Bronze faucets are produced mainly in retro style.Brass is more versatile - copper products are given a modern look or antique shape

Spout length and shape

Ease of use depends on the geometric dimensions of the spout of the mixer. The height of the spout, the length and width of the gander are taken into account.

Height - distance from the base of the mixer to the spout nozzle, the range of values ​​is 20-900 mm.

Recommended Performance:

• 15-25 cm - if the sink is used only for hygienic procedures, a low gander fits a shallow bowl;
• more than 25 cm - the location of the spout allows you to fill large containers with water.

A tall gander requires a deep wash basin, so that the spray does not fly around the room.

The length of the mixer is the distance between the most distant points of the device, the variability of the magnitude is 3.2-50 cm. Optimally, if a stream of water enters the drain valve

The width of the spout is determined by the shape of the spout: traditional and cascading. The first option is a tubular end with a round, oval or rectangular section. The second is flat, wide models.

An interesting solution is a cascade mixer with an open spout. Models with a flat gander look sophisticated, with the crane turned on, an excellent visual effect is achieved

Functionality: swivel and fixed housing

The molded body of the mixer is ideal for sinks in the bathroom - the model is compact and reliable. The absence of rotary mechanisms, connection nodes minimizes the likelihood of breakage and facilitates maintenance.

The prefabricated case of the model is more functional - the gander can be rotated to a position convenient for the user. If the faucet is designed to simultaneously serve the bathtub and sink, then you should look at models with a telescopic spout.

Advanced functionality explains the inflated cost of rotary mixers. Such models are suitable for capacious sinks. Using a mobile spout for compact washbasins is not practical

We determine the installation method

Depending on the location and installation method, the entire range of mixers is classified into four groups:

• wall mounted;
• wall mounted;
• desktop outdoor;
• outdoor.

Wall mounted faucets. Mounted models are easy to install, easy to replace, and affordable. Wall-mounted faucets of "open" mounting with a long gander are often chosen as a single source of water supply to the bathtub and washbasin.

Built-in modifications contain a minimum of protruding parts. Their installation requires the preparation of a capacious niche for the placement of the mixing unit, fittings and valves

Desktop models. The mixer is built into the rim of the overhead washbasin or crashes into the countertop.

Tabletop installation is applicable for plumbing with special mounting holes.

With a built-in washbasin, a sleek single-lever mixer looks harmonious. The compact dimensions of the device do not block the free space of the working surface

Floor. Mixers are a pipe fixed to the floor using a plate - soles.

Installation involves a bottom water supply. It is necessary in advance to lay communications in the screed and leave the releases.

The floor mixer is appropriate in the spacious bathrooms of private homes. In a small apartment, the underground wiring of pipes will “scrape” the ceiling height, and a free-standing mixer will occupy a usable area

Designer tricks or zest of the interior

It is clear that the mixer should not lag behind the chosen style direction. The artsy two-valve antique crane will look ridiculous in an interior designed in the style of minimalism.

A universal solution - a single color tandem of the mixer and sink. Rhyming with individual elements of the interior, the ensemble will create a solid look and become a bright highlight of even the most dull bathroom

The variety of unusual and original options is impressive.

Sophisticated ornate shapes of the spout make the interior more interesting, smoothing out the straightness of the remaining details. A practical idea is to combine the mixer with a heated towel rail

Some manufacturers offer ready-made equipment - designer bathroom sinks with a built-in mixer.

Options for innovative solutions. In photo No. 2, the color of water and temperature change due to the movement of the ball on the tap

It would seem that such a banal thing as a mixer, with a skillful choice, is able to transform any interior. Many design delights are comparable to works of art and have a corresponding cost. However, among budget mixers you can find an exclusive.

You can read about the intricacies of the installation of mixers here.

How to choose a manufacturer?

Recognized leaders in the plumbing market are German, Finnish and Italian brands.

Among the reliable manufacturers of the company with world names:

1. Grohe. A German company that uses its own development-innovations in the production of plumbing. On sale are more than 30 series of mixers of different styles and materials.
2. Hansgrohe. Specializing in the production of plumbing for more than 100 years. The company sells products under 4 brands: Hansgrohe - faucets in a modern style, Pharo - bathroom accessories, Pontos - economical technology, Axor - exclusive models.
3. Oras. Finnish company that prefers modern style. Her preferences: futurism, hi-tech, minimalism and modern. Features of mixers: laconic design, dynamism, functionality and high quality.
4. Jacob delafon. French brand, representative of the Kohler group of companies. The quality of the materials meets the highest European standards. Jacob Delafon offers over 10 collections of mixers.

The top ten manufacturers are complemented by: Rosa (Spain), Teka (Spain), Vidima (Bulgaria), Lemark (Czech Republic), Ideal Standart (Germany), Jika (Czech Republic).

Products from the Jacob Delafon and Ideal Standart collections are versatile. Practical ergonomic models made in a modern style

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Visual video tutorials will help you navigate the variety of models and choose the best one. The video will tell you what to consider when choosing a water “mixer”:

Determination of crane sizes for convenient use in the video:

When buying, you must familiarize yourself with the accompanying documents, check the smooth movement of the moving elements and the quality of the external coating - there should be no smudges, scratches or other flaws. Experienced plumbers advise to beware of suspiciously cheap and light-weight taps - these are clear signs of a fake.

If you have interesting information on the topic of an article, please share it with our readers. Tell us, on which mixer did you stop your choice, are you satisfied with its operation? Perhaps you managed to get a new model? Leave comments, upload photos of your mixers in the comment block.