Faucet for a shower cabin: the choice of a device according to the main operational characteristics
By choosing shower cabin, the buyer rarely thinks about such an important part of it as mixer, if information about it is not indicated in the manufacturer's advertising brochures. Questions about material, construction and function usually start to be asked after the device fails. Then the main problem arises - finding compatible equipment to replace. That is why in our article we will pay more attention to manufacturers of faucets for a shower stall, the choice of mechanism, installation method, material of manufacture, etc.
The appearance of the shower mixer differs significantly from the usual forms. Most of it is located inside the front panel of the shower stall
PHOTO :: vvannoi.ru
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Principal design
The shower faucet design includes the following elements:
Shower faucet. Mixing cartridge disassembled, diverter cartridge assembled
PHOTO: o-vannoy.ru
The principle of operation of the mixer for the shower is as follows. Cold and hot water is connected to the corresponding inlets of the mixing part, which functions like a conventional mixer tap. Then the water of the required temperature through the connecting pipe enters the divertor - a distribution mechanism with 2 to 4 outlets, one of which is always open. Depending on the type of locking mechanism, it can open one or several outputs at once.
In some models of faucets for shower cabins, there are other types of diverters:
| Divertor type | Advantages and disadvantages |
|---|---|
 Eccentric divertor design with control handle | Affordable cost; high compatibility of devices from different manufacturers. However, it has large dimensions; gaskets included in the design wear out quickly (although they can be easily replaced by yourself) |
 Cartridge faucets are usually made of plastic | High reliability and durability; convenient operation; compact size and attractive design. But at the same time, the cartridge cannot be repaired, only replaced; has poor compatibility with other models and manufacturers |
 Ball switch design | Reliable and very durable, however, the mechanism is part of the body, so if it breaks down, you will need to change the entire mixer |
Types of faucets for a shower cabin, their advantages and disadvantages
Faucets for shower cabins to some extent repeat the design and functionality of conventional bathroom or sink faucets. The only difference is the presence of a water distributor (separator) device for one or more directions - a divertor.
By installation method
According to the method of location of the main distributor of the mixer relative to the user, two types of equipment are distinguished:
Wall-mounted (external). Reproduces the design of a standard bathroom faucet, except for the missing spout (tap). The internal device can be mechanical (usually joystick or semi-turn) or electronic (touch). Thermostats can be used as additional equipment. These mixers can be connected to flexible hoses with watering cans, rigid shower racks, or both devices at the same time. This type is the most affordable and easiest to install. They are usually equipped with homemade shower cabins. Of the advantages, it can be noted:
But this type is not devoid of disadvantages:
External shower system with stationary overhead and flexible shower
PHOTO: images.ua.prom.st
Embedded. Its design is divided into two main parts:
- External, on which the levers or control valves are located.
- Internal - hot and cold water supply pipes are connected to the receiving part. Hoses of a stationary shower, watering can, massage nozzles, etc. are connected to the distribution part.
The interior of the built-in mixer can be installed directly in the shower panel, provided the mounting holes are compatible, or in a wall recess. More reliable ball and cartridge mechanisms are used to control water flows. They are made from higher quality materials with minimal tolerances. The advantages of this type:
The disadvantages include:
Face pieces for built-in shower mixer
PHOTO: images.ua.prom.st
By construction type
All shower faucets can be divided into three main classes depending on their design.
Mechanical. The easiest to use and most affordable option. These mixers are classified according to the type of control mechanisms:
Joystick mixer for shower
PHOTO: img.moyo.ua
Electrical. The mixer is equipped with a small instantaneous water heater. The control mechanism is joystick or electronic. Operating modes: using a heating heating element or using a centralized hot water supply. The heating device must be connected to a separate power supply line with its own RCD (residual current device), since the heating element has a rather large power from 0.4 to 1.2 kW.
Electric shower mixer with water heating function
PHOTO: alicdn.com
Electronic (digital, sensory). Usually thermostatic mixers are equipped with electronic control. Such equipment controls all the functions of the shower cabin, from the temperature of the water and the activation of a particular spout device, to the ventilation system, lighting, aromatherapy devices, etc.
The touch panel of the mixer looks very stylish
PHOTO: vannaja.ne
Manufacturing material
The material from which the mixer is made not only has a key influence on the duration of its operation, but also gives the product decorative properties.
Brass - an alloy of copper (60-80%) and zinc (20-40%). It is the undisputed leader among raw materials for sanitary products and valves. It has good elasticity and rather high strength characteristics. The material is resistant to corrosion processes, temperature extremes and pressure. The front parts of brass shower mixer taps are usually coated with various galvanic coatings based on chrome, copper or bronze, sometimes enamel. This significantly increases the decorative characteristics of the product.
4-way shower mixer with chrome-plated brass external elements
PHOTO: provannu.com
Stainless steel (with a chromium ratio of at least 13-17%). Sanitary fittings made of stainless steel of adequate quality are one of the most durable and wear-resistant. Unfortunately, almost all manufacturers have a range of stainless steel faucets rather uniform in shape. The high performance characteristics of the product lead to the appearance of numerous fakes for branded mixers, but made of cheap, short-lived alloys.
Compact stainless steel shower mixer, model S3 / 6
PHOTO: images.ua.prom.st
Bronze... In terms of its technical and strength characteristics, it surpasses copper and brass, and high fluidity in a molten state allows melting products of any shape with a large number of decorative elements. Suitable for showers in classic and retro styles
Retro-styled external shower mixer control in bronze
PHOTO: aqua-guarantor.rf
Polymer materials... Plumbing fittings made of polymeric materials (as a rule, it is high-pressure polyethylene) are quite rare, mainly from little-known Chinese manufacturers. Despite the low cost, it is not recommended to purchase such products, since the duration of their operation rarely exceeds 2-3 years.
Plastic shower mixers, despite the assurances of manufacturers, are quite fragile and short-lived products that quickly lose their original appearance, which cannot be restored.
PHOTO: images.ua.prom.st
Leading manufacturers
When choosing a mixer, first of all, you should pay attention to manufacturers of sanitary equipment specializing in shower cabins. Traditionally, companies from Germany, Italy and Finland are leading in this area.
Huppe, Kermi, Hyber (Germany) - the products of these companies are of high quality, variety of models and wide functionality. Stainless steel and alloy bronze are used as materials for the mixers. All products have a quality certificate.
Compact shower cabin with Kermi sanitary fittings
PHOTO: vanna-expert.ru
Jacuzzi, Cerutti (Italy). The products of these companies are of the premium class and have the corresponding price. Mixers are equipped with additional heaters, electronic temperature control devices and multi-purpose diverters. Unfortunately, the components of these companies are not so common in Russia, therefore, in the event of a product failure, there may be certain difficulties with repair and replacement.
Jacuzzi shower cubicle with shower and hydromassage function
PHOTO: santehmega.com
IDO Showerama, Timo (Finland). Companies produce high-quality sanitary fittings, including for shower stalls. The warranty period for faucets is 5 years. However, due to high demand, Timo opened production facilities in Hong Kong, which negatively affected the quality of the products.
Shower enclosure IDO Showerama with wall-mounted mixer
PHOTO: rinnipool.ru
Criterias of choice
As a rule, shower cabins are offered to the end user fully equipped with mixers. But, in the case of self-assembly or replacement of a product, it is recommended to focus on the following parameters:
Video: criteria for choosing a mixer for a shower stall
Video: design, main types of breakdowns and how to fix them
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Summing up
Among the entire range of faucets for shower cabins, it is worth highlighting the simplest devices: external ones with thermostat control, as the optimal combination of affordable cost and functionality. Usually such devices can be easily installed on your own. Sensory built-in mixers require additional settings that can only be performed by a specialist.
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