Modern types of mixers and their distinctive features. Two-handle and single-lever mixing systems Double-handle or single-handle mixer which is better
A faucet is a household plumbing fixture that allows you to get water at the required temperature by mixing hot and cold water. In addition to this (primary) purpose, bathroom faucets are able to redirect the flow from the spout to the showerhead when needed.
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MIXING PRINCIPLE
The main part of the mixer is a mechanism for mixing hot and cold water, from which, in fact, the name of this product comes. There are two main types of mechanisms:
Two-arm (two-valve)
- with rubber gaskets
- with ceramic bushings
Single-lever (single-grip) mixers
- with ceramic cartridge
- with ball mechanism
In two-valve mixers, independent mechanisms are installed - crane boxes - separately regulating the supply of cold and hot water. Then the water enters the chamber in the mixer body, where it is mixed and fed to the spout.
The most common crane box is fungal. Water locking is carried out rubber gasket, which, by rotating the lambs, we press against the saddle with cold or hot water. To open the water to full pressure, it is necessary to rotate the lambs for a long time until they make 5-8 turns. This "disadvantage" provides the main advantage of two-grip mixers - stability of operation with a large difference between the pressures of cold and hot water. Therefore, many plumbers recommend them for working with gas water heaters.
Similar mixer with ceramic crane boxes has completely different advantages - durability and quick opening (1/4-1/2 turn of the lamb). There is no rubber gasket, which can be quickly pushed through by excessive zeal when closing the mixer. Locking water is made by two ceramic round plates. When the holes of these circles are aligned, the tap is open, as soon as we close this gap by turning the lambs, the water stops flowing into the mixer.
A common disadvantage of two-valve mixers is the need to manipulate the mixer with both hands, plus a rather long adjustment time, during which a large amount of water is wasted. In addition, bushings with rubber seals require regular maintenance and replacement of seals.
Single-lever mixers are devoid of these disadvantages and are much more convenient to use. The mixer itself, i.e. fittings that mix cold and hot water is only a small replaceable unit (cartridge) mounted in the mixer body.
The heart of the ceramic cartridge is two plates (washers) made of aluminum oxide, ground and lapped to each other, with a system of slots. Ceramics is present in the aluminum oxide alloy. Moreover, the so-called aluminum oxide "flew" from space into household plumbing. It was originally used by NASA in space technology.
In order to turn aluminum oxide into plates, it is necessary to fire the material under pressure at a temperature of 1200 ° C. After that, the washers are carefully polished with ultrasound. In the cartridge, they lie on top of each other, and for flawless operation, not a single drop should seep between the plates.
The design of mixers with one control handle allows you to change the intensity of the water flow without changing the temperature, because for each of these operations a working stroke is provided in different directions - the water pressure is regulated by moving the handle up and down, and its temperature - by turning left to right, while different shapes are possible jets.
Even the most inexpensive faucets with joysticks look so "technological" that they can serve as full-fledged components of the interior. This is facilitated by the streamlined forms, and the ideal evenness of the outer coating, as well as the absence of any visible seams.
An important advantage should be recognized as the ease of movement of the handle and ease of maintenance - the design of the mixer completely eliminates leakage.
The only thing they are truly “afraid of” is the poor quality of tap water: sand and rust quickly put them out of action. Therefore, all manufacturers require the installation of coarse filters.
All rubbing surfaces of the mixer with a control handle are made of high-strength ceramics with an absolutely smooth contact surface. Most models of single-lever mixers are designed for supply water pressure up to 5-6 atmospheres. If the pressure in the pipelines is higher, a pressure reducer must be connected.
The main advantages of single-lever mixers:
You can quickly open and close the water with one movement, if the hostess's hands are dirty, then the single-grip mixer can be opened with one finger or elbow
It is not necessary to adjust the temperature every time you open it, because. the joystick in the closed position provides the previously selected temperature setting
High wear resistance
There are cartridges with additional adjustment options: a restriction on the supply of hot water, economical and normal water consumption.
There are also mixing units based on a steel ball, inside which water is mixed. In ball-type mixers, cold and hot water are mixed in a ball cartridge made of stainless steel. Inside the cartridge there is a hollow spherical chamber with three holes, two of which are for cold and hot water, and the third is for the outlet of the resulting mixture. The water temperature is regulated by a simple turn of the mixer handle, while changing the cross-sections of the holes of the spherical mixing chamber, through which flows of cold and hot water pass. This mixer has a system of sealing spring-loaded gaskets that ensure smooth operation of the control handle and long-term operation of the mixer. The guarantee for such mixers according to European standards is at least five years. The high quality of the materials from which the cartridge is made provides high strength and resistance to hydraulic shocks, but due to the higher cost and the lack of obvious advantages in operation, mixers with ball assemblies are not widely used.
Electronic mixer does not have any levers in its design. The control unit is an element located on the front surface of the mixer. An undoubted advantage is that to start the water it is not necessary to touch the mixer body, and when the object is removed from the area of perception of the element, the water flow stops automatically. This allows you to save water and additional hygienic cleanliness when using the faucet in public areas. The disadvantage is the difficulty of adjusting the water temperature. The handle for adjustment is located either on the body or on a separate block under the washbasin.
Thermostats are mixers of a new generation, it combines all the best qualities of mixers and takes into account all the basic requirements of reliability, convenience and safety. Externally, the thermostat looks like a panel with two handles for regulating the water pressure and for adjusting the temperature.
An absolute plus of thermostats is that the settings are saved exactly as long as you need. Thermostats are equipped with a special button that automatically limits the water supply above 38 degrees to avoid burns, and if you need water at a higher temperature, you must press the button and turn the handle further. Also, the thermostat does not allow too cold water, which makes it as comfortable and safe as possible for children to use.
In some models of thermostats there is also a water pressure limiting button, which allows you to save water consumption by half. Also, as in the case of temperature limitation, in order to get more pressure, you must press the button and turn the handle to the desired pressure.
The mixing process is regulated by a special device - a thermoelement. The thermoelement quickly reacts to the slightest temperature changes, which allows maintaining the temperature of the water supplied from the thermostat constant. When heated, the thermoelement expands and moves the valve, which limits the flow of hot water and increases the flow of cold water; when cooled, it contracts - the valve moves in the right direction and increases the flow of hot water, reducing the supply of cold water.
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By appointment, there are faucets for bathroom, sink, bidet, shower, kitchen. The purpose of mixers determines the features of their design.
Bath mixers with shower divided into mixers:
With one-piece (short) or swivel (long) spout. Faucets with a long spout are also called universal, since this faucet in small bathrooms is also used as a faucet on the sink by turning the spout;
With wall or vertical mounting;
Equipped with a shower set or not.
Shower mixers
Basin and bidet mixers:
They can be either rigid or flexible. Flexible connection either 1/2” (standard for the Russian water supply system) or 3/8”. The advantage of a hard connection is increased wear resistance and reliability of the connection, the disadvantage is the possible inconvenience of the connection. Accordingly, a flexible hose has a relatively short service life (compared to a rigid one), but in the case of a 1/2” hose, it provides an easy connection.
They can be with or without a bottom valve.
Washbasin faucets can be with a hygienic shower.
Kitchen faucets can be:
They can be either rigid or flexible.
With retractable or non-retractable spout. Pull-out spout can be dual-mode (jet/shower)
With connection to the dishwasher (washing) machine.
To date, mixers are produced in two main types: valve and ball. Faucet mixers we are all familiar with: they are originally installed in our taps. Such mixers are well adapted to our conditions, primarily to hard chlorinated water. Repair is inexpensive, mainly replacing seals when the faucet leaks.
Ball mixers more elegant and comfortable. As a rule, one handle of them rises and falls, and also turns in different directions. With ball mixers, you can easily adjust the water pressure and temperature. But ball mixers do not tolerate salts dissolved in water and solid particles that clog the ball module, so over time it begins to turn with a creak. Failed ball mixers are much more expensive to repair than valve ones, since it is necessary to change the entire ball module there. Ball mixers can serve for a long time only if a water purification filter is installed.
By design, mixers are divided into double grip(two-lever) and single-grip(single-lever, single-command). In two-grip mixers, the flow and temperature of the water flowing from the spout (spout, jib) are regulated using two crane-boxes (valve heads, handles). The maintenance-free service life of two-arm mixers directly depends on the wear resistance of the seal, which acts as a valve with a rotary drive. In lamellar single-grip mixers, the leading role is played by a shut-off cartridge, consisting of two ceramic-metal plates (washers).
Some faucets are equipped with an automatic water temperature controller. Of course, it's nice when taking a shower, as a result of the pressure drop in the pipes, your bath will be filled with water of the required temperature. However, it should be understood that in the absence of hot or cold water or low pressure in the water supply systems, the machine will not work.
For the bathroom, we recommend choosing new faucets with several short spouts, at least two, one of which is directed to the sink and the other to the bathroom. These faucets are much more convenient than those we are used to - with long trunks, constantly turning one way or the other. Constant mechanical movements are not beneficial: the proboscis begins to swing, the thread weakens and the mixers leak. Stationary short mixers in this sense will last much longer.
The choice of a particular model, as a rule, is determined by the aesthetic preferences and financial capabilities of the consumer.
How to choose and buy a mixer? The article describes the design features and differences of mixers of various types. Characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Single-grip, two-valve (with crane box or with ceramic discs). Recommendations for selection and operation.
Today, the construction market offers a variety of mixers. The most common mechanical models are single-lever and double-grip. It is these types of mixers that we will consider below.
The design of two-valve mixers involves the use of two crane-boxes, colloquially known as "heads", which regulate access to the place of mixing of water supplied from "hot" and "cold" pipes. Each faucet box is accordingly equipped with a special locking mechanism that prevents the free flow of water. This function can be performed, for example.
Rubber gasket
Older models had a locking mechanism in the form of a rubber gasket crowning the worm gear. The water could be turned on or off by turning the valve several times.
The disadvantages of such a system include the fact that it is impossible to separately regulate the temperature and pressure, in addition, setting (adjusting) the necessary parameters required a significant amount of time.
Also, the rubber gasket is considered the most unreliable structural element, it has to be changed periodically, due to the fact that it quickly becomes unusable. On the other hand, such an element is unpretentious to water quality, the cost of gaskets is low, and the repair of the faucet itself will take a little time.
Ceramic alternative to rubber
A more advanced mechanism is considered to be crane boxes equipped with ceramic discs. The locking mechanism itself is made in the form of two ceramic discs with holes. The discs, which look like round ceramic plates, are tightly pressed against each other, they are turned by the handle until the holes that let the water through are exactly aligned. Disks differ from rubber gaskets in reliability, they rarely break if proper water quality is ensured and the mixer is protected by filters. In addition, to open the valve completely, it is enough to turn the valve only 1/4, perhaps 1/5 of a turn, which makes the adjustment more comfortable.
Single lever mixers
Models of single-grip or single-lever mixers suggest setting the water temperature and outlet pressure with only one lever element, which can be moved left and right (when adjusting the temperature) and up and down (when adjusting the flow). The design provides for installation in the body of a cartridge with ceramic discs or a ball regulator.
What is hidden under the shiny body
The main cartridge element of the mixer is a hollow ball, in the ball regulators of which water is mixed. The ball includes three holes, one hole is for draining, the other two are inlets. Changing the position of the ball leads to overlapping of the inlets. The disc cartridge involves the assembly in one body of tightly pressed ceramic plates with specially shaped holes and a drive mechanism. Single-lever models of mixers in design almost do not differ from each other.
One lever: what are the pros and cons
What is the advantage of single-grip mixers is clear: they are ergonomic, easy to use. Thanks to the design features, you can quickly set the temperature and flow, and therefore save water. Special design solutions are often used, which make it possible to save even more. Thus, comparing a cartridge with a crane box, we can conclude: this element is much more reliable and durable, it will not need to be replaced soon.
The disadvantage of single-grip mixers is their whimsicality to the purity of water. All kinds of inclusions, such as sand and others, scratch the locking discs, putting them out of action. To repair such a mixer, it is enough just to replace the cartridge, which is not at all difficult. It is worth noting that the cartridge is a more expensive element, unlike the gasket or crane box in the kit.
Which faucet is more durable? Selection and operation: recommendations
When choosing a mechanical mixer, in addition to the above, consider the following:
- The faucet will last a long time if it is made of brass. This may be evidenced by the weight of the product: brass ones are much heavier than the others.
- Well-known brand manufacturers make their products from higher quality materials, which makes the products more durable.
- When checking a mixer equipped with faucet boxes, it is important to pay attention to how many turns the valve handle needs to make to fully open the faucet. A handle that rotates more than 180 degrees indicates that the faucet model is equipped with a rubber gasket.
- In single-grip mixers, the angle of rotation of the lever is important: the larger it is, the more convenient and accurate it is to adjust the temperature and pressure.
- Do not be tempted by the cheapest models. Whatever their design, these are usually models that are outdated or fake.
- The service life of the mixer directly depends on the purity of the water. Therefore, you should take care of this in advance by installing additional filters.
Now you know what faucets are and how to buy a faucet that is right for your kitchen or bathroom. Happy shopping!
A faucet is not just a plumbing fixture responsible for the comfort and safety of using plumbing, but also a real decoration of the interior of a kitchen or bathroom.
Every year, the world's leading manufacturers of water fittings release new collections, including faucets for bathtubs, washbasins, bidets, showers and kitchen sinks. Top-of-the-line products combine progressive design solutions with innovative design ideas. The choice of a particular model, as a rule, is determined by the aesthetic preferences and financial capabilities of the consumer. High technical and operational characteristics are usually not in doubt. Faucets for various purposes, as a rule, are combined into collections with a single design idea. Often they are offered a variety of accessories: glasses for toothbrushes, soap dishes, mirrors, towel holders. Moreover, water shut-off fittings can be included in a common stylistic set, including plumbing fixtures (bath, washbasin, toilet) and bathroom furniture.
Cascade-type mixers allow you to feel the delight of swimming under the jets of a natural waterfall. According to the technical device, they almost do not differ from standard mechanisms, it's all about the design and shape of the spout. Water from the cascade spring flows in a uniform and powerful jet. Models with a wide threshold have an incomparable relaxing effect. In addition, such mixers are able to quickly fill a capacious bath (water flow rate of 25-35 l/min or more). Models of the cascade type belong to luxury products, therefore they are distinguished by an exquisite and extraordinary design. Expensive and “non-traditional” materials are used for manufacturing: for example, the top cascading spout in the BodySpa hydromassage system from Kohler is made of glass and aluminum.
Division by type
In the view of many Russian consumers in the bathroom, you can and should install only one two-grip faucet that serves both the sink and the bath. Some foreign manufacturers, respecting this tradition, private in Soviet times, supply our market with "long-nosed" taps that can turn in the direction of either one or another plumbing fixture. Meanwhile, the global trend is leaning in favor of separate water supply.
Washbasin faucets mounted on a wall or sink countertop (two-valve models can be installed in one or three mounting holes) and usually have a fixed faucet with a spout of modest length - 10-20 cm from the mounting axis. Countertop devices are usually equipped with a bottom valve, thanks to which the sink can turn into a kind of basin. The stopper is automatically controlled using a switch button or a special lever: the user does not need to put his hands into the contaminated water to open the valve. In addition, models are available with a retractable spout, which facilitates the care of the sink, and with a hygienic shower (bidette), which allows you to use the toilet as a bidet.
Bath mixers installed on the wall, on the side or on the floor. Many foreign models serve only a shower and do not have a spout designed to draw water into the font. But there are also combined devices equipped with a crane; some of them boast pleasant improvements (for example, the tabbed push-button switch from shower to spout in models from Jacob Delafon).
Contemporary shower faucet is a duplex system that combines a rigid connection to a stationary watering can on a vertical bar and plumbing for connecting a hand shower on a flexible hose, for fixing which a separate bracket is provided. In recent years, hidden wiring has been increasingly used not only for supply pipes, but also for a fixed rod. It is even more convenient if the curved spout is equipped with a retractable spray hose and a water jet position switch. such mixers can be adapted for a variety of household needs: for example, in the garage to wash the car or in the hallway to wash the dog's paws.
A worthy alternative to faucets with a pull-out watering can are products with a high rotating spout or two spouts, top and bottom. Such models do an excellent job with non-standard dishes, while being recognized as more reliable.
For sinks installed at the window opening, faucets with a folding spout are suitable. In a non-working state, it is brought to a horizontal position so that it does not interfere with opening a window or admiring the surrounding landscape.
Attention! If you are planning to install a dishwasher or a domestic filter, then pay attention to models equipped with special valves. Otherwise, you will have to take care of the wiring of the supply plumbing.
Our reference
The mixer can be equipped with water-supplying copper pipes or flexible hoses. Russian consumers prefer the second option: firstly, our plumbers are accustomed to flexible hoses; secondly, copper pipes require special fixation by means of adapters with collet clamps. Mixers are installed in three ways. The device can be attached to the water supply pipe with a simple nut. For greater reliability, brackets with cylindrical nuts are used. The third method is available even to inexperienced housewives. In this case, the faucet is installed from above using a hex wrench, which is included in the faucet kit, the bottom valve lever is removed, then the faucet is screwed to the anchor of the supply. The whole operation takes less than a minute.
In order for the chrome faucet to serve for a long time and look like new, it is recommended:
at the outlet of the water supply pipes, install filters to purify water from mechanical impurities;
remove lime deposits from aerators at least once a year;
wash faucets using special formulations or liquid dishwashing detergents. Limescale can be removed with a soft cloth dampened with a mild vinegar solution. The use of abrasive powders and metal washcloths is unacceptable.
Design
A mixer is a mechanism that shuts off water, installed at the end or branch of a water supply system and allows you to adjust the temperature and pressure of the water flow. By design, mixers are divided into two-grip (double-lever) and single-grip (single-lever, single-command).
AT two-arm mixers the flow and temperature of the water flowing out of the spout is regulated by two crane boxes (valve heads, handles). It is well known that the maintenance-free service life of two-arm mixers directly depends on the wear resistance of the seal, which acts as a valve with a rotary drive. Rubber gaskets wear out fairly quickly. If you continue to use the mixer with a worn valve, you can damage the seat of the mechanism (the place under the valve in the mixer body), such a breakdown can cause a real flood. To sleep peacefully, it is better to purchase a faucet with ceramic gaskets. They are practical, reliable, durable and safe for the saddle. By the way, resistant ceramics can also be installed in mechanisms with rubber valves - such an advantageous replacement is provided in branded products from reputable manufacturers.
Single arm mixers may be spherical or lamellar. The first got their name from the main element of the locking unit - a polished steel ball. It mixes hot and cold water coming through the internal grooves. The process is regulated by a lever, the movements of which set the required temperature (left-right) and pressure (up-down). In lamellar single-grip mixers, the leading role is played by a shut-off cartridge, consisting of two ceramic-metal plates (washers). The bottom washer has three holes: two for hot and cold water inlet and one for mixed flow outlet. When the handle is moved, the top plate shifts, increasing the cross section of one hole and reducing the cross section of the other. As a result, the ratio of the cold hot flow changes, as well as the pressure of the outflowing jet. Single-handle mixers are becoming more and more widespread. And this is not surprising, if we take into account the ease of use and economy of single-lever devices. The regulation of pressure and temperature is carried out almost with one movement of the hand. To make the lever switch more smoothly and respond to the slightest touch, some manufacturers use various lubricants in the grooves of the cartridges: for example, Grohe Germany developed the patented SilkMove technology using silicone. The time it takes to get the desired flow is minimized, which reduces the amount of water wasted. Particularly frugal owners are offered faucets equipped with electronic water meters and touch control (turns off the water as soon as the hands disappear from the field of view of the photocell). Many single-command models have temperature and water pressure limiters. However, two-arm mixers are in no hurry to give up their positions, on their side is such an important factor as the force of habit (which is why they are in great demand in traditionalist countries such as the UK and the USA). In addition, in houses with gas water heaters, only valve mechanisms can be installed.
Our reference
Rumors that imported mixers are not suitable for domestic water are greatly exaggerated. European standards provide for testing products in saline solutions for 24 hours. Some manufacturers, following the internal technical regulations, increase the quality requirements of their products. So, at the factories of the company Kohler, USA, the mixers are placed in a saline solution for 48 hours. In addition, the products of this international concern are capable of withstanding half a million or more opening cycles (standard norms require no more than 250,000 cycles).
materials
Brass is still the best choice for making faucet bodies. The sealing plates of the working valve - the basis of the ceramic cartridge - are made of wear-resistant aluminum oxide, fired under pressure at a temperature of 12000C. Some manufacturers subject these elements to ultrasonic polishing (for example, SUPERGRIF, Spain). High-strength ceramics increases the resistance of the mixer to water hammer. Fasteners and ball regulators in single-lever versions are made of stainless steel. Western firms use plastic with might and main - they make casings for cast brass cases, handles of mono-command (single-lever) mixers, shower heads and other details from it. The outer parts of the fittings are nickel-plated to protect against corrosion, and then covered with chrome, white or colored enamel. Coatings are gold (matte and shiny), bronze and marble. Decorating handles in one style or another, designers use glass, crystal, wood, natural marble, polished onyx, as well as combinations of various materials.
What is the preferred coverage? The enamel is beautiful, but not very resistant - it fights back. Nickel can cause allergies, and gold is expensive and needs special care. Chromium is the best. The fact is that no microorganisms can live and multiply on the surface of this metal, and although housewives often complain that water stains appear on shiny polished taps, we still recommend this particular coating. And to care for the faucet, you can purchase a special liquid, for example, from GRONE at a price of about $ 8 per bottle.
A little about operation
The most common, but not the most durable valve head with a rubber or leather valve, with a rotary drive. The rubber valve can be easily replaced. Worse, if the “seat” under the valve is damaged during operation. This can happen if, for example, you try to turn off the water, and the valve is worn out or there is a solid particle between it and the “saddle” from the water supply. Do not torture your mixer, especially imported. At the first signs of wear, call a locksmith, otherwise ... The author of these lines, accustomed to the fact that a domestic faucet can “come with a tear” for months, reacted very lightly to the worn-out gasket. The consequences were unexpected: three flooded lower floors, loud complaints from neighbors about the damage to the newly laid parquet, the profanity of the emergency service representative, they say, they will fix it, but they cannot fix it. We add that such accidents have a strange feature to occur at night. But all's well that ends well. Negotiated with neighbors. The locksmith from the DEZ, who came in the morning, resembled a kind magician. He artistically coped with the task, finally dispelling the myth that only “imported” hands should touch imported “toys”. My "Finn" continues to properly mix the water.
In addition to rubber, valve heads can have ceramic valves. They are durable and will not damage the "saddle" of the crane. In expensive high-quality mixers, for example, from GRONE (Germany), they are coated with a special graphite coating, which significantly increases wear resistance and reduces friction. But when closing, you do not need to make special efforts and selflessly turn the handwheel (one turn is enough), otherwise the ceramic valve head will not withstand.
Another problem is our far from ideal plumbing. On the pipes through which hot and cold water enters your house, it makes sense to put cleaning filters, at least the most primitive ones.
Now about the guarantee. The mixer is better to buy in a good store. Be sure to ask the seller for a warranty card. Usually the warranty is given for 1 year, less often for 3 or 5 years. Of course, if you purchased a mixer, for example, a Finnish one, on the market, the warranty workshop will not refuse you service, but will do the work for money.
Caring for fittings is quite simple, in addition to special products, mixers can be cleaned of limescale with a cloth moistened with table vinegar or liquid dishwashing detergent. Do not use abrasive powders and metal scourers to clean surfaces.
The company "SanTreK" offers you a series of mixers MOFEM (Hungary).
Mixers of this manufacturer are reliable and are represented by a wide range of models: from diverse in design, traditional two-handle (series Eurostar, Spectrum, Clubs), both with ceramic and classic crane boxes, made in Germany, up to single-handled- from cheap to luxury (series Junior, Trend, Selek, etc.), where ceramic cartridges are used, the service life of which is unlimited and which has an internal temperature level regulator and a water flow limiter, allowing you to save up to 50% of water.
MOFEM provides a 3-year warranty for two-handle faucets and 5 years for single-handle faucets, which indicates the high quality of the products. This is also evidenced by the ISO 9001 certification.