Washbasin Faucet

The faucet is a device for mixing water of different temperatures and regulating the flow of water. It is a familiar element of the washbasin, which is sometimes difficult to choose because of the large variety of models and different technical characteristics. Let's break down what a washbasin faucet can be, as well as what is important to pay attention to when buying one.

Such a single-handle faucet is the simplest device, consisting of a body, a replaceable cleaning cartridge and a rotary knob. For their attachment, there is a circular nut, a gasket, as well as a locking element.

Such a faucet has its own advantages, for example, it "remembers" the position selected once (the next time you open the faucet, you will get the same ratio of water of different temperatures). With such a device, you can separately adjust the power of the jet and the water temperature. At the same time, the single-lever faucet requires that the water pressure in the network is stable and constant.

This type of faucets is characterized by touchless operation, which is especially convenient when the hands are busy or dirty. Water is automatically supplied to them when your hands are brought to the spout. The advantage of the device is that it saves water (it is not wasted in the gap, when the water is already turned on, but your hands are not yet brought to the jet).

If the water pressure is sufficient, such a mixer will maintain the desired temperature. Many models of the sensor mixer have a built-in memory that captures several parameters. The disadvantages of this type of faucet can be called their low reliability, high price and the need to connect to the power grid.

The device with such a valve was first used by the British, in whose homes hot water comes from one faucet, and cold water - from another. The bottom valve is called a plug, thanks to which the water is delayed in the sink, mixing at this time to the desired temperature. A faucet with such a valve helps to draw water in the sink and then drain it at the push of a button.

Using this type of faucet saves water consumption, and the design looks more attractive than a rubber or plastic plug. This product is easy to operate, because the valve is activated only by pressing a button. In addition, the valve is easy to clean if necessary.

This name of the faucet is due to its shape, so that the device can be opened with the movement of the elbow. It is also called hygienic, because with this opening of the faucet, it is possible to avoid contact of dirty hands with the body and handles of the faucet. This is especially convenient in the kitchen, where it is important not to contaminate the faucet with food scraps and grease from dirty hands.

Such a faucet additionally has a handle of the hygienic shower and a switch for 2 modes of operation, but there are also models that function only in one mode (supply water for the shower). Most often, such faucets have a single lever that can be used to adjust the temperature of the water coming through the faucet, as well as its pressure. The switch to the shower has no effect on these parameters, but simply directs the already mixed water of the desired head to the shower.

This is the name of the grid, which is located at the end of the spout. Its main function is to mix the incoming water with air, as a result of which the water is softened. In addition, with the help of the aerator, the water will flow evenly.

These faucets have no levers or valves, instead of which an infrared sensor is installed, which detects movement in an area of 30 cm (this area can be adjusted). This type of mixer uses a small lever to adjust the temperature. It is used to set the optimal water temperature, and if it is not needed, it is not changed again.

This type of faucet is considered the most comfortable and safe, and it is very convenient to use. Usually it has one valve for regulating the water temperature and another for regulating its head. Each valve has a fuse, so there is no risk of exceeding these figures to dangerous values.

The mixer body can be made of the following materials

The coating of the body can be:

• Chrome plated. The most common variant that protects the device from bacteria. It looks very attractive, and the durability of the product is very high. The disadvantage of this coating can be called the visibility of any contamination (drips, soap stains, fingerprints).
• Enamel. It looks attractive, but poorly resists mechanical influences (great risk of chipping).
• Nickel. The disadvantage of such a coating is its allergic properties.
• Marble, bronze, platinum or gold. All of these coating options are impractical, rarely used and expensive.

The throughput capacity of the product (limit). According to this indicator, you can estimate the flow rate of water for one minute - modern faucets have it in the range of 2-60 liters. If the faucet is chosen for the kitchen, then a device with a maximum flow rate of 6 liters per minute will be enough. For the bathroom, a device with a flow rate of 15 liters per minute is preferable.

The material of the gasket (stop valve). From this element of the mixer depends on the water supply, as well as the pressure of the jet.

The gasket can be:

Height and length of the spout. The first parameter is represented in modern faucets by a range of 30-430 mm. With a very low spout, it can be uncomfortable to use the washbasin, and an excessively high spout negatively affects the usable space. As for the length, it is represented in the range of 30-500 mm in faucets. If the length is insufficient, it will cause the water jet to hit the edge of the basin, and if the spout is too long, the ease of use of the mixer will suffer.

The number of mounting holes. With the different design of the mixer for its installation may need a different number of holes:

The size of the mounting holes for the mixer can be 10-60 mm.

Diameter of the supply pipe. Determined by the purpose of the mixer and the characteristics of its use.

• Selecting a mixer tap for the kitchen sink, it is preferable to have a model with a single lever. It will be possible to open the water on such a mixer with dirty hands. In addition, for the kitchen, it is important to quickly switch from hot water to cold water and back, which is also very successfully realized by a single-lever model of faucets.
• For the washbasin in the bathroom, it is more convenient to install a sensor faucet, as the most hygienic and economical option. Besides, the water in it will turn off automatically, so you can not worry that the housemates will forget to close the tap.
• When buying a faucet, we recommend trusting a proven and well-known manufacturer. If you buy products from Swedish and German firms, you will get guaranteed quality and reliability. Not bad characteristics are devices from British and Danish manufacturers, but it is desirable to avoid Chinese mixers. They, although inexpensive, but serve relatively short life.