How to choose a tap in the bathroom: tips and recommendations

There is a huge range of faucets on the modern market range of mixerswhich delight customers with its aesthetic appearance and technical innovations. A large number of manufacturers compete for their customers, providing a variety of models, manufacturing materials, colors of faucets and taps coating. Manufacturers create collections of sanitary products made in the same style, and it is possible to choose faucets, bathtub, washbasin, toilet, bidet, faucets and other attributes, suitable for the desired style and interior design.

In the process of selecting a faucet or faucet for the bathroom, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

• material of manufacture;
• the main functions;
• technical characteristics;
• simplicity and ease of installation;
• manufacturer's warranty and expected service life.

Based on the high and constant demand, as well as the commitment of customers to one or another type of these sanitary products, a large range of taps of different modifications is produced today.

Depending on the design of the product, all taps can be divided into the following types.

They are characterized by the presence of two handles, one of them is responsible for hot water, and the second - for cold water. The basis of this type of faucet contains a clan of beads. It is used to shut off or open water depending on the position of the handle. The beads in such faucets can be brass or ceramic.

Advantages of the two-valve type faucets:

• you can adjust the desired water temperature very quickly;
• it is easy and simple to install them yourself.

The disadvantages of the two-valve faucets:

• in brass faucets buxas, it is necessary to replace the gaskets regularly, as they quickly wipe out;
• The water head and water temperature are regulated separately;
• they are not economical because a lot of water leaks in the process of adjusting the head and temperature. This disadvantage can be eliminated if ceramic valves or an aerator are used in the faucet.

Single-lever faucets have only one lever. To adjust the water temperature, the lever is turned to the desired side.

Advantages of single-lever faucets:

• the water temperature and head are adjusted simultaneously;
• all water settings can be set with one hand;
• the water can be turned off in one motion;
• Some models have a special valve, which helps to save water consumption.

Disadvantages of single-lever faucets:

• This type of faucets cannot be repaired. If something in it breaks, it is necessary to buy a new module. Usually faucets become unusable due to the composition of the water, where a lot of heavy metals and salts. Therefore, it is recommended to buy a water filter together with a single-lever faucet.

A single-lever faucet can be joystick. In this case, the water control lever is located above the faucet or can be isolated in a separate module.

• Plastic faucets are the cheapest. Their advantages also include low weight and convenient installation. The only main disadvantage is that they have a short lifespan.
• Alloy steel faucets are good enough in terms of their main characteristics. They are not affected by rust. But the main disadvantage is the short duration of this type of faucet. Faucet manufacturers don't like to use alloy steel either, because processing the material is a very complicated process.
• Silumin faucets are made from a special alloy of silicon and aluminum. The advantage is resistance to corrosion. But also have a disadvantage - the material is very brittle, so they do not withstand heavy loads and soon break.

• Brass faucets took a place of honor in the market of sanitary equipment. The quality of the faucet can be determined by its weight. Brass faucets have a lot of weight, are environmentally friendly products. The proportion of copper and zinc to create an alloy is always strictly observed in the production process, so we can talk about the safety of the product.

Brass faucets are usually covered with an additional protective layer of chrome or nickel. The chrome plating process gives the product anticorrosive properties. There are also premium faucets that use bronze, silver or gilding for coating. It goes without saying that such a product is quite expensive.

Today chrome faucets with a special "aging" effect have become popular.

One faucet can be made from different materials. Such products will be a good option for the bathroom. They are made of two materials - the inner parts of the faucet are made of brass, and the other parts are made of plastic. Parts for fixing and adjustment should be made of stainless steel, then the product will last a long time.

In today's market of sanitary equipment there are many manufacturers from different countries, which are engaged in the production of faucets in accordance with international standards and norms, so they guarantee quality products.

Such companies include:

• German companies Hansgrohe and Grohe;
• Italian manufacturers Carlo Frattini Visentin and Mamoli;
• French manufacturers Herbeau, Jacob Delafon and JCD;
• Swiss company Geberit;
• Spanish manufacturers Supergrif and Teka;
• Russian company Akvatika;
• Finnish manufacturer Oras;
• Swedish company Gustavsberg;
• The American company Standart.

The prices for quality sanitary ware are quite high. Chinese companies also present many copies of models of famous brands at low prices. But it is worth remembering that they do not have a long service life, because they are made from low quality materials. Only well-known manufacturers of faucets are responsible for the high quality of products and give a warranty of several years.

Depending on the model and on the manufacturer, the prices of bathroom faucets can be very different. For example, the most common faucets cost from 600 rubles to 2,000 rubles. If the faucet is of high quality, the price goes up significantly and it usually costs more than 2,000 rubles.

If you buy a simple model by design, but from brand manufacturers, then the price will be about 2000-2500 rubles.

If you choose an original shape faucet for the bathroom, the price will increase dramatically and the purchase will cost within the range of 3000-15000 rubles. Here the price already depends on the manufacturer of faucets.

It is also possible to order exclusive models of faucets with an expensive coating, then you will need to pay several thousand dollars for it.

Shower faucets are characterized by the fact that they can only be used for showering, not bathing, because there is no spout for filling the tub. When you turn on the water goes through the hose and, hitting the shower head, jets of water pour down.

There is a special lever on the shower head, which can be used to adjust the water flow mode. Shower faucets are usually purchased for a shower enclosure, or for a bathtub, but together with another type of faucet, for example, an onboard or floor faucet. It is worth noting that universal faucets have a valve that makes the transition from one faucet to another.

All shower faucets are the same by design, the difference lies in the method of installation. Usually, the installation of shower faucets is carried out on the wall, which can be done in a conventional or concealed way. For the concealed installation method of faucets, it is necessary to purchase a special recessed faucet. It is characterized by the fact that only the shower head with hose and valves or levers for water supply are visible.

In modern interiors, recessed shower mixer taps are increasingly preferred. Such faucets look quite elegant and laconic. To emphasize the interior of the bathroom, more and more designers prefer recessed shower faucets. This type of shower mixer is offered by well-known manufacturers of sanitary ware: Grohe, Kludi, Hansgrohe, Axor, Nicolazzi, Ideal Standard.

Thermostatic mixers in the market of sanitary equipment appeared quite recently. The main feature of this type of faucets is that you can set the temperature of the water. Although, at first glance, the design should be complicated to perform this function, but in fact everything is very simple. Such a faucet has two handles: one is responsible for the temperature of the water, and the other for the pressure.

The advantages of thermostatic-type faucets:

• The pressure in the pipe will no longer affect the temperature of the water. This faucet will be a good buy if there are small children in the family. You are probably familiar with the situation when you open the water tap in the kitchen and the water temperature in the bathroom changes, resulting in either boiling or icy water;
• elegant aesthetic appearance;
• under all circumstances the water temperature remains as you set it;
• The construction of this type of faucet does not differ from ordinary faucets, so the necessary spare parts are always available.

The disadvantage of thermostatic type faucets is the high cost of the product, not everyone can afford it.

Touchless faucets are new models, more advanced for convenient use. The principle of operation is to automatically supply water. It is not necessary to open any faucet, you just need to bring your hands to the tap and the water begins to flow, when you take your hands away, in a few seconds the water stops. This process is controlled by infrared sensors. This type of faucet can be electric or battery-operated.

Advantages of non-contact faucets:

• A great saving of water, as water flows only if the sensors have detected your presence;
• Maximum hygiene of the water procedures.

Disadvantages of touchless faucets:

• without electricity or working batteries it is impossible to take water procedures;
• can be installed over the sink. For use in the bathroom is better not to apply, because to fill the tub will need to stand near the faucet.

Waterfall or cascade faucets have become very popular at the son of sanitary equipment, because they allow you to create a unique bathroom interior. Their main difference lies in the design of the spout. Namely:

• the spout does not use an aerator to supply air to the water jet;
• the hole has a wide shape, which allows you to create a waterfall effect;
• these faucets have a better flow of water.

Cascade faucets are used for bathtubs and sinks to create a luxurious interior of the room. For example, a shelf-mixer will be a very striking element of the decor. At first glance it looks like an ordinary shelf, but if you turn the lever, which is almost invisible, then the water will flow from it. On sale there is a huge variety of the most interesting models with waterfalls, and to make them even more unique, many manufacturers complement the models with special lighting.

Faucet with lighting is characterized by the main features:

• creates a new style of the bathroom;
• it is very convenient to use at any time of the day;
• simple design;
• installation does not take much time and effort;
• a huge range of models with illumination of a fixed color or with the change of colors;
• water flow resembles a waterfall.

If you decide to install a faucet in the bathroom with your own hands, then when buying it, you need to make sure that it comes with a mounting scheme. New models are becoming improved, with additional details and functions. Therefore, it can be very difficult to figure out how to install the faucet on your own. To make it easier, you need to use a graphic installation diagram.

Installation of the mixer on the bathtub with acrylic takes place in several steps:

• It is necessary to shut off the cold and hot water supply to the faucet.
• Dismantle the old faucet.
• You need to think about where to install the faucet. This is influenced by several factors: the water supply must be close by and have a convenient location to make repairs.
• At the location of the mark, use a drill to make a hole. It is best to use an electric drill with a core drill bit.
• It is necessary to put a gasket on the hole.
• Install the mixer according to the instructions that came with the kit.
• Secure the mixer with the nuts, which are screwed into the edge of the bathtub.
• Make cold and hot water connections with flexible hoses. They may be included or for lack of purchase separately.

To install the faucet, see the following video.

To care for faucets, a special cleaner is used, but when choosing one, you should take into account what material the faucet is made of.

There are a few general recommendations for caring for the faucet:

• The detergent for faucets should not contain acids like chlorine, formic acid, acetic acid and phosphoric acid. Because acid violates the protective top layer of the material and over time, the faucet will begin to rust. Allowed for use only a weak solution of vinegar, which removes calcified deposits.
• It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive cleaners, as they create scratches on the coating.
• Do not use metal brushes or hard sponges for cleaning.

The mixer should be cleaned only with special products. To clean the faucet, you must apply the cleaner to a sponge. If the cleaner is applied directly to the mixer and left on for a long time, the coating on the mixer can be damaged.

If personal hygiene product gets on the faucet during water procedures, it is best to rinse it off immediately with water. As for the shower head and the hose, if possible they should be wiped dry after each use. Do not forget that the aerator, which is located on the shower head, should be regularly removed and well cleaned on both sides.

In conclusion, we want to emphasize that the purchase of a reliable and high-quality faucet for the bathroom is a very important and difficult matter. When choosing a faucet model, you should pay attention to its functional purpose, technical characteristics, how easy it is to install the product, what material it is made of, the range of colors, the manufacturer of the product, the presence of lights and so on. If you approach the choice of the faucet with all the responsibility, it will have a long service life.