A faucet with a thermostat - convenient! "Taming" the water.

During the hygiene procedures, the classic two-lever or single-lever faucet taps force you to spend time adjusting the water temperature. An alternative for those who want to always get a water jet with a selected temperature is a thermostatic mixer: the water temperature and water pressure can be programmed.

The faucet, supplemented with a thermostatic device, which is responsible for maintaining the temperature at a predetermined level, is considered a very convenient device.

Such a faucet is presented in two models:

• mechanical;
• electronic model.

In the mechanical version the device is controlled by a handle, valve or lever with a different design.

The electronic model has an LCD screen and the control is touch or push-button.

There are also non-contact combinations with an infrared sensor, even more convenient to use.

These faucets appeared thanks to thrifty Europeans, who did not want to spend more on using the benefits of civilization. They have a temperature scale on which the selected value is set, as well as a temperature limiter that prevents the increase above the specified value. Inside such faucets there is a thermal regulator, which is responsible for the ratio of hot water to cold water, as well as a device that controls the pressure of the water flow.

Before turning on the user selects the desired temperature and the desired pressure. If the device functions well, it allows you to get water with a comfortable temperature and a constant head.

First of all, determine the type of operation of the device, that is, choose an electronic or mechanical mixer.

In the electronic version it is easier to set the parameters by pressing the buttons or the touchpad, but this kind of mixer requires a power source (battery or a power adapter).

The mechanical mixer mechanical mixer is more reliable, and often works faster due to manual switching.

When choosing, the place where the mixer will be installed is also important. The devices are divided into faucets for the shower, kitchen sink, bidet, but there are also universal models.

Also, decide on the type of mounting of the mixer, because the installation can be performed:

• open (external);
• in a concealed way.

Since faucets are made in different designs, they are also selected to match the style of the room.

This faucet is a smart gadget. It remembers who is using it and recognizes faces.

As a result, according to your preference, it turns on the water of the desired temperature and strength by itself.

Since the mixer is equipped with a touch screen, you can use it to access your email, read the weather forecast, make adjustments to your plan, etc.

The main reason why the developers created the thermostatic faucet was to get water with a constant, stable temperature at the outlet, which will not cause any pressure in the water supply. Externally, a thermostatic faucet is similar to an ordinary faucet, especially if it is a mechanical model.

Each thermostatic mixer is equipped with a safety device, that prevents the temperature from rising accidentally, for example, due to careless hand movement. This safety feature is usually represented by a red button that must be pressed to increase the temperature. This feature is especially valuable for families with young children.

The design of a faucet with a thermostat includes:

• body;
• flow regulator;
• The thermostatic valve.

In cheaper models, the valve is made of rubber or leather. It wears rather quickly, although it is easy to replace. In the more expensive models, the valve is made of ceramic, so its wear is less. The body of the mixer is often in the form of a long cylinder with water outlets.

In addition to the main advantage of the thermostatic mixer in obtaining water of a certain temperature, the device has such other advantages:

• Economy. Precise settings eliminate unnecessary waste of water, because you do not need to adjust the comfort temperature after opening the faucet (it will immediately flow the water that you need).
• Safety. You can wash without worrying about whether the water is too hot or too cold.
• Comfort. The reaction of the faucet to changes in water temperature and pressure is very fast, and the person who washes will not even notice that the conditions have changed in the general network of communications.

The disadvantage of a faucet with a thermostat is its high cost. But for many, this disadvantage is insignificant, because it is fully covered by the practicality and usability.

In addition, there is such a disadvantage as a rather complicated repair. Repair services for such devices are not available in all cities.

The difference from mechanical models is the presence of an LCD monitor. On this monitor, the user sees the temperature readings of the water that will flow from the mixer. The electronic type of the mixer is controlled by touch or by pressing buttons.

The advantage of choosing this type of mixer is the ability to create programs. Depending on your needs, you can at a certain time turn on the desired program and get the water with the parameters that it provides. Some devices can be programmed and additional functions, such as water analysis. Of course, their cost is much higher than the cost of mechanical faucets or conventional electronic models.

Russian manufacturers do not produce such products, so we will focus on the major foreign firms that offer consumers thermostatic faucets.

Studies and tests call the products of the German manufacturer Grohe the best of such faucets. Products of this company attract with its design and innovative technology. These mixer taps can be installed both externally and concealed.

All mixer taps of Grone in their appearance and stylistics can be divided into 3 lines:

• Cosmopolitan (minimalist models with geometric shapes);
• Authentic (antique);
• Contemporary (democratic and modern models).

Another excellent German manufacturer, offering innovative equipment is the Hansgrohe company. Its faucets with a thermostat are made of brass, and since this material heats up quickly, the models have an effective cooling.

Depending on the type of cooling system, all mixers from Hansgrohe are divided into series:

• 5000 (reliable luxury class faucets with water cooling);
• 2000 (medium-class faucets with a plastic-coated brass body);
• 1000 (economy variant).

The company also offers an innovative series Ecostat with high flow capacity, attractive design and elegant form.

You can also buy sanitary fittings from the Finnish company Oras. The thermostat in its faucets is enclosed in a plastic casing. The latest models are additionally equipped with another lever for blind people.

Choosing a device from Oras, take into account that some models are made for the countries of Europe (water distribution is done differently than in Russian homes).

Note that the installation of the mechanical type of faucet with a thermostat is as simple as the installation of conventional faucets.

But for electronic models, you often need an expert. In preparation for installing a thermostatic faucet, it is advisable to install filters that will purify both cold and hot water. In this way, you will prolong the service life of the new device.

If you have purchased a model adapted to the domestic water distribution, then no problems with installation are expected. It is easiest to install a kitchen faucet, as its installation requires only the connection of flexible hoses. If the purchased model is incompatible with the existing distribution, you will have to perform a radical redesign of the plumbing.

If the pipes that supply water are different, it is recommended to install a model that has a check valve. It will not only prevent the mixing of water, but is also able to shut off the flow if the water supply in any pipe is turned off.