How to choose a faucet in the bathroom sink?

It is hard to imagine a bathroom or a kitchen without a sink, and the sink - without mixer. This sanitary device we use every day when brushing your teeth, washing hands, food, utensils. It helps to mix two flow of water - hot and cold - one to regulate his strength and temperature.

What material is better?

Brass - the best option in terms of price and quality - copper alloy (at least 60%) and zinc, corrosion resistant. From it are made of high-quality housing in mixers - robust, sealed, well treated, appropriate sanitary standards.

TSAM or ZAMAK - zinc compound (93-95%), aluminum (4%), copper and magnesium (1-3%). It is less strong and tight, but the main thing - is rapidly degraded by contact with tap water, especially chlorinated.

silumin - adding silicon to aluminum (4-22%) - as ZAMAK actively promoting Chinese manufacturers. Mixers of it cheap, but it is very fragile and short-lived.

By the way! Housing mixer brass TsAMa and silumin coated chromium layer or nickel, at least - bronze. This provides surface protection and presentable.

Stainless steel - an alloy of iron, carbon and chromium - material proven over the years. Products of durable, wear-resistant, do not fade with time and does not require additional coating and special care.

Some details of the mixers may be made of plastic or ceramic.

How do you know what a mixer is needed?

To determine the type of mixer for plumbing already installed, you need to pay attention to some points.

Primarily, it is important to take into account the shape and purpose of the shell. If the cup is shallow, and you do not wash it in the head, pan and rubber boots, there is no need long and movable spout. You can do short and static.

faucets can be mounted in different ways:

• one or more openings in the sink or countertop, if any;
• in the wall above the sink, if provided with the appropriate water supply;
• on a special stand.

The remaining options depend entirely on your preferences and financial capabilities. Choose one that will appeal to and can afford.

Types of mixers and types spout

According to the control method faucets are distinguished:

• valve - familiar to the older generation. On one side of the tap hot goose located on the other - with cold water. It is easy to use, fairly reliable, easy to repair. This is the safest option for homes with gas heating water (column);
• odnozahvatny - the most common today. His comfort in the fact that with one hand using a lever, moving it horizontally and vertically, can be easily set both temperature and water pressure. Models with ceramic cartridges that can be replaced without problems, are more popular than a ball mechanism;
• Thermostatic - a good choice for families living with children and elderly parents. Using two controllers can set the optimal parameters of the water flow at the outlet to it could not be splashed or burned;
• continental - even more economical kind of the previous one. In addition to the thermostat, it is instead of a lever or button is equipped with a valve. Pressing issued portion of water, which pours a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 7, 15, 30 seconds);
• touch - with a special built-in photosensor. When approaching hand it is activated when motion stops the water supply stops. No seizures and cranes, all the options are set.

Recent versions of mixers more advanced, but they also have disadvantages: they are much more expensive valve and leverAnd for their correct operation requires uninterrupted supply of hot and cold water and constant energy supply.

In washbasins, mostly practiced classical installation mixers: most of all - with low direct spout - "growth" is not more than 15 cm and a length of 20 cm, at least - high and long - 25-30 cm. Along with traditional forms, are gaining in popularity the original shape and structure.

Availability of additional options

A number of modifications is provided with additional elements providing greater functionality and comfort:

1. Aerator - special nozzle mounted on the nose of the gander. Her functions include filtering, dispersion and reduction of water consumption, enriching it with oxygen. It can be fixed or swivel. Last help regulate the flow direction. It comes bundled with almost all modern models.
2. Pull spout is initially created for easier washing of fruits and vegetables in the kitchen sink. The tip due to the hiding of the flexible hose is lengthened, which allows you to direct a jet of water at a certain place or sink beyond it.
3. Shower head - connected with a mixer and a movable metal hose is attached to the wall next to the sink or toilet. Turn it on by pressing a key, can be washed in the sink or a small dog to solve the hygiene problem, if in the bathroom there is a bidet.

How to navigate in the design?

It is desirable that a mixer in harmony not only with other metal objects in the bathroom, but also:

• dubbed the shell contours (round or straight);
• It fits into the overall concept. For example, to retrostilyu suitable specimens with bronze plated, to the hi-tech - cascading sensory model with chrome finish.

Ranking of the best mixers for wash manufacturer of bathroom

The entire podium occupied by the right German manufacturersThat proved to be the best side. Their products - Mixer stainless brass with chrome, or gold-plated bronze - It has good assembly, aesthetic appearance, a variety of models, high anti-corrosion properties and durability:

1. Grohe - a leader in the plumbing market, founded in the 30s of XX century. It produces a full range, from simple to high-tech electronic gate mixers, at a reasonable price: the lever can be purchased for 4-5 thousand. rub., the touch will cost at least 17 thousand. rub.
2. Hansgrohe - a company with more than 100 years of history offers a huge selection of models from classical to avant-garde. Among them we can find a suitable for any design ideas, prices range from medium to premium. A significant advantage - to save about 60% of water and energy resources.
3. Hansa - brand products which also differ efficiency (up to 50%) due to water pressure built controller. Unique patented technologies prevent clogging of the mixers, thus increasing their service life. Value from 8 to 140 thousand. rub. depending on the collection.
4. Vidima - Bulgarian producer of high-quality sanitary ware average price segment in operation for 15 years. Its mixers chrome cast brass body equipped with a light hot and cold water systems and lightweight mounting arm protection from heat.
5. LEMARK - Czech trade mark, representing a large range of certified products that have passed the test for tightness and operation of the water pressure at 9 atm. Consistent with both European standards and Russian guests, includes various mounting options. The manufacturer's warranty on the faucets in brass - 4 years, stainless steel - 5 years.

If you want to support domestic producers, note brass chrome single-lever mixers Rossinka, Iddis, Aquanet.

Tips for Choosing

Decide on the design and functionality Mixer for sinks in the bathroom: a it should be shape, color, size, as will be mounted.

Do not forget to take into account the structure of the shellIf there is a need - make measurements (eg, the horizontal distance from the mixer attachment points to the drain and the height of the drain hole to the vertical mounting). Then you can calculate the approximate angle of the flow to a stream of water coming out of the spout gander, I do not enter the basin wall and the bottom, preferably directly into the drain.

It will only have to choose the appropriate model for the amount that you are willing to spend. When you give preference to the purchase of:

• trusted brand;
• wear-resistant material, such as brass. On weight it is quite heavy, the inner surface is smooth, yellow. it is designated "L" letter in the modern labeling.

By the way! Sometimes in the specifications mixers material designated generalized the word "metal" (what - is unclear). Such instances better be skeptical, especially if the price of them is low.

Do not be lazy examine the documentation and quality certificate. Bona fide suppliers will always provide them to the buyer.

You can choose washbasin mixer of any type from the valve to the electronic. The main thing - that it was quality. Let it will cost is not very cheap, but it will serve you for many years.