Mixer: its types, purpose, device

It is difficult to imagine the life of a modern person without a variety of household and plumbing devices. All of them are designed to make it easier and more comfortable. One such accessory is a mixer.

Every day we are faced with the need to maintain personal hygiene, prepare lunches and dinners. All this cannot be done without a mixer. At the same time, the modern consumer faces a difficult dilemma: to buy inexpensive Chinese plumbing fixtures or better European ones, to choose a single-lever or two-valve option? To facilitate the task, you should understand the nuances of the device.

What is a mixer tap in plumbing

A faucet is a sanitary ware required for mixing cold and hot water. In addition, it can be used to adjust the intensity of the jet and its direction.

The main material for the manufacture of the device is brass. On top of it, electroplated spraying is applied, which performs a decorative role.

Reference. A device designed to mix two streams of water was invented by Sir Thomson, better known as Lord Kelvin. It happened at the end of the 19th century.

In the middle of the twentieth century, Lord Kelvin's invention was refined by Alex Manukyan, who introduced the single-lever design. After that, the mass production and sale of the sanitary ware began.

For full functioning, the device is connected to two pipes. Cold water flows through one of them, hot water through the other. How the liquids will be mixed is influenced by the type of tap installed on the mixer.

What types of mixers are

Depending on the internal design of the device, several mixer options are distinguished.

Valve mixer

Valve models are equipped with a crane-axle box, which can be:

• with sanitary ceramic plates;
• with rubber gaskets.

Distinctive characteristics of the first variety:

1. In one minute, the device is capable of passing up to 25 liters of water.
2. The product is easy to use. The ceramic valve box quickly opens and closes the fluid supply.
3. It is sensitive to a variety of impurities in the water. Small stones, rust deposits abrade internal structural elements, so the product can quickly fail.

The features of the crane axle box with rubber gaskets include:

1. The product completely opens the passage opening. At the same time, it does it smoothly, which allows you to more accurately adjust the required temperature regime.
2. A rubber gasket is responsible for closing the throughput. Unlike ceramics, it is less sensitive to a variety of contaminants. But it can quickly deteriorate due to constant exposure to hot water.
3. The use of the device is accompanied by a rather loud noise.
4. It becomes difficult to use the device over time. This is explained by the fact that the brass rod is gradually covered with a layer of brass oxide, which causes it to grow in size.

Single lever models

This is the most modern option and is in great demand among consumers. This is explained by the fact that the device is convenient to use. To set the required temperature and pressure, you just need to turn the lever in the desired direction.

It takes much less time than with two-valve models. This means that you save not only a few seconds, but also reduce the amount of consumed resources.

The disadvantages include the complexity of maintenance and difficulty in finding the necessary cartridges. Cartridges vary in size: 20, 35 and 40 mm. The larger the diameter of the device, the faster you will fill a bath or other container.

Thermostatic

The development of modern technologies has not spared plumbing products either. Models equipped with a thermostatic element are becoming more and more popular. A small device controls the jet of hot and cold water. You just need to set a comfortable temperature and pressure.

In such models, there are no usual levers and valves, and control is carried out using knobs and buttons. On one side there is a knob for regulating the flow rate, on the other there is a temperature scale. With its help you can set the required temperature. This option is especially convenient if you have small children - you don't have to worry about the safety of your baby.

But do not forget about the "fly in the ointment". Unfortunately, our plumbing system cannot boast of stable performance and the same water pressure. In the event of pressure surges and temperature fluctuations, the thermostats may not cope with the load. This leads to malfunctions in the mixer.

Sensory

The most innovative option. The operation of the device is based on electronic and infrared sensors. Such options are intended for public places, as they can significantly reduce water consumption. The device operates on various batteries: batteries, accumulators, power supply using a 12 V power supply.

When choosing a mixer, consider not only the design of the product, but also the design. A convenient model will not only facilitate daily manipulations, but also save time.

The appearance of the device is also important, because the mixer should not get out of the general style of the room. A correctly selected model can complement a room, highlighting its design.