Water taps for supplying water through the pipe. This is the kind of valves, allowing open and close access to water. Each plumbing shop gives customers a huge selection of different design of these devices, with a variety of operating principles. In order not to get confused when choosing a device, it is recommended to know in detail their views, functions, scope of application.
Constructive technology taps
Mixer or tap - an indispensable device for every home. It is installed in the bathroom, in the kitchen, as well as other places where the water supply is needed. The locking device for the water pipe in apartment has a specific structure which can open and shut the water supply. According to the note from the water structures following features:
- feed pipes: located at the base of the mixer - the water thereon flows of two types - hot and cold;
- clutch;
- pipe;
- union nut;
- cap or box - a device providing the adjustment of cold and hot water;
- housing - are often made of aluminum alloys with silicon, plastic, brass, bronze;
- spout - an element designed to apply a sink or bath is discharged in a variety of forms;
- gaskets, seals - avoid leaks at the joints connecting elements;
- Aerator - tip nozzle allows to spray water.
Within each type mixer has a special device that allows to block or open the water supply. For example, in the valve devices - a spreader ring and rubber seal in ball models - a special ball. The thermostatic - Special thermostatic element, and in touch - the solenoid valve.
The principle of operation of the device
The scheme selected varieties crane always helps to know exactly how the device works. According to the type of tap some aspects of the work will be different, but they have a similar principle:
- When the user wants to turn the water on, it uses an external device to open it. For example, in the single-lever structures necessary to raise the flag up in the valve devices are used for that caps on valves, and in touch - you just need to bring your hands to the photosensor.
- When the manipulation is made from two types of pipe enters the water - hot and cold. They are mixed in, so the output person receives water required temperature.
- To adjust the water temperature, the user again applies the external apparatus constructions: twists or untwists valves, moves the lever on the selected side.
The thermostatic and sensor models in advance is a special element that independently controls the water temperature before serving. tap the device allows you to preset the required temperature parameters.
Scope of faucets
Technical characteristics of modern cranes allow their use in various applications. Mixers for water used in the areas of:
- for Bath;
- For shower;
- Sink;
- the combined use of baths, sinks;
- kitchen mixer;
- on the bidet.
Options for the bath are characterized by low spout model is sometimes presented short mixers, which allow not touch the unit while taking water treatments. Kits often contain a bathroom shower heads, nozzles on it.
The main difference from the faucet for the bathroom will no spout as the water flows directly into the shower. Models presented options available and innovative - with panel buttons, display.
Dimensions suitable tap for the sink must conform to its diameter, allowing a person to easily carry out maintenance for sanitary ware. Modern versions are presented by models with an exhaust drain - they will help to make instant cleaning sinks and options with waste set to quickly close the drain, collect water.
Combined model for sinks and bathroom are gradually recede into the past, but still sometimes used in demand. They are characterized by long spout for possible use in the sink and bathtub by turning in the right direction.
Mixer for the kitchen often choose a single-lever type, so there was no need to constantly turn the valves. Structurally, the option for the kitchen should have a high bending to be able to wash the dishes, collect water.
Options for the bidet differ by the presence of the aerator with ball mechanism, they are inserted into the hole on the bidet, often called "hygienic shower."
Species of cranes: technical features, pros and cons
All varieties of faucets to classify according to their internal structure. According to the principle of operation of valves, taps are brushless, single-lever, thermostatic, touch and ball. A detailed review of the design and how each tap will know better about the principles, differences.
valve taps
Valve type mixers is divided into two types: odnoventilnye and dvuhventilnye. The first type is represented by a single cap, the temperature setting can not be - the user can only regulate the pressure of the fluid. The device operates by pressing the rubber gasket to the special "seat." For improved performance manufacturers inserted inside the structure of the head parts ceramics - when the valve is rotated, there is a match plates, sprayed with water.
Dvuhventilnye model - the most popular types of cranes on today. The water supply is carried out by operation of the two locking mechanisms, which give the water into the device where it is mixed, reaching the required temperature. you can highlight the pros and cons of water supply valve devices of the above information.
| pros | Minuses |
| Simple temperature setting | The need for periodic replacement of the gaskets |
| Easy adjustment of pressure | Small service life - up to 5 years |
| Availability | The high cost of ceramic valve |
| rapid erection | The time spent, effort, the temperature control |
Dvuhventilnye variants have an elastic pad of rubber or ceramic valve. Scope of such models - sink, kitchen, bath.
Single-lever model
The second most popular - Models with single-lever operation of the device. The principle use is simple: product consists of a monolithic body and the cartridge, which controls the water flow. The cartridge is located within the housing, is fixed therein with a single nut, which is hidden by a decorative cap. The design is so simple that there is not a single superfluous details, portends a breakdown.
Single-lever device mounted on the sink, shower, bath. They have easy control adjustment. The main advantages of this type:
- durability;
- simple design;
- laid-back control;
- a simple repair.
The user will not be difficult to make a single-lever faucet in the kitchen or bathroom, as well as the installation is simple. Of the minuses can be identified fast deterioration of rubber seals, and complex water temperature setting on the cheaper models. To avoid frequent breakdowns, it is recommended to change the self-sealing gum every 2 years.
Taps with thermostat
Progress does not stand still in the plumbing shop, you can find a comfortable versatile device - tap with a thermostat. This design allows it to self-mix, adjust the water temperature before serving. Programming is performed outside the cell: thanks to a special lever, you can set the necessary parameters and the water feed rate.
Rating faucets until he puts this position in the line leading from the high cost of technology and innovation. To install this type of mixer is better in health care facilities, kindergartens, schools, as well as for home use - in the bathroom, in the kitchen sink and bidet.
According to customer reviews, these positive features are:
- efficiency - because precise temperature control is reduced expenditure of water in the system;
- tracking heat balance water - the device avoids situations where only served cold or hot water;
- resistance to water pressure fluctuations - temperature jumps are possible.
Less is also present - this is the high cost of this type of mixer. Find thermostatic option is difficult, therefore, often have to order it from another city.
sensory products
The basis laid photosensor capable of operating on the approximation of the hands. When the user brings his hands - the water supply is performed. When a person removes his hands, the water flow is stopped abruptly. Scope - public places, because this way you can significantly reduce the expenditure of water at a high level of traffic.
Device overlap here is a solenoid valve, consisting of a core, the membrane and other parts. Water is supplied by raising the core and the membrane, it is explained by applying the voltage to the electromagnetic field. Included are the battery of 9V, which is enough for 20-24 months of use.
| pros | Minuses |
| Comfort and convenience | The disadvantage of the installation in the kitchen |
| hygienic applications | Not suitable for regular filling a bathtub or sink bowl |
| saving water | High price |
| Automatic adjustment of water temperature | |
| Modern style |
Make valve more sensitive by using special valves and levers, which are located on the structure itself from the outside. The unit does not respond to movement, it makes sense to replace the battery.
Ball Valves
Another type of structure - BALL embodiment. This model is identical to the single lever mixer tap, but has a slightly different principle. Inside built a special ball that performs the function of the water supply. When raising the flag the ball begins to rotate, opening it begin to coincide with the holes in the special "saddle". The more often the same hole, the more water pressure.
Ball is hydrant, which is mounted near the sanitary unit - a tub, sink or toilet. It allows you to cut off the water supply at the specified node on the same principle. Pipeline ball valve is reduced and full bore - holes according to the size and water in a ball patency.
Positive aspects are available, small size, durability, tightness of the water flow overlap. Of the minuses can highlight the need for long arms to overlap, as well as compliance with all the rules of operation in order to prevent water leakage.
How to choose the right model?
Before heading to the plumbing shop, you need to decide on the purchase of destination - where the future model will be installed. Depending on this will be determined by the shape, material, design and other factors. If carried out replacement or installation of a new water supply will also be required drawing plumbing faucet, hydrant, and other elements of the system.
The main selection criteria are:
- Design. Dvuhventilnye model fit into the classical interior, single lever differ usability and thermostatic and sensor will appeal to lovers of comfort and novelties.
- Material. Shops offer taps from a combination of bronze and brass - the most high-quality and reliable option. Model of silumin not differ durability, the same can be said about the interior of the plastic tap.
- Mount Type. There are wall and floor, as well as embedded and cut-in - it all depends on the preference of the user and the installation site.
- The form. Kitchen fit models with curved spout for bath - short options. The sink is well fit medium-length model with a slight curve.
- The size. Connecting the installation of the crane components are measured in inches, so it makes sense to ask the seller these parameters. Also, the diameter of the nozzle without significance - depends on the pressure of supplied water.
- The frequency of repairs. Are considered the most durable trends - with thermostat and sensor models. It often happens that the crane is scrolled on the twin valve and single lever on models break sealing gum.
When you purchase should also pay attention to the aeration nozzle - the more holes in it, the more water will be sprayed.
Modern faucets in a wide range that allows each customer to choose the option and design that the best way to satisfy the needs of the family. Compliance with the rules of use of the product will extend its service life.