Mixers for shower: types, advantages and disadvantages, fault

The question of "stuffing", which is equipped with a shower, in particular, how the mixer is noteworthy in First of all, because it affects how comfortable and long-lasting operation of the shower will process cab.

Consider the difference between a shower mixer (hereinafter - the device structure) of other varieties mixers.

Description

Mixer is a shower device, which controls the water current, and due to the mixing of cold and hot water obtained the required temperature. From bath fixtures he distinguished by the absence of the spout (spout).

In addition, the manufacturers produce models of chromium. Their cost is higher than devices made of brass, but they have the advantage - in the chrome surface does not develop harmful microorganisms. Lakey shower made essentially of plastic, and the outer side coated with metal.

Types, advantages and disadvantages for the shower faucets

According to the method of installation is divided into:
Wall-mounted faucets for shower - are a classic choice for a bathroom, but without spout. Have Lever, poluoborotnoe or touch control. They can be equipped with a thermostat and shower enclosures.

Pros wall:

• low price;
• suitable for outdoor and indoor showers;
• easy to install;
• Mixer units in plain sight, in case of breakage easily determine the fault and replace the necessary elements.

recessed Mixers for shower - mounted behind the panel showers (boxing), but the control unit remains in sight. It can be mounted on the wall.

Pros built-in models:

• part hidden from the elements, more aesthetically pleasing;
• design takes up less space as part of the hidden elements;
• you can manage multiple spouts simultaneously.

Cons embedded models:

• higher price in comparison to wall models;
• repair in case of failure can be difficult because of the nodes are hidden behind the panel shower.

By means of regulation and the water heating are divided into:

mechanical - the easiest option for needed hot and cold water, because heating the mixer itself does not occur. Can be equipped with two types of control:

Lever faucets for shower - devices with a single lever, which adjusts both the temperature and pressure. There are two types - Cartridge and ball.

The capacity inside the sphere is called the mixing chamber. The ball is in contact with seals made of rubber. If you change the movement of the ball changes and the flow force.

Pros:

• design reliable, rarely fails;
• low cost.

Minuses:

• from time to time need to change the rubber seals.

The Cartridge (ceramic) device, instead of a ball - cartridge which consists of two ceramic plates. At the top of the cartridge, water is mixed, and the bottom - three holes for the water.

As soon as the joystick position (lever) is changed, there is a combination of the upper part of the mixing chamber with one of the holes of the bottom plate. Lever coated with silicone grease, and due to this moves smoothly.

Pros of cartridge (ceramic):

• rugged construction;
• no rubber seals, which reduces the likelihood of leaks;
• low cost.

Disadvantages of cartridge (ceramic):

• in the water particles are small particles, may damage the mechanism, it is recommended to use water treatment filters;
• after some time, the ink cartridge needs to be replaced.

Twin valve for a shower - a design with two valves, one regulates the cold water and the other hot. Simply and reliably constructed.

There are two types:

• The design of valves used head parts with a seal of rubber. Seal from the effects of temperature and over time becomes thinner, there may be a leak. For this reason, the seal must be changed periodically. This model is one of the most reliable.
• Poluoborotnye. In the embodiment, the principle of the alignment holes of the ceramic plate. The mechanism works by rotating the valve only? turnover.

Pros dvuhventilnyh:

• low cost.

Cons dvuhventilnyh:

• periodic need to replace the rubber seals.

Thermostatic shower mixers - devices with programming function, due to which the temperature is set once and further supported by the device. Water pressure can also be regulated.

Temperature regulated devices in the form of valves or levers.

Pros thermostatic:

• the temperature can be set once, in the future to adjust the pressure only;
• is a likelihood of burns with hot water (for children) due to the fact that the set comfort temperature;
• there is water saving, because they do not spend the extra time on the temperature control.

Cons thermostatic:

• high price.

Electric mixers for shower - they do not need for hot water, heating it made in the instrument. Model is suitable for those who have no hot water, since water is heated by means of a small heating element is embedded.

such a model is controlled via a joystick (lever), or touch panel. Connecting to the power supply and the installation should be done by a professional.

The second problem - the formation of scale. In addition, when you buy should pay attention to how much power from the heating elements of the mixer - the higher the score, the more hot water faucet can give.

This model is best used with a thermostat, which will control the temperature change in case water pressure in the water system falls sharply. Otherwise, when a sudden drop in water pressure level is likely to get burned.

Pluses electric shower:

• just enough cold water.

Cons electric shower:

• weak water stream;
• limescale deposits;
• high cost of installation specialist.

Sensor faucets for shower - operation of the soul is changed by pressing the button. mixing water to the desired temperature occurs by the processor and the embedded thermostat. As a control a liquid crystal display and control panel.

If the digital mixer is built, all the nodes of the mixer are hidden behind the panel or in the shower wall, referring only to the control panel and remain directly showerhead and other Spouts.

In addition, such a control system may further include a and ventilation, radio and telephone. When buying cost commensurate dimensions of the shower enclosure and a control unit - in average it is 22x33x9 cm, depth can be up to 12 cm.

You can select among a shower of digital models of mixers with Bluetooth technology (wireless). It differs in that the control unit can be installed at a distance of 10 meters from the shower and the water temperature set up in advance.

Advantages of digital soul:

• design;
• Ease of controls;
• multifunctionality;
• temperature control;
• water savings, because they do not spend the extra time on the temperature control.

Cons digital soul:

• high price.

By mode the direction of water flow is divided into:

• Mixers with one or two positions - economy version, used in low-cost models of shower enclosures. One position of the mixer allows you to include a shower only, or only a manual watering. Two positions allow you to switch the flow of water from the shower to the manual watering and back.
• Mixers with three positions - a frequent option. Water streams are switched between manual watering, upper (rain) shower and hydromassage (nozzles installed in the wall of the cab). Functional and relatively inexpensive option.
• Mixers with four positions - all the functions of a mixer with three positions plus hydro feet.
• Mixers with five or more positions - added more functions. This model is not very popular among buyers.

So, to select the number of modes in a blender, you must:

• decide how many modes will be used and do not overpay for unnecessary features.
• take into account the effect of water pressure in the water network, as at a low pressure, some modes can not work.
• Keep in mind that the more modes, the higher the cost of the product.

malfunctions

The first - determine the type of mixer. Since mixers consist of separate units, broken parts mechanical models wall (Lever, poluoborotnye, dvuhventilnye) easily replaced.

Types of damage:

• shower hose broke down, there were leaks.

Solution: replace the hose.

• the valve has failed, there were leaking out of the valve.

Solution: If the valve metal is rusted, it is subject to replacement stuffing box and the rubber seals, then the valve is screwed into place.

• Poluoborotny valve began to leak.

Solution: replace the head parts in the valve, replace the rubber seals.

• Faulty Lever (linkage) mixer.

Solution: disassemble valve, replace the old cartridge with a new ceramic.

• were leaking faucet nut.

Solution: replace the rubber seals, if burst nut - replace the nut.

• Broken showerhead.

Solution: Replace with a new showerhead. The optimum combination of quality and price has a plastic head, rubber conductors water jets, covered on the outside with metal.