Shower systems: types and functions, how to choose, manufacturers

The evolution of technology has led to the fact that the shower of the hygienic device has become a means for relaxation. This has increased the requirements for the comfort of its use, the basic functionality and appearance. Shower system - an elaborate set, suitable for bath or boothsThat can be the centerpiece of a bathroom.

Principle of operation

Standard Set consists of a shower system mixer, Hose and watering can. They and the principle of operation is based designs. Mixer It opens the flow of water that enters through the hose in a watering can. Openings or nozzles watering can determine the form in which it comes from scattering liquid.

the distance between tubes with hot and cold water may be different. Therefore, in the complete mixer provided eccentrics - sleeve to help adjust the difference in width. Located inside the cartridge with a ball mechanism or plates - with the help of the mixing of water flows.

Types and functions of shower systems

Shower headsets are divided into types of fastening method, the type of installation, configuration and functionality.

type of instalation

• Open. Hose connecting mixer and watering, available on the surface, like the rest of accessories. This type is considered to be a universal, as is established at any stage of repair, or in a ready room to replace the old faucet or shower. The main difficulty the latter option - selection and adjustment of the eccentrics. About the compatibility of the dimensions concerned at the stage of selection of accessories.
• Concealed shower system.tubes and hoses are mounted into the wall on the stage of repair. If the models are two types of watering cans provided, the hose for the hand set will remain on the surface. In other cases, hiding everything but the faucet and watering. Hidden installation often used to create a tropical shower.

mounting method

The division into four types:

Shower system with overhead and hand shower

The main structural element is a rod, which is moved by watering. It is fastened to the wall, sometimes instead of the bar is a flexible hose - an indicator of the budget set. In this case, the presence of additional functions is unlikely. Some models have special nozzles on the housing boom.

Features:

• It is used as a hand or overhead shower.
• Often provides tips for creating jets with different pressure and the degree of splashing.
• Easy installation.
• The rod may be stationary or rotatable.
• Do not require additional devices for water supply.

Shower system with overhead shower

Do not steal space in the bathroom. Most often it is a disc or a rectangular plate, which is installed in the upper part of the wall or ceiling.

Features:

• Ceiling model preferred to select a self-cleaning function, or the need for care can reduce the performance of the device.
• Increased water consumption and razbryzgivaemost - this type is rarely set in bath without curtains.
• Mounting optimal to complete the repair, because after the liner pipe and wall mounting system made coat.
• In most cases, after the installation height adjustment fixing time-consuming or impossible.

Shower panels

The combination of the upper or the hand shower and nozzle for additional functions. They ranked as hydro, imitation Charcot shower, aeration. Panels are often equipped with additional devices: backlit or footrest.

Features:

• Do not cause problems with the installation.
• The abundance of models and sizes.
• Suitable for installation in baths, showersBoxing.
• Full replacement of shower enclosures.

combined type

Handheld showerheads, and suspension system. As a rule, arranged on one holder.

Features:

• Combined models often equipped with a rotary rod.
• It combines the advantages of manual and suspended type.
• There are variations that are installed on the panel with nozzles.
• If you complete two showers, they differ in size by 1.5 or 2 times.
• A large number of nozzles available on watering can - monodush, aerated, power.

functions

A set of built-in additional options, strictly linked to the design model.

• Automatic adjustment of water pressure - a function often comes with a thermostat in a separate execution occurs on the individual models.
• Water filter - Built-in watering and inlet hoses, usually removable type. It can be easily washed.
• Auto Cleaning - watering head is self-cleaning of plaque lime touch of a button, which is usually located on the bar or watering can.

mixer type

For type mixer meets special valve mixing hot and cold water, before it comes to the shower head. Mixers are calculated under different pressure and water pressure. Installation always surface - regardless of whether internal or external type of system used. The mixer does not increase the power of the water stream.

Normal

This type includes the usual valve models and variations with a single lifting handle (monokomandnye). A disadvantage of conventional installation shower mixer a connection to pipesThat supply water to other points of the apartment or house. Sharing affect the feed rate and the water temperature.

Such shower mixer has a pre-calibrated thermostat, which reacts to abrupt changes in water temperature and stabilizes the situation. Advanced thermostats can shut off the flow of water when detected failures.

Most of this type of model has an automatic temperature maintenance, customizable by user preference.

• Electronic. ABOUTsnaschayutsya LCD screen, which displays the water temperature. The panel is keypad or touch, supports programming. Sometimes complemented by an infrared sensor and remote control. Working increasingly on batteries or adapter.
• Mechanical. PParameters are set handles or valves. Power supply is needed.

The principle of operation of devices from simple thermostat. Inside is a cartridge with wax. It is created from the bimetallic plates are sensitive to temperature changes. Due to the material properties under the influence of heat and cold is a compression or expansion, limited adjustment screw.

Equipment

Options vary depending on the system type and class. The standard set includes:

• Watering - manual, ceiling or suspended;
• water supply hose;
• mixer.

Additional options:

• regiment or soap dish;
• Holder with adjustable height, or without, in some cases - shower rack;
• spout (when installing it is not needed in the shower);
• rotary holder;
• side nozzles;
• thermostat.

A shelf

This accessory is available in metal, ceramic or glass design. The usual shelf for shampoo and gels, only suspended from the mount to the wall or shower.

• It occurs in a narrow form - from 10 cm wide or - standard 30 cm.
• Some models are supplied with mixerEstablished at the end of the shelf, they are provided with the symbols.
• Considered practical shelves with boards or corrugated surface - with them not slide tubes.
• In some of the provided mounting shelves for manual watering.

Shower with illumination

This option is often available in several colors. Illuminated water coming out of a watering can. It is believed that this functionality is dangerous, but the models with lighting usually do not require electricity to operate the connection. In most cases, the backlight power comes from the built-in turbine. Batteries or other power supply is not required.

species:

• Panel with colored light bulbs used for chromotherapy.
• LED LED-illumination - activated automatically when opening the water.
• In models with integrated temperature sensor color rays varies depending on the heating water.

coated housing

Shower head, handle and valve controllers have a special coating. Qualitative considered polished or matt chromium, nickel, stainless steel, bronze and brass.

Covering not only plays a decorative role. From the alloy used is directly dependent on the durability of the product.

• silumin. Budget embodiment in the form of silicon alloy (22%) and aluminum. Material is difficult to withstand the increased water pressure, is short-lived, typically requires a pressure reducer. Standard service period is a year. Usually the product of silumin completed cartridges made of ABS plastic and coated with a spout. head parts of the plate without the smooth running are subject to rapid wear.
• Brass. Middle class products. copper-zinc alloy with up to 62%. Silumin strong and ductile, corrosion resistant. Accessories of such articles manufactured from metal alloys, designed for long-term operation. Crane axlebox usually ceramic, wear-hard water.
• Nickel-chromium. High-quality model. The coating is applied to a double layer of brass components, scratch-resistant. Fittings of metal or a rigid ceramic coated water-insoluble lubricant.

Benefits

Advantages shower systems considered in relation to the basic configuration without touching the accessories.

type of instalation

• Open. Not in need of repair or redevelopment space for installation. Joints and weak spots in the mind and in the public domain, which greatly facilitates their repair and maintenance.
• Closed. Space-saving small bathrooms. Aesthetic, since all the bulky parts are hidden behind the wall surface, it fits into any interior.

Both types are easy to install, if we talk about the connection of pipes, fittings and valves. No difference in principle - only the one that caused the room dimensions and the need for the absence / presence of mind on the technical details.

mounting method

• Hand shower convenient or as a separate accessory. Depending on the type of rod can be used as the upper. Convenient for spot cleaning of individual body parts.
• Overhead shower. Major provides uniform watering water jet for washing. Variations rain shower are only possible with this type of construction.
• Shower panels. Built-in nozzles extend the functionality of the system, turning it into a kind of spa.
• combined type. The dignity of all the models described above are combined into a single compact system.

faucets

Twin valve. Durable repairs and maintenance are simple and accessible, even with the use of available tools. Clear older generation often arrived to visit elderly relatives are not able to deal with modern models of mixersAnd dvuhventilny such does not cause problems.

Thermostat.It saves water, because it does not require long-term adjustments. As a result, quickly pays for itself. Water is stable with temperature and pressure, regardless of the state of the water system and the availability of other users.

Single-lever mixers. Deservedly considered the most convenient type. Easy and quick adjustment, even if your hands are busy.

Problems

Disadvantages associated with the type of installation, have little effect on system performance. In general terms, they have already been described above, so there is a focus on functional features.

mounting method

Hand shower - even hanging on a post requires adjusting body position during washing. The length of the bar, as a rule, has its limitations, telescopic models are available not everywhere, so there may be performance problems for tall people.

Overhead shower - it is impossible to point the application, it is necessary to plunge completely each time. Increased consumption of water due to splashing and a large area of ​​watering cans. Inconvenience for maintenance and care of the watering.

Shower panels - the injectors are not intended for systems with low pressure, quickly become clogged with lime bloom even if rarely used. Type most often exposed to breakage.

Combined - a system often fails due to wear washers and gaskets, and break once the two heads.

faucets

dvuhventilnye - adjusting inconvenience at different water pressure in the hot and cold pipe. Rapid wear of the rubber gaskets, whereby constant flow are formed.

Single-lever - in the budget models cartridge quickly fails, as for its production of plastic is used. It is not designed for a large number of switching cycles and adjustments.

Thermostatic - the problems can be attributed their low prevalence. In smaller towns, difficult to find craftsmen capable of correctly install, adjust or repair this equipment.

How to choose a shower system

When you select should focus on these factors:

1. Design. A basis is always taken overhead shower, regardless of the model. An important point - the length of the pipe or hose that supplies water to the funnel, and the possibility of telescopic extension under different growth. The average size range of 900-2000 mm.
2. The diameter of the upper watering. It is believed the main, comes to 400 mm wide model. The higher it is, the more comfortable overhead shower, but the water flow increases.
3. The diameter of the bottom watering or hand shower. The combined models sufficiently 150mm. If the manual system, watering is preferable to 200 mm.
4. Material. For permanent home use are preferred system alloys of nickel, chromium and brass.
5. mixer accessories. The weakest and most difficult to repair the place, her choice should be given priority. Specify, plastic or ceramic cartridge inside whether lubricant repels water.

Inspect the threaded connections - they should not be obvious distortions and chipping. Minor defects, especially in embedded systems, can lead to serious leakage and subsequent repair, superior cost savings in detail.

In terms of functionality the basis of a mixer views and watering regimes work. There are models that support dozens of different types of water supply - from hard jet to a soft bubble aeration. In everyday life, few people use all available modes. Usually operated 2-3 major and the other nozzles are overgrown with lime scale.

what better

Parameter comfort is individual and depends on the personal preferences of family members, so choose the shower system is necessary, focusing on their own needs.

Manual or overhead shower?

For men and men with short hair overhead shower more comfortable because it allows you to quickly and evenly to wash your hair. But the ladies with long tresses at risk of hate him, because during the washing of the body will have to stick hair, rigidly fix their position.

Otherwise, sprawling on the chest and shoulders wet strands will create a lot of problems - from overlapping survey to difficulties with soaping upper body.

Built-in or open?

Selected by the need for aesthetics, ease of repair and maintenance. For families where the husband hands grow from the planned place of nature, you can use any kind of small problems do not cause twisting.

At the same time, for single women and the elderly built-in type will be guaranteed a problem with minor breakages. Hygienic cleaning even highly placed watering require masters call - this discomfort.

Thermomixer or normal?

Comfortable first class, but the second is more convenient in everyday life. Taking a shower with a Thermomixer, do not have to worry that included Washer leave you alone with boiling water and lathered head. But in the case of small breakdowns and leaks to fix yourself a mixer unlikely.

Conventional mixer is able to tighten up and put in order any person with a wrench, repair does not take much time, the host system is not likely to remain for a few days without a shower.

Exploitation

Maintenance is reduced to two rules: the system must be used for its intended purpose and promptly cleaned of contaminants.

• On brackets and fasteners can not hang other items. These elements are calculated only on the weight of parts of the system.
• Preferred installation filter from a kit or an individual. It protects the device from the effects of hard water is put to prolong the life of the shower head.
• Surface cleaning nozzles and should be done only by special means or soft cleaners. It is unacceptable use of corrosive acids, as they damage the plastic and rubber parts design.
• Operating pressure of water, usually should not exceed 1 MPa in order to avoid disruption of the head or faucet. If the system pressure specified above, is placed a protective gear.
• Shower head should be at least once in 6 months, washed lime, even if there is a filter.

Guarantee

Warranty obligations of the manufacturer performs only in the case of installation by qualified craftsmen. But this does not negate the replacements in the case of factory defects and nekonditsiyu.

Standard warranty for shower equipment is 2 years. There are options with a 10-year term of service, but it is a publicity stunt. After the first year of operation of factory defects are already known, if any, and everything else - mechanical damage due to incorrect operation or brackish water - warranty repair nobody will. Overpay for a long warranty period, so it makes no sense.

Faults and repairs

Shower system characterized by failure, similar in type to occur at any mixer. Less common problems with the shower head and the mounting hardware.

leaking faucet

Mixer - a head parts, often connected brass tube with a cartridge for mixing water and switch modes. Repair leaks is usually limited to the replacement of the mixer. How to choose the right one? It is necessary to measure the spacing in the middle between the handles. In combination with a known amount of this parameter modes enough to choose the correct replacement.

Installation is standard:

1. twisted old mixer;
2. aligned unions under the new;
3. compound compacted fresh ribbon fum or its analogs;
4. installed a new device.

Clogged shower head

The most common problem for models with a rain shower. Elevated amounts of brackish water eventually clog the nozzle.

Standard cleaning head reduces torsional and removing limescale improvised means: water with vinegar, lemon or specialized chemistry.

As the twist:

• turn off the water;
• loosen the fixing nut heads;
• if necessary, disconnect the nozzle from the water supply hose, it untwisted.

Assembling after cleaning is carried out in reverse order. In advanced cases, when the head is not cleaned, it is wise to replace it with a new one. To replace the need the same procedure as for cleaning.

broke cartridge

The cause of failure can be a hammering, hard water, poor-quality material production. Fixing is reduced to replacing parts.

you must:

1. Shut off hot and cold water.
2. Thin screwdriver to pry the bezel blank color coded water. Beneath it is the locking screw, usually hexagonal. The screw is twisted, then removed the lever and protective ring underneath.
3. Wrench disconnected clamping nut.
4. Next, remove the cartridge, in its place a new set, and the mixer is cleaned from the inside.

The assembly is carried out by analogy in the reverse order.

Manufacturers of shower systems

Plumbing system included in the basic specification of the majority of manufacturers represented.

Grohe

The manufacturer from Germany. Shower system with top and bottom watering in different price ranges. premium quality furniture made of ceramic plates high hardness. Product warranty when installed manufacturer's customer service center is 5 years. Website: www.grohe.com.

Hansgrohe

The German manufacturer mixers and shower systems. Products in the middle price range. The warranty period is 2 years, counted from the date of purchase in retail stores. Website: www.hansgrohe.ru.

IDDIS

Russian manufacturer of sanitary ware for bathrooms and toilets. The network of service centers across the country. For products covered by the warranty, but the timing of her personality. Website: www.iddis.ru.

jacob Delafon

French manufacturer of bathroom products, is part of the American group KOHLER. The warranty for shower units is 2 years. Website: jacobdelafon.ru.

Milardo

Manufacturer of Russia. It specializes in equipment and accessories for kitchen and bathroom. Available service and warranty, but the timing is not claimed. Website: www.milardo.ru.

Roca

Spanish manufacturer of all types of equipment for the bathroom. Qualitative model luxury brass alloys, nickel and chromium. The warranty on most of its products 10 years, Russian network of service centers. Website: www.ru.roca.com.

Vidima

Manufacturer of sanitary equipment from Bulgaria. Products equipped with German fittings and machinery. Available Russian dealer network. 5-year warranty. Website: www.vidima.ru.