Built-in mixers: how it works, the device, the pros

In place of the old designs have come built-in models of mixers. In this article we'll talk about what are the kinds of mixers on their device, installation techniques, potential problems and ways to combat them.

How does the built-mixer

The main difference mixers - Valves.

• Using the head parts. This kind of thing of the past, in part because of considerations of the same ergonomics, but mainly because they are outdated. To open or close the valve, turn the valve to have 5-10 full revolutions. Although these models are reliable - simple working principle (worm pair, which regulates the flow of water by pressing the rubber seal) ensures a long service life.
• With the use of the cartridge. The cartridge is made of plastic or ceramic. operation last long term. But, given that the wear in the first place and sealing gum seals, the material of which the cartridge is made, is not so important. This design will allow to open or close the valve by one or even? rotation around its axis.
• ball. It is a modern form of valves similar to the action of the cartridge. But the ball is considered to be much more reliable. Just as in other species, the weak point of the ball valve, the internal content: springs, gaskets, rubber cams. The difficulty is that it is not easy to repair, unlike the above-mentioned mixers.

Apparatus inline mixer

The main difference in wall fittings - they consist of two parts. The main part - the inner block, which delivers the water directly. It is a plastic housing in which is located a brass or bronze head. The materials are expensive, but they are optimal for structures in contact with water.

In a standard mixer shower nozzle 4, one for entry of hot and cold water and one for water supply to the tap spout and showerhead. Regulates water pressure built in the cartridge, or ball valves and fittings.

The outdoor unit, which are control levers has a decorative function, and it is selected based on personal preferences and a suitable design.
Both parts are usually sold separately.

functions

Work embedded models similar to the operation of all other - fed water and mix.

• Thermostat - thanks to modern technology, it became possible to equip taps built-in automatic water temperature control - thermostat. This device allows you to "remember" a comfortable temperature and adjust the flow of water automatically. It is useful for apartments or houses where the water pressure at the time of filing changes. With built-in thermostat you will not have to worry that you will scald. For families with small children is the most important. The minus is the high cost and preparation of water (purifying filter). It is worth knowing, this model does not allow to use water above 38C? or too cold.
• Built-in filter - mesitel with built-in filter for the purification of drinking water has been applied to the kitchen equipment.
• Cascade - is a handy model that simulates a waterfall. Bandwidth her twice as high, which will collect the bath quickly.
• Contactless - sensor faucets convenient and economical. No leverage on them there, the water is supplied by a team of sensors that recognize hand movements. This durable model (service life is about 5 years). But, in case of breakage sensors repaired by them will not work, in this issue better to trust the professionals.

Benefits Built-in mixers

In addition to advanced features, built-in models have also a number of positive qualities:

• Less projecting parts of the structure that creates strict geometry in the interior.
• The minimum number of mixer elements on the outside, which is much easier cleaning.
• The installation of a bathroom on the edge, makes room on the wall.
• Usability bathroom, due to the fact that there are no protruding elements.

Let us consider the basic types of mixers, their advantages and disadvantages.

For shower.
Mounted on the wall, the hose is either outside or hidden inside. In the second embodiment output only outwardly watering. They have no diverter switch and a shower-bath.
Pros:

• space-saving;
• aesthetic appearance;

Minuses:

• complex assembly (if the room is already finished with tiles have to dismantle it);
• in the case of damage to the product unit, will have to disassemble the wall to detect and repair leaks.

For bathroom.
Mounted on the bath board or on the wall next to him. This type of mixer has a low spout, no more turning.

Pros:

• durable;
• aesthetic appearance;
• space-saving;
• speed dial water in the bathroom;
• hose to clean up after skirting the bathroom and gets only when necessary.

sink.
Single-lever model for shells are common, as have a number of advantages.
Pros:

• durability;
• easy operation;
• not a difficult repair.

The disadvantage is perhaps one - requires the replacement of the seals at least 2 times a year.
Choosing a faucet, remember, to establish a model that is designed for installation in the bathroom, the wall will not work.

bidet.
This device replaces a bidet, installed next to the toilet. It looks like a shower head, a hose which is hidden in the wall. Such a mixer is not equipped with a spout of the spout. This aerator mixer is equipped with a ball joint that allows to change the direction of the jet for ease of use.

installation

Restrictions in the use of built-in mixers not - they all come to the site.

• Before Stroebe wall, for easy put on her layout.
• Professionals recommend using copper or polypropylene water supply, because these materials are more durable.
• Before starting work, read the installation instructions. Follow its instructions.
• To be embedded in the wall, you need to prepare a hole in it. With a standard mixer, a niche drill depth of 9-11 cm. and a width of 15 cm.
• Laying pipe, and avoid a large number of connections and bends, as each fitting subsequently easily becomes a cause of leakage.
• When water is collected, attach it to the indoor unit of the product. It should be done very carefully, carefully sealing compound.
• When construction elements are connected, and energized, check the quality of work, including water. Test run will indicate a fault, if any.
• Making sure that the integrity of the system, it is possible to complete the repair, making finishing. At least it puts the outer part of the mixer.

Precautionary measures

• When self-installation, seal compound silicone sealants.
• If the system is mounted on the structure of the drywall, it is advisable to buy and install a dedicated controller moisture. He will tell you if there was a leak, and you will be able to react in time, without waiting for get wet and spoil the wall.
• Mounting a decorative outer part, be careful, be careful not to scratch the surface of the instruments.

malfunctions

Despite the reliability of modern built-in models, they too can break down. Let's talk about the most common faults and breakages.

• Low quality - poor quality models are cheap, but they have a small lifetime. It happens that when choosing a cheaper option, you have to change immediately after installation, because large number of factory defects. Choosing this kind of products, it is better to spend a large amount of time, rather than constantly have to deal with leaks and the replacement of components or parts thereof. In addition, the cheaper models do not always environmentally friendly and comply with the standards. The same quality mixers observed ratio of zinc and copper.
• Substandard consumables - the use of short-lived gaskets of rubber, lead to frequent replacement. In this case it is better to use a ceramic insert.
• Incorrect installation - if the water itself is not a mixer according to the instructions assembled, poorly sealed, it will cause a reduction in service life.
• Reducing the volume of the jet - this failure is directly related to water quality. Lime deposits clog aerator, which leads to a reduction in the volume of water poured. To remedy the situation unscrew aerator, its clean water or air blow, and screw into place.
• Leakage from under the spout nut - when worn consumables (pads), water drip compounds of the locations. To fix this trouble, unwind the problematic connection, remove the remnants of worn gaskets, replace it with a new one and tighten using a special fum-tape for sealing.
• Leakage from under the arm - most often, such leaks are caused by the failure of the cartridge, which is easy to replace himself. Screwdriver, unscrew the screw, remove the lever and decorative element. Unscrew the nut, which presses the cartridge. Remove the old cartridge and install a new one in reverse order.
• Faulty switch button shower valve - if the water is running at the same time and from a watering can, and tap, then most likely worn packing. Unscrew the switch button, remove the switch housing. Carefully remove the stem, check and replace the gasket if necessary.

To date, the choice of wall fittings is very high, so when you purchase guided by personal taste, room design and budget.