How to choose a bathroom faucet with shower: types, characteristics + manufacturers rating

To understand the question of how to choose a bathroom faucet with shower, it is not enough to seek help from a consultant in a plumbing store. It is necessary to study in more detail the design features of these devices and understand the work of their mechanical part.

In order not to be mistaken, it is worth getting to know the manufacturers whose products are recognized as the best in this field.

Rules for the selection of plumbing fixtures

The variety of models offered by equipment manufacturers is impressive. Therefore, before buying, you need to clearly understand what functions the future mixer should have. Having become acquainted with the characteristics of plumbing for the bathroom and examining each of them in more detail, it is easier to choose the right option.

First of all, you need to determine the number of mixing plants - they are often purchased of a similar or identical type (design, color, material). The designation of the installation site also plays a significant role - the type of installation depends on this.

After determining all of the above parameters, you can proceed to the analysis of manufacturers on the market. A brand that is not always advertised can represent high-quality products. In some cases, recently released products represent worthy competition with branded ones, comparing favorably with the latter at a more favorable price.

Depending on the location of the washbasin and the bathtub, it is possible to purchase both separate mixing plants, as well as installing a faucet on the sink and a shower on the bathroom

Depending on the type of fastening, the taps are divided into appliances for showers, washbasins, bathtubs and bidets.In the first case, it would be better to purchase a wall-mounted version equipped with a watering can.

For sinks, water-supplying products are mounted on a wall or mounted on a shelf with three or one connector. In the latter case, it is better to give preference. flexible eyelinerthat does not depend on the location of the connection pipes.

Bath devices have several varieties of spout, differing in diameter: long, medium and short. You can also distinguish them at the installation site: on the side or vertically.

There are also different ways of attaching a shower with a watering can: to a bar, body or holder. They also produce models of mixers with individual eyeliner - the option of floor mounting is possible.

In addition to the classic version of the bidet, there are models built into the toilet. A distinctive feature of this installation is the presence of an aerator, due to which a change in the direction of the jet

Often, if the bathroom is adjacent, a ceramic device, a bidet, is installed next to the toilet. The mixer used for this bowl is similar in technical characteristics to the washbasin device. There are single-lever models that can optionally be equipped with a thermostat.

Read more about how to choose a bidet mixer Further.

Classification of taps with shower

Faucets differ among themselves not only in control details, but also in the complexity of mechanisms designed to mix water.

Depending on the control method, they are divided into the following groups:

• with two gates;
• with lever;
• contactless;
• with a thermostat.

Numerous options offered by manufacturers, quite satisfy the demand of consumers not only for the classic options, but also for interesting modernized mechanisms that independently maintain a given operating mode.

Types of products with two valves

Valve mixers are the most popular appliances. They are equipped with two crane boxes. When the valves are rotated, the speed and the temperature of the water stream are supplied and adjusted.

Additionally, depending on the mechanism used, the system with two valves is divided into two subspecies: worm and ceramic.

Any model of double-handle mixer tap is equipped with a box-mounted crane. If a ceramic part is installed, to open the water it will be enough to complete a half-turn, if it is a worm, then 1-2

For a bathroom in classic, retro or country styles, it is more advisable to opt for a fixture with a ceramic crane-axle box mechanism.

However, if tap water does not meet the standards, a special cleaning filter is inserted into the feed pipe to eliminate the problem of quickly breaking ceramic plates.

Lever models of locking devices

The central element of the device is a cartridge, and the additional ones include the body, handle and spout.

Due to the rotation of the lever part to the side, the following parameters are adjusted:

• turning left / right - the water temperature is adjusted;
• up / down - the pressure of the jet increases / decreases.

To achieve the required temperature and the required intensity of the water jet, only one handle is required. When the capture is rotated, ceramic plates, less often metal plates, are moved relative to each other. As a result, the throughput water channels either narrow or expand.

The mechanism of the cartridge is based on two ceramic plates with holes. The temperature regime of water and the pressure intensity are due to the area of ​​the alignment of the connectors of these plates

The mechanism of such a mixer is extremely accurate - each part is adjusted relative to another. Any speck caught in the shut-off valve disrupts the operation of the entire system. To eliminate leakage, the valve can be easily disassembled and the cartridge replaced with a new one.

Of the advantages of such mechanisms, it is worth noting that the supply and adjustment of water with one hand is faster, and, accordingly, the water flow will be less.

The model range is quite wide, so you can choose the right option without much difficulty. If the water quality is poor, a coarse filter will be appropriate. We also recommend that you read the article where we described in detail the principle of operation of lever models. More details - go to the link.

Contactless or touch mixers

The most modern in terms of adjusting the water supply are touch types of devices. Due to the operation of an infrared sensor that responds to heat emanating from human hands, water is supplied. The temperature and pressure of the supplied fluid is adjusted using a special screw located in the device.

More modern models are equipped with an automated regime for changing temperature indicators. In different models, it is triggered when certain actions are played, for example, when the arms are pulled to the side.

The time for which water is supplied can be fixed or unlimited. In the first case, the feed is carried out for a certain time, and in the second it will pour until you remove your hands from under the gander.

Automatic contactless mixers are among the most economical options. Despite the high cost of the product, water is consumed exclusively for its intended purpose.

For a contactless mixer, decorative elements are not characteristic. The most common options are simple in design, small in size. For a high-tech bathroom, this faucet is simply indispensable. But it has a complex internal mechanism, so repairs will cost a lot.

Type of device with thermostat

Every year the use of thermostats is becoming more and more popular. In the process of functioning, they respond to the intensity factor of two streams of water.

This premium class is divided into 2 types:

1. With LCD screen. It is equipped with a special panel on which a comfortable temperature regime and water flow rate are set.
2. With mechanical. The regulation of the fluid supply is carried out by two levers.

Such products are the safest for use by young children - regardless of the mode of water supply at the outlet, the temperature indicator will never be higher or lower than the specified settings.

A special valve is installed inside the thermostat housing. It is he who reacts to any fluctuations in pressure and temperature in two supply pipes

Among the many advantages of such a device, there is a significant drawback - when the water supply in one of the pipelines is turned off, the mixer is automatically turned off. In this case, the water supply will be completely stopped.

However, the technological process has not been stopped and some manufacturers have already managed to present innovative models with thermostatequipped with additional mechanical control.

Differences between gears

A special mechanism is used to switch from shower to spout.

Depending on its technical device, the following types are distinguished:

• eccentric;
• cartridge;
• with ball divertor;
• with cork divertor;
• push-button or exhaust.

The first mechanism comes into action by rotating the handle connected to the eccentric, which, in turn, drives a two-sided rod. Based on the desired mode, one of the connectors is blocked.

If powder eccentrics are supplied with the mixer, it is best to replace them immediately with brass ones. The service life of the first is very low - no more than 1 year, after which they can simply crumble under pressure

Such a mechanism is characterized by a low price category. It can be mounted on any mixer. The main requirement is the coincidence of the diameters of the spout fasteners and the part itself.

Minor disadvantages in the form of quick wear of rubber gaskets are easily eliminated. If you often turn the tap, loosening of the joints occurs, so they must be tightened periodically.

The cartridge device consists of the part of the same name, which is considered more reliable in comparison with the previous type. However, in the event of a breakdown, its complete replacement is required.

When replacing a cartridge, problems may arise with the selection of a universal model sold in a repair kit. For exact compatibility, it is better to choose the details of a similar company as the mixer

In a ball divertor, the main assembly is formed by a ball with holes located between two rubber washers.

This is a stationary device that operates on the principle of a stopcock - water enters the side opening of the ball and enters the shower / spout through another. Among all presented is considered the most reliable mechanism.

A ball deviator is built into the mixer body, so it is not possible to disassemble it in case of problems. In the event of a breakdown, a complete replacement of the locking device will be required.

For the cork type of switch, the similarity of the principle of operation with the eccentric type is characteristic. However, the mechanism can be actuated by pulling or lowering the cap, and not by turning the lever.

It is quite difficult to get parts for such a divertor, therefore, repair is not always possible.

Visually, the device has stylish shapes and is quite convenient to use - with small dimensions and a protrusion provided by the design for switching modes

The push button mode switch can be automatic or mechanical type. An automatic exhaust mechanism can be found in expensive faucets with a cartridge.

Its installation is provided for on a rotary cast crane or is represented by a separate unit. When installing an automatic diverter, provided that the water supply is stopped, it automatically takes its original position.

A simple push-pull divertor with a return spring is most often used in public mixers. In modern installations, the period of its use is designed for a minimum of 150 cycles of operation

Simple button designs do not differ in appearance from the first view, however, to return to the starting position, the button must be pressed by the user. The disadvantages of such devices include the principle of their work - in the “on” mode, a tangible resistance to switching is created.

Choosing the best material for mixers

When arranging a bathroom, not only the principle of the mixer, but also the design of the device itself is important. Long gone are the days when exceptional product quality was required.

Today, consumer demand is based on a combination of quality, price and original design. First you need to carefully understand: what is the difference between the materials for the manufacture of bath faucets with a shower, and which one is better to choose?

Metal alloys as the best option

Bronze and brass are a traditional type of alloy used for the manufacture of mixers. They are highly waterproof, not susceptible to deposits formed from constant contact with water.

In addition to visually effective perception, models made of an alloy of bronze and brass are distinguished by excellent quality, which is reflected in their price category

Alloy steel products also have a spectacular design, but they tend to get dirty during operation. The use of hard water with impurities results in breakdowns. The processing technology of the material is more complicated, therefore the price will be more expensive.

And the last version of the metal alloy is silumin (aluminum and silicon). It is convenient for casting. The main disadvantages include a short service life and unpresentability of appearance.The most tangible plus of this category is the low price of products.

The standard lifetime of a silumin mixer is one to two years. However, the low price category allows frequent replacement of the product

If you put quality, design and convenience on the same line of significance, the most appropriate option for users is an alloy of brass or steel.

Plastic Feeding Plants

The advantages of plastic products are based on the following indicators: low weight of technological material, resistance to mineral deposits formed during the interaction of parts with water, low degree of heat conductivity, as well as an acceptable price.

Due to the low thermal conductivity, plastic products do not overheat when hot water is supplied. However, this material is considered acceptable only for mixer parts, but not for the manufacture of the entire structure.

The service life of plastic feed units is much lower than that of metal. It is important that only valve handwheels or levers are made of this material. In this case, the plastic parts do not reduce the life of the kit.

Grace and fragility of ceramics

The ceramic appearance of the mixers is highly fragile. As in the previous case, such devices are equipped only with individual ceramic elements. They play a more decorative role and do not affect the quality of the product. But care for them requires more thorough, exactly the same as caution during operation.

Tactile sensations when touching ceramic products leave only pleasant sensations - perfect smoothness, gloss and cleanliness of forms are the main advantages of such products.

Which coating is more reliable?

Various types of compositions are used to cover each plumbing fixture. Their main task is to prevent mechanical damage and the formation of corrosion deposits.

As the outer layer of metal mixers, chrome or enamel compositions are used. This is a fairly durable coating, with high hygiene indicators. The surface is easy to maintain and not subject to corrosion.

When processing plastic mixers with chromium, initially the surface is coated with copper and only then the chromium composition is applied. This coating method is used to increase strength.

When using an enamel composition, the product acquires a dull and granular structure. The choice of this kind of feed unit allows you to get rid of the presence of defects in the form of fingerprints after touching and white coating, from water drops.

Rating of popular manufacturers

The question of choosing the best faucet for the bathroom with a shower, so that during operation not to regret it is practically resolved. However, it is worth touching on the topic of good manufacturers, whose rating will be presented below.

It is no secret that Russian-made faucets on the market are less popular in comparison with foreign ones. This is due to the fact that many domestic firms have already managed to prove their worth on the bad side, and therefore the credit of confidence among buyers has decreased.

Leader - Hansgrohe (Germany)

The first place is occupied by high-quality products of the German company Hansgrohe - the world leader in the field of sanitary fixtures. The most common are faucets designed for bathrooms with a small area.

This line is represented by mechanisms of compact parameters, with high-quality fasteners.

Hansgrohe, the leader in faucets, presents majestic vintage models from the Middle Ages. They combine the elegance and quality of German technology

The product range is very wide: both valve and single-lever systems, thermostats and devices with different types of fastening are presented. The advantage in production is given to chrome-plated brass. The guarantee for the feeding mechanisms is 5 years, but in reality the service life is much higher.

Second place for Kludi (Germany)

At faucets of this German brand, the quality meets the highest international standards. Among the many advantages, it is worth noting the strength, multitasking, as well as the unique design of the devices - they combine innovative solutions and classic forms.

Most Kludi models are equipped with a plastic aerotor that minimizes solid deposits of water. Also in such products it is possible to adjust the angle of water supply

Design solutions in Kludi models are diverse, so finding a suitable option for any interior will not be difficult. As the material for the manufacture of products, stainless steel with a chrome coating is selected. In addition to the classic options, the products can be made in white and black.

Third place at Oras (Finland)

You can still list a lot of status companies with luxury products. However, if you take the ratio of price and quality, then in third place you can safely place Finnish plumbing from the company Oras.

The manufactured products are not less high quality than their German counterparts. So extensive and a number of models presented by the company.

The main emphasis of the manufacturer Oras is on thermostats and faucets of a non-contact type. Among the most popular models can be noted: Bagno Alessi, Optima

As the main material for the manufacture of mixers, the company prefers ABS plastic. Due to this, the cost of products is significantly reduced, while the quality of the devices does not deteriorate.

The only drawback noted by users is the fading of the color during operation. But this problem is peculiar to models made in non-standard color shades.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Selection principle best mixer. The main characteristics that you need to pay attention to are given in the video:

An overview of the budget option for a quality Haiba mixer in the video:

GROHE Eurodisc Joy bathroom taps with an innovative control mechanism are featured in the video:

Summing up, we can confidently say that it is better to choose a two-valve model with a short spout for the washbasin. Thus, more precise control of temperature indicators is obtained. For bath - the spout at the device should be at least 20 cm.

Please write comments in the block below. Perhaps you managed to get a new model of the mixer for a bathroom? Tell us which model you chose? Are you satisfied with his work?