How does the mixer?

The mixer is an important sanitary element of any room where there is water supply. However, this mechanical device, like any other, sometimes breaks down, which requires a responsible approach to the selection and purchase of the product. It should take into account its features and orientation of the structure in order to choose the most suitable option.

The mixer is used to mix water. The device is connected to the water supply (cold - cold-water and hot - hot water), and later it removes the liquid in the required amount. Regulation of the temperature and water flow of the feed is completely dependent on the desire of the user.

Modern faucets are made of different materials:

• metal (bronze, brass and silumin);
• polymeric;
• ceramic.

Metal models are very popular. Even with constant contact with water, brass and bronze alloys are not prone to oxidation and are resistant to corrosive changes. Each material is chemically neutral, and therefore on their surface does not form mineral-salt deposits. They are characterized by high performance characteristics and, with proper care, have a very long service life. Silumin alloy (silicon + aluminum) is not very reliable and durable. Most often, cheap Chinese or Turkish models are made from it, which, having a low prime cost, nevertheless gained favor and popularity among consumers in the sanitary market.

Polymer cranes are much cheaper than metal cranes, and the process of their manufacture is not complicated. Plastic is also not affected by the mineral composition of water, and due to its low thermal conductivity, it is more practical to use it at high temperatures.

Ceramic mixers are time-tested material.which is successfully applied in our days. However, modern models, such as metal ceramics, are more refined and contain some kind of metal alloy. Ceramics are also resistant to corrosion and mineral salt deposits. Nevertheless, ceramics and metal ceramics are fragile materials that can be deformed by careless impact or too high water temperature. Therefore, they are trying to combine with other materials, such as brass.

The material from which the mixer is made is responsible for the technical side of the device. The coating provides an attractive appearance and protection.

Coverage is made of:

• vacuum deposition (PVD);
• chromium;
• bronze;
• nickel;
• enamel;
• powder paint.

PVD is an expensive but strongest coating. It will provide a long service life even in the most extreme conditions, protect against any scratches and abrasions.Powder paint is also distinguished by durability, aesthetics and high cost. It is subjected to high-temperature processing - about 200 degrees. Due to this, the paint is securely fixed to the surface.

Among the wide variety of models, the main types of mixers design are distinguished, having both their advantages and disadvantages.

A single-lever or multi-team mixer has a single functioning knob that controls the degree of water pressure and its temperature.

Characteristics:

• The principle of operation is concluded in raising or lowering the lever; the higher the lever is understood, the greater the pressure.
• Turn the left or right to set the desired temperature.
• To the end, the lowered lever completely blocks the water.

The mixers are equipped with two types of so-called cartridges.The first type - ball devices, they have a spherical regulating head, which is made of steel. The second type - ceramic - looks like two tightly pressed plates of metal-ceramic. Metal ceramics is subjected to ultrasonic grinding, and this ensures a perfect fit of the plates, which saves water and prevents it from spilling.

The scheme of two-valve devices includes crane-box or valve head. This element regulates all water characteristics. The presence of a small chamber in the structure provides mixing of hot and cold water, and on the spout of the faucet there is a grid preventing splashing.

Characteristics:

• To attach the structure to the water supply system, you need to use retaining elements - eccentrics, and for connection - steel corners.
• Submarine tubes must be located 15 -16 cm apart, otherwise the installation of the mixer will not be possible.
• Of the entire structure, the main components are the two valve-type heads. The life of the mixer depends on their quality.

The design of the two-valve mixer consists of:

• chambers in which to mix cold and hot water;
• switch (type - spool);
• eccentric;
• spout with mesh (not always present);
• decorative flange, which will mask the area of ​​connection of the water supply system to the mixer;

• rubber seals;
• valve heads;
• pens.

Thermostatic mixers are modern technological models that are quite comfortable to use and do not bring trouble.

Consider the salient features.

• To regulate the pressure with the temperature do not need to turn the knobs. Here there is a special temperature scale on which the required degree is set and the mounting adjustment screw is activated.

• It is possible to set the degree as accurately as possible. The temperature adjustments made will not affect the central water supply,because the changes are localized.
• Due to the special safety system, the risk of thermal burn is minimal.

The work of this design is provided by the cartridge, which contains a bimetallic base and wax. The base is very sensitive to temperature changes, and the cartridge, expanding and contracting, is able to quickly respond to fluctuations in water temperature.

These devices are extremely rarely used for domestic purposes, most often they are installed in public places with a large flow of people. Due to infrared rays, the internal sensors respond to the approaching hand, its warmth and movement, and immediately turn on, supplying water. They can be set to the duration of the fluid supply and its temperature, however, these figures are already set by the manufacturer as standard, and they are not recommended to change.

The differences in type of construction are due to the fact that mixers can be completely different models. Additional functionality allows you to choose the perfect and convenient faucet, which may include:

• high spout (gander);
• possibility of turning the crane;
• the possibility of directing a jet of water in the center of the sink;
• retractable hose.

The height of the gander is the shortest distance between the base and the water outlet. Low spouts amount to 15 cm, and medium - from 15 to 25 cm. These taps are selected when the sink is used only for washing and other hygiene procedures. These models are combined with shallow, narrow and flat shells.

Swivel spout allows you to rotate the valve after installation, which is very convenient in some situations. The advantage of this modification is that it is easy to operate, the service life is about ten years, and the surface of the mixer is minimally polluted. The disadvantages include a high level of sensitivity to the purity of the water and the presence of impurities in it, as well as the weak strength of the moving body itself, which, if the gasket breaks, requires complete replacement.

A retractable hose in the mixer will turn the faucet into a very practical and mobile device. The supplied hose is tightly braided with metal threads that protect it from mechanical damage. This option is inexpensive, but with the right choice and installation it will last a very long time. Also worth noting is the switching of water from a direct stream to the drip mode and an additional outlet for filtered water.

The mixer is under tremendous pressure. Therefore, in order for it to serve as long as possible, it is important to choose the right device taking into account some nuances. The focus of work should be divided - separately for washing in the kitchen and for the sink in the bathroom.

In the kitchen, the device is subjected to a large load, especially if the household is often cooked. Washing dishes, rinsing hands, filling the kettle and other regular procedures are accompanied by constant opening and closing of water. On this basis, the mixer must be practical in handling, differ in reliability and durability.

There are no special recommendations for bathrooms, the choice of the mixer is completely focused on the wishes of the owner and the particular room. Both single-lever and two-valve models will work here. For small spaces perfect combination of a mixer for the bath and sink. They have long swivel spouts and a switch (for example, from a button) to redirect water to a shower head.

Before purchasing it is important to know if it will be possible to carry out the installation. It can be open or hidden, attached to the side of the bathroom or the surface of the wall. If there is no shower, then you can install a mixer with a shower switch, a hose with a watering can and a holder. To date, there are designs without spout, where the water goes immediately to the shower.

On the basis of locking mechanisms, two-valve mixers are better to choose with ceramic discs. They are more durable, and it is much easier to set the temperature of the water on them.When choosing a lever device, both ball and ceramic types are equally reliable, but the ball ones are quite noisy. However, they are easier and cheaper to repair.

How to choose a mixer, see the next video.