How to choose a faucet for the kitchen or bath? Reviews about manufacturers

The mixer in the water supply system plays a very important role. Such convenient devices are available in every house or apartment. As can already be judged by the name, they are designed to mix cold and hot water in order to get warm.

There are various models of this equipment, designed for both the kitchen and the bathroom. They can differ in the material used for the manufacture, in design, degree of reliability and, of course, cost. In this article, we will examine in detail how to choose a faucet for the kitchen and bathroom.

What materials can mixers be made of?

For the manufacture of mixers can be used the following materials:

1. Bronze. Such models are very durable, completely corrosion free, durable and very reliable. However, they cost accordingly.
2. Brass. Very high quality mixers are also made from this material.
3. Alloy steel. This material is rarely used, since cranes from it are not too durable.
4. Silumin. Faucets made from this material are very durable. If you are interested in the question of how to choose a faucet for a bathtub or kitchen, you can consider this option. But keep in mind that such models are fragile and susceptible to corrosion.
5. Ceramics. Cranes from this material are very aesthetic, resistant to chemicals and are lightweight. Their disadvantage can also be considered fragility. More often ceramics are used for the manufacture of internal parts of the mixer. For the case, it does not fit too well, since ceramics can burst at sudden changes in temperature.

Mixer Coating

The coating allows you to extend the life of the mixer and give it an aesthetic appearance. Most often on sale you can find chrome equipment. In addition to extending the life of the device, this type of spraying can disinfect water. Sometimes mixers are coated with nickel plating. It is also a reliable protection. However, in some people, nickel can cause allergies.

Design Differences

Those who, for one reason or another, have thought about how to choose a faucet for the kitchen or bathroom, should also know that these devices may differ in design. By design, the mixers are lever and ball. The first type is considered more reliable. The regulation of the water flow in such devices is carried out using a crane box with a rubber or ceramic gasket. In the event that the faucet begins to drip or leak, usually it just needs to be changed. It costs a crane box not expensive (about 100 rubles).

Lever cranes are reliable enough and at the same time very convenient. The regulation of the intensity of the water flow and its temperature in them occurs by turning the knob to the right / left, up / down. Such models are the best answer to the question of how to choose the right mixer for the kitchen. The lever, if necessary, can simply be turned with an elbow or even a finger. However, it is worth knowing that if the crane breaks, you will most likely have to change it completely. Special cartridges are responsible for adjusting the water flow in such models, which are very problematic to replace without the help of a specialist.

What are spouts

Now let's see how to choose a faucet for the kitchen and bathroom by the look of the spout. Spouts in these devices can vary in length and thickness, as well as in the degree of curvature.For the bathroom, it is better to buy models with horizontally located spouts. If desired, you can purchase an option with a very long spout and install it in such a way that you can use the mixer in the bathroom. and in a nearby sink. Thus, you can save on equipment. If the mixer is needed only for the bathroom, it is better to purchase a model with a straight horizontal spout, but short.

For the kitchen, they often buy a faucet with a long high curved spout. In this case, the spout will not interfere with washing the overall dishes in the sink.

Mixer Differences

Also, mixers may vary in purpose. Models designed specifically for the kitchen and the bathroom are available. In the first case, the device can be additionally equipped with outputs for a dishwasher or washing machine. Models designed for installation in bathrooms are almost always supplemented by a metal corrugated hose with a watering can or a shower column.

Mixers with thermostat

If you are suddenly interested in the question of how to choose a faucet for the kitchen or bathroom, think about purchasing a model with a thermostat. Such equipment costs, of course, more expensive than usual, however, it is much more convenient to use. These models are equipped with two handles. One of them is designed to regulate the flow of water, and the second - its temperature.

In addition, a special thermostat is built into such a mixer, which does not allow heating of water above 38 C. Therefore, such models will be very convenient for families with small children.

Domestic and import mixers: which one to choose?

Now let's see how to choose a faucet for a bathtub or kitchen, focusing on the manufacturer. Most specialized stores today sell mixers made in Russia and China. In quality, the latter are the first to be inferior. The price for them is about the same. Russian models are slightly more expensive. However, the highest quality can be called, of course, brands of European manufacturers. It’s best not to stint and get just such a model.

Reviews about mixers from different manufacturers

Very good consumers in our country and abroad speak about such a brand as Grohe. Faucets of this manufacturer are, of course, more expensive than Russian and Chinese. However, they will last much longer, very convenient to use. So, the kitchen faucet Grohe (Groe) is equipped with a special very high-quality cartridge.

Many consumers note the fact that it does not cause absolutely any problems during operation. Like the Russians and the smoothness of the lever lever mixers of this brand. Grohe uses many other proprietary, state-of-the-art technologies in the manufacture of its equipment. Another undoubted advantage of the mixers of this brand is a very aesthetic appearance.

Judging by the reviews, a Hansgrohe kitchen faucet, as well as models of this brand designed for the bathroom, can be a very good choice. These devices are manufactured using only the highest quality materials and modern technologies. Many apartment owners, among other things, are impressed by the variety of designs of mixers of this brand.

If we talk about domestic manufacturers, the best reviews can be heard about devices manufactured in Podolsk. Of course, they are inferior in quality to European models, but Chinese ones are superior in all respects.

Replacing the lamb and the crane axle box

Well, in order to choose a faucet for a bathtub or a kitchen sink, we sorted it out. Now let's take a closer look at how to repair this structure yourself.

Sometimes, when the lamb is twisted all the way, the valve leaks anyway. The reasons for this phenomenon can be all two. Either the lamb itself is loose or it is necessary to replace the crane box. In the first case, the problem is solved by the usual permutation of the valve.In order to remove the old one, you just need to unscrew the screw in the front in the middle and remove the lamb. After that, a new valve is installed and also screwed. Replacing the axlebox - the process is also not too complicated.

First of all, it is necessary to shut off the water. On modern mixers there are only two types of faucet-boxes - with rubber gaskets and ceramic. In case of leakage of the tap, if desired, you can simply replace the gasket. However, the entire axle box is often changed, since it is inexpensive, and repair in this case is easier to do. In order to remove the old part, you must first remove the lamb, and then unscrew the decorative cap. Next, the nut fixing the tap is loosened. After that, the latter will be easy to pull out of the mixer. Installation of the axle box is carried out in the reverse order.

Today, if desired, you can buy an inexpensive and at the same time fairly high-quality kitchen faucet. Repair of such structures, however, is sometimes still necessary. For replacement, it is best to buy a crane box with a ceramic gasket. It will last much longer than the rubber model. It costs a little more.

Mixer Replacement

Of course, first of all, you need to figure out how to disassemble a faucet for the bathroom or kitchen. This is done as follows:

1. First of all, the supply of cold and hot water is turned off.
2. Then, decorative nuts, which hold it to the eccentrics, are unscrewed from the mixer. It is better not to remove the latter, since they are often bolted very tightly.
3. Next, you need to clean the thread of the eccentrics from rust.
4. At the next stage, the thread is wrapped with an FUM tape in 2-3 layers clockwise.
5. Next, the mixer is pressed against the eccentrics and the nuts are tightened.
6. At the last stage, the mixer is checked for operability and lack of leaks.

In the event that the tap drips a little, nothing needs to be done. Over time, this phenomenon will cease. With a sufficiently strong leakage, the nuts need to be tightened slightly. If the leak after this does not stop, this may mean that you have wound an insufficient amount of FUM tape. In this case, the work will have to be redone.

How to install a sink-mounted faucet

Well, now you know how to choose a kitchen faucet. Reviews on most models of both Russian and Western production are quite positive. Before purchasing a Chinese cheap option, you still need to think a little. Now let's figure out how to install the mixer on the sink. How this work is carried out, let us consider an example of a quality Hansgrohe mixer. Included with it is always mounting and gaskets. The mixer is mounted on the pipe. In the middle of the last pass underwater pipes. The nut is screwed onto it by hand. Next, you need to fix it on the sides.

Special Design Faucets

Which mixer is best is, of course, decided by the owners of the apartment. All modern models of this equipment are completely reliable and of high quality. In addition, there are very interesting varieties on sale that differ in the presence of additional functions or the original design. For example, a model equipped with a dispenser is very convenient.

This is the name of the device, which is an additional tap on the body of the mixer connected to a tank with purified, filtered water. It is not required to use any third-party filters when installing such a mixer. Owners will only have to replenish filtered water from time to time. If desired, you can also purchase a mixer with a domestic dispenser. However, in this case, the device will need to be connected to the water filter.