The bathroom is an important room in which daily hygiene procedures are carried out. Therefore, it should be equipped with everything that is necessary for washing. It’s hard to imagine that there wasn’t a faucet in this room; it’s thanks to it that we can wash our faces normally, brush our teeth in the morning and simply rinse our hands. Therefore, this important element, firstly, must be comfortable, and secondly, aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with the other elements of this room. If you are planning to install it yourself, then you definitely need to study the design of a bathroom faucet and its main types.
Purpose
Ball valves are new generation locking mechanisms with their own distinctive features and different areas of use. These universal devices can be used on pipes with different diameters. The device is used in water systems to move liquid and gaseous substances.
Water ball valves are necessary in drainage systems, heating systems and urban utility systems. They are also used as one of the fittings for regulating water pressure. They are indispensable in the entire pipeline system. More often than other areas, they are used in the installation of equipment for plumbing and heating, gas pipelines and water supply systems.
The use of ball valves is possible in a wide range of temperatures in environments with varying degrees of aggressiveness. This quality is due to the use of high-quality steel alloys in the manufacture of this type of equipment. These cranes gradually became leaders in application.
Prevention and repair: how to disassemble a shower head
The need to disassemble a shower head arises quite often. The main reason is clogging. Some prudent owners do not wait for problems to arise and check the condition of the plumbing for preventive purposes.
To understand how to disassemble a shower head, you need to know its structure. Conventional models have a simple design, so there are no problems during disassembly. Watering cans with switches are more complex systems that require attention and certain skills.
They consist of a body with an internal feed chamber having a round shape. Swirlers are built into it, with the help of which various options for the exit of water jets from the watering can are carried out. The switch is usually installed on the side of the nozzle, but can also be located on the back. In a certain position, some swirlers open and others close. Changing the position ensures a change in water flow.
On the round diffuser you need to find cavities into which to insert a pin wrench and unscrew the panel
You can find out how to disassemble a shower head with a switch from the algorithm below:
- Prepare tools: Phillips screwdriver, adjustable wrench No. 1, specialized pin wrench.
- Using an adjustable wrench, disconnect the watering can from the flexible hose.
- Find the cavity for the pin wrench on the round diffuser, insert it, and unscrew the panel.
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the screw securing the swirl box.
- Remove the switch, swirl ring. Care must be taken not to lose the switch spring.
Helpful advice! A pin wrench is usually included in the shower kit. The loss of this special tool will cause a lot of problems, since it is practically impossible to purchase an analogue separately.
When removing the swirl switch, you need to be careful not to lose the spring.
If the swirl box does not have latches, this option cannot be repaired. It is necessary to clean all elements from contamination and reassemble in the reverse order.
Design
- frame
- saddle
- ball plug (ball)
- O-rings
- lever arm
- stock
- washer
The body is a piece of pipe with an extension. The body is manufactured in a collapsible type and a non-separable welded type. Collapsible cranes fail more often than others, but are easier to repair. Industrial taps are made of steel, while household taps are made of brass.
Recently, plastic products have begun to go on sale for household use. The expansion of the body is filled with a saddle. It is made from sealing material.
The best hygienic shower set with thermostat
Hansgrohe Logis
Today the leader is Hansgrohe Logis (Germany). This model is made of brass and plated with chrome. A thermostat is included. The product itself is reliable and high quality. The hidden mounting function is supported, which allows you to hide all the flaws.
Hansgrohe Logis
Characteristics:
- made in Germany;
- hose 1.3 meters;
- thermostat included.
pros
- stylish design;
- ease of operation;
- high-quality assembly.
Minuses
- there are no water supply modes in the watering can;
- high price.
Hansgrohe Logis
Of course, there are other models with a thermostat on the market, but this one is considered the most suitable today.
Video - Hansgrohe Logis Installation mixer
Ball device
The saddle contains the main element - a plug in the shape of a ball with a different number of cavities. The ball rotates freely inside the seat. The internal devices of cranes are divided into full bore and reduced (standard bore).
Full-through valves have a ball with a hole equal to the diameter of the pipe. When fluid flows through ball valves in a fully open state, hydraulic losses are minimized. This quality ensured the use of fittings of this type as the main locking device.
Reduced valves are used in pipelines where pressure does not play a special role. The ball is connected to the levers via a rod. The lever directly controls the water. In the central sections, valves with a lever are used, and valves with a butterfly are used in the branch parts of the system.
PTFE sealing elements
In the early use of ball valves for water, complete shutoff of the flow was not ensured. The lack of metal parts for the crane elements prevented this from being achieved. The beginning of the use of new materials led to the widespread use of ball valves. O-rings and plumbing gaskets are now made from a variety of materials.
For these purposes, metal alloys, rubber, plastics of all types, graphite or Teflon can be used. Synthetic rubbers also began to be used as materials for the manufacture of these important mechanisms. At the same time, sealing elements made of fluoroplastic are widely used. They ensure tight closing and reduce the effort required when working with the tap.
This new generation material is resistant to aggressive liquid and gaseous media. For domestic use, it is recommended to use it when installing heated towel rails and laying gas pipelines.
The main positive quality of fluoroplastic is its ability to twist. Simply put, when using a fluoroplastic product, you can apply fairly strong twisting without undesirable consequences.
In such taps, the connection is sealed by creating contact through an O-ring. Therefore, the material used to make the rings plays a vital role in the further use of the tap.
Fluoroplastic completely seals and makes the ball plug easy and smooth to rotate. To close or open fully, turn at a right angle. The lever turns the ball valve of the valve, completely or partially blocking the flow.
Principle of operation
The operating principle of a water ball valve is to align the holes in the plug and the valve body. The holes align when the ball is turned with a lever. This ensures that the holes align and allows flow to flow through the aligned cavities. By turning the ball, the passage is blocked by the side that does not have a hole. In this case, the flow of the medium hits the wall and stops.
Using this principle, you can not only completely stop, but also regulate the flow. When turning an angle less than 90 degrees, the flow is only partially blocked.
The best valve hygienic showers
These models are very popular due to their low cost. They are installed in hotels and at home. Their only drawback is the need for a separate tap. As a result, you almost always have to turn to specialists for proper installation.
Grohe Tempesta-F 27514001
A small shower that is invisible in the bathroom. Recommended for use in small spaces. Made from brass alloy but chrome plated to resist corrosion. Users note that the product is scratch-resistant and durable. The original shine is maintained despite sudden temperature changes during operation.
Grohe Tempesta-F 27514001
Characteristics:
- made in Germany;
- there is a plastic holder;
- chrome plated.
pros
- small size;
- The kit contains everything you need;
- the watering can does not splash water, the stream has a clear direction;
- stylish design;
- resistance to corrosion and scratches.
Minuses
- There is a button on the watering can, but it is tight.
[/minus]
Grohe Tempesta-F 27514001
Frap F 7501
An excellent option, the cost of which is relatively low. Production is located in China. This is not the first year that this company has been supplying its equipment to Russia. It is of high quality and meets all user requirements. The surface is chrome plated to avoid corrosion problems. At the same time, the product is scratch resistant. There is a button on the watering can, and the hose is long enough to do the necessary work.
Frap F 7501
Characteristics:
- made in China;
- hose length, mm: 1000;
- watering can made of brass.
- there is a button on the watering can;
- stylish design;
- long hose.
Minuses
- no warranty.
Frap F 7501
These are the most popular valve models. There are not very many of them on the market, but they exist. The bulk are lever hygienic showers, which are easier to use.
Video – Hygienic shower Frap F 7501
Differences and similarities between a water tap and a mixer
There are different types of ball valves in apartments. These can be mixers or water taps. Here you need to figure out what the difference is.
Both types have a ball-locking element in common. These devices are installed between one and the other parts, and at the end of the installation. Usually, the water supply between parts of the water supply is regulated by a tap, and at the extreme point they manage by installing a mixer.
Faucets can regulate pressure and mix water. The tap only supplies water and regulates the pressure.
Voting for the best hygienic shower
Which hygienic shower would you choose or recommend?
Hansgrohe Logis
50.00% ( 1 )
Lemark Solo LM7165C
0.00% ( 0 )
Hansgrohe 32128000
0.00% ( 0 )
Oras Saga 3912F
50.00% ( 1 )
Kaiser SH-332 Rel
0.00% ( 0 )
Ravak BM 040.00
0.00% ( 0 )
Milardo Davis DAVSB00M08
0.00% ( 0 )
Hansgrohe Team Compact 32127000
0.00% ( 0 )
Grohe BauEdge 23757000
0.00% ( 0 )
Jacob Delafon Cuff E98100-CP
0.00% ( 0 )
Rossinka Silvermix Y25-52
0.00% ( 0 )
RAV SLEZAK SEINA SE843
0.00% ( 0 )
Frap F 7501
0.00% ( 0 )
Advantages of ball valves
- simplicity of the device
- reliability and 100% leakage-free
- small sizes
- elimination of stagnant zones in the flow part
- Ease of use
- short time spent on opening/closing
- applicability in any environment
- ease of installation and repair
- long service life
- Ease of use
- a large assortment
Ball valves have almost no disadvantages. They do not require frequent changes of gasket material. And they will get rid of water leaks. Affordability of price and a wealth of choice will make the purchase successful. How to choose a ball valve?
How to choose a hygienic shower for the bathroom
It is required to carefully approach the process of choosing a hygienic shower. It is important that it has sufficient functionality and fits perfectly into the room. Despite the wide range of products, it is better to choose those that are resistant to corrosion:
- bronze;
- chrome;
- silver;
- gold;
- copper;
- made of stainless steel.
Most often you can find showers made of stainless steel or copper. They have good characteristics and are inexpensive.
For domestic use, it is better to use lever showers, because you do not need to spend a lot of time creating the desired temperature of the water jet. They are easy to use and reliable.
Video - Do you need a hygienic shower? Types of gig showers and main manufacturers
Criterias of choice
- Diameter. This is the first thing people pay attention to.
- Determination of the product type by installation method (linear, corner or triple outlet).
- Appearance. No visible defects, the surface is smooth, the markings are clear.
- Permissible pressure during use. This parameter must match the values allowed on your particular system.
- Frame. For domestic use when connecting plumbing, it is better to choose a collapsible faucet. It is more repairable. And for the installation of a central water supply, a welded one-piece body is better suited.
- Case material. Brass products are considered the highest quality. The main thing is not to confuse brass with silumin. It is necessary to compare the weight of several products. Brass is very heavy.
Steel products are presentable, but are subject to corrosion. You can buy stainless steel, although stainless steel products are quite rare. If the faucet is intended to be used only for cold water, you can choose plastic.
- Price. Price is a good guide. The low price should alert you. The most expensive are Italian products. Cranes from the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Spain are a little cheaper. Optimal combination of price and quality in taps from Russian and Ukrainian suppliers.
Results
It is obvious that in recent years the market for plumbing equipment has changed greatly, because you can choose a shower for your bathroom from a huge range of modern equipment.
If you prefer a stationary shower in the bathroom, you can purchase stands or shower systems that can be easily installed in the bathroom yourself. Those people who wish to take water procedures with additional hydromassage will most likely make their choice in favor of shower panels.
