Bathroom faucet: 90 photos of design projects from leading manufacturers

The faucet is one of the important elements that must be present in the bathroom.

The following types are distinguished:

Single lever mixer.
Faucets that can be built into the wall or bathroom.
Floor-standing.
Thermostatic mixer.

Main types of traditional faucets

The two main types of water supply - axle-type faucets and single-lever ones - can also be distinguished by the appearance of the mixers. But there are also differences in the internal structure, which determine the operating features and service life of the product.

The cheapest crane-axle models with rubber cuffs and a metal mechanism are called worm-type. If the rubber rings are replaced, this mechanism will last quite a long time.

But the required pressure is supplied after several turns of the valve, and this prolongs the process of obtaining the desired temperature, leading to excessive water consumption.

Crane-axle mixers equipped with ceramic plates are more expensive, but more convenient to use. Water flows through them in two modes - at turns of 90 and 180 degrees. The valves move easily and silently.

But on ceramic parts, water deposits accumulate, which lead to rapid wear. The mechanism of such faucets cannot be repaired, and their declared service life, in most cases, is reduced due to substandard tap water.

In single-lever faucets, control of temperature and water pressure is combined using the movement of the same ceramic plates in the cartridge. The problem of ceramic wear is also relevant in this case.

Tropical shower - maximum relaxation in your bathroom

People often take a shower to relax after a hard day at work. Using a fixed watering can with an extended diameter allows you to supply water from a height of more than 2 meters and create the stunning effect of being under a real tropical downpour.

Built-in aerators disperse the water flow as much as possible, thereby producing the strongest hydromassage effect. The expression “after a shower is like a different person” acquires true relevance in this sense.

It is best to buy faucets in two stores that specialize in selling modern plumbing equipment. As a rule, they offer a solid selection of models from world-famous manufacturers. And also, importantly, they provide a guarantee of compliance of the presented products with recognized international standards. And no matter how much we sometimes want to follow the admonitions of our neighbor, who is completely delighted with the faucet bought somewhere at a flea market, the voice of reason should still be a priority. And internal comfort and confident operation will be an excellent reward for a serious approach to the choice of plumbing fixtures.

Photo: barbara.babyblog.ru, TvoiDvor.com, loxotrona.net, review.1k.by, la-vanna.ru, tiptop-shop.ru, O-vannoy.ru

Thermostatic mixers

This new program-controlled product is gradually gaining ground in the plumbing market. Water flows are controlled using a panel with an on/off command and temperature and pressure regulators.

These faucets may be equipped with LCD screens, which require an AC adapter or batteries. There are also models with mechanical regulators in the form of valves and buttons.

How to choose a shower faucet

Before choosing a shower faucet, pay attention to the type of product. Single-lever models are a vertical or horizontal cylinder with a spout installed in the middle.

Products with a side-mounted gander rotate right and left, up and down. Such devices are equipped with a cartridge built into the base of the structure.

With its help, the water temperature and the speed of its supply are regulated, and all operations are carried out with one hand.

Two-valve models are an axle-type faucet that allows or shuts off the flow of cold and hot water. Such products have a sealing gasket that quickly wears out, which leads to faucet leakage.

Models equipped with ceramic valves regulate the temperature and water flow.

Thermostatic mixers regulate water temperature by adjusting to pressure changes. Equipped with two rotating handles.
Contactless products are easy to control using special infrared sensors. Such models are often used to equip public institutions, bathrooms in cafes, bars, and restaurants.
When choosing, be sure to pay attention to what materials the product is made of. As a rule, modern models are made of brass. To enhance the appearance, brass cases can be chromed or nickel plated.

Chrome coatings are durable and hygienic. Ball regulators and fastening parts are often made of stainless steel.

Accessories (shower heads, handles) are made of synthetic materials (ABS plastic). Handles are decorated with glass, wood, marble, malachite.

Pay attention to the type of installation of structures. Single-lever mixers provide the possibility of hidden installation, after which only key elements will remain on the surface.

Floor products are one or two functional racks that successfully disguise the water supply. Wall-mounted models are easy to install and easy to install.

Consider the dimensions and specific weight of the structure. It is advisable that the mixer weighs no more than 5 kg.
Look at the quality of the equipment. The main components include a shower head and hose. Be sure to check the availability of the warranty card and instructions for using the mixer.

Important parameters:

Please note that the structures are equipped with a thermostat. Such products regulate temperature changes and provide excellent mixing of cold and hot water.
Buy designs with a comfortable metal handle. The handle must be reliably protected from heat.
Choose products that have a water backflow protection feature.
Look at the water flow characteristics. The lower this indicator, the more economical the use of the mixer.
Pay attention to the speed at which the mixer turns on. The faster the device turns on, the better. The optimal response time is up to 30 seconds.
The product must be equipped with special cleanable filters and eccentrics.
Choose faucets that are installed in several ways, for example, combining vertical and horizontal installation types.
The structure must be securely fastened and stable.

Secondary parameters:

One of the selection criteria is whether the products match the overall style of the room.
Pay attention to the color of the mixer; it should match the exterior decoration of the room and furniture.
The form of the structure should be convenient and practical for use.

Shower-spout switching mechanisms

With an eccentric mechanism, switching occurs with a rotational motion. Among its disadvantages are bulkiness and rapid wear of replaceable parts with frequent switching.

A similar cartridge mechanism for a bathroom shower mixer has a modest size, its switching is smoother, but if it wears out, it will require a replacement from the same manufacturer.

The most reliable option is a ball switching system; it is integrated with the main mechanism of the mixer and if it fails, it will require a complete replacement.

There is also a compact mechanism with a cork deviator with up-down switching, which is also not subject to repair.

Device

The defining feature of the classification of modern household faucets, in addition to the layout, is the design of the shut-off and control mechanism .

Single lever

Revolutionary changes were brought about by the invention of the disk cartridge, which became the central unit of the single-lever faucet. The shutter consists of two disks, the upper one is moved by lifting the handle relative to the lower one, opening the holes through which water flows. Turning the lever rotates the disk, changing the degree of opening of the hot or cold channels, respectively, the temperature of the liquid.

Metal-ceramic disks made of Al2O3 oxide (corundum) are second in hardness only to diamond and some superhard materials. Exceptional wear resistance ensures an operating life of 300–500 thousand open/close cycles or 25 years of service.

Remember! The resource declared by the manufacturer was obtained in a laboratory with careful filtration, removal of hardness salts and iron. Other assembly units, components, and coatings have other warranty periods specified in the documentation.

Periodic maintenance of the single-lever version consists of lubricating the rubbing parts of the cassette with Teflon aerosol. Major repairs require replacing the cartridge; proper water treatment will help delay the trouble.

It is important to adhere to the rule: a good cartridge has a high-quality brass body, otherwise the mixer will fail before the cassette. The superiority of ceramics is offset by the inferiority of other elements.

An acceptable combination of characteristics will cost about 5,000 rubles; for delights, innovations, and a name, they pay extra 3–5 times. The initial investment pays off in durability, peace of mind, and confidence in the product.

Two-valve

The type has evolved noticeably. The place of the multi-turn head, equipped with a valve with a rubber gasket, was taken by a half-turn valve-axlebox with ceramic plates. Improvements have extended the service life, but the upgraded heads cannot compete with the cartridge. Wear of the rod seal, axial play leading to leakage of the valve are key defects.

Progenitor

A larger number of parts increases the likelihood of failures when the ceramics remains functional. Two-valve models have occupied a budget niche; high-quality products will last without repair for at least 3 years, if rough cleaning and water softening are provided. Taking into account the negative factors, the crane axlebox has to be revised after 1 – 2 years.

Supporters of the two-valve circuit note smooth regulation and low noise compared to the single-lever circuit. Indeed, an unlubricated cartridge triggers with a jerk, which can be eliminated with prevention. The working sector of a number of cassettes is increased to 120˚ to expand the comfortable flow adjustment zone.

Ball

A type of household fittings that is not very common in our country. Conservative Britons claim the superiority of the concept:

There is no wear on the ball or seat, as the rubber replaceable liners wear out.
Not afraid of pollution.
Attractive price.
An amateur can quickly repair the unit using an available repair kit.

The authors of the reviews are disingenuous: the spare parts kits contain a ball, therefore, the “original” one becomes unusable. Disassembling the ball shower switch of a two-valve mixer shows: ceramic or fluoroplastic support inserts do not save the sphere from corrosion, scale, and scratches.

At first, elastic seats compensate for deposits and defects, but you will have to pay the price by replacing the mechanism. Patent holders have developed improved variations, but the idea itself is inferior to the disc valve. Saving money and nerves is doubtful.

Shower faucet spouts

The choice of spout length depends on the bathroom layout. If the shower and sink are close together, choose a faucet with a long spout. In this case, you need to correctly calculate the length (more than 30 cm) and turning diameter. The main advantages of short spouts are their compactness and freedom of choice of installation location.

It should also be taken into account that the cost savings when purchasing a combined mixer for servicing a shower and washbasin can be offset by its rapid wear.

Spout nozzles can be equipped with aerators or a shower-head system. With the first option, the jet pressure increases due to mixing with air, which leads to water saving. In the second, the water flows in small streams without splashing. Shower heads also come with different spray modes, which you should pay attention to when purchasing.

Mixer with special characteristics

Do you need to turn on the water in the sink directly in the bathroom? We turned the long bathtub spout there. If you are bathing or washing your hair, turn the gander and spout back.

An additional function is a flexible hose with a watering can that massages the bather’s body with thin streams. Actually, now a long gander is considered not two meters long, but only a quarter of a meter. These were the first mixers to appear on sale.

Methods for installing shower mixers

With the traditional installation method, the mixer is mounted on the wall with an indentation upward from the edge of the bathtub. In this case, it is necessary to correctly calculate the mounting location depending on the length of the spout, the shape of the bathtub and other convenience parameters.

It is also possible to install faucets on the side of bathtubs and sinks, for which special holes are provided. In order to place plumbing fixtures without adjacent to the wall, additional stands for faucets are used. A more expensive and time-consuming option is to install a specially designed mixer on the floor.

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Mixer materials and coatings

Stainless steel faucets offer the best balance between price and durability. Brass and bronze are also reliable and durable, but are more expensive. Ceramic faucets look more stylish and are used in the implementation of design ideas, but, being in a high price range, they are less durable.

Faucets made of silumin, which contains aluminum and silicon, can be considered disposable: they will last a little more than a year.

The choice of faucet finishes is limited to various types of chrome and enamel. In this case, you can be guided by your budget and aesthetic preferences.