It is difficult to imagine any plumbing device that has hot and cold water supplied, but does not have a faucet. It is this unit that is responsible for the pressure and temperature of water from the tap, as well as for switching the flow between the tap and the shower. In this article we will talk about the design of the mixer and how knowledge about it will help you choose this device.
What types of mixers are there by design?
As we have already said, faucets are used to regulate the temperature and flow of water. Below we describe a number design features of these nodes, and also touch on their advantages.
The design of the double-lever device consists of two faucet axle boxes, with the help of which the water pressure is regulated, as well as the mixing of hot and cold flow to the required temperature. This model has long held the palm in popularity.
With this design of the device, two tubes are connected to the tap, through which cold and hot water are supplied, respectively. When the tap is turned on, the liquid enters the mixing tube, from which it flows out under a given pressure. The spout (the part from which water flows) is equipped with a spray nozzle, the shape of which forms a stream. At the same time, it can be divided into several threads. Many bathtub faucets, the design of which contains lighting, add attractiveness and variety to the design of the room.
TO strengths double lever mixer include the following items:
reasonable cost compared to other models;
long term services;
the ability to choose from a variety of designs. The double-lever mixer is made in retro, modern, country, etc. styles.
The disadvantages of devices of this design include the following factors:
rapid wear of gaskets in valve axle boxes leads to leaks;
sensitivity to water quality. If it contains a lot of impurities, then the aerator spouts of such a device will quickly clog - the place where the mixing of hot and cold liquid flows occurs.
Single lever mixer (design)
This design of a bathroom faucet is more complex than the previous one, since the operation of a single-lever device involves several axle boxes, and the water is combined in a cartridge, which can be ball or ceramic.
A ball valve with a ball cartridge has a special round head in its design, which controls the pressure and temperature of the liquid. To open the water, lift the handle up, and to obtain the required temperature, turn it to the left or right. Unlike the previous type of device, in a single-lever device, pipes with hot and cold water, and which one will be larger in the general flow regulates the ball inside. This type of faucet design is used for showers, kitchens, bathrooms, and washbasins.
The device of the ceramic principle is similar to the previous one, except that in it it is not a ball, but ground ceramic plates that are responsible for regulating the flow. A mixer of this type is not subject to corrosion, practically does not require repairs and special conditions of use.
Also, thanks to the design of ceramic plates, this device allows you to save water when washing or showering.
Thermostatic tap
This mixer design is the most advanced to date. In it, water is mixed using a thermostat.
At the same time, despite its advanced design, such a device cannot be called complex. Its principle of operation is the operation of a mixing unit, which is controlled by a cartridge with wax and bimetallic plates. These elements are highly sensitive to fluctuations in water temperature, and the cartridge itself almost instantly contracts or expands when the temperature changes. By placing the handle opposite the selected value, you activate the fastening and adjustment screw, thereby setting the temperature regime of the mixer.
Also, the design of this device includes a thermometer, on which, during installation, a temperature is set, upon reaching which the hot water will be shut off.
The thermostatic mixer can be installed in place of the old tap, just on the wall or in other places in the kitchen or bathroom.
What is remarkable about the design of the kitchen faucet
Design kitchen faucet should be reliable, include quality materials and be user friendly. Consider the types of such devices.
Double-valve mixers.
The design of these devices is simple: the spout is located between two taps, which regulate the temperature and water pressure. However, even the low price of such mixers does not bring them popularity. The reason is the low reliability of the gaskets, the rapid wear of which leads to frequent repairs.
Single lever mixers.
The most popular device design on the market. These faucets allow you to set the water pressure and temperature in one movement, which makes them very comfortable to use. In addition, the single-lever design does not require frequent repairs.
Contactless devices.
Very convenient - water starts flowing when you put your hand near the mixer. Modern design Such devices make their use very comfortable, and the room where it is installed does not lack style. But the high price of such mixers does not allow them to seriously compete with single-lever devices.
As for the requirements for spouts, ergonomic rather than aesthetic indicators come first. In order for the stream of water to hit the middle of the sink, its dimensions must correspond to the parameters of the mixer. If you are using a two-bowl sink, then a device with a pull-out spout fits well under it. Also, this design is very convenient when collecting water in a bucket or large pan.
Don't forget about the spout level. If the faucet is installed high and water falls from a long distance, splashing around the sink cannot be avoided. If the height is small, then washing large dishes under such a mixer will be extremely difficult. In this matter it is necessary to find a middle ground.
There are two types of nozzle design in the mixer:
with a regular aerator;
with a dual-mode shower head that can operate both in shower mode (for washing the sink or gently rinsing food) and in normal mode.
If the design of the mixer tap is equipped with a filtration system, then such a device will have two spouts - for purified and ordinary water.
Despite the variety of materials used for the manufacture of faucets, only devices made of brass and bronze are always popular. Silumin, ceramic or plastic devices cannot seriously compete with them. The leaders among coatings are chrome plating and stainless steel.
Caring for your kitchen faucet will not require much expense. It is enough just to regularly clean it of lime deposits using a soft cloth and dishwashing detergent (you can also use vinegar). But using steel wool or abrasives is unacceptable.
Various types and designs of bath and shower faucets
If the bathroom does not have a faucet, its functionality will be incomplete. The main quality of a bathroom appliance is ease of everyday use.
If we touch on the design aspect, it is better to install single-lever mixers, although the double-lever classic is still in demand. Relatively new thermostatic devices, whose design is more modern, also deserve consideration.
Also, bath faucets may differ in the type of installation and are mounted on:
bath side;
The operation of each type of faucet depends on its design.
When installing the device, it is worth considering that the bathtub will also be used for showering. Most modern faucets are structurally suitable for both filling a bathtub and a shower. Sometimes two devices are installed at once: one on the sink (without a shower), the other on the bathtub (with a shower). But a more common option is to install one device on both the sink and bathtub. The design of such a device requires the presence of a long spout (“gander”). Shower and bath faucets are classified slightly differently than kitchen faucets.
Two-valve(“Christmas trees”) This type is classic and will be quite relevant for a bathroom interior in retro, country and classic styles.
Single lever. The degree of demand for faucets of this design for the bathroom is no less than for kitchens. In addition, devices of this type have an excellent price-to-use ratio, since all operations can be performed with one hand. By turning the tap up and down you can adjust the pressure, and moving left and right allows you to set the desired water temperature. Fast flow shut-off and excellent design reliability are additional advantages.
Thermostatic. Mixers of this type have a number of significant advantages:
no need to constantly rotate the knobs to regulate the supply of hot or cold water;
the temperature regime is set once and does not change depending on the degree of heating and flow pressure in the supply pipe;
The safety system will prevent burns too hot water.
The design features of each mixer will help you understand their operating principle. Let's look at these properties.
Sensory. The control part in this mixer design is a photocell, which sends a command to flow and shut off water. If such a device fails, it is very difficult to repair it yourself; in this case, it would be better to seek help from specialists.
Valve. The design of such faucets is simple and consists of a spout, valves, and a faucet axle box. At the same time, older models have crane axle boxes with gaskets, while newer ones have ceramic plates. Tip: ceramic parts are much more reliable than old elements with rubber gaskets. In addition, in such a crane box the valve cannot rotate more than 180 degrees, which greatly simplifies operation.
Lever. IN Lately Faucets of this design are gaining increasing popularity. The lever model consists of:
-
cartridge (ceramic or ball) that mixes water. At the same time, the ceramic cartridge is non-separable and if it breaks, a new unit is installed as a whole;
an adjustment handle attached to the cartridge lever. With its help, the pressure and temperature of the water changes;
fixing nut;
a housing cover that performs an aesthetic function and also covers the cartridge.
How the design of the mixer affects the correct choice of device
There are three main reasons why you need to know distinctive features one or another type of mixer design:
when purchasing a new device will be carried out right choice models;
competent installation (especially if you are planning to install the mixer yourself);
proper care.
There are many designs of mixer bodies, and you can choose based on how the water is mixed. But there can only be two ways to connect the device:
tabletop, in which the pipes are installed vertically and hidden behind the sink;
wall-mounted, which is used for mounting appliances in the bathroom.
Knowing everything about the design of mixers of various models in order to choose the right device is not enough. You also need to understand that only high-quality plumbing fixtures will be convenient to use and will not cause you trouble during the entire service life. High quality plumbing fixtures and Consumables can be found only from trusted sellers who have been working on the market for a long time and have earned a good reputation.
We offer you the assistance of specialists from the SantekhStandard company, which is a supplier engineering plumbing in Russia since 2004.
Collaborating with "SantechStandard", You gain the following benefits:
quality products at reasonable prices;
constant availability of products in stock in any quantities;
conveniently located warehouse complexes in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Novosibirsk and Samara;
free delivery in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Samara, including to transport companies;
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SantechStandard specialists are ready to help both individuals and companies choose faucets. All you need to do is call:
The design of the mixer, a special device used in bathrooms to regulate the flow and temperature of hot and cold water, is quite simple. Let's see what elements such mechanisms consist of.
1
The plumbing mechanisms we are interested in are installed in all rooms where there is a supply of cold and hot water. They can be found in kitchens and bathrooms. Not a single shower or reception font is complete without them. water procedures, kitchen sink. Modern industry produces different types of mixers. They are usually divided into:
- single lever;
- double lever;
- combined.
Double lever mixer
Until recently, water fixtures with two levers were considered the most common. Structurally, they are made in the form of a mechanism in which there are two axle-box cranes. The latter make it possible to combine cold and hot water into one stream, as well as regulate the pressure of the liquid. For each tap in the double-lever mixer there is a separate water supply. Cold liquid is supplied to one, hot liquid is supplied to the second. When the valve turns, water rushes into a special tube (mixing tube). A flow of liquid already flows out of it with a certain pressure (regulated by a tap).
As can be seen from the diagram, devices with two levers are placed side by side additional elements. These include clamping and union nuts, a locking screw, a tee, a shaped gasket and a valve head.
The key advantages of double-lever mixers are as follows:
- Long service life (subject to certain conditions).
- Affordable price.
- Possibility of purchasing mechanisms made in all kinds of decorative designs. There are different types of faucets on sale, stylized as modern, retro and other popular design options.
- A simple design that allows you to replace failed elements with your own hands.
Unfortunately, the devices described serve a long time only in cases where well-purified water passes through them. If the quality of the liquid leaves much to be desired, the faucet-axlebox wears out and the mixer spout becomes clogged. In such situations, it is necessary to clean the aerator and change the axle box gaskets.
2
These types of mixing devices are made with one control handle. They work on the principle ball valve. If you turn the lever of the mechanism to the left or right, you can regulate the temperature of the water flow, and when it is fed down or up, you can regulate the pressure of the liquid. Similar devices are installed on kitchen sinks, in the bathrooms, in. They are very simple to use and truly convenient.
Single lever mixer
Most of the elements of the single lever water tap is assembled into a cartridge (it is called a ball cartridge), which is structurally non-separable. This makes it difficult to repair the faucet. However, this is not required very often. Most big problem A ball valve is considered to be a failure of its gaskets. And changing them is not at all difficult.
Also, faucets with ball cartridges can become clogged with small debris. A similar problem is often observed when the mechanisms in question are mounted on kitchen sinks. There is only one way out of this situation - removing the old and installing a new cartridge. This procedure is easy to perform yourself. The scheme of work will be as follows:
- Shut off the water supply.
- Remove the mixer, and then the lever (you need to unscrew the fixing screw).
- Take the old cartridge out of the tap and put a new one in its place.
- Assembling the mixer. And you are using a refurbished device.
The main difference between a mechanism with one handle and a double-lever device is that to a mixer with one lever, water is supplied to one point. This simplifies the process of installing it on sinks and bathtubs. Recently, new types of single-lever mixers are gaining popularity. Instead of a ball valve, ceramic plates are installed in them. They rub together very well. Due to this, leaks do not occur in faucets with ceramic cartridges. This means you will never hear the annoying noise of dripping water from the tap. Please note that ceramic devices rarely need to be repaired. And most importantly, they don’t need any special conditions operation.
Even poorly purified water flowing through household taps cannot cause serious harm to such faucets. Their internal parts do not rust or become clogged with small debris.
3
The described types of devices for mixing water are called yesterday by many experts. Nowadays thermostatic mechanisms are gaining popularity. They have no adjustment levers at all. Mixing water to a certain temperature in such devices is carried out by a special thermostat. It also maintains your chosen temperature throughout the entire time you take a shower, wash your face, or wash dishes. This device operates automatically. And yet it does not make mistakes. Therefore, you will never get burned under jets of overly hot water.
Thermostatic mixer
The thermal mixer has a special working element that is connected to a cartridge or plate. These parts, in turn, are connected to the valve (it is called the control valve). It instantly reacts to temperature fluctuations and corrects them. Different types of mixers with a thermostat make it possible to install them in different places bathrooms and kitchens. Such mechanisms are allowed to be installed on bathrooms instead of the standard device with levers, on sinks, and in showers.
Advantages of thermostatic mechanisms:
- safety of use (the design of these devices contains fuses that do not allow the water to heat above 80 °C, and also turn off the mixer in case of interruptions in the water supply);
- saving water consumption (there are no losses that inevitably arise in the process of adjusting the water flow to the required temperature);
- great appearance.
The cost of thermostat devices is quite high. And this is their only disadvantage. But the comfort of taking water procedures is perhaps more important than the money you spend on such innovative and safe-to-use faucets.
- Operating principle and types of cartridges
- Model differences single lever mixer
- Mixer installation
Knob mixers, which until recently were traditional, are being replaced by devices with single-lever control of water flow and temperature. In such models, the amount of flow is regulated by moving the lever up and down, switching the supply of cold and hot water - by horizontally turning (right/left) the handle.
The vast majority of buyers prefer to purchase devices with precisely this principle of regulation. Installing a mono-command mixer allows you to control it with a slight movement of your hand. For housewives in the kitchen, even this, at first glance insignificant, moment significantly saves time.
The appearance of the faucet also encourages its purchase. Devices of this type have a modern technological design. Their bodies are distinguished by their streamlined shape and the absence of visible seams. Surfaces are finished with nickel plating, chrome plating, and coatings of various colors. You can choose a single lever mixer to various interiors kitchens.
Operating principle and types of cartridges
The principle of regulating the water flow for different models of single-lever mixer is almost the same. The main working elements of the devices are a pair of hollow spherical or plate parts with holes. By turning the lever, the holes are aligned with the hot and cold flow channels. At the same time, the pressure and water temperature change.
Installing a single-lever kitchen faucet allows you to regulate the flow of water without changing its temperature. Moving the handle in four directions mixes the streams, simultaneously adjusting both the pressure and the degree of heating.
Main design feature mono-command mixer – cartridge version. This part may have a ceramic or ball valve axle box. Each type of element has its own positive properties and disadvantages.
The main part of the ball cartridge has a spherical shape. The size of the holes in the hollow ball is about 4 mm, and small particles pass through it unhindered. If the apartment has old pipework and there is no filter, it is more practical to use a ball regulator. But it is not immune to limescale. Leaving it unused for a long time may cause the lever mechanism to jam. The disadvantage is the noise when using it.
The working elements of a ceramic cartridge are two or three plates. The material used to make the plates is aluminum oxide. But the quality of a cartridge is determined not by the properties of the material, but by the thoroughness of its processing. The plates are polished using ultrasound, and there is practically no gap between the elements.
The presence of air on the surface of the plates is excluded, and limescale does not form on ceramic cartridges. Water hardness does not affect the service life of the device. The disadvantage of this type of mixer is its sensitivity to mechanical impurities in water - sand, rust, scale. If grains of sand and rust, which have an abrasive effect, get into the control mechanism, it leads to leakage of the device. Under admission conditions clean water The device can be used for many years without replacement.
Despite the built-in filter in some models of single-lever faucets, it does not cope with the purification of overly contaminated water. Therefore, it is better to install a kitchen appliance by first inserting a filter at the entrance of the water supply to the apartment or house.
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Differences between single lever faucet models
The design of a single-lever mixer may differ not only in the type of working elements, but also in others technical characteristics. It is convenient to install the device with a thread equal to the diameter of the hole in the sink. When installing, there is no need to align it relative to the bowl. The mounting method allows you to immediately accurately position the crane.
The design allows you to change the length and height of the spout. It comes with a lot of options. The main group of such models are kitchen appliances with a retractable watering can. The model looks original, the spout of which is assembled from several segments that mutually move like hinged structures.
The materials from which the cases are made also differ in variety. The cheapness of some models (mostly Chinese) is explained by the use of very unreliable silumin material. It is an alloy of aluminum and silicon. Such a device may become unusable within six months. When purchasing a silumin device, you can determine it by weight. It is better to immediately discard light products.
Despite the variety of materials used, the leading positions are traditionally occupied by brass and bronze. Plastic, silumin, ceramics, etc. cannot compete with them.
According to experts, the most reliable and durable faucets are those whose bodies are made of chromium alloy and special of stainless steel.
Such devices can last up to half a century. The best coating methods are chrome plating and the use of stainless steel. Chrome prevents the development of microorganisms, and stains do not remain on this finish.
It is useful to equip the mixer with an accessory such as an aerator. This is a special mesh nozzle that is inserted into the spout. It reduces splashing, softens the stream and oxygenates the water. At the exit from the aerator, the stream visually increases. According to experts, psychologically this fact forces the consumer to reduce the water pressure, which involuntarily reduces water consumption by up to 40%.
Among the hoses included with the mixer, products that have a base of EPDM rubber and are protected by a metal or textile braid are considered to be of high quality. More expensive and advanced PEX polymer hoses are durable and hygienic due to a special internal coating.
Special devices are used to regulate the flow of water and its temperature in the bathroom. The faucet design for a bathroom with a shower can be double-lever, single-lever or combined.
The design of a mixer tap with two control levers is a combination of two axle-box taps that control the pressure and help connect hot and cold water to the desired temperature. Until recently, they were the most popular options for such a device. Represented by the Damixa (Damixa), Lemen and Alveus Mura-PS models.
Photo - diagram of a double lever
Each faucet in the mixer is connected to a tube with hot or cold drainage, respectively. When the valve is turned on, liquid begins to flow into the mixing tube, from which water flows at the required strength. The spout from which the liquid pours is also equipped with a special sprayer, depending on the shape of which the type of jet varies. It can be sprayed into several streams. Nowadays, very often, Chinese faucets are equipped with lighting, which makes it possible to give the bathroom an attractive and interesting design.
The single-lever version can be equipped with valves operating on the principle of limiting plates, or with special valves that operate on a ball principle.
Advantages of a double-lever mixer:
- Low price. Compared to other models of these devices, the option with two axle boxes is the cheapest;
- High rates of durability;
- Variety of styles. A lever mixer of this type can have many stylistic variations: retro, country, modern and many others.
But such cranes have certain flaws:
- The bushings wear out quickly, which is why they begin to leak. To be precise, it is not the distribution taps themselves that wear out, but the gaskets;
- The need for work good conditions. Due to poor water quality, the aerator spouts in which hot and cold water are mixed often become clogged in a twin-shaft mixer.
Single lever model device
A single-lever mixer is a more complex device, since it does not involve several axle boxes - water is mixed using a special ball or ceramic cartridge. Popular companies are Oras, Vidima, Iddis and RAF.
Photo - kitchen faucet with valve At the ball valve with cartridge ball type The device contains a special round head. It controls the water flow and temperature level. When the tap is lifted up, the valve opens, and when it is turned to the right or left, the temperature is adjusted. Unlike a two-valve valve, the connection of pipes of different water supplies is made at one point, and with the help of a ball, the flow of hot or cold water is simply regulated inside the tap. The range of operation of such a mixer is very wide - it is used for showers, sinks, bathrooms and kitchens.
Photo - ball model A ceramic mixer operates in a similar way, but here the water flow is limited by ground plates made of ceramic. This is very convenient type modern crane, because it does not corrode, does not require special operating conditions and very rarely needs repairs.
Photo - principle of operation of the cartridge Ceramic plates are also known for their grinding density, which reduces water consumption when showering or washing. Due to the complete absence of a gap between the plates, not a single drop of water spills without its owner, so an unpleasant dripping sound will never bother you.
Photo - option with ceramic plates
Video on the topic:
Thermostatic tap
But the most modern design of a mixer for a washbasin and a shower cabin in a bathroom is represented by a device where mixing is carried out by means of a thermostat. At such a tap whole line advantages:
- To mix water, you do not need to use switch handles - this allows you to successfully use a similar design in public places;
- During installation, you can specify settings for temperature regime, and they will not change even after continuous use of the sink;
- Unlike the one-handed and double-lever rotary switch, the mixing process is fully automated and controlled by a thermostat. Thanks to this, there is absolutely no chance of causing a burn if the temperature is set incorrectly. This push-button faucet can be used by even the youngest children.
Despite the apparent complexity of the operation, the thermostatic mixer has a fairly simple structure, as evidenced by the drawings. The mixing working element is connected to a special heat-sensitive plate and connected to a control valve. The plate or cartridge is made of metal and reacts to the slightest temperature changes during operation.
In addition, this model of steamer is equipped with a special thermometer, which, during installation, allows you to set the standard temperature and the one after which the flow of hot water is automatically shut off. Famous brands: Hansgrohe, Kaiser.
Possible various options fastenings - on the wall, in place of the old faucet or in other places in the bathroom and kitchen.
Industrial Models
In addition to classic faucets for forced water drainage, there are also special options for industrial purposes. For example, this is a model of the SB-97MK gravity mixer, the purpose of which is to sort and combine various dry materials. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, agriculture and metal production.
Photo - SB-97MK Service similar devices requires special skills, because they often work with large volumes. Please note that their operation is carried out according to the ball principle, but mixing due to the action of gravitational forces plays a significant role.
Faucet repair
Despite the robustness of the device of most modern models to mechanical and other damage, yet often water starts to leak at the kitchen and bathroom faucet - this indicates that repairs are needed.
Photo - diagram of the device for repair Let's consider how the Grohe double-lever kitchen faucet is repaired:
- The most common cause of leakage is a worn water gander gasket. Therefore, to repair the tap in most cases, it is enough just to change it;
- You need to unscrew the clamping nut using an adjustable wrench;
- Remove the gander, at the spout you will see the old gasket, which must be removed, and a new one installed in its place. It should be noted that the internal pressure in the mixer is often very high, so we recommend screwing special tape FMU;
- Place the clamping nut on top of the old gander and carefully tighten it. Do not over-tighten the fastener, otherwise you may strip the threads.
Dismantling does not take half an hour, but if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to invite a professional plumber to repair it. In addition, we recommend that you carry out regular Maintenance taps - tighten them and, if possible, close the FMU thread.
A faucet or mixer is a small device, but extremely necessary in any home. Designers are developing more and more new design options for faucets, but the internal design of these products is not very diverse. Having studied the design of the water tap, it is easier to choose the appropriate mixer model. You can even install the faucet yourself or make the necessary repairs.
Types and types of water taps
Until recently, the consumer could choose mainly from two valve options: a valve design with one or two levers. A ball valve of a very simple design was used mainly in heating systems. Today, more modern products can be found on the shelves of plumbing stores. By type, cranes can be divided into:
- single valve;
- two-valve;
- single lever;
- equipped with a thermostat;
- sensory.
You should immediately understand the difference between the concepts of “faucet” and “mixer”. All devices that allow you to regulate the flow of water in a pipeline and stop it completely are usually called taps. Mixers are devices that have two pipes connected to them: hot and cold water. The mechanism of mixers allows you to regulate not only the flow of water, but also its temperature.
Whatever the type of faucet or faucet, each of them has elements such as:
- a housing in which the water flow control mechanism is located;
- spout, in common parlance - a spout through which water flows;
- the lever or levers (valves) that control the mechanism;
- the actual locking mechanism located in the housing.
The shape and color of the mixer, the design of the spout largely depend on the design tricks of the manufacturer. Often, the spout of the spout is supplied with either a divider: a special mesh that distributes the flow of water more evenly. The main difference between taps and mixers different types consists of a locking mechanism and levers.
How are valve taps arranged?
Single valve faucet
The good old faucets are simple in design and fairly high reliability. Models with one valve are used for taps with cold or hot water only. In the copper or brass body of the device, a locking mechanism is enclosed in the form of a crane box: worm or ceramic. The first option uses the principle of reciprocating motion. The valve controls the worm rod, which presses a rubber or leather gasket to a special “saddle”. Gasket wear is the most common reason breakdowns of valve taps. To stop water leaking from under a leaky gasket, you just need to replace it with a new one.
The ceramic faucet box consists of two plates with a clearance. One of the plates is fixed motionless, and the second is rotated using a valve. Both plates have gaps; when their positions coincide, water flows into the spout. Since ceramics are extremely resistant to wear, such a mechanism rarely breaks. Valve taps with ceramic crane axle box more expensive than worm-type models, but they are much more reliable.
Single-valve faucets are used only to control the flow of cold or hot water. It is recommended to purchase more durable models with a ceramic valve axle box
The spout of such a faucet is sometimes cast as one piece with the body. In this case, the faucet spout will be stationary. Much more convenient and popular are models of valve taps with a spout in the form of a tube. The spout is inserted vertically into the product body and held in special grooves using two plastic hinge rings. This design allows you to rotate the spout in a horizontal plane, installing it in a position suitable for use.
Note! When choosing between a steel and brass model, you should give preference to the latter, since brass is much more resistant to corrosion.
Double valve mixer
Of course, in a house with hot water supply it makes sense to use a mixer. For two-valve devices, almost the same valve axle boxes are used as for valves with one valve. Cold water flows into the mixer through one locking mechanism, and hot water through the other. When controlling crane axle boxes, appropriate valves are used.
To repair a two-valve mixer, you also often have to change worn gaskets. However, sometimes it makes sense to completely replace the entire crane axle mechanism, which is relatively inexpensive. This type of order repair work is presented in detail in the following video:
This model is perfect for kitchen sink or washbasin. Faucets with an additional hole for a shower hose are also installed in bathrooms. The design is complemented by a switch that directs the flow of water from the spout to the hose and back. Two-handle faucets have been used in plumbing for many years and continue to compete successfully with newer faucet options.
Design of ball mixers
Ball mixers have been used relatively recently in plumbing. They quickly gained popularity due to their exceptional ease of use compared to valve devices. The design of a water ball valve is shown in detail in the diagram:
The central element in the design of a ball water tap is a cartridge that can be rotated both left and right and up and down.
Inside the case there is a spherical cartridge with three holes. Through two of them, cold and hot water enters the cavity of the cartridge, and through the third, the flow, already mixed and brought to the required temperature, is supplied to the spout.
Only one lever is used to control the movement of the cartridge. The left-right movement regulates the amount of cold and hot water entering the mixer, i.e. its temperature. To increase or decrease the water pressure, you need to move the lever up and down. This way you can adjust the temperature and pressure of the water flow with just a couple of movements.
Please note that due to the high popularity of ball mixers, many low-quality fakes have appeared on the market. The thickness of the metal body of such a device must be at least 2 mm. Distinguish good faucet possible by weight: a high-quality model is heavier.
It should be noted that repair ball mixer at home it is quite possible. To do this, the device is completely disassembled. Of course, the cost of such repairs is much higher than replacing a conventional valve mechanism gasket. Cartridges of different models may differ, therefore, when repairing, it is recommended:
- disassemble the damaged mixer;
- remove the faulty cartridge;
- take it to a plumbing store;
- purchase an identical device;
- complete the repair.
When removing the cartridge, you need to remember its location in order to install the new element correctly.
The simplest model of a ball valve has been in use for quite some time. This is a simple mechanism that allows you to simply shut off the flow of water. Most often, such devices are used in pipelines, for example, in heating systems. The design of a crane of this type is shown in the diagram below:
So simple and reliable ball valve is not used to regulate temperature or water pressure, but only to open and close the flow
To stop the flow of water, just turn the handle 90 degrees. This simple design It is usually not used very intensively, so it breaks extremely rarely.
Features of the design of mixers with a thermostat
Modern technologies make using the mixer simpler and more convenient. Devices equipped with a thermostat are gradually gaining popularity. What distinguishes them from a conventional faucet is the presence of a thermocouple that controls the flow of hot and cold water to bring the flow to a predetermined temperature. A handle is mounted outside, with which the temperature indicators are set. Another lever regulates the water pressure coming from the spout.
