What are the faucets: the main types

It is difficult to imagine a modern home without this unchanging, but almost imperceptible device. With the advent of a centralized water supply, there was a need for shutoff valves, a prominent representative of which is an ordinary water tap. How this device works, its varieties and main selection criteria, plumbing types - all information is given in this article.

All the variety of configurations and colors cannot be described even in the most detailed article, while the internal structure of all existing water taps can be divided into four main types.

single valve

The simple and reliable design of such a mechanism has been time-tested and is still used to supply water. The principle of operation of such a valve is based on the reciprocating movement of the valve, which presses the rubber gasket inside the body to a special "saddle". These models can regulate the water supply, but not its temperature, as they are installed on only one pipe.

A more advanced model has a ceramic faucet inside - an axle box, in which two plates with holes are located. When the faucet lever is rotated, one of the plates turns and when the holes match, water is supplied. Faucets with ceramic "stuffing" are more reliable and break less, but their cost is slightly higher than older models with a worm valve.

Two valve mixer

For the convenience of using hot water, it is more advisable to use special taps - mixers. The name itself already indicates that this device can mix two streams, so most often you can find just such universal taps.

The structure scheme of a two-valve water tap is practically no different from the previous design, only in this case the water comes out from one tap, to which two locking mechanisms are connected. The flow pressure and temperature are manually adjusted. Such taps are still in demand, successfully competing with more modern models of single-lever mixers. The principle of operation of such a mixer will allow you to use it for the bathroom. In this case, it is necessary to choose models with a flow switch to a shower hose.

On the video - repair of water taps:

Single Lever Ball Mixer

Such devices appeared relatively recently, but have already become incredibly popular. The design of such taps is an internal spherical cartridge with three holes. Two are designed for the supply of hot and cold water, through the third the mixed flow enters the outside.

The pressure and temperature are adjusted manually, but unlike valve taps, it does not take much time: just turn the lever to the right or left, and to increase the water supply rate, lift the handle up more.

The ease of use of such models guarantees their stable popularity. This gave rise to another phenomenon - a large number of counterfeit products, so when buying, you should carefully study all the details of the mechanism. Poor-quality material is usually lighter, the thickness of the metal is minimal, there are minor defects in the coating and joints of parts. If there is any doubt about the quality of the goods, such a purchase should be canceled.

Mixers with thermostat

Progress has even covered such a universal device as water taps, so improved models of lever mixers have already appeared with a special function - adjusting the water temperature.

In the case of the device there is a special thermoelement that automatically regulates the supply of hot and cold water so that the output is a stream of a given temperature.

The thermoelement is programmed from the outside with a special lever, just like the water speed. Such faucets will cost much more than a standard mixer, and it is also problematic to purchase them, because this innovation is still practically unknown to buyers. It is advisable to install such devices in children's and medical institutions, as well as for home use.

Contactless (sensor) faucets

A similar innovation occurred with the advent of photocells, which can react and give a signal to the approach of an object. In this case, when the hands approach the faucet spout, the indicator goes off and water flows. If you remove your hands, the flow will automatically shut off. This is very convenient in public places, because less water is spent and there is no likelihood that a “flood” will occur due to the negligence of one of the visitors.

It is also very good from the point of view of hygiene, because people do not touch the tap directly. Most often, such mixers are installed in large companies, as well as restaurants and crowded places. The cost of such devices is quite high, and the temperature regime is programmed separately. This means that the water supply occurs with the same pressure and temperature.

How to choose a bathroom faucet

We have already familiarized ourselves with the principle of operation of the main types of water taps, so you can proceed to the direct purchase. For the bathroom and kitchen, the same model may not be suitable, since there are certain criteria for comfortable use in certain conditions.

On the video - the mixer tap device:

For a bathroom equipped with a shower hose, it is necessary to choose special models of faucets, in which the changeover of flow and temperature indicators also apply to the shower system. The basic principle of operation of such valves will be either valve or ball, only the main manufacturers, material and design distinguish. By the way, the cost may depend on the appearance even more than on the quality of the equipment itself.

The video shows how to choose the right faucets:

For a washbasin, a conventional faucet of any design will suffice. You will not use this appliance as much as, for example, a kitchen faucet, so the power and type will not be as important. The length of the spout should correspond to the size of the washbasin so that there is no next construction “blunder” when water hits the floor directly, bypassing the too narrow sink.

Estimated cost of some types of bathroom faucets:

The external design of each of the models is attractive in its own way, so choosing the right one is not difficult. The cost of each type may vary depending on the region and supplies. Goods are imported, so currency fluctuations should also be taken into account.

In the photo - types of water taps:

How to choose a kitchen faucet

If everything is more or less clear with the bathroom, then completely different requirements will be priority for kitchen operation. First of all, it is the reliability of the design, the relatively long “nose” of the tap, which will allow you to draw water into a deep container, as well as the extremely precise adjustment of pressure and temperature.

The video shows how to choose a kitchen faucet:

Comfortable use of the kitchen faucet is the key to productive work, so it’s worth trying here with a choice. A sample list of popular manufacturers is presented below.

Estimated cost of kitchen faucets

The price range is quite wide, so it is important to choose the perfect combination of price and quality. You should take into account the possible frequency of use of the crane and choose a more reliable model, the warranty period of which is at least 5 years. Thus, you will insure against fakes and further disappointments.