The mixer with a long spout for a bath - a universal device for comfortable water procedures (21 photos)

When choosing a mixer with a long gander, it is necessary to take into account the various parameters that determine the operation of the device.

Materials for the manufacture of mixers

Stainless steel is the most popular and common option. She ranks first in the ranking of materials due to its strength, affordability, aesthetics. Faucets organically fit into the interiors of various styles.

Brass, bronze are characterized by long service life. The refined look of such mixers subtly emphasizes the Provence style or luxurious classic bathroom. These products are expensive, but the price is justified.

Ceramics are distinguished by attractive design, non-standard forms of products. Mixers are expensive and highly fragile, so you need to handle them carefully.

As a decorative and protective coating, chrome and enamel are used. When choosing devices, it must be remembered that enamel gives the surface a matte texture and fingerprints or drops of water are not visible on the cases. Chrome also attracts with its durability, elegant look and simple care.

Types of Mixers

Among the many models of mixers, two large groups can be distinguished - one-lever and two-valve. The differences are based on control systems and elements that mix cold and hot water.

Two-spout bath mixer with long spout

This device is very popular, it is easy to manufacture and affordable. Manufacturers offer two types of products.

• The worm model is equipped with a rubber locking collar (silicone gasket). The main advantages of the mixer: reliability, easy gasket replacement, low price. Among the shortcomings, one can distinguish the uncomfortable process of using the device - to open the tap you need to turn the valve several times, and to adjust the pressure and temperature of the water, you have to spend time.
• The ceramic mixer is equipped with two plates with holes (one is fixed in the body, and the other is attached to the stem). Product advantages: convenient operation, strength and durability of the mechanisms, silent operation. No effort is required to use the tap. The disadvantages include: the high price of the mixer, the dependence on water quality (sand and small solid impurities accelerate the wear of mechanisms). It is difficult to repair the axle box - it is better to just change it. To extend the life of the equipment, it is advisable to install a coarse water filter.

If there is a problem of choice, it is recommended to give preference to a ceramic mixer. However, if the quality of the water leaves much to be desired, then it is necessary to mount the device on worm-type axle boxes.

In order to determine the model, it is enough to turn the handles on the tap - in ceramic taps they rotate 90 or 180 degrees.

Single lever mixer with long spout for bath and shower

Increasingly, consumers began to install such cranes.A distinctive feature of the products is their convenient use. There are two types of mixers on the market:

• The ball model is equipped with a metal ball in which there are three holes. Advantages of the mixer: durability, high-quality sealing. The main disadvantage is sensitivity to calcareous deposits, which can significantly complicate the operation of the device after prolonged shutdown;
• The mixer with cartridge has special ceramic plates in which there are openings. Product advantages: easy operation, long service life. Cons: high cost, high-quality work provides clean water (without mechanical impurities).

Thermostatic Mixers

Such models are still a novelty in the market of sanitary equipment. However, comfortable use of the thermostat makes it more and more popular among consumers.

According to the control method, cranes are divided into three types.

1. Electronic - equipped with LCD screen and touch / button control. The thermostat works on mains or battery. The advantage of the device - with the help of electronics, the parameters of the water flow are set more accurately. The disadvantage is the dependence on external energy sources.
2. Mechanical - control is carried out by handles, valves or a lever of various designs. No batteries needed. The main advantage of the thermostat is reliability and independence from electric power sources.
3. Non-contact thermostats equipped with infrared sensors are the most comfortable to use. Cranes are equipped with heat regulators (for temperature control) and devices that control the pressure of the water jet. The user sets the water flow before turning it on.

The main advantages of these technical innovations are safety (do not be afraid of a sudden stream of very hot or cold water), comfort (the thermostat so quickly adjusts changes in temperature or pressure of the jet that a person does not notice changes).

Types of Spouts

These mixer elements can be static and rotary. Long spouts refer to a turning view. On the one hand, thanks to a special mechanism, the gander can be moved in the desired direction. And on the other hand, it is this mechanism that acts as a weak link in the design and reduces the life of the crane.

In the production of gander, three types of technology are used:

• tubular - for the manufacture of gander metal pipes bend and take the desired shape. Such spouts are the cheapest and most popular. The junction of the gander and the body is sealed with a special plastic ring. The other end of the tube is adapted to mount an aerator;
• soldered models differ in various forms and higher price. During the production of gander, the metal billet is not only bent, but also inflated, which makes it possible to obtain tubes with different diameters in length. At the ends of the gander, solder nuts for the nipple and aerator;
• cast products are considered the most expensive. The body is cast in one piece. Bathroom faucets are distinguished by their solid weight, because brass is used for their production.

In the manufacture of tubular and cast gander, inexpensive metal alloys are used, and chrome is used for the protective and decorative layer.

Main characteristics of spouts

It is the height and length of the gander that affect the comfort of using plumbing equipment.

1. The height of the spout is determined by the distance between the base of the mixer body and the hole from which the stream of water flows. A high gander (from 250 mm) allows you to solve many problems: to draw water into large dishes, wash in a bathtub and washbasin (with proper installation). To make it convenient to use the sink and not to spray much water, models with deep bowls should be chosen.
2. Spout length is the distance between the ends of the pipe. Long gander includes models with sizes from 30 to 52 cm.

Ways to switch bath-shower mechanisms

Manufacturers produce taps that are equipped with different mechanisms for switching the water flow from shower to spout. The characteristics of the devices are so diverse that you should not give preference to any one indicator.

Push button option

In faucets with a long gander, the button is located vertically on the body and acts on the valve, which directs water to the shower / spout.

The main problems that arise during operation:

• the valve leaks due to limescale. The rubber seal loses its elasticity. If lime deposits have formed, then only valve replacement can rectify the situation;
• the button is not held up when the water pressure is weak. This may be due to the tight return spring. If you remove one or two turns of the spring (bite off), then the problem will be solved;
• the button does not return to its original position after turning off the water, which may be caused by excessive stem sealing. This can be fixed by applying a little silicone grease under the rubber gasket.

Advantages of the device: to control the mechanism it is necessary to exert a minimum of effort, has a compact size. The disadvantage is the short life due to damage to the rubber on the valve with limescale.

Ball switch

The mechanism is characterized by reliable operation and consists of a rod and a metal ball (most often brass) with two holes. When the device is operating, water enters the side opening of the ball and is discharged through another hole into the shower / spout.

Advantages: long service life, reliable position retention in shower mode, easy operation. Disadvantages: sensitivity to impurities in water, it is desirable to install a coarse filter to prevent ingress of large mechanical impurities.

If the device breaks down, only its replacement is possible.

Mixer installation types

It is the comfortable use of the crane that determines the method of its installation. There are two types of mounting devices:

• wall mounting is relevant in small bathrooms where it is not practical to install separate taps on the wash basin and bathtub. In this case, the plumbing should be nearby. It is important to choose the installation height of the device correctly - the spout should turn freely and not touch the sink. However, it is also not recommended to fasten the faucet very high, otherwise the water will be very sprayed when washing your hands;
• it is advisable to install such a mixer on the bath if the tank has such wide sides that the outflows of other models will be short (water will drain along the wall of the bowl). Or in the case of arranging a shelf near the bathtub and the inability to install a crane on other walls.

Many manufacturers produce decent and competitive products. The first places in the ranking are occupied by the companies: Grohe, DAMIXA, ORAS. Faucets of these brands are distinguished by their exquisite design and quality, which guarantees a long service life of cranes. Naturally, for excellent performance you have to pay. Manufacturers take into account the different monetary possibilities of buyers and, as a rule, offer a line of expensive and low-cost models of sanitary equipment.