Brass faucets: what are their features

When arranging a bathroom or kitchen, it is important to choose the right plumbing. The brass mixer is a reliable and aesthetic product that does not corrode. It withstands any thermal conditions.

Design features

Not every metal adequately withstands contact with moisture. Under these conditions, brass alloy has proven itself well. Its composition:

• zinc - 20-40%;
• copper - 60-80%.

To improve performance, tin, nickel or other metal is added to the material. Brass is safe for health, and its components are completely environmentally friendly. The inlet for the mixer can also be made of this metal.

All brass taps can be classified as follows:

• place of installation;
• type of valve opening mechanism and temperature control;
• jet parameters;
• nature of installation.

All brass alloy products are divided by installation location:

• canteen;
• kitchen;
• shower;
• sink.

Each mixer has a number of properties necessary for a particular room. Bathroom faucets are made without spouts, but with the same shower head. The brass mixer for the kitchen or dining room has a swivel mechanism and is equipped with a spout. The washbasin faucet is made completely fixed.

Mechanisms for opening the tap and temperature control are:

• two-valve;
• with one lever;
• non-contact.

The dual-valve brass bath mixer is the most reliable. The contactless type is not inferior to it, but the cost of its installation is unacceptable for people with an average income. A single lever product is convenient to use, but it often breaks.

You can mount the brass mixer on board the bathtub, sink and sink, or directly to the wall. A quality eyeliner for the mixer will help in this.

Today, brass and bronze alloy mixers are widely used. Their cost is slightly lower than brass taps. They are no less durable and do not rust over time. Inside the product does not deteriorate from the aggressive effects of mineral deposits.

Benefits

Among the main advantages of brass mixers relative to stainless steel taps, an acceptable cost can be distinguished. When comparing the material with copper or bronze, a number of advantages stand out:

• high strength;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• heat resistance;
• durability;
• lack of leaks.

All products of world famous brands Jacob Delafon, Hansgrohe, Grohe BauEdge, Lemark and others are made in accordance with international requirements and standards.

Types of Coatings

Brass alloy does not need additional coating to improve the protective properties. It itself is able to withstand any load. Manufacturers still apply a layer to the faucets to give it an attractive appearance.

For brass mixers two types of coating are used:

• electroplating;
• applying enamel or paint.

In the first case, galvanization is carried out. Under the influence of current, a thin layer of another metal is applied to the mixer. The most common options are:

• chromium;
• copper;
• nickel;
• bronze;
• gold;
• silver.

A number of positive properties are awarded to the brass mixer for the sink with a chrome coating.It makes the product shine and destroys the harmful bacteria passing through it. Nickel is the second most popular coating option. It is capable of causing allergies, so it is better for sensitive people to abandon it.

Copper and bronze are used to maintain the overall style of the room. Shiny coatings are more attractive, but require regular cleaning of stains and stains. The matte surface is more restrained, but always looks like new. For elite and prestigious premises, you can purchase a silver-plated or gold-plated brass mixer.

The enameled surface of the product will effectively shimmer in the sun or under the light of a lamp. The painted mixer is easier to match with the interior design. Unfortunately, paint and enamel have insufficient durability. For active use, they are not suitable. Soon, cracks and chips will form on them, which adversely affect the appearance of the room.

Design

Today, a large assortment of brass mixers is presented in plumbing stores. The product can be selected for any interior - classic or modern.

Brass alloy products are decorated in various ways:

• embossed surface;
• engraving;
• painting;
• glass elements.

Even an ordinary brass faucet enlivens and updates the familiar interior of any room.

How to distinguish a fake?

When purchasing plumbing, do not forget about the possibility of encountering a fake. A quality brass shower faucet and faucet eyeliner cannot be cheap. No promotion or discount will justify the cheapness of products. This will only mean that they are trying to sell you a fake or poor quality product.

There is a way to protect yourself from acquiring a fake. Right in the store you need to estimate the weight of the mixer. Plumbing made of brass is heavy. Manufacturers like to fake a spout, passing it off as thin steel. It is he who needs to pay special attention. It is worth abandoning brass taps with plastic levers, as they are short-lived.

Care

A brass mixer will decorate the room only with regular maintenance. Careful use also affects the appearance of the product. It is not recommended to touch it with dirty hands. The crane must be protected from leaks from nearby nodes and pipes.

Maintaining a beautiful view and the original color of the plumbing is easy. If, nevertheless, the moment is missed and the mixer is in a deplorable state, then store or home remedies will come to the rescue.

Standard sink

Daily or, in extreme cases, weekly washing will help to avoid stubborn stains. For care it is enough to wipe the product with a damp cloth. Aggressive cleaners should not be used as they can damage the surface. Normal soapy water is used. In conclusion, you need to wipe the mixer with a dry cloth so that it does not form stains from drying water and does not spoil the color of the product.

How to restore the former shine?

The heterogeneously aged brass has its own charm, but not everyone loves the antique look. At the hardware store, you can purchase funds to restore the luster of the old surface. It is necessary to carefully study the label, since not all of them remove the old plaque. Some only polish and briefly return to their original color.

You can clean the tap from contamination with ordinary ketchup.Citric acid, which is part of it, is able to return shine and color. A small amount is applied to the fabric, after which the brass surface is rubbed with it. Next, the mixer is rinsed with water and treated dry with a rag.

You can prepare a “Polish” polishing paste to clean the tap. It will take 1 teaspoon of coarse salt, 100 ml of vinegar and 3 tablespoons of flour. First, salt is poured into vinegar and mixed until completely dissolved. Next, flour is added to the mixture to a doughy consistency. The brass mixer is rubbed with the composition and left for 10 minutes. After the faucet is washed in the standard way.

A brass mixer is the best choice if you don’t want to face corrosion or frequent faucet replacement. Chrome or nickel coating fits perfectly into any interior. A variety of classic and modern models will make it easy to find the right product.