Thermostatic shower mixer: models, device, principle of operation, reviews

A mixer for water with a thermostat is a convenient device, gaining more and more fans in our country. The level of household comfort is increased due to the constant temperature of water supplied for washing dishes, bathing procedures and for other purposes. The thermostat mixer is simple enough to be produced in a variety of options, but any of them will be a welcome purchase in every home.

Why you need a mixer with a thermostat

Hot water must be used daily, and it is also often necessary to regulate the temperature and pressure of water. A mixer with a special device resolves at once two problems: once setting the parameters, it is possible not to return to this issue any more - water will be supplied from the tap in the given degrees.

The water pressure in our faucets "fails", is weak or too strong, the thermostatic device successfully solves this problem. Turning and fixing the thermostat lever will eliminate the need to make a test drive of the current state of the water pressure in the pipes each time. As a result, the user receives a new level of quality of life and saves energy resources in a global sense, and in terms of reducing the cost of utility services.

What is a thermostat?

The device of the thermostatic mixer consists of several components:

• Temperature limiter. It works when the water is supplied, the temperature of which is higher than the comfort temperature.
• Temperature scale. Fixes the indicators.
• Thermal regulator. With its help, the balance of the hot and cold flow is controlled to produce water at a given temperature.
• Water supply pressure regulator.

Thermostatic shower mixer and any other water supply device has a main element - a thermostat. It is a limiter consisting of one copper and one paraffin rods.

How does it work

The principle of the thermostatic shower mixer is based on the regulation of the pressure of cold and hot water. In the case of the device there is a thermocouple, the task of which is to monitor the temperature characteristics of the supplied water.

As soon as the temperature exceeds the fixed value, the supply of cold water increases. With a decrease in the temperature regime, the pressure of hot water increases. The recognition process takes a fraction of a second, so the changes are invisible. When the pressure in the water supply system (hot / cold) fluctuates, the pressure of the jet from the mixer changes. The absence of hot or cold water in the pipes leads to an overflow of the flow from the tap.

How to use

Thermostatic mixer from the most primitive to the most technological has two regulators, one is responsible for water pressure, the second - for temperature. In mass production are often found thermomixers with two levers. The design of the product is very different - from traditional valves to buttons, the most "advanced" are equipped with sensor sensors and a liquid crystal display, where temperature and water pressure are reflected.

Thermostatic shower mixer is advisable to start adjusting with the fixation of the water temperature, and after adjusting the head. It is completely unimportant when the indicators will be set: before the water is turned on or during the water procedures. Fixing the numbers in advance, you can count on comfort without distractions and on savings at the start.

Advantages and disadvantages

A mixer with temperature control and water pressure, like any device, has pros and cons.

Pluses:

• Constant temperature of the supplied water. Changes in water pressure (hot / cold) are not felt.
• Blocking the flow in an emergency. The complete absence of cold water serves as a signal to cut off the hot flow, there is no risk of burning yourself.
• Economical. There is no overspending of resources for setting the temperature and head.

Disadvantages:

• High price.
• Difficulties with maintenance and repair. Not every city can find a service center of the manufacturer, in order to carry out preventive maintenance or repair within the warranty period.

Types for the purpose

In a desire to maximally please the consumer, companies create devices that give comfort in every place where water is required. Common types of mixers with thermostat:

• Thermostatic shower mixer. A characteristic feature is the absence of a spout for spouting water.
• Mixer with a thermal device for the shower. Also, there is no place for spilling water, it is built into the communication system by means of connecting pipes.
• Thermostatic bath mixer. They are produced in two types - with a wall mount and a built-in bathtub. In its shape resemble an elongated cylinder with regulators at the ends. This type of thermostatic mixer has a standard spout for spouting. Most often, it regulates the flow of water as it is directly when it is recruited into the bath, and for showering procedures. A transfer of the type of use occurs by a conventional switch.
• For the sink. Has a vertical configuration, a nozzle for water, a lever / valve for opening. Installation can be carried out on the wall or directly on the sink.

There are specialized devices for bidets, hygienic showers, kitchen sinks, but the principle of action is the same for all.

Models

According to the design, the mixers are manufactured mechanically and electronically. In the mechanical model, the device is set up using valves or levers. For domestic communications, this type of mixer is more reliable, because feed failures, pressure jumps in pipes and uneven heating of water are common. The design of the device is varied and solved in different styles: from vintage models to minimalist ones.

Electronic models are more sensitive to adverse conditions, but more informative. The data is displayed on a small screen, it is possible to specify several programs of work, for example, for each member of the family, a separate mode or turning on the water supply at a certain time. Some models are even able to conduct water analysis. The operation depends on the battery or direct connection to the electrical network. The problem of an electronic thermomixer, apart from its cost, is the difficulty in professional service and the availability of service centers.

Mounting Features

Thermostatic shower or bath faucet is more popular than kitchen appliances. For installation in a bathroom it is necessary to observe the following basic conditions:

• The thermostat has strictly defined hot and cold water entry points, which are marked according to European standards. Incorrect connection will lead to malfunctions and, in the end, to failure.
• When installing on the water system of the times of the USSR, it should be taken into account that the cold water is on the left, and the hot supply is on the right, in the EU countries on the contrary. Therefore, before installing the thermostatic shower mixer or bathtub, it is necessary to re-install the water distribution system. This rule does not apply to vertical thermostats, in this case it is sufficient to swap flexible hoses.

Also, it is not superfluous to install filters at the water inlet points to the apartment before installing the equipment. This will help to maintain the integrity of the device longer, and ensure that all members of the family will be healthy.

Thermostats from Grohe

German brand - one of the leaders in the production of quality thermostats. Grohe mixers have a number of advantages that make the company a leader in consumer preferences:

• High-quality and reliable technology.
• Modern design.
• Compact size.
• Coating resistance to mechanical damage.
• Durability in operation.
• Smooth work.
• Economy of water consumption up to 50% due to EcoButton technology.
• Equipped with technology TurboStat, allowing you to quickly respond to the slightest temperature fluctuations.

Grohe Thermostatic Mixers are the leaders in popularity in the target audience and have a warranty period of 5 years, which indicates the manufacturer's confidence as a device.

Other manufacturers

The thermostatic mixer FAR is laconic in comparison with the designer finds of other manufacturers, but according to the characteristics it will give odds to many. Thermal mixers of this manufacturer are more familiar to professionals, as the company produces sanitary fittings, devices for heating systems, etc.

Mixers with the TERMO-FAR thermostat are connected to the system at two hot and cold water inlet points, a mixed flow is supplied to the pipe at the outlet. The thermostatic sensor is in the sphere of influence of two water flows and is built into the housing equipped with two valves, it mechanically changes the ratio of the supply of cold and hot water. The temperature control range is adjustable from 25 ° C to 65 ° C, with a maximum water temperature of up to 95 ° C. According to consumers, one of the reliable and easy-to-repair devices.

Thermostatic shower mixer Armatura is manufactured by the Polish factory KFA. The device is in demand on our spaces, it has a reasonable price and easy installation. Has a sufficient margin of safety and long retains an attractive appearance.

Reviews

Many buyers left their opinions about such a device as a thermostatic mixer. Reviews tell us about the advantages of using it, the comfort of constant temperature and head is noted, which was not achieved with an ordinary mixer. Those who have children growing up in the family talk about safety: a child can often open and close the taps, which can lead to either scalding or overcooling. By purchasing a thermostat with an additional protection function, you can be sure that the child's hand does not twist the knob of the temperature controller to a critical state. For some buyers, this opportunity proved to be an advantage in buying and quite justified itself.

Negative responses were made to individual producers whose goods were short-lived and quickly failed. There were also difficulties in connecting Western equipment with domestic pipes and water. Filters built into the water supply systems quickly clogged, and the mixers themselves required additional fittings for installation.

Many noted the difficulties with the repair of thermostats, and often with the inaccessibility of the service. In most negative comments are reduced to the opinion that it is worthwhile to purchase such equipment from manufacturers with an established reputation, great experience in the production of such devices.