Bathroom mixers with a shower with a thermostat: the principle of operation, reviews

To date, most homes and apartments are equipped with classic single-lever and two-valve mixers. However, as is known, when used, it can be quite difficult to adjust the water temperature before the water procedure and maintain the desired heat balance in its implementation. But now in the plumbing market there are more advanced plumbing fixtures that make it possible to solve these two problems without problems - these are self-regulating bathroom faucets with a shower with a thermostat.

The purpose of the mixer with thermostat

Outwardly, these mixers are similar to conventional ones, and their work is based on the use of physical laws of thermal expansion of substances. Their main task is to react instantly to changes in the water heating level and bring the temperature and pressure parameters to the set values.

Mixer device with thermostat

Any bath and shower faucet with a thermostat consists of the following parts:

• Housing. The shape of the body resembles a cylinder with two outlets, to which cold and hot water is connected.
• Pressure regulator. This is the so-called crane-box, which is mounted in the left end of the cylindrical body and has built-in ceramic discs.
• Thermostatic cartridge. Its function is to maintain a given temperature regime, since it is here that the contrasting water streams are mixed and the temperature is regulated. Due to the presence of a limiter, the water temperature will not be above 38 degrees. This option is very convenient and especially useful for a family with young children, because it helps to avoid burns.

Thermostatic cartridge design

Since the thermostatic cartridge is the most important part of the mixer, it is worthwhile to dwell on its device in more detail.

By its design, the cartridge is quite simply arranged and has a rather long service life. It consists of a body, a spring rod and a sleeve having small radial holes . The main element of the cartridge is a thermostatic element. It is a cylindrical capsule or cartridge, consisting of a stationary and moving parts. The fixed part can be:

• Beeswax (or other polymer with similar properties);
• Bimetallic rings or plates.

Bath mixer with shower with thermostat: the principle of operation

As mentioned above, the operation of the thermostatic mixer is based on the physical property of expanding the bodies and is as follows.

Wax, which is filled with a special cavity of the body, with a change in temperature expands or decreases in volume. This causes movement of the movable part of the capsule (rod) in the longitudinal direction. Then this movement is transferred to the damper, which is responsible for the supply of hot and cold water. To exclude the damping of the damper in the event of a large pressure difference in the pipelines, the structure is equipped with a water return check valve. There is also a special protection, which will not allow the water temperature to rise above 80 degrees. It is a fuse mounted on the adjusting screw. If the cold or hot water supply stops abruptly, the fuse will block the water blocking the supply to the watering can. When the cold water supply is restored, the mixing process will automatically continue. Thanks to such a device, the risk of burns is excluded.

Types of mixers with thermostat

In the sanitary equipment market, there are two types of thermostatic mixers:

• Mechanical,
• Electronic.

Mechanical models are equipped with conventional regulators. These can be valves, handles or levers.

Automatic bathroom faucets with a shower with a thermostat are equipped with a liquid crystal display that shows the water temperature. Energy management such device receives from batteries or the network adapter, and it is controlled by buttons or sensors. Some, more advanced models, can work remotely, reacting to infrared sensor signals.

Mixers with a thermoregulator can be produced especially for installation in the kitchen, in a bath, shower or bidet. There are universal models, but there are not many of them.

The equipment is installed with the help of both an open and a hidden method, which depends on the preferences of each particular owner.

The advantages and disadvantages of thermostatic mixers

Any thermostatic mixer has a number of advantages.

Firstly, a mixer with a thermostat for a bathroom with a shower is economically advantageous. The system of precise regulation of water supply makes it possible to make water consumption more economical. Due to the lack of the need to pre-adjust the flow temperature, water consumption is reduced. This is especially important for those apartments where there are electric boilers.

Secondly, the thermostatic mixer is safe. The control of the water supply will not allow cases when a person is hit by a stream of hot or cold water. The water supply in this case will turn off automatically. In addition, this advantage is especially important for those people who use storage water heaters, the temperature in which can reach up to 80 degrees. A mixer with a thermoregulator will greatly reduce the risk of burns.

And, thirdly, bathroom faucets with a shower with a thermostat and a long spout are comfortable. Rapid response allows the mixer to instantly adjust to changing temperature and pressure changes in general communications. The pressure and temperature regulators allow to keep the set parameters unchanged.

As for the shortcomings, then, perhaps, the main one is the high price. True, many do not repel this, because the thermostatic mixer quickly pays off due to its practicality, safety and convenience.

Bathroom mixers with shower with thermostat: reviews

Thermostatic mixers receive a lot of positive feedback from consumers. Owners of private houses with an autonomous water system note the convenience of these devices. They say that it's still possible to adjust the temperature, and after that you just have to twist one handle.

For owners of apartments who also own the device, another factor is also important. They write that because of frequent fluctuations in pressure in the network, the head is weak or completely off. And in the family with children this device provides quite a lot of security.

Manufacturers

The production of thermostatic mixers in our country has not yet been established. From foreign manufacturers it is possible to allocate German firms Grone and Hansgrohe, Finnish firm Oras. These bathroom faucets with a shower with a thermostat are recognized as the best in their performance by independent research results.

Conclusion

Bathroom faucets with a shower with a thermostat are designed for comfort and safety. Especially their installation is recommended for families with young children and elderly people. They are also preferably used where there is a large difference in pipe pressures, which makes it difficult to adjust the mixing of water to a comfortable temperature.

In the modern market of sanitary equipment, you can find products with any design design, various options and installation methods. Buying a thermostatic mixer will allow you to ensure a pleasant time in the bathroom in accordance with your needs.