home Cranes and mixers

Connecting the mixer with thermostat to the bathroom

Readers have certainly heard about such a device, as a mixer with heating. An increasing number of masters and homeowners prefer to use taps with a similar device in homes.

What is such a design, what is the reason for the popularity of the mixer and how justified is its use at home? We will try to answer the users to the most important questions and try to determine how profitable to use such devices in their own home.

We note at once that to call the mixer a crane in our case is not entirely correct - the tap provides for the supply of water exclusively from one stream, while The mixer provides water supply from two flows(cold and hot water).

However, for the convenience of our readers, we will use both the first and second term.

A heated mixer is a device that helps maintain a constant water temperature. This is possible thanks to special design solutions, which we consider below. Such a device allows you to program the temperature, pressure and other parameters of the water supply.

The device provides for two controllers:

Temperature Controllers. The electronic sensor allows the user to set the required water temperature, which will come from the tap.
Pressure regulator. It can be represented by either a simple pressure reducer or a special filter. This regulator is designed to allow the adjustment of the optimum outgoing water pressure.

In addition to the above design features, other models are available on the market. The most common versions have the following device: a special mixing valve is installed in the mixer, the adjustment of which is made with the help of a cartridge.

The cartridge reacts to the slightest temperature changes due to its design features (the presence of bimetallic wafers or waxes).

The operating principle of thermostatic mixers can be represented as follows:

The incoming water comes to the cartridge inside the mixer. The mixer reacts to fluctuations in temperature and changes its dimensions (becomes larger or smaller in volume).
The adjusting screw connected to the chuck transmits the temperature parameters that the user enters.
The device provides for the presence of a temperature limiter (as a rule, set at a mark of 80o).
Hot water is mixed with incoming cold water, if there is no cold water, then an automatic temperature lock is activated.

Such a device avoids possible burns due to hot water supply. That's why in other countries such faucets are often installed in hospitals and schools, and the reviews are entirely positive.

Let's note, that today in the market it is possible to find two variants of devices for automatic heating of water:

Devices with LCD screens, to which the temperature indicators are derived. Operation of devices is provided from various power sources (batteries, mains). Available type of control - touch panel or push-button control, some models provide the possibility of remote control using a special console.
Mechanical models, which have a mass of special regulators in the form of handles, valves or switches.

Mixers with water heating are manufactured and delivered to the market separately for a specific purpose. There are faucets for bathrooms, for the kitchen, as well as special mixers for bidets.

Today, there are a majority of such models on the market, but there are also universal modifications that can be installed in any room.

Advantages and disadvantages of mixers with heating

Like any other device, a heated mixer has both advantages and disadvantages. Widespread was due to the advantages of the device, so today you can meet an increasing number of individual consumers who install the device in the house.

If you believe the reviews, then the advantages of this device include:

Saving. If the device is used, the actual hot water consumption will be minimal. This means less energy consumed and, as a result, greater savings in the future. In addition, the possibility of adjusting the pressure avoids increased water consumption.
Security. Above we noted one of the key advantages of the device - high safety. The described cranes allow avoiding sudden temperature changes, burns or supercooling due to improper water temperature.
No loss of electricity using.
Comfort. High usability is due to the technological characteristics of the product. Constant pressure and temperature, the possibility of making the necessary adjustments and ergonomics make this product convenient and practical.

Among the shortcomings of thermostatic mixers are the following points:

High costity. Since the product is a novelty in the market and is not widely distributed, its prices are quite high.
The presence of low-quality fakes. In search of a cheap device, consumers can face fakes, the quality of which leaves much to be desired. In this case, the question arises not only of the expediency, but also the safety of such a purchase: if the device does not have an SPL, there is no grounding and the requirements of the safety standards are not met, the buyer, after some time, risks getting an electric shock.

From here it is possible to draw the following conclusion: if the means allow to buy a tap with heating of water, it is necessary to choose qualitative models from the checked up sellers. In the opposite case, the use of this product must be discarded.

How to choose the right device?

The selected model must comply with the standards and indicators of the domestic water supply and sanitation system. It is unlikely that the buyer will want to purchase the goods, and after that buy adapters, fittings, pipe nipples, etc.
When installing, pay attention to the location of the pipes. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that in the device the hot water is supplied from the right side, and the cold one from the left. If the installation is carried out on pipes installed in the reverse order, the device may not work in principle.
The design features of the water mains make it possible for cold water to enter the water pipe with hot water. If you have a problem at home, you need to purchase a device with a non-return valve that will prevent possible mixing of water.
If the house has children, it is not recommended to purchase models with touch panels. It is worth remembering that water will constantly fall on the surface of the mixers, leaving behind them a divorce - there will always be distinct marks of spray, prints, etc. on the touch panels.
The price should be optimal for the family budget.

Finally, we note that before installing a heated faucet, you must take care of the quality of the water that enters the house. In order for the device to last as long as possible, it is necessary to install filters for water purification.

Thus, residents will receive clean water, and the device itself will serve as long as possible.

Thermostatic mixer is a modern plumbing system that allows maintaining the pressure and water temperature at a comfortable level for you. An economical and safe mixer with a bath thermostat will save you from unpleasant surprises when the pressure and temperature of the water in the system change.

Features of thermostatic mixers

The main difference between mixers and thermostat from classic mixers is the availability of temperature sensors, which allow maintaining the temperature at the same level. The pressure jumps of hot and cold water do not affect the jet leaving the tap or shower. The built-in programmable device also supports the head pressure. The desired temperature can be set to within half a degree. Now an unplanned contrast shower will not hit you on the head, no less than boiling water, even with a sudden decrease in the flow of cold water in the system, the thermostat will save your comfort. In detail considering thermostatic mixers, we note the following advantages:

Saves water consumption. You do not have to pour liters, alternately increasing the flow of hot and cold water, trying to achieve the desired temperature.
Comfort. The temperature is adjusted once, you choose only the head of water.
Safety of use. The thermostat will eliminate the possibility of a burn. When the cold or hot water supply stops in the system, the mixer is automatically locked.

In fairness, it is worth mentioning the shortcomings of thermoswitches:

High price. This is especially true for high-tech electronic models with a liquid crystal display and touch buttons.
A greater degree of sensitivity to the quality of tap water.
Repair of the mixer is a complicated and expensive procedure, besides it is not available in all localities.

Types of thermostats

Having stopped the choice on the mixer with the thermostat, it is necessary to study varieties of this plumbing fixture. There are two main types of thermostats on the market: electronic and mechanical. Let us dwell in more detail on each of them.

Electronic

A sophisticated electronic mixer device will provide maximum convenience in operation. Many models are equipped with liquid crystal displays, which reflect the current water temperature and even data on the actual head pressure. Such a mixer can be controlled by mechanical or touch buttons. Electronic models usually work from batteries. Particularly comfortable in use are devices equipped with infrared sensors for switching on water, but their cost is quite high.

Mechanical

Mechanical mixers with a thermostat are easy to install and operate and do not require a power connection. The device has two regulators controlling the water head and its temperature. A thermostat is installed in the mixer housing, which is responsible for supplying water to the user of temperature and a sensor that regulates the head.

Device and nuances

The idea of the thermostatic mixer is quite simple. Housing plumbing fixture equipped with a pressure regulator and a thermostatic valve.

Advice! Choose models of mixers with a ceramic valve - they are practical and durable. The rubber or leather valve wears out very quickly.

Most thermostatic valves consist of:

Thermostat with plastic cylinder.
The metal cylinder.
Cartridge.

1 - hot water supply; 2 - eccentric; 3 - the non-return valve; 4 - shower / spout switch; 5 - ceramic divertor and water pressure regulator; 6 - aerator; 7 - thermostatic cartridge; 8 - temperature lock 38 ° C; 9 - adjustment of water temperature; 10 - cold water supply

Directly the thermostat, controlling the flow of cold and hot water, consists of a paraffin (wax or polymer) rod and a copper rod. The knob, lever or valve sets the desired temperature, the non-return valve mixes the hot and cold water in the required proportion. As the water temperature in the pipeline rises, the paraffin rod expands and expands the copper rod, increasing the space between the metal surface of the regulator and the plastic cylinder, thereby increasing the supply of cold water. Reducing the water temperature in the system leads to compression of the paraffin rod and subsequent reduction of the space for cold water.

Video: how the mixer with thermostat is arranged

Connecting faucets with a thermostat

Despite the complexity of the design of some models of mixers, this does not affect the installation - installation of the mixer with a thermostat is according to the traditional scheme.

You can install the thermostatic mixer in three ways:

Mounting on the wall.
Mounting in the body of the bath.
Connecting the mixer to a separate rack or shelf.

The main types of installation are a rigid connection or a flexible connection. In old homes, often the installation of a water pipe allows the ingress of hot water into communication with a cold one. To prevent this undesirable phenomenon, mixers are recommended with a mixing valve.

Advice! For correct operation and long life of the thermostatic mixer, it is recommended to install a pressure reducer and a fine water filter!

Video instruction for installing a mixer with a wall thermostat

What to look for when buying

Thermostatic mixers are now available in different price segments. Leading world plumbing brands - Hansgrohe, Villeroy & Boch, Duravit, Hansa, Grohe and many others offer models with different functional content, design, installation method.

Advice! When choosing a mixer with a thermostat, please pay attention to which side the cold and hot water supply is calculated, because the models of different manufacturers differ in their design features.

A thermostatic mixer is a long-term acquisition and should not be saved on it, give preference to well-established manufacturers, with a confirmed guarantee and worthy service.

The maximum convenience and functionality are the two main characteristics of a thermostatic mixer that make it an integral part of the bathroom arrangement. Its use is especially important in families with children. The safety and reliability of the device will more than pay for the cost, and saving water will help reduce utility costs. If the purchase of a mixer is actual for you - the thermostatic mixer is a worthy candidate, capable for many years to serve for the benefit of your comfort.

Today, more and more often you can hear about such a device as a mixer with water heating. What kind of device is it, and what caused such a high popularity of the new device among consumers?

What is a new device

People have always sought more comfort even in small things, despite the fact that today all houses are equipped with a water supply system and heating, which allows receiving hot water in any quantity, the queue has come to the decision of the question of maintaining the optimum value.

Heated is a small device that helps maintain the set temperature. The mixer is a device that can be programmed to maintain certain water parameters. Some variants of devices can be programmed and to maintain a certain pressure.

This device is equipped with two controllers. One is used to set the desired temperature, and the other is used to set the desired head. The sequence of actions is as follows: the water temperature is initially set, then the tap is opened and the head pressure is regulated.

Currently, two versions of devices with a thermostat are on the market. The first option has a liquid crystal screen, which shows the data on the set value of water. These mixers can work both from batteries and from the network. Control is usually push-button or touch. There are rare models that can be controlled with a small remote control.

In variants with mechanical models, conventional regulators are presented, having the most diverse design in the form of levers, valves or conventional handles.

A mixer with heated water is available separately for the kitchen, bathrooms (shower, sinks) and even a bidet. Today, many manufacturers are ready to offer consumers and individual universal devices that can be used in any room. It is also proposed to use devices of open or closed type for installation.

How the device works

The device of the mixer with heating is very simple. Each device has a special valve, mixing type. It, in turn, is regulated by the cartridge. The cartridge has a very high sensitivity to the lowest temperature difference, because it is made of bimetallic plates or has a wax inside.

Its principle of operation is based on the following:

feeling the slightest change in the temperature of the water, the cartridge changes its size (narrows or expands);
the temperature settings for water are transferred to the cartridge by a special fastening screw;
when suddenly the cold water stops coming into the system, it will become a kind of blockage, since a special limiter is installed on the device, preventing its heating above the 80 degree mark;
when the cold water supply again operates, the process of mixing cold and hot water is automatically started in the automatic mode.

Thanks to such a device, the risk of getting burned from getting on the skin of too hot water is minimized. This principle of the mixer with heating makes the device particularly popular in kindergartens, hospitals, hotels.

Pros and cons of the device

Each household appliance, in addition to a large number of pluses, always has its drawbacks. This part did not escape the mixer, which has a built-in thermostat. It should be noted that these devices began to gain wide popularity among individual consumers, especially among families with young children. Such mixers are an ideal option for maintaining the optimum temperature for installation in apartments or houses where the pressure in the water supply system is unstable, and because of this, when water procedures are taken, the temperature of the water must be constantly regulated.

So, we can distinguish the following advantages of the device:

saving. With this device, the consumption of hot water will be optimal. This is important when water heaters or electric gas boilers are constantly used for heating, using electric power in their work and, accordingly, for heating. On the device, besides, it is possible to establish an economical flow of water, which will contribute to savings and the total amount spent on the adjustment process;
increased security. During the adoption of any water procedures, it can be said with full confidence that overheating of water is impossible. Agree, every person for sure during the adjustment received a significant portion of adrenaline, caused by too hot or vice versa, too cold water. With such a device, all risks are reduced to zero, which is especially important for families with small children;
full comfort. Considering that the pressure in the water supply system has no influence on the thermostat, the head and temperature will always be constant. Even if some changes occur during the mixer operation in the general system, users do not feel it at all, because the device reacts to any changes instantly, and within just two seconds it adapts to them.

Well, all the shortcomings can be reduced to only one - to the high cost of the device. But those townsfolk who, for example, have a gas column for heating water and constantly face the problem of insufficient pressure, which is simply not enough to heat the water, will agree that for increased comfort and safety it is worth paying any money. And, besides, the price though differs from the price of a conventional mixer, the sky-high is still not.

How to install the device

Initially, it should be noted that the installation of a mixer with water heating should be strictly in accordance with its purpose, that is, do not install the device intended for use in the kitchen, in the shower room, and vice versa. First of all, the functionality of the device will suffer from this.

For self-installation, you do not need to apply any special effort. From a completely conventional mixer device with a built-in thermostat differs only by an additional thermocouple. Otherwise, the order of the actions remains the same:

dismantling of old equipment;
installation of a mixer with a thermostat. If you need to connect to an outlet, it is desirable that it has a ground connection.

a model should be chosen such a plan that it as precisely as possible corresponds to the Russian system of water supply to the water supply system of the house or apartment;
pay attention to the location of pipes with hot and cold water. In the mixer, hot water should come from the right side, and cold, on the contrary, to the left. If they are interchanged, the thermostat sensor may not start at all;
in some situations, due to the peculiarities of the structure of the water main pipe line, cold water can enter the hot pipeline. In order to avoid such a mixing of water, pay attention to the models of mixers equipped with a non-return valve. It prevents mixing of water, and even if there is a complete shutdown of hot or cold water, the flow will be automatically shut off.

When buying any mixer, and even more expensive device with a thermostat, it is necessary to take care of the quality of the water supplied to the house or apartment in advance. Therefore, it is necessary to pre-install special filters at the entrance to the house. This will not only prolong the life of the mixer with the thermostat, but it will also have a positive effect on all the service lives of other plumbing equipment, and in some way will help to save considerably, because you do not have to spend money on repairs or buy new appliances.

If you are worried about the small children who can try to change the settings you have made on the mixer yourself, pay attention to models that have a special function of blocking or protecting from children.

A mixer with a thermostat is now a very effective device that allows to normalize the supply of water in the water supply system of a house or apartment, and completely eliminate the dependency of uninterrupted operation on the pressure in the system. Such an accessory will be useful for beauty salons and hairdressing salons, since it allows to completely save the hairdresser from constant regulation of water, and customers - from unpleasant action too hot or vice versa, too cold water in the system.

A tap of instant water heating is a device serving as an alternative to central hot water supply and storage water heaters (boilers). With a very compact dimensions, the machine can simultaneously perform the function of the mixer.

A distinctive feature of the device is that it is connected only to cold water supply. This allows you to use it not only in apartments, but also in cottages or in country houses.

The heating element and the power cable are hidden in the casing for heating water. Water flows in a spiral and starts to flow about 5-10 seconds after power on apparatus. During this time, it reaches the desired temperature. To adjust the pressure and temperature on the body of the product, there is a special handle.

Directly under the hull is switch and indicator light. To the water pipe the device is attached with a special screw, and is additionally fixed under the shell by a clutch.

In addition to the basic equipment some models of heater cranes are equipped with:

Filters for rough cleaning;
Aerators (sprays) for economical water consumption.

Advantages and disadvantages

What good are these devices?

Water heats up to 60 degrees in 5 seconds.
This temperature is not enough for the formation of scale.
In a minute 4-6 liters of hot water are supplied.
Convenient temperature adjustment.
Uncontrolled differences are excluded from too cold to excessively hot water.
The product has compact dimensions, weighs little (about 1 kg) and is easily installed: the process is similar to mounting a conventional mixer.
The heater has several degrees of protection for safe operation.
Less water and electricity is consumed than when heated by storage boilers.

The device looks neat, which allows it to fit into different types of interiors - from classics and pretentiousness to practical minimalism.

According to consumers' feedback, instantaneous water heating there are such disadvantages:

Some cranes (like Delimano) have too short wire to connect to the network.
Device requires additional copper wiring, t. staff can not withstand the load, and the corks will fly out the first time they turn on. And if it does not knock out the plugs, a short circuit may occur, especially if the wiring is old and not too reliable.
For security you need to ground. Additional works make the installation of a 5-minute process (as the producers declare) in a longer and more thorough procedure.
Budget models are not equipped with filters - you have to buy them yourself. Among the cheap options distributed by unofficial dealers, there are many fakes.

One of the most used varieties of stop valves. Types and principle of operation of the crane.
How is a flow-through electric water heater on the tap, find out.

What you need to pay attention to when choosing mixers for and, learn from special publications.

How to choose?

Due to the balance of quality, safety, economy and price, the most popular are instantaneous water heating cranes "Aquatherm", followed by water-cocks "Delimano". Less popular manufacturers, but with similar technical parameters: "Aquastream", "RAPID ™" and "Corraveni". What to look for?

Capacity of apparatus	Most of the range is represented by cranes with a capacity of 3 kW, rarely 2.5 kW. The most economical, but also the rarest options are 2 kW.
Heater	In RAPID, it consists of a heat-resistant plastic and a ceramic heating disk; Aquatherm equips it with a temperature sensor to turn off the power at a temperature of more than 60 degrees; A self-controlled thermoregulation system is also available in Corraveni.
Housing material, design	The stronger and more qualitative the materials in the body of the product, the more loads it can withstand. For the production of water cocks Delimano use plastic and metal, Aquastream prefers composite plastic, Corraveni chrome products.
Operating pressure	0,04MPa (0,4atm.) - 0,7MPa (7 atm) near Aquatherm, 0,04-0,6 MPa for Delimano, Corraveni works at 0.04-0.4 MPa
Price	The most expensive line of instant water heating cranes at Corraveni, the most affordable cost offers Delimano

Fineness of installation

The tap-heater of running water is installed on a cold water pipe. Certain models can be connected to hot water supply, then the tap can be used both as a conventional mixer and as a heater, depending on the prevailing conditions. Technically it looks like this:

A grounding and a separate branch of the wiring are done. The required cable cross-section is a minimum of ½ inch.
A connecting sleeve is screwed to the pipeline, the coupling is brought to the sink or bath, and the crane heater is screwed into it.

Product in service

The crane handle also serves as a temperature controller. Heating depends from the angle of rotation of the lever, which, according to the principle of action, resembles an ordinary mixer. When the machine is turned on, a blue or red light comes on.

Heating water in the tap can be compared with the process of heating the boiler. With the essential difference that the product necessarily has a limiter that cuts the power supply at the time of reaching 60 degrees. This allows safe operation and prevents the formation of scale.

In this video, you can learn more about the device and operation of the quick water heating cranes:

The safety of the instantaneous water heating tap complies with the IPx4 standard, which implies the protection of all electrical components from dropping under any direction of the water jets and regardless of the head. In addition, the product is equipped with RAM - a device for emergency shutdown and a membrane that protects against water hammering.

Cranes instant water heating is more economical in operation, if we compare them with storage heaters. Boilers are switched on every time, as soon as the water cools down by 5-10 degrees, and the crane spends electricity only at the moment of work.

Generally cranes, heating water - a thing of universal. It is good for arranging a bathroom in private houses and apartments outside the city, where there is only a cold water supply. This is also an excellent solution for the organization of a comfortable country kitchen. With his help, you can escape during periods of preventive shutdown of hot water. Comfortable and economical!