Bathtub faucet: types and features, which is better to choose

Bathroom faucet - this is something that we use several times during the day. Therefore, it is important for this device to be comfortable and attractive. It is not nice when the valves are hard to turn or the lever is jammed, and the mesh aerator falls out every now and then from the pressure. What kind of faucets are there and how can you choose a quality product? Here are a few criteria to consider.

Faucet installation

There are two types of faucets according to the place of installation. Open-mounted products are installed on the sink, bathtub or on the wall. The pipes are visible or under the bathtub or sink, but there is open access to them.

Concealed installation faucets are installed so that all communications are hidden under the decorative coating. They look stylish, neat. Only the tap, valves or lever itself is visible.

When the communications and part of the faucet device is hidden, the space becomes more spacious visually. You don't see pipes from which condensation drips, you don't have to wipe them down to prevent the formation of lime deposits and mold. Flush-mounted faucets come in original forms and are perceived as works of art with an art nouveau and hi-tech style.

Type of control mechanism

Bathtub faucets come in several designs:

• With two valves - such a device is called a faucet-box. They can be of different shapes, but the principle of activation of water supply is similar. You need to turn the handle to open or close the flow.
• Single-lever - the water pressure is regulated by a handle in the form of a lever. The up-down movement opens and closes the flow. Left-right turns make the water hotter or cooler.
• Thermostatic - the water temperature is set and stored. You don't have to turn the lever for a long time to find the right temperature balance. Thermostatic faucets have two handles. One controls the flow, the other controls the temperature.
• Non-contact - no need to touch the faucet valve - an infrared sensor detects that your hands are brought to the faucet and activates the water flow.

Which faucet is better to choose

It depends on the preferences in the design of the faucet, color and shape. Goosenecks of water taps come in different shapes: short and straight or long and arched. They can rotate or bend.

Regardless of what type of installation and appearance the faucet will have, consider such factors:

• Material. The most reliable and rust-resistant faucet is made of brass or steel.
• Coating. Chrome gives a glossy shine, does not rust and has antibacterial properties. Nickel is a reliable coating, but can cause allergies. Enamel allows you to decorate faucets like marble or gold, but it is an unstable material that cracks on impact.
• Weight. Faucets that are too light are made of aluminum, or worse, a silumin alloy that resembles chrome-plated plastic. A quality product is heavier.
• Aerator. This is a nozzle on the end of the faucet, it distributes the flow of water. It is important that it is removable, then it will be easy to clean it if it gets clogged with lime deposits.
• What's inside? It is a faucet head or a cartridge, depending on the model. It is better to choose those faucets, to which, if necessary, it will be easy to find internal parts for replacement.

Before you buy a faucet in the bathroom, pay attention to the reviews of the model and manufacturer company. Check the product for the composition of materials, design, quality of assembly.