Bathroom faucets: description of types, best brands and secrets of choice

The faucet may be small, but one of the most important details in the bathroom. Each of us had to face the problem of choosing a new crane. Today, a huge variety of models are available in plumbing stores. From this immense amount, you need to choose the crane that suits all parameters. Despite its simplicity, the crane has many varieties that differ from each other in their design, installation method, shape, size, material of manufacture, design and many more parameters.

If your head is spinning from such a variety, check out our article. In it, we will try to sort out everything related to bathroom taps on the shelves. Let's talk not only about the types available today, but also about the most famous brands. Finally, here are some helpful tips on how to choose a good and suitable crane.

During the existence of such a device as a crane, many models have appeared that differ from each other in many respects. Nevertheless, it is still possible to combine them into several groups according to certain criteria. Let's take a look at the main varieties.

This group includes 4 types of taps and mixers.

• Single lever - bathroom faucet, which, as the name implies, is controlled by one lever. Inside there is a ball cartridge, which provides rotation of the lever and switching modes. Most often, such models are equipped with an additional control element that switches the water supply to the shower head.The advantage of the variety is the convenience and the ability to adjust the water temperature. The disadvantages include the exactingness of careful care.

• With two valves - a more traditional sink or bathtub faucet. It continues to be in demand for many decades. Equipped with two control elements, two valves, one of which is responsible for supplying hot water, and the other for cold water. Inside the tap there is a chamber for mixing this water. This variety fits perfectly into any interior and has many design options.

• With thermostat - a tap capable of maintaining a given pressure and water temperature, regardless of its pressure. Residents of Russian multi-storey buildings, like no one else, are familiar with the problem when, while taking a shower, the power of the water supply decreases sharply, and it becomes cold. This causes great discomfort. It is enough to put the pressure and temperature settings into the faucet with a thermostat once so that it continues to maintain them on its own.

• Contactless - an innovative faucet for a modern bathroom. Additionally requires connection to the mains. Some models may be powered by rechargeable batteries or batteries. Inside the taps, infrared or touch sensors are located that respond to raising hands. Then the automatic water supply mechanism is triggered. As in the previous version, the temperature and pressure parameters can be entered into the tap. Non-contact models are very convenient and economical.

The tap spout is a separate part with its own variations and characteristics. There are also 4 types to choose from.

• Long spout - classic and convenient type of cranes. If the sink and bathtub are located side by side, you can use one such faucet. This saves finances, and also facilitates installation, because you do not have to equip the piping.

• With short spout - an equally popular variety. Great for small sinks, but can also be installed on a bathtub. Placed, as a rule, directly on the sides. The structure of such models allows you to create a strong jet of water, practically eliminating splashing.

• With cascade spout - an original faucet of an unusual shape. It can be an interesting decoration in the bathroom interior. Therefore, the variety is very popular among designers. The flat but wide shape of the spout allows you to organize a real small waterfall in your apartment.

• Swivel spout - a crane capable of turning in any direction. It is very convenient and effective if several sinks are located nearby at once.

The crane installation methods have also been improved and modified over the years. As a result, we have 3 varieties, depending on the installation.

• Wall - the faucet is built directly into the wall above the bathtub or sink. A traditional option for Russian apartment buildings. The length of the spout plays an important role so that the water does not flood the sides when it falls.

• Floor - an unusual arrangement for the tap, which is used in the development of special bathroom designs. Looks great when the bath itself is located in the middle of the room and is also built into the floor. However, this solution is very expensive and time consuming.

• Mortise - a faucet placed on the sides of sinks and bathtubs, which most often have holes already prepared for this.

These are all the main varieties of cranes, but the differences between the models are not limited to this.

The material has a big impact on the overall quality of the sanitary ware. Reliability, functioning features, appearance and service life depend on it. Therefore, it is worth carefully studying the advantages and disadvantages of materials when buying a crane.

• Copper, bronze and brass - the most popular metals. Plumbing experts recommend giving preference to them. Cranes made of these materials have an affordable price, are durable, and also have a stylish appearance.

• Stainless steel - no less popular material. It may not be as stylish as the aforementioned metals, but it still looks very cute. At the same time, it costs less, and the strength indicators are much higher.

• Silumin and plastic - materials that are less and less used for the manufacture of cranes. They are the cheapest, but have extremely low strength values. Such plumbing is barely able to withstand even one year of operation.

• Ceramics - the most expensive material for the most luxurious interiors. Differs in a variety of shapes and designs. For example, few people can afford a gilded ceramic mixer. The disadvantage of ceramics is its fragility at such a high price. With such plumbing, you need to be as careful as possible.

In everyday life, the crane is ranked among the essentials, and no one wants it to fail at the most inopportune moment. That's why do not chase cheapness.

If you want your faucet to be not only comfortable and efficient, but also to look great, you should select it under the bathtub. Here are the most suitable options:

• steel baths - they are combined with wall models or mortise, but when drilling holes on the sides, the enamel can be easily damaged;
• cast iron baths - can be combined with all types of cranes, except for mortise cranes, since it is simply impossible to make holes in cast iron;
• acrylic bathtubs - the most versatile in terms of compatibility, but the material is easily damaged, this must be taken into account during installation;
• freestanding bathtubs - are located in spacious bathrooms, where it will be appropriate to put a floor tap or placed on the sides.

Now let's take a look at some prime examples of design.

• Unusual design of the cascade crane.

• Stylish white tap with short spout.

• A classic example of a floor crane.

• Elegant gilded ceramic faucet.

• Standard wall-mounted faucet with lever.

The name of the manufacturer plays an equally important role in the quality of the plumbing. It is better to overpay a little for a well-known but proven brand than to spend money several times on cheap products from unknown companies. You will have to choose from imported and domestic models. Germany produces the most reliable products, "German quality" has long been synonymous with high-class products, known all over the world. The most famous plumbing manufacturers are:

• Hansgrohe;
• Edelform;
• Wasserfale.

Italy and Sweden produce plumbing that is no less in demand and of high quality than German. Their products are especially popular in European countries:

• Geberit;
• Valencia;
• Albatros.

China is known to many for its cheap but low quality products. However, this is not entirely correct opinion. Certain of its representatives are in no way inferior to European companies. In addition, most German and Italian sanitary ware is assembled in Chinese factories. Noteworthy Chinese manufacturers:

• Goldman;
• Appolo;
• Baraka.

In terms of price-quality ratio, for a Russian citizen, the most remarkable are domestic manufacturers:

• Rossinka Silvermix;
• Aquatic;
• Arkon.

Choosing a crane from one of these companies, you will definitely not go wrong. However, all of the above names are just a drop in the sea of ​​brands existing on the plumbing market. To avoid getting lost in it, check out our tips for choosing.

The choice of a faucet primarily depends on the place of installation, be it a sink or a bathtub, as well as on their parameters and features. You should also take into account your own financial capabilities. If the room has a small area, and the bathtub and sink are located close to each other, it is worth choosing a swivel faucet with a long spout, so that if necessary, you can redirect the flow of water to the desired place. This will save space.

It is better to purchase all plumbing items such as faucets, watering cans and faucets from the same manufacturer. Also, they should be combined with each other externally and fit into the overall interior of the room. We have already spoken about the importance of the brand.

If practicality and convenience are more important to you than design and versatility, do not overpay. Use a regular single-lever valve or a double-valve type. The same applies to the material of manufacture, then steel or brass is the perfect choice. In general, this is enough to find the right crane for you. But before you grab your favorite model, you should familiarize yourself with its detailed characteristics and requirements. Even one small discrepancy can significantly increase the amount of work and installation problems.

How to choose the right bathroom faucet, see the video below.