Automatic adjustment of water temperature in the shower. A mixer with a thermostat is an intelligent thing, necessary for obtaining comfortable water and saving it.

Adjusting the pressure of water in the washbasin or in the shower is not always an easy task. The head in pipes with hot and cold water  usually not the same. In addition, these indicators have the property of suddenly changing - a situation well familiar to tenants of apartment buildings.

To solve these problems, a wonderful device was invented - a bath mixer with a thermostat. It allows obtaining a stable flow of water of a given temperature.

After understanding the principles of work and the types of modern thermostatic mixers, you can choose the right option, and make the water procedures in your house extremely comfortable.

Externally, the thermostatic mixer is not too different from the usual mechanical device. There are two adjusting knobs on the body, two inlet openings for hot and cold water, as well as spout.

All the most interesting and important is inside. The heart of such a mixer - special valve. It is made of special bimetallic plates, which react sensitively and quickly to changes in the temperature of water entering the chamber of the device.

In the design of some valves, wax is used, which significantly expands when heated.

The diagram shows the device of the thermostatic mixer: 1 - hot water; 2 - eccentric; 3 - check valve; 4 - the switch; 5 - ceramic pressure regulator; 6 - aerator; 7 - thermo cartridge; 8 - temperature lock; 9 - temperature adjustment; 10 - cold water

To adjust the valve is designed a cartridge with a fixing screw. Rotating the screw, you can set the device to mix water with a certain temperature.

The valve regulates the amount of hot and cold water entering the chamber, and then supplies it to the device. Most of these mixers allow you to set not only the temperature, but also the pressure of water coming from the device.

It is not necessary to adjust the mixer for each use, just do this once, the settings will be saved. When you turn on the device to get the flow of the desired temperature will take some time.

If the mixer is set up correctly, this usually takes only a few seconds.

For safety reasons, the adjusting screw of the mixer is equipped with a special limiter, which does not allow heating the water to a dangerous level. If, however, the cold water suddenly stops coming into the mixer, the water supply to the spout is completely blocked and restored only after the normal water supply is restored.

In addition, the device does not allow water to become too cold. This function is relevant for families with growing children who can already bathe themselves, but are not yet able to monitor the temperature of the water in the bath.

Although the principle of operation of different mixers is the same, the models of these devices are quite diverse. First of all, you should determine the purpose of the mixer:

• for a washbasin, equipped only with a spout;
• for the shower, in which the spill is absent, water enters only the shower head;
• for the shower and washbasin at the same time, the water supply is switched by a special handle;
• for the kitchen sink.

It should be noted that thermostatic mixers specially designed for bidets or hygienic showers can also be found on the market. Installation of such models is especially important if the house has elderly or sick tenants who need special care.

In mixers with a thermostat, designed for bath and shower, there are two outlets for water: a spout and a shower head

In addition, you can choose a mixer with mechanical or electronic control. Mechanical models are considered more reliable, they are easier to repair and they cost a little less. Electronic mixers are equipped with a beautiful display, which makes it much easier to control the device.

But they are more expensive, and repair them in case of breakdown is much more difficult.

The mechanical model of a mixer with a thermostat looks laconically and looks very similar to a conventional mixer: two valves and spout. Mechanical models are very reliable, they are easier to repair than electronic devices

The essential difference between an electronic mixer and a mechanical mixer is the need to connect the power supply, which is carried out with the help of batteries or a network adapter.

They are necessary for the operation of electronic temperature sensors and a screen on which data on the operation of the instrument are reflected. This can be water temperature, head pressure, etc. Control of such a device is carried out with the help of buttons or directly from the touch panel.

There are also models with remote control.

In everyday life, electronic mixers are not used very often, as cheaper mechanical models cope more than satisfactorily. Often, sophisticated and expensive electronic devices are used in large facilities, such as swimming pools, medical institutions, saunas, etc.

Modern models of electronic mixers with a thermostat are equipped with a convenient touch screen, which reflects the current settings, and also contains controls

Mixers also differ in the way they are installed. They are installed in a traditional way, on a horizontal surface or on a wall, but you can choose a model for mounting on the side of the bathroom.

There are also faucets that you can hide in the wall. To these built-in models is attached a special container body, which is placed in the thickness of the wall.

A built-in mixer with a thermostat is characterized by a laconic design, but if it is necessary to repair the device, access to it can be difficult

There is also a so-called centralized mixer with a thermostat. This device delivers hot water of the set temperature immediately to all the parse points in the house.

Sounds great, but in practice this device is not nearly as convenient as we would like. This mixer does not make it possible to make the water hotter for a bath or shower. It will be necessary either to raise the water temperature for the whole house, or to settle for not too comfortable water procedures.

The use of such a device makes sense if the room has several washbasins. For bath and shower it is necessary to use a separate thermostat.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of using thermostatic mixers for bath and shower are obvious and undeniable:

• despite the complex device, the device is exceptionally easy to use;
• provides water supply with a stable high temperature;
• it is not difficult to establish independently;
• water always comes with a suitable head;
• device is safe even in the event of an emergency, for example, when the hot water;
• reduces water consumption, which without using a thermostatic mixer was lost when adjusting the temperature manually;
• allows to save energy for heating water with autonomous hot water.

Among the shortcomings can be noted, mainly, a high price. Although the owners of houses and apartments, which experienced this device in practice, consider their expenses to be fully justified.

Another problem that often causes problems with thermostatic mixers is the poor quality of tap water, especially characteristic of centralized water supply in apartment buildings.

Over time, the device clogs, its performance deteriorates, unpleasant noise appears during use.

At best, the problem can be eliminated by cleaning the device, but sometimes the mixer simply breaks down, and it has to be completely replaced. Increase the useful life by using filters coarse cleaning, installed at the entrances to the mixer.

Some models are equipped with special grids that have to screen out garbage, but practice shows that the effectiveness of these materials in combination with water pipes still Soviet-built is small.

Another problem is the low water pressure in the house water supply. In the passport of each mixer the minimum pressure is indicated, at which the operation of the device will be sufficiently effective. If the required indicators are not available, purchase and installation of a mixer with a thermostat does not make much sense.

The situation can be rectified by installing a special pump that will raise the pressure in the water supply. Thus, in order to supply the thermostatic mixer in conditions of poor quality tap water or low water pressure in the system, additional costs will be required.

You should consider these points when planning the purchase of a thermostatic mixer. Adjust the head of water with such a device can only be reduced.

It should also be remembered that thermostatic mixers, especially their electronic version, are rather difficult to repair. This can hardly be done at home, you need to contact a specialized service center. In addition, not all problems can be solved with the help of repair.

Installing the mixer with thermostat

In general, the installation of the thermostatic mixer is not too different from the installation of the conventional model. It must also be connected to pipes with cold and hot water, seal all connections, check the operation of the device.

Of course, the order of work on the installation of the device differs somewhat depending on the installation site:

• on the wall;
• on a separate rack;
• on the washbasin;
• on the side of the tub;
• inside the wall.

In addition, in the installation of each individual model of the mixer, there may exist own nuances. Therefore, before installation, please read the manufacturer's instructions in detail.

In general, the installation procedure for a mixer with a thermostat can look like this:

• Completely shut off the supply of cold and hot water in the house.
• If necessary, clean and lubricate the stopcocks to reliably block the water intake.
• Remove the old mixer.
• Unbolt the fixing nuts of the mixer with the thermostat.
• Check the integrity of the metal discs and the threads of the new device.
• Unscrew the eccentric discs (counter-clockwise).
• Clean discs and taps from accumulated dirt.
• Install old cleaned disks or replace them with new ones.
• Wind the sealant layer on the thread of the mixer: FUM tape, patella, etc.
• Install the gaskets.
• Push the nuts of the outlets as far as they will go.
• Install the decorative lining.
• Screw the mixer.
• Install the spout, shower head and other attachments.
• Carefully seal all joints.
• Connect the water and check the operation of the device, and make sure there are no leaks.
• Adjust the temperature of the water coming from the mixer.

The installation procedure for the Hansgrohe mixer wall model is clearly shown in the following video:

To mount a built-in mixer with a bath thermoregulator, first a special cavity is made in the wall, as well as shrottles for bringing hot and cold water to the mixer, if necessary.

But when it is planned to create a false wall at the installation site, for example, from plasterboard, the main wall is not necessary to be hollowed out, the device will be hidden behind the panel of the false wall.

For sealing threaded connections  mixer with a thermostat use a patch, linen thread, FUM tape or other suitable sealant, as with a conventional mixer

A very important point when connecting a thermostatic mixer - correct connection  device with pipes of cold and hot water.

The inputs for the corresponding tapping points on the mixer are marked. Most models are made to European standard, so cold water to the mixer should be brought to the right, and hot to the left.

In the post-Soviet space the water pipe is made to the exact opposite: cold water is supplied to the left side of the mixer. When installing a mixer with a thermostat on an old water pipe, due to these features, confusion may arise.

Incorrect connection can cause the mixer to break.

For correct connection  mixer with a thermostat in the bathroom to cold and hot water supply can use special flexible hoses

It is not always possible to simply deploy the mixer, as its spout will be directed upwards. To mount the wall model, you will have to significantly redesign the water distribution system.

For other types of mixers, it will be sufficient to use a pair of flexible hoses to make the connection correctly.

To adjust the electronic model of the mixer, use the control panel, which sets the level of the head of water entering the spout, as well as its temperature.

In mechanical models, the setting is different. By default, the manufacturer usually leaves the device in a neutral position, which allows a flow of water with a temperature of 38 degrees. Even if such settings are suitable and do not need to change, they must be fixed.

To do this, remove the protective cover from the mixer, under which the adjusting valve is hidden, and rotate it. To measure the water temperature, it is recommended to use a conventional thermometer.

To adjust the mechanical model of the mixer with the thermostat, use a special lever hidden under the protective cap and a household thermometer

Centralized water supply in most cases ruthlessly to modern plumbing, including to thermostatic mixers.

In addition to the already mentioned problem with low water quality, the danger is caused by water hammers, as well as sudden pressure drops in the water supply system.

To prevent the problem, it is worth installing at the entrance to the apartment water supply system  check valve and / or gearbox, which should be adjusted according to the characteristics of the mixer.

An ordinary mixer can become a real assistant to the hostess if it is improved by a thermostatic device that automatically maintains the set temperature.

This is not a novelty for a long time, but a convenient device in everyday life. Mixers with thermostat are electronic  and mechanical. Some models do non-contact, which makes them even more convenient.

What is a thermostat?

The European community has long been accustomed to a reasonable expenditure of energy, heat and water. That is why Europeans have come into use regulators and temperature sensors and much more, including mixers with thermostats. All of them allow to save in qualitative use of the blessings of a civilization.

The temperature is switched by the controller, usually in steps of 4 ° C

It is noteworthy that in a mixer that is always able to give water the right temperature, as such, there is no thermostat. But there is:

• temperature scale, on which the required indicator is exposed,
• temperature limiter, it blocks its rise and always keeps it no higher than the preset,
• heat regulator, capable of changing the ratio of cold and hot water, so that the consumer received water at a given temperature,
• water pressure regulator, which turns the water flow on and off, making it as convenient as possible at the outlet.

Before the mixer starts, the water temperature is set, and then its head is adjusted. With a high-quality operation of the device you can have:

1. Provide water of a comfortable temperature.
2. Constant head of the water jet.

Virtually every manufacturer and kitchen has separate lines of mixers with thermostats. It can be simple, but functional models, and maybe design masterpieces.

The principle of operation of faucets with a thermostat, which is cheap, which is in mega expensive devices, is similar. The main task is to mix the streams of hot and cold water to the desired temperature.

Inside the case there is a thermocouple, which prepares water. The more powerful the device, the faster the thermoelement is able to regulate water flows, reducing one of them as needed, by increasing the flow of the other.

The operating principle of the thermostatic mixer

Usually, the correction of water flows in the mixing stage takes place in a couple of seconds, so the consumer does not notice any changes in temperature.

Nuances of the mixer with thermostat

Some mixers with a thermostat have a water blocker that completely stops the flow in the event of a mismatch with the set temperature. Such a device will never allow the user to get a burn, or vice versa, to water it with ice. But in houses where water is supplied by municipal organizations with such a thermostat, water can not be waited at all.

There is another point that may turn out to be unpleasant. In plumbing systems, where there are sufficiently large pressure jumps, it happens that from a pipe with cold water begins to go instead of it warm. A mixer with a thermostat will automatically start to cover hot water, reducing the overall temperature. In the end, the consumer will receive a weak pressure.

The water blockage will not allow to get burned or pour cold water

The same happens when the flow of hot water is not warm enough. In both cases it is necessary to set a new temperature, which is not entirely convenient. If the pressure in the system is always stable, and the temperature drops in the water streams are insignificant, then the use of such a device will not cause problems.

Types of devices

Devices that prepare water to a comfortable temperature and supply it to the consumer, differ, including by purpose. So, there are mixers with a thermostat for:

• soul,
• sinks,
• bidet.
• universal use.

It is also accepted to divide devices by the method of attachment. There are mixers with thermostats, both for open (visible) and for closed installation.

The construction industry today produces mixers with two types of thermostats:

• electronic,
• mechanical.

Mixer with electronic thermostat

This device has a liquid crystal monitor on which the temperature values ​​of the discharged water are derived. Their control is push-button or touch. In such devices, you can create a number of programs and include what you need at a specific time.

In electronic - the temperature is set by the buttons or the knob and displayed on the screen

There are devices that are programmed to output additional readings, right up to the water analysis. The cost of such devices is several times higher than conventional electronic, not to mention mechanical mixers with an electronic thermostat.

Electronic devices operate on batteries or via a network adapter. The manufacturer can provide them with the ability to respond to special sensors, including infrared ones. This remote control  can be carried out even from another room.

The disadvantages are the fact that it is extremely difficult and far from in every city.

Eternal as the world of mechanics

The mechanical models of mixers with a thermostat have levers, valves and handles, by means of which the thermostat and the water flow regulator are controlled.

In mechanical - the temperature is set by the rotary regulator

In some cases, they are much more reliable and more suitable for Russian realities. At least, the temperature change occurs here manually, and therefore sometimes faster.

The design of faucets with a mechanical thermostat is more minimalistic and more diverse in style. Prices for branded devices start at 4,000 rubles.

The main idea, which guided the developers of the thermostatic mixer, was the need to obtain a stable and unchanged water temperature at the outlet. That success was realized in the seventies of the XX century. Mixers of this type, regardless of the water pressure and the amount of liquid to be mixed at different temperatures, yield either a comfortable temperature for the human body of 38 ° C, or customized according to the individual regime. Here everything is simple - the pressure of cold or hot water in the running water has decreased or increased, still the water will flow from the tap at the required temperature.

The operating principle of the thermostatic mixer

Externally, the thermostatic mixer is practically the same as the ordinary one. Like its predecessor, it has two controls, the difference is that one of them is responsible for the temperature of the water, and the other for its pressure.

There are two types of thermostatic mixers - the work of some can be carried out solely at the expense of complex and thoroughly thought-out mechanics, while the actions of others can be based on the interaction of complex mechanisms and electricians. But by and large their principle of operation is identical, and the operation is based on a thermostatic valve.

The thermostat valve operates quite simply - the water pressure (depending on the mixer design, either cold or hot) is squeezed by the thermostatic valve, which regulates the required amount of the second water flow. If the pressure of the first stream decreases or increases, the same happens with the other flow of water. In this way, the stable and constant temperature of the liquid is obtained at the outlet.

No thermostatic mixer is produced without a so-called fuse - it prevents accidental increase of water temperature. The fact is that by careless movement of the hand you can accidentally slide the temperature regulator and get non-weak burns. For these purposes, a special fuse is required, which, as a rule, is performed in the form of a red button. It works simply - to increase the temperature of the liquid emitted from the mixer, it is necessary to squeeze out the red button. You can reduce the temperature without it. For families with young children, this function is simply necessary.

Features of the design and operation of the thermostatic mixer

The most important element of the thermostat mixer, as mentioned above, is a valve - as a rule, it is made of leather, rubber or ceramics with graphite coating. The installation of a leather or rubber valve on the faucet is characteristic of cheaper products - due to them a number of unnecessary problems arise.
   First, they quickly wear out, which at one point leads to unpleasant consequences. In principle, the valve of the thermostatic mixer is replaced quite simply - this procedure is somewhat similar to the replacement of a rubber gasket on an ordinary valve or semi-rotary mixer.
   Secondly, due to the nature of these materials, there is often a problem with the wear of the valve seat. Hard, even the smallest particles of debris contained in the water, getting under the valve during repeated cycles of its closing and opening, damage the saddle very quickly. The result is one - a flood. At the first signs of malfunctions, you need to call the master.

Much better is the case with a faucet, equipped with a ceramic valve - it is made so that damage to the saddle is simply not able. Carefully fitted to the saddle ceramics and graphite coating on it, with the help of the water flow is able to push out all the debris that gets between the seat and the valve. The operation of thermostatic mixers with a ceramic valve has one feature - they do not tolerate brute force. Turn the valve to stupefying is not necessary. The only thing you will achieve is to break the crane head. To block the flow of water flowing out of the mixer, the valve must be turned to the stop and at this stop - all the rest for you will make carefully fitted ceramics.

In general, the thermostatic mixer is a fine technique, requiring a certain protection. To prevent rapid wear, it must be protected from debris contained in the central water supply, at least primitive filters for coarse water purification.

Installation of the thermostatic mixer and its features

In principle, it is performed in exactly the same way as usual, with the exception of one very important feature - to mix cold and hot water at installation, at least, is fraught with its incorrect operation, and maximum - its failure.

Particular attention should be paid to its connection to the old water supply system. The fact is that the installation standards for the water pipes of the former Soviet Union and Europe are very different. In our countries, cold water was installed on the left side, and in Europe with the right side - so if we are talking about the installation of a thermostatic mixer for the bathroom, we will have to radically rework the whole water supply. With a kitchen and a washbasin mixer things are a bit simpler - you just need to connect the flexible hoses correctly.

Where to buy and how much does the thermostatic mixer

Probably, no one needs to be reminded that it is not worth buying such complex products as a thermostatic mixer, in the market - giving a lot of money, you need to be sure of the quality of the purchased goods. Buy thermostatic mixer best in a specialized store. There, at least, you can also guarantee the issue, and see the quality certificate for the model you are interested in.

Which model and manufacturer should I prefer? To date, quality thermostats are manufactured by Grohe, Webert Wolo, Hansa. The mixers of the trade mark Oras and Vidima are of good quality. As a rule, the cost of such thermostatic mixers ranges from 5,000-8,000 rubles. There are mixer thermostats and other price categories. The cheapest can cost within 1 000rub. - you yourself understand what quality is being discussed here. Well, the maximum price can reach up to 15,000 rubles.

In general, however, the thermostatic mixer is a very convenient product, which reduces the risk of burns and improves the comfort of your bathroom.

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Many people have heard of such a device as a bath or shower thermostat, however, they do not have information about what it is. At the same time, this device provides maximum comfort and safety for the adoption of water procedures, so it will be useful for everyone. So, the thermostat for the shower - what is it, and how justified is this device in our apartments?

In this article, we will take a closer look at this device, the principle of its operation and the features of the installation.

What is a thermostatic mixer

Why you need a thermostat

In conventional mixers, as is known, it is necessary to regulate the head and flow temperature by hand. And in the process of bathing, it is often necessary to adjust the water, as it becomes something cool, then on the contrary - it is unbearably hot. This is due to the pressure drop of cold or hot water in the system.

This phenomenon is not only unpleasant, but even dangerous, as in the process of taking a shower you can get a serious burn. Thermostat, or as it is also called, the thermostatic mixer allows to avoid such troubles.

Thus, the thermostat is a device that monitors and regulates the flow of cold and hot water, maintaining the head and flow temperature at a user-defined level.

Principle of operation

So, with the purpose of the thermostat, we figured out, now consider how this device works. To do this, we first get acquainted with the basic elements of it.

Any thermostat for a bath and shower consists of two main elements:

• Handle with a scale, by means of which a certain level of flow temperature is set.
• The thermostat, which controls and regulates the mixing of cold and hot water. The main elements of this device are paraffin and copper rods. The latter has a plastic cylinder.

The principle of the thermostat is quite simple:

• When the temperature of the flow increases, the paraffin rod, which reacts to any temperature changes, expands.
• As a result of the expansion of the paraffin, the copper rod is pushed out, which leads to an increase in the space (cold water passage) between the plastic cylinder and the metal case of the thermostat.
• As the pressure of cold water increases and hot water decreases, the flow temperature decreases.
• When the temperature of the water drops, the paraffin is compressed, correspondingly, the passage of cold water decreases.

Thus, the flow temperature is maintained at the same level. This process is continuous, therefore, we perceive the flow temperature as constant by sensations.

It should be noted that the thermostatic mixer has two handles - for adjusting the water temperature and adjusting the flow head. The latter is an ordinary valve, which allows you to completely block the flow.

In practice, as a rule, it is enough to adjust the temperature only once, after which you can use the shower only including the water supply.

In the photo - a shower stand with a thermostatic mixer

Device Features

Advantages

This device has many positive points:

• Completely eliminates the rise in temperature to a critical level. The same goes for her downgrade. Thanks to this, taking water procedures becomes safe and comfortable.
• The surface of the mixer does not heat up to a high temperature, so touching it, you will not get burned.
• The maximum flow temperature does not exceed 43 degrees.
• If the supply of cold water ceases, the flow completely overlaps.

In addition, it should be noted that the thermostat is much easier and more convenient to use than.

disadvantages

The disadvantages of this device, perhaps, only two:

• Higher price than conventional mixers. True, we can say that the high cost is quite justified.
• Sensitivity to water quality. Therefore, it is recommended to install water softeners and filters before the mixer. Otherwise, the device will quickly fail.

In the rest, the device does not have any drawbacks. As a rule, these devices are used for bathrooms, since the shower in this case is an additional option rather than the main one.

I must say that any shower system with a thermostat, whether it is a rack or a panel, operates on the same principle as described above. Therefore, the choice depends solely on the purpose of the shower system and your wishes.

Advice!
  If the size of the lavatory does not allow you to install a bidet next to the toilet, an excellent alternative to this plumbing fixture  is a hygienic shower with a thermostat, which is either a wall near it.

Mounting Features

The main condition for connecting the thermostatic mixer is the correct location of the hot and cold water pipes. It should be noted that in most Soviet-style houses, communications do not meet the requirements of thermostats. Therefore, the installation of the device should be taken care of even at the stage of repair in the bathroom.

Cold water pipe must be located on the left, and the hot water supply pipe is on the right. If the pipes are located differently, then the device will work incorrectly, accordingly, the comfortable adoption of the shower is out of the question.

Note!
  For sale, you can find devices adapted for use in our country, in particular, under the Soviet standards for the location of pipelines.
  This point must be taken into account when choosing a device.

In the rest, the instructions for connecting the thermostatic mixer differ little from the usual. As a rule, in the complete set there is a scheme on which it is in detail shown as it becomes.

Here, perhaps, and all the basic information about thermostats for shower rooms and baths.

Conclusion

Setting the thermostat allows you to forget about moving the lever in millimeters or synchronous rotation of the valves to adjust the optimum water temperature. And most importantly - this device eliminates the possibility of getting burned even in the event of a strong pressure drop in the pipeline, since under no circumstances the outgoing water does not heat above a safe maximum.

For more information on this topic, see the video in this article.

A mixer for water with a thermostat is a convenient device, gaining more and more admirers 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. A mixer with a thermostat is designed simply enough, it is available in a variety of options, but any of them will be a welcome acquisition in every home.

Why you need a mixer with a thermostat

Hot water has to 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 housing and communal 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 regulated to produce water at a given temperature.
• Water supply pressure regulator.

For the shower 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 thermoelement, 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 temperature conditions  increases the pressure of hot water. The process of recognition takes a fraction of seconds, so the changes are invisible. When the pressure in the water supply system (hot / cold) changes, the pressure of the jet from the mixer changes. The absence of hot or cold water in the pipes leads to shutting off 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, thermoswitches with two levers are more often found. 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 switching on water or during 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 in every city can you find a manufacturer's service center to conduct preventive work  or repair within the warranty period.

Species by 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 built in the side of the bath. In its form 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, kitchen sinks, but the principle of action is the same for all.

Models

According to the version, the mixers are manufactured mechanically and electronically. In the mechanical model, the device is adjusted by means of 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 unfavorable conditions, but more informative. The data is displayed on a small screen, it is possible to set 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 thermal mixer, besides 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 EU countries on the contrary. Therefore, before installing the thermostatic shower mixer or bathtub, it is necessary to remount 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

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

• 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 TurboStat technology, which allows you to quickly respond to the slightest temperature fluctuation.

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 fixtures, devices for heating systems  and others.

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 body 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.