The principle of the mixer with a shower. Pros and cons of different models. At constant pressure drops in the water supply.

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 - the non-return 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;
• the device is safe even in case of emergency situations, for example, when cold or hot water is turned off;
• 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 in the installation site, for example, from plasterboard, the main wall is not necessarily 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 worthwhile to install a non-return valve and / or reducer at the entrance to the plumbing system, which should be adjusted in accordance with 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. AT water supply systems, where pressure jumps are quite large, 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.

Comfort, economy and safety. These are the basic requirements that everyone must have. thermostatic mixer, as well as these are the main goals to which every manufacturer of sanitary ware aspires.

Thermostatic mixer is designed for supplying and maintaining the pressure head of constant temperature water - this provides comfort during showering.

Thermostatic Mixer

The device and the principle of operation

Its main internal valve. The valve consists of: a cartridge, a metal cylinder and a thermostat (thermostat) with a plastic cylinder.

The thermostat is a movable limiter that protects against temperature fluctuations by controlling the flow of cold and hot water to maintain it at the same level. It consists of a copper rod and paraffin.

Thermostat operation principle

The handle sets the required temperature, the valve mixes the cold and hot water in the correct proportion by adjusting the thermostat. When the hot water in the pipe increases by several degrees, the paraffin rod, which reacts to the slightest temperature changes, expands and pushes out the copper rod with the plastic cylinder. The space between the plastic cylinder and the metal surface of the thermostat increases, while the space for cold water increases.

  When the temperature of the hot water drops, the paraffin rod is compressed, and the space for the cold decreases. Thus, the temperature is controlled and maintained at the same level.

Control

Thermostatic Mixer  It is equipped on the body with two handles, which are controlled manually. The first is responsible for the head, also turns the mixer on and off. On the second one, the water temperature is set manually, the temperature scale is located on this handle.

Mixing scheme for cold and hot water in a thermostatic mixer TM Armatura

Terms of connection

The main condition for thermostatic mixer connection  the correct location of the pipes of the water supply system. In most homes, Soviet-built communication standards do not fit modern thermostats. To ensure that the money for the purchase of the thermostat has not been wasted, it is necessary to carefully think through all the necessary conditions for installing the mixer during the renovation in the bathroom.

The hot water pipe should be located on the left side, and the cold pipe with the right side. It is this layout of communications ensure correct and correct operation of the thermostat.

If the pipes are located differently, then you can forget about the comfortable adoption of the shower. If the piping is not properly piped, the thermostat will not deliver the set temperature, and constant water pressure jumps can also occur. And in this little that is pleasant.

Only when all the necessary conditions are met can you really feel everything advantages of the thermostatic mixer.

Analyzing available on the market offers, many decide to buy a mixer with a thermostat for a bathroom with a shower. Such models appeared relatively recently, but their use is convenient, and the operational qualities ensure the durability of the work. Before buying, you should learn more about the device, the features of the work and the types of mixers to make the right choice of model.

Generally on sale it is possible to meet new and become classical types of faucets for a bathroom:

• dvuhventilnye, which were used and dozens of years ago,
• single-lever (also very widespread and often found option),
• thermostatic,
• non-contact.

Types of mixers with thermostats

The bath and shower mixer with thermostat can be mechanical or electronic.

Mechanical models

Mechanical mixers with thermostats have the appropriate controls, familiar to everyone and similar designs of the simplest models:

• levers of different design,
• valves,
• handles.

Advantages of mechanical mixers with thermostat:

• quick response to switching,
• reliability,
• durability.

The disadvantage of this type of sanitary ware for someone can be precisely the feature of the mechanical parameter setting.

Electronic models

The electronic thermostat mixer is controlled by a sensory method or by means of buttons. Such models are also equipped with a liquid crystal screen, which shows the current parameters - temperature and (in some cases) the water head.

A variety of electronic products are infrared non-contact faucets, equipped with sensors. Their management can often be carried out remotely, using a remote control.
  If you are planning to purchase an electronic bath mixer with a thermostat, the reviews will eloquently show you the advantages and disadvantages of the models.

• The pluses include the accuracy of adjustment and high comfort when used.
• By cons - the complexity of the device and a higher cost.

Important difference: If the mechanical thermostatic mixers for bath and shower work autonomously, then a power supply is necessary for electronic (in this capacity, a power adapter or a battery can act).

Thermostatic mixers are also different in design. In addition to universal models suitable for almost any purpose, there are also "narrowly specialized" - for bidets, showers, and kitchens. A bathtub thermostat with a long spout is convenient.

It is necessary to take into account the type of attachment compared with the choice of models. He can be:

• external (this category includes a mixer on the side of the bath with a thermostat),
• hidden.

The device and the principle of operation

The main characteristic difference of sanitary devices of this type is the ability to maintain a constant water temperature, regardless of changes occurring in the water supply system. Electronic mixers with thermostat for a bathroom with a shower usually have their own memory, in which the parameters preferred by users are saved. Before starting water procedures, you just need to choose your program, after which the "smart" mixer will independently make the necessary settings. It is not necessary to add and reduce the flow of hot and cold water for a long time to achieve the desired result.

Despite the unique and inaccessible to ordinary plumbing devices, the thermostatic mixer has a fairly simple device, and its principle of operation can be understood by a person who has never been interested in the operation of water supply systems.

The main sensing element in the design of the thermostatic mixer is located in the housing cartridge (thermostatic cartridge). It is made of materials that have a high coefficient of thermal expansion, and therefore are sensitive to the changes that occur. The cartridge can be filled with wax or made of bimetallic plates. Such materials correspond to the task in full and ensure that the device responds so quickly to changes in temperature that the user does not have time to feel a decrease or increase in the value of this parameter. The process itself automatic adjustment  temperature and maintenance of its necessary value occurs by means of the adjusting screw connected to the cartridge.

For manually setting the desired temperature, there is control knob with lock button(for mechanical models), by default limiting the maximum water temperature to 38 degrees. If you need more warm water, you just need to press the button and set a different temperature.

Another important element of the thermostatic cartridge is the fuse. This device blocks the water supply when the temperature rises above 80 degrees (this can happen if the cold water supply suddenly turns off). This increases the safety of the user and prevents burns. It is important to understand that the thermostatic mixer is only able to regulate the flow of hot and cold water and can not independently change the temperature, therefore in an emergency situation, to prevent injuries, disconnection is an optimal solution.

The optimal water supply mode helps to ensure head regulator.

Advantages and disadvantages

Choosing a modern mixer with a thermostat, you should take into account the pros and cons of such products in advance.

Benefits

• Thermostatic mixers are economical, they do not allow "empty" draining of water in the process of regulation, which can be quite long. The water from the tap or shower immediately goes as it should.
• Safety is one of the main advantages of "smart" mixers. Even for an ordinary person, it is very important to exclude the possibility that during the shower the flow of ice or very hot liquid will flow on it. If the house has elderly people, children or people with disabilities who can not always react correctly to an emergency situation, the mixer with thermostat becomes irreplaceable. Due to the high degree of protection, thermostatic mixers are often installed in hospitals, medical and preventive institutions.
• A modern man tries to achieve a high degree of comfort in everything. Especially it is important during hygienic, relaxing water procedures. Due to the quick response of the thermostat, the user does not notice water temperature drops, which can often be observed with a conventional feeding system.

disadvantages

Sometimes users name among the shortcomings of thermostatic mixers their high cost. However, this disadvantage is completely compensated by the advantages of modern devices, and the costs are partially recovered due to the economy of its use.

More serious problems include the complexity of the design of thermostatic mixers and the possible problems associated with this feature with the repair. Not in every village there is a service center that is able to perform such works in a qualified manner.

  The photo shows an example of a mixer with a kitchen thermostat

Choice of models

Experts recommend choosing models of proven and reliable brands that are able to provide and guarantee trouble-free and long work of products. Among such reliable sanitary devices include a bath mixer with a Grohe thermostat. The brand produces a wide range of models designed for open or concealed installation. The entire model range of the manufacturer is divided into three main lines:

• Authentic (Retro),
• Contemporary (modern),
• Cosmopolitan (ultramodern, executed in the style of minimalism).

A good reputation also for the Hansgrohe and Oras mixers.

It should be noted that before installing such a sanitary ware, it is recommended to pre-install filters, which will help prolong the life of the plumbing fixture.

Thermostatic mixer will maintain the heat balance of the water head. Thermostatic shower and bath faucet is used universally. Prices for a mixer with a thermostat are about 15,000 rubles. The mixer is the main element of the programmable system for maintaining the set temperature of the supplied water and the head of the jet. This plumbing fixture  maintains a constant temperature even with a sudden change in pressure in the main network. During showering, even with repeated switch-ons or trips, the set index set at the beginning of the procedure remains unchanged.

Thermostatic self-adjusting mixer appeared on the plumbing market quite recently. Structurally, the vast majority of its models do not imply the use of electronic circuits. They function at the expense of the laws of physics of thermal expansion of substances.

• 1 What is this mixer
  • 1.1 Design features
    • 1.1.1 Principle of cartridge operation
• 2 Advantages and disadvantages
• 3 Video installation instruction
• 4 Manufacturers
  • 4.1 Grone
  • 4.2 Hansgrohe
  • 4.3 Oras
• 5 Conclusion

What is this mixer

Externally, the thermostatic mixer is a little like the usual, in the high-tech style. In the market of sanitary equipment, you can find two types of these devices:

1. Electronic.
2. Mechanical.

With thermal adjustment has a liquid crystal screen, where the actual temperature figure is displayed. The power supply of this device is provided by recharging from the mains adapter or battery cells. The mixer is controlled by buttons or sensors. Some electronic modifications work remotely and respond to infrared sensor signals.

Mechanical models for the shower are equipped with the usual traditional regulators in the form of:

• Leverages;
• Handles;
• Gates.

In their function, thermostatic mixers are available for installation on:

• Kitchen;
• The Soul;
• Bidet;
• In the bath.

In the market you can find and universal models that are suitable for installation in the bathroom and in the kitchen, but there are not so many. Installation of this equipment can be carried out in a hidden or open way, based on your own preferences.

Design features

Structurally, the thermostatic mixer consists of:

1. Shells. It is an elongated cylinder with two rigidly tied tap for hot and cold water.
2. Pressure regulator in the form installed from the left end of the cylindrical body, with built-in ceramic discs.
3. A thermostatic cartridge that supports the preset temperature regime. It is here that the process of regulation and mixing of contrasting water currents occurs.

In this temperature controller there is a limiter that, even when the button is pressed, will not make the feed temperature above 38 degrees. This option is extremely necessary for a family where there are small children to reliably protect them from burns or other unpleasant sensations.

How the cartridge works

The main task that the mixer is designed to solve with a thermostat is an instantaneous reaction to changes in the ratio of the contrast water flows to the specified temperature and flow pressure parameters.

The mixer should maintain a pressure adjustment standard of not more than 8%, with a maximum temperature difference of 50 degrees.

Structurally, the mixer temperature adjustment cartridges are arranged very simply and have a sufficiently long service life. The most important here is the thermostatic element, made in the form of a cylindrical capsule or cartridge, where the mobile and fixed part is located.  The fixed part can be:

• Beeswax or a chemical polymer similar to it;
• Bimetallic plates or rings.

The principle of operation of a mixer with a thermoregulator is based on the physical property of expanding bodies and occurs as follows.

1. When the temperature changes, the wax expands or decreases in volume. Due to this physical process, it moves the movable part of the capsule in the longitudinal direction.
2. Further, its movement is transmitted through a steel spring to the damper, which is responsible for the supply of cold or hot water.
3. In order to avoid damping of the damper, when there are cases of large pressure differences in pipelines, the structure is arranged check valve  water flow.
4. Ensure safety and prevent the temperature rise above 80 degrees, called a fuse, which is installed on the adjusting screw. In the event of a sudden cold water shut-off, this fuse blocks the flow to the hot water tank.

When the cold water supply is restored, the mixing process continues automatically. Therefore, an automatic mixer with thermal regulation completely eliminates the risk of burns at a sudden temperature jump.

Advantages and disadvantages

Today families with young children or older people prefer to purchase a bathroom mixer model with a thermostat, in contrast to traditional. Its installation is agreed in those rooms where, due to the large difference in the pressures of cold and hot water pipes, it is difficult to adjust its mixing to comfortable parameters.

In addition, the thermostatic mixer:

1. Economical. Since the exact settings of its system help to avoid unnecessary water costs. Most of all, this is noticeable in apartments where electric heating boilers are installed.
2. Safe. Since during the hygienic procedures a person is absolutely sure that the shower will not be affected by an ice stream or a flurry of hot water. The second factor concerns those who use an autonomous heating system with storage water heaters. It is in them that the water temperature reaches 80 degrees, which is very dangerous. Mixers with thermoregulators in such cases sharply reduce the possibility of obtaining accidental burns.
3. Comfortable. Due to quick response, within 2 seconds, the mixer reacts to changes in pressure drops and water temperature from the total communication network. It instantly adapts to new conditions, and the overall result remains unchanged, due to the temperature and pressure regulators installed in the mixer.

The big disadvantage of thermostatic mixers is their high price. Although this factor does not frighten many, as this plumbing fixture fully pays off its worthy level of comfort, safety and practicality.

Video Mounting Instructions

Manufacturers

Thermostatic mixers are firmly integrated into our lives, as indispensable elements for the arrangement of bathrooms or shower cabins. They maintain the preset temperature during bathing, which makes it possible to relax perfectly and enjoy the shower. An important factor here is the savings in water and electricity.

Since the domestic industry does not produce thermostatic mixers, we will try to briefly review these products from foreign manufacturers.

Grone

According to the results of independent tests and studies, the German company Grone mixers are recognized by their technological and operational characteristics to be the best. This company produces several types of models for different conditions for equipping the shower area. They can be used for concealed or external mounting.

Thermostatic mixers Grone have an excellent design and an unbeatable quality-price ratio. Innovative Grohe Cool Touch technologies used in the manufacture of hot mixers completely eliminate the possibility of burns on a hot chrome surface.

This effect is achieved through an internal cooling channel, which is a buffer between the coolant and the outer surface of the housing. In practice, it is never higher than the temperature set for the shower.

Grohe products are divided into three stylistic directions.

1. Authentic, reflects the refined style of antiquity.
2. Contemporary - expresses modernity and democracy.
3. Cosmopolitan - characterized by minimalism and geometry of forms.

Hansgrohe

Hansgrohe - German leading manufacturer of sanitary ware and sanitary fittings. His skate is innovative equipment for the bathroom. All Hansgrohe thermostatic mixers are made of food brass, which heats up quickly at high temperatures. To protect the metal casing, each Hansgrohe series has its own cooling system.

1. Series 5000. This category of thermostatic mixers has impressive dimensions, creates a guaranteed feeling of reliability, belongs to the class of luxury. Here, the outer shell of brass is cooled by cold water, which circulates between it and the internal zone of the thermostat.
2. Series 2000. This category of thermostats refers to the middle class of comfort. The brass body is built into the plastic insert, which protects the person from burns.
3. Series 1000 refers to economy options. Here, the temperature of the brass body has an acceptable temperature due to the optimal weight of the model.

The new innovative models of modern sanitary fixtures Ecostat from Hansgrohe are very functional and compact, they have:

• Cartridge diameter of only 38 mm;
• High throughput;
• Elegant flattened arms;
• Efficient spout streamlined shape;
• Clear edges, bright shine, visual lightness.

Oras

The Finnish manufacturer Oras firmly occupies a leading position in the production of sanitary fittings. The company clearly adheres to its traditions in the production of faucets, which must comply with the basic principles:

• Security;
• Facilities;
• Economy.

Oras products are always distinguished by high quality and variety of models that can seamlessly fit into any traditional or modern interior.

Limit the heating of the housing company Oras decided by placing the thermostat in a plastic casing. The new models provide an additional option for people deprived of vision in the form of an additional lever.

For the Russian consumer Oras offers two models of mixers with a thermostat. When choosing the second option, you need to clarify the main water supply, as these mixers can be produced for the European market.  In Europe, hot water is supplied to the left and cold to the right. In our own communication systems, this layout is reversed.

Conclusion

In many countries, thermostatic mixers are a guaranteed minimum of comfort. The existing Russian market of sanitary equipment and fittings offers to choose these products of any design design, additional options and installation methods, taking into account the peculiarities of the layout of our communication systems.

Buying a mixer, you can pre-program a pleasant pastime in the bathroom or shower in accordance with their needs.