What are faucets made of? How to distinguish a high-quality faucet from a low-quality one? What metal are faucets made of?

Due to the reliability and durability of ball valves, the market demand for them has increased. And high demand always gives rise to the production of fakes, the use of which can lead to accidents

And a legitimate question arises - How to distinguish a fake from the original?

Since counterfeits can lead to accidents and large material losses, this means that in terms of their performance
inferior to branded products, and sometimes very significantly. And what is the difference you will now find out.

Demand Ball Valves grows thanks to the perfection of their design, strict control chemical composition materials and production technology. And manufacturers of counterfeits ignore all these factors and, hiding behind famous brands, create something that looks similar to the original.

First of all, these are materials

Ball valves and valve bodies must be made of brass, the composition of which is regulated by the relevant GOST in Russia, and abroad - by the national standard. They provide for zinc content of up to 60%, lead in the range of 0.8–1.9%, copper 57–60%. Fake taps are made from non-ferrous scrap, but no one cares percentage metals And as a result, for example, the lead content can reach up to 5–7%, and this is harmful to human health.

Another type of counterfeiting is the use of more cheap material for the manufacture of housings - zinc. The use of such a crane is also dangerous. Due to its increased fragility, it can crack during mechanical stress or pressure changes. To this we can add the effect of chlorine in water on zinc, due to which the walls of the product become thinner and the tap less reliable. And the solution that is formed from chlorine and zinc - zinc chloride is a carcinogen. There are also taps made of aluminum alloy.

In pursuit of saving materials, faucet bodies are made thin - 0.5 - 1 mm, and reputable manufacturers make faucets with a wall thickness of 2 mm.

Mode of production

But this is not the only way to save money when faucets are faked. Leading manufacturers of ball valves produce them using hot forging or hot pressing. In order to save money, counterfeits are produced by casting. Therefore they are different from original products uneven surface housing, sagging, and the material has a non-uniform structure resulting in poor reliability. Ball valves are also falsified, making them not from brass, but from steel, so they rust and the seal of the faucet is lost. And manufacturers of branded taps pay great attention to ball valves. Brass balls are diamond ground and then plated with nickel or chrome. As a result, the ball gets a perfect mirror surface. Fake balls have a dull and rough surface.

Experts note that there are fakes in which the design of the taps has been changed to reduce the cost of products at the expense of quality.

Read the company name carefully

Often the company name on products is written incorrectly, but similar to the original. One of the tricks is to change one letter Bogati instead of Bugatti; distortion of the logo, by placing it, for example, not in a rhombus, but in a square or circle; country name ITALY instead of the accepted made in Italy. In addition, the labeling may lack one or another element that is mandatory for a particular manufacturer.

Advice

• It is best to buy ball valves from official distributors of these companies.
• If this is not possible, you can call official distributor and ask whether he is an official supplier of the seller you are interested in.
• Manufacturers often post drawings of their products on Internet sites. In addition, you can ask about the product’s markings, what it looks like, its dimensions, weight and other signs by which you can determine its authenticity.

other materials on the topic "4"

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Nowadays, visitors to plumbing stores inevitably get their eyes wide open. With one and two handles, regular and wall-mounted, classic and ultra-modern - the choice of mixers is amazing. The cost of models also varies significantly, so the natural question arises of how one mixer differs from another, and what factors are responsible for the sometimes huge difference in price.

Housing material

Speaking about the ratio of price and quality of the mixer, it is necessary to consider all its components.

In the production of mixers they use various materials, but, first of all, the buyer is usually concerned with what the device body is made of. Traditionally, most suitable metal For these purposes, brass is considered - reliable and environmentally friendly. It is no coincidence that in order to check the quality of the faucet on the spot, it is recommended to weigh it in your hand - a brass faucet should be heavy, so the solid weight confirms the quality of the product.

However, brass is an alloy containing copper, zinc and other elements, and the proportion in which they are presented will affect the quality finished products. Thus, the amount of lead, which is unsafe for health, is strictly regulated, as well as silicon and tin additives, the excess of which makes the product more fragile.

Another material used in the production of faucets is stainless steel. Among the advantages of “stainless steel” are impact resistance, resistance to high temperatures and acids, non-toxic and hygienic. The main disadvantage, against the background of numerous advantages, is high price such products.

The cheapest faucets are usually made from inexpensive alloys, such as the widely used silumin (a compound of aluminum and silicon). This material has good casting properties, which reduces processing costs, but a faucet made from it is more susceptible to corrosion and is not very durable.

Thus, a low price may signal the fragility and fragility of the mixer. At the same time, the popularity of brass as a material from which the mixer body is made is understandable: it is economical profitable option, meeting modern quality criteria.

Sergey Kasyanov, Regional Manager in the Northwestern and Ural federal districts HANSA company:
The water pressure in the water supply is usually 3 atmospheres, but in new houses during testing it can reach ten. Under such conditions, faucets made of silumin - as a rule, these are cheap Chinese products - become unusable, deformed and destroyed due to water hammer.

Stainless steel - good material. If the faucet is truly made of stainless steel, you can be sure that it will last a long time. Some manufacturers produce such models, but this option cannot be classified as a budget option.

After processing, brass becomes smooth, and the chrome coating fits perfectly on it. But brass varies in composition. There is a special marking MS58 or MS60, indicating the percentage of copper content in the alloy. For our company it is MS63. The more copper contained in brass, the better product it resists corrosion, the less likely it is that zinc will leach out, which can ruin the quality of the water.

Marina Sidorina, Marketing Director at Roca:
Water passes through the mixer, which also ends up in food. Therefore, it is important that the water meets the standards and does not harm health. Brass containing 0.2% lead, which is valid value, not only meets safety requirements, but also represents optimal ratio price quality. So, for example, stainless steel, which does not contain lead at all, and is more environmentally friendly, is much higher in price.

Materials such as aluminum, silumin and zamak contain a percentage of lead that is hazardous to health, and do not have sufficient rigidity and may be subject to deformation.

Faucet cover

An important factor when choosing a faucet is its finish.

If a customer chooses plumbing fixtures based solely on functionality and quality, they will most likely buy a regular chrome faucet. The advantages of chromium include its attractive appearance, hypoallergenic and, importantly, quite adequate cost.

Along with them, the assortment of plumbing stores includes matte and enameled faucets, models with copper or bronze plating, etc. But, as a rule, any deviation from the “standard”, which usually means smooth chrome, leads to an increase in price.

There are several types of coatings:
- PWD is an expensive coating used primarily in the manufacture of faucets under premium brands. This application allows you to create many color combinations (for example, gold). PWD is a persistent and reliable coverage, the disadvantage of which, both for the manufacturer and for the consumer, is only the high cost
- paint (dust-like). The paint is sprayed onto the surface, and then the product is fired at a temperature of 180 degrees. In terms of durability, this coating is not inferior to PWD, and the external difference is practically unnoticeable.
- chrome plating, both glossy and matte. Chrome plating is most often found in faucet lines. various manufacturers. The reason for this is the good price-quality ratio. The thickness of the chrome should not be less than 6 microns, because with a smaller thickness, abrasion and the appearance of yellow spots– a layer of nickel will be visible, which is used to treat the brass surface before applying chromium. Of course, it is impossible to determine the number of microns not in laboratory conditions, so when purchasing it is recommended to pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer, provision official guarantee, availability of instructions, care recommendations, and other accompanying documents.

A common problem with cheap faucets from no-name manufacturers is that they have external factors the coating begins to peel off. Many inexpensive models, which looked beautiful on the store shelf, after a year they lose their shine, and in literally words: chips and scratches form on their surface. This is where the familiar “miser pays twice” rule comes into play, since an economy class faucet often has to look for a replacement.

What's inside?

Many of us still remember the times when water was constantly dripping from the tap in the kitchen or bathroom. Fortunately, these days, leaky taps with rubber seals have given way to ball or ceramic cartridge faucets. Most European manufacturers produce faucets with cartridges and ceramic faucets. These systems are considered much more reliable than all previously existing ones. The essence of the mechanism is quite simple: tightly ground cermet plates are used as a regulating element. High tightness can be ensured thanks to the polished surface of the plates.

Some manufacturers offer cartridges with a ball mechanism. In them, the moving part of the shutter is made in the shape of a ball with a hole for the passage of water flow.

Marina Sidorina (Roca company):
The ball mechanism (mechanical cartridges) is almost never used today, and is widespread, perhaps, only in the USA. Manufacturers give preference to ceramic cartridges. The choice of mechanism does not affect ease of use. But ceramic plates are less susceptible to poor water quality and are easier to maintain.

However, to extend the life of the faucet, it is recommended to install a filter in front of it: this will help limit the ingress of solid particles between the plates.

Control method

Single lever or double lever.“One-armed” faucets have only one lever, through which the temperature and water pressure are regulated. Many people consider this design to be the most convenient for the simple reason that it leaves their hands free. Double-lever mixers are respectively equipped with two independent valves. It's simple and reliable design, although recently it has been losing popularity, losing out to single-lever ones in ease of control.

It is interesting that among modern faucets, two handles often have either cheaper models, or, conversely, expensive designer items, made, for example, in retro style.

Electronic. A separate category of faucets are electronic, with contactless activation. As a rule, they are equipped with a photocell and a thermostat that regulates the water temperature. The operating principle of such mixers is quite simple. Built-in infrared sensor reacts to movement by bringing your hands to it, thereby “opening the tap.” The water temperature can be controlled either through a lever on the body or in a non-contact manner. Most modern models allow you to pre-program your favorite temperature regime, volume of water and duration of its supply.

Needless to say, the presence electronic filling increases the price of the mixer several times?

How much does a design cost?

Unique style comes at a price, and this rule also applies to faucets. Having familiarized yourself with the assortment of any plumbing store, you will immediately understand that a simple faucet with a smooth chrome finish will cost you much less than a designer model with gold plating and rhinestones on the valve. Coatings “matte chrome”, “chrome-gold”, “bronze” increase the purchase price by one and a half to two times. Likewise, the unusual shape original design, a famous designer - all this will also affect your wallet.

Therefore, before making a choice, ask yourself the question: what is more important - saving on design or adding a “zest” to the interior of the house.

Olga Kuzavkova, head of the product category "Faucets, accessories" of the commercial department "Bathroom" of the chain of stores "DOM Laverna":
Any faucet color other than chrome will cost more as the manufacturer's costs increase. For comparison:
Grohe: Grohe Sinfonia sink faucet with chrome finish costs RUB 16,300, with chrome-gold finish – RUB 24,300.
New Form: Royale sink faucet with chrome plating costs 19,600 rubles, with bronze plating - 27,000 rubles, with gold plating - 32,000 rubles.

This comparison is also relevant for regular and designer models. For example, Axor collections are created in collaboration with world-famous designers, respectively, the models on which the masters worked are much more expensive: Hansgrohe Metris S costs 7,900 rubles, and Axor Citterio for a sink costs 23,700 rubles. The Hansgrohe Axor Starc Organic basin mixer costs 20,100 rubles, this new collection, which combines unique design and rational technologies for the use of water resources.

Zenta collection for washbasins, which is produced by German manufacturer Kludi, costs 5200 rubles; the Balance collection, which is more advanced in terms of design, costs 11,140 rubles.

Undoubtedly, design affects the cost of the faucet - but not its quality. Our faucets, regardless of price, undergo the same control at the factory; only their appearance differs. In addition, the price largely depends on the dimensions of the product. Brass is a fairly expensive material, so material consumption is a significant factor in determining the price. For example, one brass blank is enough for 4 economy class faucets and only 1-1.5 faucets bigger size or more complex configuration.

You can buy a relatively inexpensive and at the same time high-quality mixer. However, in this case, you will have to focus on quality rather than design. Most likely, an ideal mixer from a price-quality point of view will have a standard, quite neat appearance, a minimum of additional functions, and a smooth chrome finish.

Final advice

It is well known that faucets and other plumbing fixtures should not be bought at cheap stores; moreover, even in large stores it is better to focus on products from well-known, well-established manufacturers.

Marina Sidorina (Roca company):
Mixers are not subject to mandatory certification. We recommend checking the warranty card and passport of the mixer. In addition, try to pick up the mixer in your hands: quality product It will not give the impression of “flimsy”; it is quite heavy. Of course, it is not advisable to buy faucets from points of sale whose appearance and design are questionable. Among other things, it is necessary to remember that a high-quality mixer from famous manufacturer cannot be very cheap due to the fact that environmentally friendly and reliable materials and components are used in its production.

Sergey Kasyanov (HANSA company):
When purchasing a faucet, first of all ask for a warranty card with an individual number and the seller’s seal. Most major manufacturers indicate on their warranty cards contact information for all of their products. service centers. In “field” conditions, you can easily identify the mixer material by weight. A silumin case will be very light, a brass case with the same dimensions will be significantly heavier. Moreover, the higher quality brass is used in the manufacture of the mixer, that is, the higher the percentage of copper content in it, the heavier it will be original product. At the junctions of the spout and the mixer body there should not be a pronounced weld, if in doubt, it is better to buy a mixer with a solid body. Also pay attention to the quality of the chrome coating - it should be uniform, smooth, without sagging, scratches or other defects.

Olga Kuzavkova (“Laverne’s HOUSE”):
The buyer always faces the problem of choosing between price and quality, but, as practice shows, it’s better than replacing cheap Chinese faucets, etc., every year. production, it is better to buy a relatively inexpensive mixer from European suppliers (Germany, Italy). This way you will receive a guarantee of quality: the mixer will be made of brass, its chrome coating will not peel off, and cartridges are one of the main technical units the design of the mixer will be European.

Factors influencing the cost of the mixer are the material of the product, the country of origin, and design. When a buyer buys a mixer, he is guided, of course, by the price and quality of the product, then by its functionality and technical characteristics, wonders who the manufacturer is, and begins to think about ergonomics.

We would like to thank the Roca company, the HANSA company, the Czech Dvor plumbing store chain and the DOM Laverna chain of stores for their help in preparing this article.

Using water in everyday life, we come into contact with plumbing fixtures. In simple terms this is shut-off valves, which is adapted to regulate the uniformity of water supply, shut off its flow, control the temperature and maintain a stable pressure. When choosing components for plumbing fixtures, it is important to consider not only specifications details, but also the conditions in which it will be used, as well as the material of the mixer. You can make a purchase yourself, following the recommendations for choosing the right product.

What does the appearance of the mixer say?

Most users select products based on appearance, paying attention to design elements, their beauty and practicality. You should buy products in this category in uniform design. This means that the material of the kitchen faucet must match the material used to decorate the washbasins and bathroom. Common components of modern cranes are:

• - nickel;
• - copper;
• - bronze;
• - steel;
• - chrome;
• - iron;
• - brass.

Its appearance and appearance depend on what material is used to make the item. In particular, the nickel alloy provides a matte finish that is easier to clean. This is a real gift for the hostess. Steel is highly durable and resistant to corrosion, and bronze gives a sophisticated appearance in the format of vintage taps, which is important in vintage interiors.

What material is preferable for the kitchen?

In the kitchen, the mixer is installed in combination with a washing sink. An important role when choosing components is played by the shape and depth of the sink. For example, for a deep sink under the wall, you can install a short tap, which will be mounted not in the sink itself, but directly on the wall. For a kitchen with a small narrow sink, it is important to install a faucet with a high tube so that the water supply is optimal and so that you can wash a large frying pan or bowl.

When choosing copper faucets for the kitchen, you should pay attention to the convenience of the taps, the softness of the movement, and how stable the gaskets inside the product are. An important point is the convenience of setting a comfortable temperature.

In addition, kitchen taps constantly get dirty and scratched, so choose glossy finish impractical. You will have to fight against limescale and experiment with detergents. It is much more profitable to select an unpretentious faucet in advance.

Possibilities of bathroom faucets

Unlike the kitchen, the simultaneous installation of several plumbing units. The first of them is located on the washbasin, the second in the bath or shower, and the third can be located on the bidet. If you have a model from non-standard material, then the copper faucet for the bathroom will be comprehensive solution which will emphasize general style apartments. The use of antique copper parts requires consistent use original models plumbers. It doesn't have to be a traditional white bathroom. You can experiment with shapes and colors.

In the bathroom we often wash our hands, wash ourselves, do makeup and take a bath. When choosing plumbing fixtures, focus on practicality, because they will wear out quite a lot if you count total visits per day.

From a technical point of view, it is advisable to install faucets with two taps directly on the bathroom, allowing more flexible regulation of the flow temperature. When choosing plumbing items, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the shower pipe and faucet, because these parts most often fail.

Why are the prices for the same models different?

Coming to the store, the client is at a loss when choosing. The problem is that a visually similar product can have a huge difference in price. The fact is that cranes of the same type can have different designs inside. For additional protection To protect against wear, manufacturers equip modern models with a ceramic core. This tube prevents the formation of rust and other troubles.

The weak point of any mixer is its gasket. Standard equipment at a low price quickly brings unpleasant surprises in the form of leaks. An expensive piece of plumbing has a ceramic seal or valve that prevents premature wear. In order to recognize a quality product, pay attention to the manufacturer's warranty. The longer the warranty period, the better the quality of the product. The most expensive models of faucets are equipped with such a part as a thermostat.

Complete Bathroom Tools

A non-standard model of plumbing is considered to be communications associated with the shower and, in particular, with hydroboxes. As part of such a device, several types of taps with non-standard water supply at different angles can be used at once.

For greater practicality, it is recommended to install components in the same style, but with different versions, depending on the intended purpose of the item. In order to prevent breakdowns, it is necessary to learn how to use plumbing correctly and conduct preventive inspections.

Luxury items: how to preserve them

Gold bathroom faucets are unprecedentedly exotic. They can imitate a yellow coating, or they can have a layer of sputtering made of precious metal.

As a rule, this is yellow gold, which perfectly suits the classic and Venetian interior. Complete with such an exquisite tool, you can install gold-tone faucets for the kitchen. They will match the same color scheme and highlight your style.

Beauty always comes at a price. If you value bathroom and kitchen accessories, use the services of a professional plumber. He will provide timely service, prevent damage to parts, and take care of extending the service life and appearance of your faucets. Having at hand the phone number of a specialist and the store where you bought things, you will be able to quickly eliminate any breakdown and shortage of spare parts.

How often do you call a plumber?

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When replacing plumbing fixtures in the bathroom or kitchen, problems arise in choosing faucets. Today the range and price range is very wide. In large chain stores you can find a mixer for 300 rubles, and in front of it there may be a similar one in appearance, but for 5,000 rubles. The buyer has questions about the difference between the two. This article was created to answer several of these questions.

Materials from which mixers are made.

Modern faucets are made mainly from two materials:

• Silumin is an alloy of aluminum and silicon. Low quality Chinese faucets are made from it. The main disadvantage of this material is its fragility (it can literally be broken with your bare hands). A silumin mixer is easily identified by its light weight and low price. It will look unattractive - with poor, cheap coating and gaps
• Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Strong and expensive material. Faucets made from it are more expensive, but can last for five years or more without the need for repairs. A brass faucet can also be identified by its weight, but only in its case will this weight be impressive. Available on the market big choice European and Chinese brass faucets.

For those who have doubts, I am posting a video from HansGrohe, which shows the process of making a real brass faucet. This is how they do plumbing in Europe. Here are used quality materials and expensive, skilled labor

What is better: cartridges or crane axle boxes?

In modern mixers for mixing hot and cold water Either cartridges with a ceramic plate inside or crane axle boxes are used. There are two types of crane axle boxes:

In my opinion, faucets with cartridges are more convenient. There, only one lever is used to control the flow and temperature of the water. The service life of ceramics is determined by the amount of sand and sludge in water pipe. If there is little or none at all, then a good cartridge will last you at least 7 years. The service life of ceramic faucet axleboxes is the same as that of cartridges. Therefore, the question of choosing between them is more a matter of personal preference.

Faucet axle boxes and cartridge for mixer

Which shower switch is best?

If you are buying a shower faucet, then pay attention to the switch. It is better to choose a faucet with a ceramic switch. This will eliminate two problems with mixers with diverters at once:

• The spring is activated while using the shower - at the most inconvenient moment you have to constantly monitor the position of the diverter.
• When using a faucet, water drips from the shower head - this is caused by dried out gum.

Diverter with spring and rubber band Ceramic diverter

European or Chinese faucet?

From my sales experience, I can say that European manufacturers are superior in quality to Chinese ones, but among the latter you can also find decent specimens. The trouble is that our importers prefer to buy low-quality goods from China at low prices and get more profit from it. At the same time, Chinese goods a negative image develops, although, in fact, there are worthy examples that are not inferior to well-known European brands. I can also tell you a secret - some European manufacturers have long moved production to China. Thus, they achieved cost reduction without loss of product quality.

Summary of the article.

When purchasing a mixer, pay attention to the following parameters:

• Faucet weight – The faucet should be heavy.
• Material - the faucet should be made of brass. DO NOT BUY SILUMINO MIXERS.
• The coating on the faucet should be smooth, shiny and free of stains.
• Ceramic cartridge and ceramic crane axle boxes - these elements will provide long term mixer services.

The design of the mixer does not affect its functions in any way and therefore you can choose it at your discretion. That's all! I look forward to your questions in the comments.

A kitchen faucet is an actively used appliance. It keeps the water closed, and when open it mixes the cold stream with the hot one and sets the pressure. These factors, together with incorrect handling, contribute to rapid wear. Therefore, when choosing, you need to take into account not only the appearance, but also the reliability of the product, agree.

In order to purchase a reliably working product, you need to know the structure of a kitchen faucet. In addition, this information will help you understand how difficult or simple the repair will be. Will the owner be able to do it on his own or will he need to call a plumber?

All about design features kitchen faucets you will learn from the article we propose. We have described in detail the varieties presented to the consumer by the market. For visual perception of the information, we have attached diagrams, a selection of photos and video repair instructions.

The name "mixer" directly indicates the main function of this plumbing equipment– mixing water. The device is connected to cold and hot water supply pipes, and its task is to supply water to the required proportion.

Adjustment is carried out manually by the user. In addition to adjusting the temperature, the mixer also adjusts the pressure of the water stream.

Mixer - a device that combines two taps in a single body, connected by separate pipes to the hot water and hot water pipelines

Materials used in production

A modern kitchen faucet can be made from the following materials:

• metal alloys (bronze, brass, silumin);
• polymers;
• ceramics.

A metal faucet is the most popular option for use in the kitchen. Brass and bronze do not oxidize or corrode from regular contact with water. In addition, these materials are chemically neutral, which means that deposits of mineral salts do not occur on their surface.

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