Thermostatic mixer: principle of operation, its advantages, and self-installation. A thermostatic faucet is a smart thing you need to get comfortable water and save it. Buy a faucet with adjustable water temperature

Today, most houses and apartments are equipped with classic single-lever and two-valve mixers. However, as you know, when using them, it can be quite difficult to adjust the water temperature before water procedure and maintain the desired heat balance during its implementation. But at present, more advanced products have appeared on the plumbing market. plumbing fixtures The self-adjusting thermostatic shower faucets that allow you to solve these two problems without any problems.

Purpose of mixer with thermostat

Outwardly, these mixers are similar to ordinary ones, and their work is based on the use of the physical laws of substances. Their main task is to instantly respond to changes in the level of water heating and bring the temperature and pressure parameters to the specified values.

Mixer device with thermostat

Any bath and shower faucet with a thermostat consists of the following parts:

• Frame. In shape, the body resembles a cylinder with two outlets, to which cold and hot water is connected.
• Pressure regulator. This is the so-called crane box, which is mounted in the left end of the cylindrical body and has built-in ceramic discs.
• Thermostatic cartridge. Its function is to maintain the given temperature regime, since it is here that the contrasting water streams and the temperature is controlled. Due to the presence of a limiter, the water temperature will not be higher than 38 degrees. This option is very convenient and can be especially useful for families with small children, as it will help to avoid burns.

Thermostatic cartridge design

Since the thermostatic cartridge is the most important detail mixer, it is worth dwelling on its device in more detail.

By its design, the cartridge is quite simply arranged and has a fairly long service life. It consists of a body, a rod with a spring and a bushing with small radial holes . Main element cartridge - thermostatic element. It is a cylindrical capsule or cartridge, consisting of a fixed and moving parts. As a fixed part can be:

• beeswax (or other polymer with similar properties);
• bimetallic rings or plates.

with thermostat: principle of operation

As mentioned above, the operation of a thermostatic mixer is based on physical property expansion of bodies and is as follows.

Wax, which is filled with a special cavity of the body, expands or decreases in volume with a change in temperature. This causes the movement of the movable part of the capsule (rod) in the longitudinal direction. Then this movement is transmitted to the damper responsible for the flow of hot and cold water. In order to prevent the damper from being squeezed in case of a large pressure difference in the pipelines, the design is equipped with a water flow check valve. A special protection is also provided, which will not allow the water temperature to rise above 80 degrees. It is a fuse mounted on an adjusting screw. If the supply is cold or hot water stops abruptly, the fuse will shut off the water, blocking the flow to the watering can. When the cold water supply is restored, the mixing process will automatically resume. Thanks to this device, the risk of burns is eliminated.

Types of mixers with a thermostat

On the market plumbing equipment There are two types of thermostatic mixers:

• mechanical,
• electronic.

Mechanical models are equipped with conventional regulators. These can be valves, handles or levers.

Automatic bath faucets with a thermostatic shower are equipped with a liquid crystal display that shows the temperature of the water. The device is powered by batteries or network adapter, and it is controlled by buttons or sensors. Some more advanced models can work remotely by responding to infrared sensor signals.

Thermostat faucets can be produced specifically for installation in the kitchen, bath, shower or bidet. There are also universal models, but there are not many of them.

Equipment is mounted using both open and hidden way, which depends on the preferences of each individual owner.

Pros and cons of thermostatic faucets

Each has a range of benefits.

Firstly, the thermostatic shower faucet is cost effective. The system of precise adjustment of the water supply makes it possible to make water consumption more economical. By eliminating the need to pre-set the flow temperature, water consumption is reduced. This is especially important for those apartments where there are electric boilers.

Secondly, the mixer with a thermostat is safe. Water supply control will prevent cases when a stream of hot or cold water falls on a person. In this case, the water supply will turn off automatically. In addition, this advantage is especially important for those people who use storage water heaters temperatures that can reach up to 80 degrees. A mixer with a thermostat will greatly reduce the risk of burns.

And thirdly, bathroom faucets with thermostatic showers and long spouts are handy. Fast response allows the mixer to instantly adapt to changes in temperature and pressure drops in general communications. Pressure and temperature regulators will keep the set parameters unchanged.

As for the shortcomings, perhaps the main one is the high price. True, this is not repulsive to many, since the thermostatic mixer quickly pays for itself due to practicality, safety and convenience.

Bath faucets with thermostatic shower: reviews

Thermostatic mixers get a lot positive feedback from consumers. Owners of private houses with an autonomous water supply system note the convenience of these devices. They say that you can adjust the temperature even in the installation, and after that it remains only to turn one knob.

For the owners of apartments, who also own the device, another factor is also important. They write that due to frequent pressure fluctuations in the network, the pressure is weak or completely turned off. And in a family with children, this device provides quite a lot of safety.

Manufacturers

The production of thermostatic mixers in our country has not yet been established. From foreign manufacturers can be identified German firms Grone and Hansgrohe, the Finnish firm Oras. These bath and shower faucets with thermostatic controls are independently tested as the best in performance.

Conclusion

Bath faucets with thermostatic shower are designed for comfort and safety. Especially their installation is recommended for families with small children and the elderly. They are also preferably used where there is a large difference in pipe pressure, which makes it difficult to adjust the mixing of water to a comfortable temperature.

In the modern market of sanitary equipment, you can find products with any design decoration, various options and installation methods. Purchasing a thermostatic faucet will allow you to provide a pleasant experience in the bathroom according to your needs.

The main disadvantage of almost all types of mixers is their dependence on the pressure of the liquid in the water supply. It is difficult to call it stable, and it is from here that some problems arise - water flows from the tap either colder or hotter. Of course, you can put up with this, but not always - given that the pressure difference in cold and hot water pipes can sometimes be significant, then a not very good picture emerges. Into one beautiful moment water from the mixer can scald your hands. Such problems are easily solved by a thermostatic mixer, which will be discussed in this article. Together with the site, we will deal with the principle of its operation, advantages and disadvantages, varieties and self-installation.

Thermostatic mixer photo

Thermostatic mixer: how it works

The main goal pursued by the developers of the thermostat mixer is to obtain a stable and constant outlet temperature, regardless of the water pressure in the pipeline. The result exceeded all expectations - the mixer not only perfectly copes with the task, but also has convenient control and lovely appearance which is important for the modern user. Moreover, in addition to the above advantages, a simple principle of operation of a thermostatic mixer can also be distinguished - a simple design ensures a long service life and inexpensive repairs.

How it works modern marvel plumbing equipment? In principle, it is quite simple, and its whole secret lies in a special valve, which, reacting to changes in the flow of water in one pipeline, simultaneously changes it in another - it does this according to the specified operating modes. Let's just say, if the pressure of hot water in the pipeline drops sharply, then the reaction of the thermal valve will be expressed in a decrease in the amount of cold water supplied to the mixing chamber. There are two types of such devices - the work of the first is based solely on mechanics, and the work of the second is based on the interaction of mechanics and modern electronics.

The principle of operation of a thermostatic mixer photo

Now for the question, how to use an automatic thermostatic mixer? As mentioned above, it works quite simply and visually practically does not differ from its ordinary relative - all the same pair of handles, body and spout. The difference between them is that one of these handles is a temperature regulator (divisions with degrees are marked on it), and the second is responsible for the water pressure. Once you have set the desired comfortable temperature water, then you only need to open and close the tap.

To eliminate the consequences of the curiosity of the younger generation, the temperature switch is additionally equipped with a fuse that works exclusively to increase the temperature.

Advantages of thermostatic mixers

We have already mentioned a little about the advantages of mixers with a thermostat above - the main one is the stability of the temperature of the pouring liquid. But besides it, there are other advantages, which should not be forgotten.

If we talk about the disadvantages of thermostatic mixers, then in addition to its cost, which is difficult to attribute to negative points, one can single out such a nuance as the dependence on the presence of water in both pipelines at once. If there is no water in one of them, then the valve automatically shuts off the water supply from the other pipeline. Not all models of such mixers have such a disadvantage - some of them are equipped with a special switch that allows you to open the valve manually and use what you have.

The device and principle of operation of a thermostatic mixer can be seen in the video.

Varieties of thermostatic mixers

You don’t have to talk much about the varieties of thermostatic mixers - according to by and large, a device for maintaining a stable water temperature can be equipped with any type of modern mixers. Therefore, we will simply list the most common options.

In principle, in addition, it is possible to single out a thermostatic mixer for, for, and so on - as mentioned above, they can be different, as, in general, all other types of devices for mixing cold and hot water.

Installing a thermostatic mixer

By and large, it is not so difficult to install a thermostatic mixer - in this respect it differs little from other similar products. The difference is observed only in two important points.

What else do you need to know about connecting a thermostatic mixer? This is about his protection from all sorts of cataclysms that happen to our water pipes, or rather with water in them. Here you need to take into account the following factors: firstly, our water is dirty (we need additional filters); secondly, pressure surges and hydraulic shocks occur quite often (at the water inlet to a house or apartment, reducers adjusted in accordance with the characteristics of thermostatic mixers will not be superfluous) and, thirdly, check valves, the need to install which is trumpeted by almost all manufacturers (they can also be mounted at the water inlet to the apartment).

In conclusion, I will say a few words about the central thermostatic mixer - there is such a variety of these devices that can ensure the operation of almost all plumbing fixtures at the same time. The thing seems to be good, but not without flaws - for example, sometimes you want to take a hot bath, so that, as they say, it gets to the marrow of your bones. You understand that in such a situation, you will temporarily have to refrain from using other plumbing fixtures. It's like connecting several to one tuner - all screens will have the same channels. If we talk about such a mixer, or rather about its installation, then, in my opinion, the best option will mount it exclusively on sinks - all other plumbing fixtures must be equipped with separate thermostats.

Installation of a thermostatic mixer photo

In principle, this is all that can be said about a thermostatic mixer. This thing is good, but it requires a special approach, especially if we are talking about self-installation. By and large, if you do not want to immediately spoil an expensive device, then it is better to entrust its installation to professionals.

A kitchen and bathroom faucet should be convenient and reliable, and its use should be practical and safe. An article about what are the principles of operation and operation, as well as how to mount a thermostatic mixer.

The kitchen and bathroom are designed primarily to use water - for cooking, for washing and washing, for all household needs and concerns. All plumbing system tied to the main one - a water supply tap, which in turn is part of a mixer, the device of which is to comfortably mix hot and cold water. Why is such a faucet appropriate for the bathroom and how to install it correctly and reliably?

Thermostatic faucet in the kitchen

Thermostatic, unlike a conventional mixer, not only performs the functions of determining the pressure and mixing hot and cold water, but also controls the strength of this pressure and the set temperature.

Thermostatic mixer and the principle of its operation

The operation of the thermostat is based on simple mechanics: a thermoelement is installed inside the mixer - a movable limiter that reacts to changes in the set temperature.

This movable restrictor is a plastic cylinder with a copper tip and a paraffin base (sometimes a base of wax or other similar material that can instantly expand under conditions elevated temperatures). The plastic sleeve-limiter is located inside a special cartridge in metal pipe, into which hot and cold water.

When more than high temperature The wax expands and moves the plastic cylinder into the cartridge, reducing the hot water space while increasing the cold water space.

Scheme of the thermostatic mixer device

At temperatures above 58C, the thermocouple completely blocks the flow of water to prevent serious burns.

Correction occurs instantly and in both directions, adjusting to water flows: lowering the temperature of hot water will reduce the amount of cold water again when the position of the cartridge changes: cooled paraffin will move plastic limiter so that more hot water comes in.

There is a mixer with a thermostat that regulates not only the temperature, but also the pressure, controlling the strength of the incoming jet, based on approximately the same mechanical principle: increasing pressure - less space in the cartridge for water inlet, decreasing - more space.

The thermostatic faucet is safe for all members of your family

Features and functions of electronic models

Bathroom faucet with electronic thermostat- more expensive and technically complex model which requires batteries or AC adapter. The choice of temperature and water pressure is based on electronic temperature and pressure sensors, which not only automatically regulate the water supply, but also display indicators on special screens. Such devices can have both push-button, touch, and remote control. But in domestic conditions, such equipment is unnecessary and is more often used in medical institutions, public restrooms, swimming pools or saunas.

Mixer with electronic thermostat

Advantages and disadvantages of a thermostatic mixer

In the kitchen, this mixer is not always appropriate and convenient. This is due to the frequent need to use only cold water for cooking or any other needs. In such cases, the problem is solved by installing a special crane for drinking water with filter.

A bathroom faucet with a thermostat is a convenient, necessary and technically flawless thing. The main disadvantages are the higher price and possible additional hassle during installation. However, they are more than overlapped by the advantages and benefits:

• safety: eliminates any likelihood of any discomfort when taking a shower, and most importantly - burns. This is important in a house where old people and children live. This is convenient when arranging showers and cramped bathtubs, when it will not even be possible to bounce off a hot jet.
• efficiency: the mechanism does not need to be adjusted each time anew, passing water flows until the desired pressure and temperature are found. In addition, the device is initially set to save water.
• convenience and comfort: one press of the lever turns the water on and off. There is no need to use two hands, which is important when washing yourself, and when caring for children, and when performing any other multi-functional activities in the bathroom.

Thermostatic electronic faucet with touch sensors

General questions about installing a thermostatic standard mixer

Models of thermal mixers differ significantly in installation features and purpose. Faucets are available for concealed and surface mounting. In addition, there are models for the shower, bidet, sink, kitchen.

Since there is no universal model of a mixer with a thermostat, there can be no exact algorithm for installing it. However, there is a need to describe the main difficulties and nuances of installing flush-mounted and open-mounted thermostatic mixers in the bathroom.

Installation diagram of a standard surface-mounted thermostatic mixer

One of the main remarks is the competent connection to the hot and cold water system. Thermostat faucets use the European plumbing standard system, which does not correspond to the domestic one. Russian systems water pipes are arranged according to the principle: on the left - cold, on the right - hot water. Therefore, when installing a mixer with a thermostat, most likely, the pipes - the entry points for hot and cold water - will have to be swapped.

Important! The choice of model and installation of the water supply must be done before the very beginning of the installation of the mixer with a thermostat.

The second remark concerns the initial setting of the water temperature - calibration. The thermostat is initially set to a neutral position at a temperature of 38 ° C, but it must be fixed with a thermometer and a regulator.

Advice. To calibrate, you need to remove the protective cover of the mixer, turn on the water and, by rotating the special valve of the mixer, set the desired temperature, based on the data of an ordinary thermometer.

Thermostat shower or bath/shower faucets

Mixer-thermostat open system bath and shower installation is a small metal cylinder, which is connected to pipes with hot and cold water and to which a hose and a shower head are then connected.

Concealed thermostatic mixer

Such a device is the easiest mechanism for connecting. In conditions modern apartments it is the easiest to install.

Important! The distance between pipes with hot and cold water for the mixer is universal, so there are all possibilities for installation. It remains to check how the supply of cold and hot water correlates in the thermostat and the plumbing system.

Models of this series are presented in two options:

• faucet with bath spout and watering can and shower hose,
• faucet with watering can and shower hose, without bath spout.
• Closed-mounted mixer-thermostat for bath and shower – more complex device in terms of installation: it will require the installation of some parts in the wall or false plasterboard walls. At the same time, only a small plate with one or two regulators for turning on and switching water will remain on the bathroom wall.

Important! The absence of external details is both an advantage and a disadvantage of the model: the design looks concise, space is used sparingly, however, in the event of repair or replacement of parts, the dismantling of the wall and tiles cannot be avoided.

Water outlet in such models can be presented in several versions:

• overhead shower spout with a nozzle that is mounted in the ceiling,
• overhead shower spout with a nozzle that is mounted in the ceiling, flexible hose and a shower head
• an overhead shower spout with a nozzle that is mounted in the ceiling, and a spout (gander) for a bathtub.

Devices of this kind can also be sold separately: a thermostatic mixer for a closed installation system will require careful selection of other elements: a hose, a watering can and a shower spout, a bath spout.

Everyone wants to provide coziness and comfort in their home, as well as to equip it with convenient and modern equipment. This is especially true of the bathroom, the possibilities of which, thanks to innovative technologies, are limitless. However, when buying this or that equipment, it is advisable to first take an interest in the principles of its operation. For example, it would be useful to know how a thermostatic faucet works if you decide to renovate your bathroom from scratch.

Features of the design of a thermostatic mixer

One of the most common faucet designs worldwide is the thermostatic model. This device allows you to provide water supply in a user-defined temperature regime. In addition, there is a linear range of models, where you can additionally adjust the jet pressure. That is why the thermostat is equipped with two control valves: to select the temperature and pressure.

Now global manufacturers produce this equipment in two versions: electronic and mechanical. The first sample has a built-in information display that notifies you of the current supply water temperature. Such a sample works with batteries or thanks to a network adapter.

Standard models of thermostatic mixers allow you to adjust their operating modes using buttons. However, more expensive samples have touch and even remote type controls that respond to infrared commands.

In addition, such plumbing equipment is classified, depending on its purpose, into mixers with a thermostat for:

• baths;
• soul;
• shells;
• bidet;
• kitchens.

However well-known manufacturers We have also developed universal models that are quite applicable for various purposes, for example, both for the bathroom and for the kitchen. It is worth noting that the method of attaching the mixer can also be different:

• open - the entire structure and its elements are mounted directly on the selected equipment;
• closed - in this case, the shower faucet with a thermostat "hides" in the wall, and only the panel and controls remain outside.

The basic principle of the mixer

It will seem strange to many that such modern plumbing equipment actually has an extremely simple design. All samples have a special mixing valve, the operation of which is controlled by the cartridge. It is most often made from bimetallic plates or has wax in its composition and is very sensitive to even minimal changes in water temperature.

The principle of operation of the mixer with a thermostat is that the set temperature parameters through the fixing and adjusting screw are supplied to the cartridge, which either narrows in size or expands. To make the operation of the equipment safer, manufacturers install a fuse on the screw, it prevents the temperature of the supply water from rising above 80 ° C. If cold water stops flowing, then the hot water supply also stops. As soon as the flow of water of the two modes is resumed, its mixing also continues. It turns out that this type of mixer eliminates the slightest possibility of getting burned or pelletizing. ice water due to a sudden change in temperature.

It is also particularly important to do the right thing with the thermostat to the water supply. If you confuse pipes with cold and hot water, then the specified configured mode will not only not be performed, but the supplied water will also be the most different temperatures. Therefore, experts recommend inviting a plumber who knows his business to install the purchased mechanism. Next, you just have to do the replacement of filters, which is quite possible to do it yourself. Such filters have the form of metal meshes installed between the eccentrics and the thermostat.

What are the positive and negative properties of a thermostatic faucet?

The main advantage of this type of mixer is its ease of use. Especially such equipment will be appropriate in families where the elderly or children live. younger age. Also, these models are widely applicable in places where it is not possible to control the temperature of the supply water due to the huge pressure difference in the adjacent pipes.

In addition, with a thermostat is an economical sample. Due to the precise and coordinated operation of the system, excessive consumption of high temperature water is not allowed, which is important if it is heated thanks to the purchased electrical appliances. Since modern models of mixers allow you to adjust the pressure of the jet, the overall cost of water is also significantly reduced.

If you do not know how to make such settings yourself, you can select the "economy mode", which will automatically change the parameters of the mixer.

The very principle of operation and operation of a thermostatic mixer ensures guaranteed safety for human health. The equipment will not allow the supply of water at a lower or higher temperature than the one set by the user. If you are using autonomous system for heating incoming water, that is, the possibility of supplying water with a temperature of over 80 ° C, which is extremely dangerous for humans. But mixers with a thermostat can eliminate this possibility and prevent possible burns.

Using such a device, you will feel only pleasure from its operation. Problems associated with pressure and temperature drops in water pipes will not affect the smooth operation of the mechanism. Water will be constantly supplied in accordance with the set parameters, even if another person in the next room turns on the tap. Of course, the exceptions are cases when its full supply stops. It is also worth noting the quick response of the mixer with a thermostat to changes in the settings: in just 2 seconds, the new parameters will be put into effect.

As for the disadvantages of such modern model mixers, they are at a high price. Such samples are more expensive than standard faucets, but do not forget about the high level of comfort, convenience and quality guaranteed by manufacturers. Also, this cost will pay off due to the efficiency of the equipment and the reduction in water costs.

How to make a successful purchase of a mixer with a thermostat?

Despite the fact that in the West such models have already acquired their admirers, the domestic market has a certain imbalance regarding supply and demand for these samples of sanitary equipment. because of high price Not everyone can afford to purchase such a mixer model. It is worth noting that Russian companies similar mechanisms also began to be produced, for example, by KIT, but the models they presented are of a simple design and lack a hose and spout.

European manufacturers - Oras and Grohe - are not only a guarantee High Quality and a long service life of the equipment, but are also performed in a variety of designs. That's why a wide range of products of these companies allows you to choose just such a model that will fit into any modern interior. A chrome-plated coating of products provides hygiene and aesthetic appearance.

It is worth noting that, having decided to purchase a mixer with a thermostat, you need to make sure of the quality of the purchased goods. It is desirable to obtain information in advance regarding the features original products so as not to accidentally acquire a fake by paying enough a large amount. Check carefully in the plumbing equipment store all certificates of quality and conformity, and also make sure that the warranty card is available. It is he who will ensure the possibility of free repairs if the mechanism fails. Also ask how the thermostatic faucet you are going to purchase works.

After carefully checking all the documents and the product for the absence of any marriage, you can safely purchase the goods and enjoy high level comfort and convenience, which only a mixer with a thermostat is capable of!