Tips for choosing bathroom and shower faucets

How to choose a bathroom faucet: criteria, types, recommendations

The bathroom is a traditional space for rest, relaxation, hygiene and spa procedures. It should be comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and not clash in design and style with other rooms. When there is a need for a major renovation of the bathroom or replacement of outdated/broken plumbing, the question of choosing a high-quality and functional faucet invariably arises.

How to choose a faucet or shower system? There are models on the market that differ in size, materials, construction, design and other characteristics. It is not so easy to choose a suitable product that would satisfy buyers by all criteria. The price-quality ratio is the main guideline. But there are many details that you need to know.

Types of faucets by type of control

With a single handle

A single handle is used to adjust the pressure and temperature. Up-down, right-left - and you set the necessary parameters, turned on or off the water. Let's highlight the advantages of this type:
Ease of control;
The liquid is mixed in a special cartridge with durable ceramic plates;
The ball device (cartridge) must be replaced after breakage.

Thermostatic

Which faucet should I choose to avoid the hassle of adjusting the temperature? It is better to buy a model with a built-in thermostat. The optimal temperature is set once, and you can enjoy using sanitary fittings. The faucets are complemented by handwheels for setting the mode.

Spout design

When choosing a mixer, pay attention to its spout. If the bath and sink are very close to each other, it can be one piece. The swivel spout is convenient and rotates easily. Stationary or fixed view remains in one position.

When choosing, pay attention to the drain spout. A common option is an aerator. A uniform flow of air and water is created. The pressure does not drop.

Type of switching "shower - drain"

Shower faucets are equipped with mechanisms for switching the jet to the drain and back.

The following types are distinguished:
Ball - the handle rotates 180 degrees;
Handle - reliable, with a rotation of 120 degrees and no more;
Button - an easy-to-use option, but can quickly fail.
Bathroom faucet: mounting options and dimensions

The correct choice of the method of fixing the faucet is an additional bonus for comfortable leisure in the bathroom.

The structure can be attached:
on the edge of the bathtub (built-in) - looks harmonious, does not make noise, are only suitable for bathtubs with a mounting hole;
on the wall - the most common option, often equipped with a shower rod, screwed to the water supply risers with union nuts;
on the floor - an aesthetic and stylish, but not very popular option. It requires installing the bathtub in the middle of the room and passing the pipes under the floor. This solution is only for spacious rooms.
Purpose: faucet for bathtub, shower, bidet or washbasin

It is difficult to choose a high-quality, durable, aesthetically pleasing bathroom faucet based on general criteria. It is necessary to take into account the features of the plumbing depending on its purpose.

There are four groups of faucets:
For a bathroom - with a medium, long or short spout. Built-in, wall-mounted and floor-mounted models are suitable.
For the sink - if you plan to use the mixer only for washing, compact models with a short or medium spout, wall-mounted or built-in are suitable. If the nozzle is long, you can also use it for the bathtub.
For a bidet, the mixer is mounted on the wall or built into the structure for hygienic procedures. It is distinguished by its miniature size and has a swivel aerator or a spout.
For a shower, it must be equipped with a shower head and can be mounted on the wall or built-in. When choosing, you should pay attention to its water jet, shape and size.
Important! When choosing a faucet for a shower, that is, for a separate cabin, avoid models with a shower.

Connecting hose and shower head

The hose connecting the shower head and the faucet body must be flexible, but durable. Its quality is the determining factor. Plastic and rubber models are short-lived, but inexpensive. They have long been replaced on the market by silicone hoses with metal braid.

When choosing a shower head, consider the materials (metal or plastic), the number of modes (rain, massage, tropical). The nozzles should be made of dense rubber so that they can be easily cleaned of limescale. The shape and size of the shower head are selected individually - to your taste, depending on the dimensions of the bath or shower cabin.

Tips for choosing: let's summarize

Type, design, dimensions, materials - bring these criteria to the fore. Do not rely only onon design or cost.

Tip! If you choose a faucet for a bathtub, check its dimensions. The height of the product depends on them.

Which faucets have the longest service life? The most durable faucets are those made of high-quality brass with ceramic cartridges and chrome or PVD coating. Brass is resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage, and ceramic cartridges provide trouble-free control and durability. Such faucets retain their appearance and functionality for many years.

Calculate your budget in advance - think about whether you need additional functions (for example, a rain shower) to pay extra for them. Buy a product from a trusted brand (= warranty over 5 years) and immediately check the complete set. A well-thought-out choice is the key to trouble-free operation and comfortable time spent in the bathroom!