Shower Cabinet Faucet

The faucet plays an incredibly important role in the functioning of the shower. That's why today we'll tell you in detail about its varieties, features selection, repair and more.

The faucets that are used in showers differ according to two criteria:

• The method of installation;
• Design.

According to the method of installation, in turn, the devices are divided into two types:

1. Wall-mounted. It can be distinguished from the bath mixer by the missing spout. All other parameters are identical. Management can be half-turn, touch or joystick. Today, most budget versions of shower cabins are equipped with wall-mounted faucets. They are easy enough to install, often for the installation does not require special training and assistance of craftsmen.
2. Built-in. It is installed behind the panel, and as a result, on the front side we see only the control panel. If it is a stationary stall, then the mixer is mounted directly on the wall.

Compared to the wall-mounted one, the recessed one has clear advantages:

• Unnecessary elements of the design are hidden, they are not visible and do not violate the aesthetics;
• They protrude less from the walls, thereby increasing the comfort of showering;
• The level of reliability of the mixer is much higher.

It is noteworthy that such a complex design does not provide for complex repairs. It is quite possible to install, dismantle, replace the device yourself.

In terms of design, there are already three types of faucets for shower cabins.

The most simple and financially accessible option, which has three ways of control - the tap, joystick and valves. And the latter today - this is a great rarity. It is preferable to choose the joystick type, because it is easy to regulate the temperature, the pressure, plus it can be equipped with a thermostat.

Relevant only for those who do not have hot water all year, and supplied only during the heating season. The essence is that a small flow type heater is built into the mixer, thanks to which hot water is supplied through the watering can. Type of control they always have a touch or joystick.

Some people think that electric faucets are very powerful, and because of them will have to significantly increase the cost of electricity. However, this is rather a misconception, as an electric type faucet will not require more than 500 watts.

They are also digital or sensor faucets. A new generation device that has a wide list of advantages over other types. But the most important plus is the simplicity of control. You only have a touch panel in front of you, through which you control all kinds of modes of operation of the mixer. The more expensive it is, the more functions it has. In addition to controlling the flow and temperature of the water itself, the panel may have telephone, ventilation, backlighting, radio, TV and so on.

Also, don't forget about the modes that are offered for the faucets. There can be from 2 to 6 of them. At the same time, 3 and 4-mode devices are the most popular:

• 3 positions - the hand shower head, overhead shower and hydromassage of the lumbar section;
• 4 positions - hand shower, overhead shower, lumbar hydromassage and foot hydromassage;
• 5 and 6 positions are additional spouts, which are used very rarely in practice.

Today there are more than enough variants of choice:

1. Type of installation. This will affect the cost and your convenience of using the shower. The question is largely an individual one.
2. Type of faucet. You also need to choose based on personal preferences and desires, plus on financial capabilities.
3. Number of modes. Some people just want a simple shower from an ordinary watering can, others want a tropical shower over their head, a massage for the whole body. Think about what modes you want to see in your shower, and which ones you'll actually use.
4. Quality. Perhaps this criterion should be put in the first place. However, today the market is literally filled with all kinds of showers from the simplest designs to the most cutting-edge solutions. Therefore, the question of quality somewhat recedes into the background, because they are not as fragile and delicate as they were at the beginning of their appearance.
5. Additional features. Now manufacturers are ready to offer a lot of additional features, which they equip faucets with. Some showers have turned into baths, steam rooms, entertainment complexes with radios, DVD players and more.

The quality of the faucet in cheap shower cabins leaves much to be desired. If attempts to repair are unsuccessful, the only way out of this situation is a complete replacement of the entire faucet. This is not an easy task, so it is better to entrust its solution to professionals.

Sometimes the repair gives only temporary results, so think about buying a new faucet, determine its parameters, so you do not make a mistake with the choice. You already know what criteria you should pay attention to, as well as what varieties of taps for showers exist.

But let's talk about popular faults and how to fix them.

As practice has shown, most often the cause lies in a faulty cartridge. It is necessary to replace it, read more in the article about Repair of the cartridge in the shower mixer.

It is likely that you have a clogged aerator, that is, the nozzle, which is installed on the spout of the faucet. Act as follows:

• Remove this nozzle (aerator);
• Rinse or blow it out. As a rule, a simple rinse under running water is enough;
• Install the aerator back in its rightful place.

This indicates that the spool o-rings have failed. Consequently, they need to be replaced:

• Turn off the water in the apartment or house for sure;
• Unscrew the nut from the spout and remove the spout;
• Now you need to pull out the adapter, as well as the lever responsible for switching the water;
• From there, the old seals are removed, and new ones are installed in their place. Finding them is not a problem, but make sure they are exactly the same;
• Be sure to grease the gaskets and the spool, so that it can be easily mounted in place;
• Reassemble the assembly in reverse order.

Here also, most likely, the seals have worn out. It is not difficult to replace them:

• First remove the button for switching modes;
• Then the change-over mechanism is unscrewed with a wrench;
• Remove the stem, check the condition of the seals;
• If necessary, the rubber elements are replaced, the mixer is assembled in the reverse order.

Also a common problem, which can be fixed by replacing the spring:

• Remove the shower hose and spout;
• Carefully remove the adapter;
• Remove the decorative plug, unscrew the fixing screw;
• Next pull out the shower-head switch button;
• Remove the stem together with the failed spring;
• A piece of wire is wound around as a replacement for the spring. Be sure to check to see how effectively it works;
• If all is well, reassemble the faucet in the reverse order.

The cause is in the gaskets, or the o-rings are "wobbly". They need to be changed, for what:

• Remove the spout nut. If it does not yield, pour boiling water over it;
• Remove the spout;
• Next, carefully unscrew the sleeve and nut. This will require a hexagon;
• Remove the sleeve from the nut;
• Replace the sealing rings with new ones;
• Reassemble the valve.

During the repair, remember that you only need to use a specialized tool to get the right level of tension on the fasteners. Do not apply too much force, as the faucet can be permanently damaged. Then your only recourse will be a complete replacement of the faucet. And this, as you understand, is not a pleasure from the cheap.

Through preventive measures, you can significantly extend the life of your faucet.

Recommendations here are quite simple, and it is highly recommended to observe them:

1. Avoid mechanical damage. Be gentle with your faucet, then it will respond to you with a long and efficient working life.
2. Do not use cleaning agents that are contraindicated for the materials from which the mixer is made. Do not use aggressive substances as they may cause damage.
3. Cleaning the water. The whirlpool system should ideally be equipped with a water treatment system so that sand, lime and other substances that can be harmful to the faucet do not get into it. Installed filters are rinsed periodically to keep them in the necessary functional state. Alas, our tap water leaves much to be desired.
4. Cabin care. Periodically wash the cabin, clean whirlpool jets, clean the shower head when possible. If you use chrome elements, then try to wipe them dry after bathing.