Bathroom faucets: choose

The process of arranging a bathroom almost always means replacing old plumbing fixtures and, consequently, faucets. Here’s information to help you make this tough purchase.

Bathroom faucets

  • Traditional, two-valve mixers are a thing of the past. Rubber gaskets do not last long and leak quickly. Most of the two-valve models are presented in the lowest price range (300-500 rubles). Although in a classic bathroom interior – with a cast-iron bathtub on lion’s feet and a marble floor – such taps will look very organic. In this case, you should take a closer look at expensive models.

If you value silence, choose a mixer with the lowest noise rating; according to European standards ISO 3822, this is the first category.

  • The most popular models today are single-lever, in which a single handle regulates both the pressure and the temperature of the water. Simple, convenient, hygienic. The cartridge inside can be ball or ceramic. Ceramic elements last 5-10 times longer than rubber ones and are designed for 150-200 thousand opening-closing cycles or 10-15 years of service.
  • The reliability of faucets with ceramic cartridges is very high. However, it should be borne in mind that cartridges do not tolerate the ingress of sand grains, rust particles and other insoluble contaminants into them. Therefore, it is better to secure good and expensive plumbing by installing mechanical cleaning filters at the entrance to an apartment or house. tap water.
  • Reliable, well-established manufacturers of faucets with ceramic cartridges include the following brands: Grohe, Hansa, Hansgrohe, Ideal Standard, Kludi (all – Germany), Jacob Delafon (France), Roca (Spain), Oras (Finland), Gustavsberg (Sweden), Zucchetti (Italy).

    • Bath mixer with four holes. Axor Citterio M collection (Hansgrohe), new.

    The elegant and dynamic appearance of the mixer tap in the new Axor Citterio M collection from Hansgrohe is underlined by its slim, slender spout.

    Floor-standing mixer for bath and shower G Type V3.0 (Damixa), new.

  • If it is important for you to regulate the amount of water used, please note that in advanced models there are devices that allow you to limit the temperature and consumption of hot water. The flow limiter is a kind of stop that does not allow you to raise the handle too high. When enabled, the flow rate usually does not exceed 7 l / min.
  • Faucets with a thermostat are very popular in the world today, which maintain the water temperature automatically. According to many, such models are easier and safer to use. But, firstly, they are more expensive than conventional mixers, and secondly, they do not tolerate pressure drops well. If there is a difference in pressure between cold and hot water, vibration and noise may appear even in a working mixer.

    • Single lever washbasin mixer. Model Profile (Damixa), 10 500 rubles.

    Universal single lever mixer. Profile Model (Damixa),


    12 000 rub.

    Tall single-lever basin mixer with a cast spout for easy cleaning. Symbol series (Jacob Delafon), new.

  • There are special mixers designed for baths, washbasins, showers, bidets. By the way, there are also universal models with a long “gander” faucet serving the bathtub and sink, but they are produced only for the Russian market. Choose mixers from the same collection for a consistent look in your bathroom.
  • There are a lot of options for installing mixers. Most of the products are mounted on a horizontal surface – in the hole on the sink deck (or on the countertop of the washbasin), bidet or bathtub. In addition, there are faucets that can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted (for the bathtub).
  • It is best to choose faucets together with plumbing fixtures, especially since many manufacturers specially develop kits that match each other in design and design.
  • When purchasing faucets, immediately think about the appropriate eyeliner (more precisely, get your husband or the repair team to think about it).

    • Contactless faucets

    These devices are activated by the command of the built-in sensor (photocell) with a range of 20-30 cm. You just need to put your hands under the tap and water will pour out. The water is turned off in the same way, automatically. Most often, such mixers operate on special batteries designed for several years (up to five years), less often they are connected to a household power supply (220 V, 50 Hz). Non-contact devices are economical. According to the Swiss company Geberit, they can save up to 80% of water. Of course, the more often the washbasin is used, the more tangible the savings are.

    • Remote control system Grohtherm Wireless (Grohe). Just on the way from bedroom to bathroom, you can adjust the temperature and water pressure with just one key press.

    Fashionable design

    At the peak of popularity – strict lines and right angles.

    The designs of modern bath mixers are extremely versatile. Three main directions can be distinguished: classic (or retro), avant-garde and a combination of modern and classic styles.

    • Classic implies all sorts of antique styling. Typically, these mixers are equipped with rotary controls for hot and cold water supply. Their cases are often made of brass, bronze, or even gold-plated and porcelain or crystal rotary valves. Typical retro-style series include Adlon (Kludi), Azimuth (Ideal Standard), Tradition (Damixa), Fairfax (Jacob Delafon), Arabesk (Grohe), Axor Carlton (Hansgrohe). Along with the chrome finish, there are also models with a matte surface. This material does not look as fancy as shiny chrome, but fingerprints are invisible on it. Thanks to this, the tap will need to be washed less often.
    • Vanguard. Manufacturers now rely on products with regular geometric shapes, preferring strict lines and right angles, such as the Axor Citterio and Axor Massaud collections from Hansgrohe and Soft from Zucchetti.
    • Combination of classic and modern style – universal mixers that fit almost any bathroom interior. An example is the Bellagio and Aquablu collections (Zucchetti).

    Be careful!

    Designer faucets are very often counterfeited. The likelihood of running into a fake in a store with a good reputation is extremely small. But this happens in construction markets, and an inexperienced buyer cannot always distinguish a copy from an original by design. At the same time, it is sometimes enough to carefully examine the product. Pay attention to the quality of the coating. Check the edges for nicks and burrs. Look inside the case as much as possible and make sure it is electroplated and not dross.

    • Model with sliding housing MX XXL (Kludi), 7400 rubles.Such a mixer allows you to wash bulky items in the sink.

    How much does reliability cost?

    How much does a really high quality bathroom faucet cost? The price can vary greatly depending on the construction and design of the model, the materials used in the finishing of the case, the availability of additional functions (for example, a thermostat or remote control). A faucet for a budget-class washbasin, but from a European manufacturer, will cost 2-4 thousand rubles, and top-end “designer” models can cost an order of magnitude more. Thermostatic devices are generally high-priced. Among the bath mixers equipped with a thermostat, offered for 4-6 thousand rubles, one can note the models Oras Optima 7160 (Oras), Grohtherm 1000 (Grohe), Zenta (Kludi). A number of companies produce non-contact household washbasin faucets that cost 7–40 thousand rubles. These are, for example, Oras Electra from Oras, Axor Starck from Hansgrohe.

    The new model range of VitrA MOD mixers (VitrA, Turkey) was developed by the famous English designer Ross Lovegrove. The collection is designed in the characteristic Lovegrove style of “biomorphic plastic”.

    A modern built-in faucet is a complex set of technical devices that may require a lot of installation space.

    Bath mixer with separate hot and cold water handles. Model 8650, series IL Bagno Alessi Dot (Oras), from 32 rubles.

    How to care?

    To keep the faucet always shining, it is shown regular water procedures. Experts advise against the use of abrasives and cleaning agents containing ammonia, bleach, acids or other chemicals that can damage chrome surface… A mild soapy solution is fine. After using it, rinse the faucet with clean water and then wipe it dry.

    The editors would like to thank the chain of stores “Old Man Hottabych”, representative offices of Damixa, Hansgrohe, Grohe, Jacob Delafon, Duravit, Roca for their help in preparing the article.

    Read about how to choose a kitchen faucet here.

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