Everyone has a kitchen and bathroom mixer in their home. And everyone, sooner or later, will face a decision to choose a new model. You can find out that not all mixer taps are the same by browsing subpages of similar models, but what do particular data mean and which mixer tap elements they concern? How do you call a particular part? You will learn this from our article.

Although bathroom mixers are different in terms of shape, most of their components are the same. The largest element of any mixer is body, which ensures its stability and to a large extent accounts for the appearance of complete series.

In most models to turn water on and off and set the stream temperature a lever is used. Location of the lever in individual models results from ergonomics and comfort of use. In bathroom upright mixers it is provided on the top of the body or at its side, on the right. Wall-mounted models with spout also have levers on the top, while levers in shower mixers (without spout) are found on the front of the body and directed downwards. In most of kitchen models due to multi-functional and raised spouts facilitating use of a sink, levers are located at the side of mixer, in the lower part of the body.

Lever is the most distinctive decorative element of any mixer, and its final shape is often given the most time and attention by designers.

The lever has water marking – as a rule hot (red colour) is at the left or front, and cold (blue colour) is at the right or back. “As a rule” is used as – especially in old buildings you can be very surprised by the hydraulic system, so do not rely on colour of markers when connecting a mixer to the system. Sometimes marking is placed on a rubber stopper or a plug protecting a screw allowing to get inside the mixer to access the cartridge.

The most protruding part of a mixer, which water flows out from is spout. Its length is equal to the reach of mixer. Spouts can be fixed, movable (rotation by 360°), elastic, pull-out or foldabl.

Pinar

Pinar - upright countertop washbasin mixer

539.00 zł

Alea

Alea - wall-mounted bath mixer with swivel spout without shower set

818.00 zł

Pola

NPola - upright sink mixer with U-shaped spout

872.00 zł

Bona

Bona - upright sink mixer with L-shaped spout

328.00 zł

Toro

Toro - sink mixer with a pull-out spout

664.00 zł

In the opening on the end of a spout an aerator – a special “mesh” is provided to aerate water flowing from the mixer. With increase of the volume of the stream less water is consumed which also translates to reduction of bills. Despite their small size, aerators can have additional, very useful functions. One of them is anti-limescale system which will prove particularly useful with hard water. With special silicone protrusions limescale reducing permeability of mixers can be crumbled by sliding a finger over the aerator. Movable aerators with adjustable angle allow for slight adjustment of water stream angle which will be particularly useful for owners of washbasins with unusual shapes. Correction of the stream will help minimise, e.g. splashing water over the bottom or walls of washbasin.

Aerators can be turned open with a special key which is often supplied in the package or with, e.g. a coin – models with a special, oblong slot.

In bath mixers and some kitchen models a function switch in form of a knob, “mushroom” or button, is provided. In bathroom it is usually used to switch water stream between spout and shower set. Most often it is provided as a rotatable mini-lever, so a ceramic version, which means that it works regardless of the stream intensity. Pressure switch, which is pulled from the top to make water flow from hand shower, requires adequate pressure so it does not fall and remains in the right position.

Function switches in sink mixer taps can be used to change stream type from the basic, so constant stream, to the rain one. Buttons are often provided at the end of spout to ensure comfortable change of streams when washing-up.

In packages of most of mixers decorative covers or rings are supplied, which allow for aesthetic finishing of installation of mixers in places where these are connected to the hydraulic system. Wall-mounted models come with two covers with a depth allowing to hide the offset union protruding from the wall. Upright mixers are supplied with a thin ring which should be placed on the very bottom, at the worktop, or sink or washbasin surface. It is slightly larger than diameter of opening required to install a mixer tap and is supposed to cover any possible ragged edges, and in combination with a gasket provided within, to prevent water ingress. The largest flat covers are supplied with mixers for concealed installation. Their task is to cover the whole box surface and allow for a quick access to its interior.

Click-clack plug is a part of the set which is delivered after the purchase of a washbasin mixer (upright, countertop and concealed). As standard, this is a version without overflow, so if a washbasin is provided with one, a plug should be replaced with a universal version with opening. An advantage of a complete set of mixer + plug is that you are confident of an ideal matching of the shade of both products, which is particularly important with colour fittings: black, gold or graphite. Click-clack means that water outlet in a washbasin can be closed and opened with a single push.

This what you cannot see

Cartridge, which is responsible for correct functioning of a sanitary mixer is provided under the lever and fitted to the body with use of a nut covered with decorative ring. Diameter of cartridge which is given in product technical specification has no impact on parameters or flow class of the mixer. Its size will be useful, e.g. when it is replaced with a new one.

The most durable elements, ensuring long and problem-free usage of mixers are ceramic cartridges. They guarantee variable operation and are characterized by longevity. In Laveo mixers high-quality cartridges supplied by the internationally recognised Spanish company QUORE are used. The most advanced in terms of technology are thermostatic cartridges. Their construction allows to set a constant, comfortable water temperature according to needs. With this a risk of burning with too hot water stream is significantly reduced. Therefore thermostatic mixers are recommended for elderly people and families with small children, in particular. In both of these cases a fair solution will be a mixer tap with stage cartridge, which will prevent too intensive water stream. The first stage allows to reach lower pressure which results in reduction of water consumption which in turn means savings in domestic budget. To get a more intensive water stream it is required to apply a little bit more power, by switching the lever to the second stage.

In models of single-handle mixer taps the cartridge functions as a mixer, so mixes cold and hot water streams, the proportions of which can be adjusted with the lever. In models with two knobs water is mixed in the mixer body.

Depending on method of installation, a set with a specific model includes parts necessary for their correct installation. Wall-mounted mixers are connected to water supply with use of offset union with a characteristic stepped shape. The step between threaded ends facilitates setting a mixer in adequate, levelled position.

Upright mixers by Laveo, both intended for bathrooms and kitchens, are provided with easy assembly system. It comprises two elements: sleeve and threaded nut. During assembly pay attention to the structure of nut. Some of them have a visible smooth set-off dividing the thread into two uneven parts. In such case the narrower of them should be screwed in the body, and the longer one is used for screwing the sleeve. To screw the mixer with use of the easy assembly system no tools are required – all you need is your muscle power..

Most of mixers for concealed installation are fitted with a specialist concealed box. It is nothing else but a plastic enclosure, protecting the mixer body, which is mounted as a whole in a wall. The box is covered by a decorative cover which is easy to remove for maintenance or replacement of parts.

Upright models of sink and washbasin mixers are connected to the hydraulic system with use of connecting hoses. These are elastic hoses made of metal braided rubber. The end with a quick release coupling is screwed (without any tools) to tubes provided in the mixer, and nuts are used to screw hoses to tubes with hot and cold water.