Installing a shower faucet is a simple matter. But at first glance, it may seem that only a professional can handle it. This process looks incomprehensible, but in reality, it can be dealt with without outside help. You just need to figure out the nuances. The result of installing a mixer in a shower greatly depends on the correct choice of plumbing fixtures. When purchasing, you need to consider many important parameters that will help you not make a mistake.
Installing a shower faucet
Faucet Selection
The installation of a shower with a mixer depends on the type chosen. They differ in various parameters: type of control, spout shape, material of manufacture, etc. There are a large number of options, but the most common classification is the following:
Built-in mixer. Its main part is hidden in the wall. Only the handle is visible. Characterized by a long service life. The only thing you need to understand is that installing a built-in shower mixer is quite complicated. Usually, people without relevant experience do not risk doing this on their own. Indeed, it is better to entrust this task to professionals who will take into account the various nuances of this process.
- Classic models are equipped with a long or short spout. If you use a shower cabin not only for hygiene procedures but also for household needs, you should take a closer look at rotary faucets with a long drain.
- Concealed shower mixer, the installation of which is important when space is limited. It differs from built-in models in that it has a very short spout. Its advantage is not only space-saving but also the ability to install the product at any height. You can simultaneously install two shower heads, which will supply water at the same temperature at the outlet, but this solution is quite expensive.
- Mixer equipped with thermostat. This is a convenient option, which consists of dispensing water at the required temperature. Even in the event of sudden changes in pressure in the water supply, it will remain the same. The presented mixer is more expensive than other options but will help those who have storage water heaters installed. If the cold water is unexpectedly turned off, there will be no risk of burns. When installing a conventional mixer, the supply will be directly from the boiler. The water temperature in this case is 70-85 degrees. The thermostat can control this moment. It automatically stops the water supply. It is also recommended to install if there is a gas heater. It is difficult to get the desired temperature with it. The thermostat will also be appreciated by those who have small children living in the house. They may turn on hot water and get scalded. The thermostat will allow you to control this moment. The disadvantage of the presented mixers is that they often fail and are relatively expensive.
- Faucets that are installed on the side. The optimal solution for those who love to take a bath (relevant for showers with deep trays). It is compact and will not get in the way. Can only be installed on acrylic.
The following options are also available:
- Installation of a mixer with a rain shower. It is characterized by an impressive number of advantages. Unlike an ordinary watering can, a real waterfall, which consists of large drops, falls on a person. Helps you relax and get in shape quickly. The only drawback of this model is the high price. The installation includes a jet regulator, a thermostat and other additional accessories. Installation of conventional faucets, which are often found in houses and apartments. This design is practical in operation.
- There is no significant difference between models with one or two handles. You need to choose the one that will be most convenient. There are several nuances to consider here:
- Replacing the cartridge in a shower faucet with one handle will cost more than buying a faucet for a device with 2 valves. However, the need for this arises quite rarely. Approximately once every 3 years, while the crane axle box needs to be changed annually. This should be done regularly to prevent the water from becoming hard.
- Single lever models take up little space. This is true for a small bath.
- If there is a boiler in the house, then it will be easier to set the required temperature with a mixer that has 2 valves. This is because mixing water from the boiler is quite difficult and more precise settings are required. This is easier to achieve with two levers.
Mixers differ in design, installation method, material of manufacture and other parameters. All of the above factors are a matter of comfort.
How to install a shower faucet?
If you decide to install a mixer in the shower cabin with your own hands, you must first buy the product and prepare the necessary tools. It is also important to understand how this or that model works. When installing a standard hygienic shower mixer, you need to understand that it consists of two valves that control the water temperature. To ensure their functioning, a locking washer and a special seal are used. The advantage is that everything is already assembled, so when installing a built-in or other shower mixer, no additional attention needs to be paid to this. It is necessary to act consistently.
Checking the contents
If you have already selected the best option for your bathroom, then you need to inspect the contents of the box and the structure of the mixer for the shower stall. You need to open all the boxes and bags that are in the package with the purchased plumbing fixtures.
For example, the kit may include a shower head, hose and fasteners. When purchasing a mixer along with a lever or valves, the kit includes seals, nuts and much more.
After considering all the components, there is no need to study what parts they are made from. It is enough to connect them per the instructions, which are necessarily supplied by the manufacturer.
How to install a shower faucet?
Preparing tools
What tools are needed to install the faucet? For this task you will need the following:
- FUM sealing tape (it is better to opt for linen tow);
- tubular wrench;
- pliers;
- screwdriver;
- rag or towel;
- toilet paper or paper towels.
All of the above is required for installation. It is recommended that the faucet installation tools do not have teeth. This way you can prevent damage to the top coating of appliances and plumbing parts. If you don’t have such tools, you should cover the parts of the mixer with a cloth or towel when working. This technique helps protect the product from mechanical damage, which is especially important if the shower faucet is being replaced for the first time. The paper is necessary to thoroughly wipe everything after work and check for leaks. If there are any, then it is necessary to disassemble the structure and reassemble it.
Preparation places
At this stage, it is important not to ignore existing norms. It is necessary to correctly determine the installation height of the mixer in the shower. In the case of cabins, it must be at least 120 cm from the floor.
The installation location of the crane also plays a big role. The installation progress depends on this. In a situation where the shower mixer tap is being replaced, then first of all it is necessary to remove the previous one. When repairing and completely replacing previously installed water pipes, it is important to carefully consider where the plumbing will be located.
To display the fittings to which the mixer will be connected, it is necessary to calculate the distance between the cold and hot water pipes. It should be equal to 15 centimetres. The pipes must be positioned strictly horizontally and parallel to each other. The fittings should not be too long. They end at the level with the cladding. May be a few mm smaller. Having finished working with the fittings, you can begin the actual process of installing/replacing the mixer in the shower cabin.
