Comparison ZEGOR Z63-NOF7-A033 vs ZEGOR Z15-LEB1-A123

Types of application provided by the design of the tap.

Modern taps can be designed for bath, shower, washbasin, bidet, kitchen, drinking water filter only and with the possibility of connecting to a filter. At the same time, many models are designed for several application formats at the same time — for example, functioning with a bathtub and a washbasin at the same time; and there are models without mixing water at all (with one connection pipe) — only for cold or only for already mixed water. More details in the separate paragraphs below.

— For bathtub. Taps used to fill the bathtub. Traditionally provided for wall mounting (see "Installation"), although there are exceptions in some specific models. In addition to a bathtub, such a tap can be used for a shower and/or a washbasin; in the first case, the design provides for the connection of a shower set, in the second, a long swivel spout that can be turned from the bathroom to the sink of the nearby washbasin.

— For shower. This option means that a shower set can be connected to the tap; sometimes such units are even supplied as a set (see "Spout design"). Specialized shower taps are exclusively wall-mounted or built-in (see "Install...ation"). At the same time, in addition to “shower-only” models, there are also “multi-purpose” products designed to be used simultaneously with a bathtub, and sometimes also with a washbasin (see “For bathtub” above).

— For washbasin. Specialized taps designed only for washbasins and have a relatively short spout, usually fixed, and can be installed in almost any way (except that floor models are a rather exotic option that has not gained distribution). Due to the similarity of washbasins with kitchen sinks, some models of a similar design can also be used as kitchen taps. Another, quite common, option is a hygienic shower for use with a bidet. Also note that the “washbasin” assignment can also be provided as an additional function in taps originally designed for bathtubs (see above).

— For kitchen. Taps for this purpose can be both highly specialized and provide other applications — for a washbasin (see above) or for a drinking water filter (see below). Anyway, such products are mounted mainly on a wall or tabletop, and the spout can be made quite high so that a pan or other large dish can be placed under. Also, in kitchen taps an interesting feature as a spring spout can be found (see "Spout design").

— For bidet. A bidet is a device in the form of a hygienic bath for washing the external genitalia and anus after going to the toilet. The classic bidet tap is installed directly on such a bath in a horizontal way (see "Installation"); the shape and design of the spout in such models is selected in such a way as to ensure effective ablution. However, in addition to this, the “bidet” category also includes specialized taps for a hygienic shower — a similar procedure carried out using a separate shower set. Such taps are built into the wall and do not require a separate bidet — a hygienic shower can also be used with a conventional toilet.

— For drinking water filter. Taps designed to supply drinking water from a tap filter, usually located under the kitchen sink. They are installed exclusively on the tabletop (see "Installation"), most often on the sink itself. Specialized models with only this equipment are distinguished by their small size and single-valve design (see "Tap type"). In addition, the possibility of connecting a drinking water filter can be provided as an additional feature in kitchen taps (see above). In such models, the spout has two holes — for "common kitchen" and for drinking water; each flow is controlled separately by its own valve (set of valves) or by a joystick.

— No water mixing. Taps that are designed to supply water at the still temperature. Outwardly, such models are no different from the classic ones: some are made with levers, others with a cross handle. But the key to them is the presence of only one pipe for supplying water. Accordingly, you can connect only cold, only hot or already mixed water.

Possibility to turn spout from side to side. In this way, you can change the location of the water jet, which can be useful in a variety of cases. This feature of the swivel spout is most popular in two varieties. The first is bath and washbasin devices, where one spout serves both the bathtub and the washbasin. The second is kitchen taps: the ability to rotate the spout is important in order to place large dishes in the sink.

The spout of a large length is typical mainly for models designed for bathtubs and washbasins. Most often, such a spout is made swivel (see below), due to which the flow of water can be directed as needed, both into the bathtub and into the sink.

In most cases, this is not one accessory, but a whole set that allows you to use the tap for showering. A mandatory element of the shower set is a shower head, in most cases it is supplemented with its own hose. In addition, the design may provide a mount for a watering can — on the wall or directly on the tap's body (for the second option, see below). But the purpose and functionality of the shower set may be different, depending on the specialization of the tap itself (see "Suitable for"). So, in bath and shower models, water can be supplied either through a spout or through a shower set, and an appropriate switch is provided for selection (sometimes automatic, see below). Shower-only taps do not have this switch. In models for washbasins, the shower set is designed for the so-called hygienic shower — washing certain parts of the body (primarily the groin area, etc.); the watering can for such a shower is small in size and is equipped with its own button that turns the water on and off. There are even kitchen taps with this function — the shower performs the same function as the pull-out spout. And the number of modes may not be limited to one. Several hand shower modes allow you to get a shower water jet of your favour — from classic small streams to one continuous stream, with all sorts of variations. The more settings provided, the wider the choice.

A diverter is a device that switches a water flow between spout and shower head. The design of such a device and the way it is controlled can be different, in modern taps you can mainly find the following options:

— Button. Diverters of this type have the form of a button; but its design depends on the characteristics of a particular tap. In relatively simple mechanical models (most of them), the button is also made mechanical, and to switch from spout to shower, you need to pull it up. And switching in the opposite direction — from a shower to a spout — can often be carried out not only manually, but also automatically, when the water is turned off (see "Features — Shower / bath auto switch"). In some taps, auto-switching can also be blocked by the user (usually by turning the button in the up position).
In turn, in advanced electronic devices, such a diverter is made in the form of an electric button that closes the contacts that control the valve.

— Lever. Diverter in the form of a rotary lever. Most often, this lever directly controls the valve that switches the flow of water. This design is considered somewhat less reliable than push-button, but it is much simpler and cheaper, which makes it very popular — especially in relatively inexpensive taps. But in premium devices, this type of diverter can operate according to other, more advanced principles — for example, a lever can work as an electronic switch.

— Turning the spout. A r...ather rare and specific option: the role of the lever that controls the flow of water is performed directly by the spout, to the base of which a shower hose is connected. Such a control, usually, works as follows: while the spout is perpendicular to the tap body, water flows through it, and to switch to the shower, the spout turns, being under the tap. Such devices look interesting, and are convenient to use. On the other hand, they are quite complex and expensive, and the spout itself, for a number of reasons, is typically made quite short. Therefore, this variant has not gained popularity.

— Removable. A diverter located outside the body — usually between the tap itself and the spout. Typically, on one side of such a device there is a control element (most often a small lever or a rotary tap), and on the other, a pipe for connecting a shower hose. And the name "removable" suggests that this part can be easily removed if needed — unlike, for example, push-button or lever solutions, which are usually built directly into the tap body and are very difficult to dismantle or replace. Accordingly, after removal, the diverter can either be replaced with another one, or removed altogether by connecting the spout directly to the tap. This is the main advantage of this option: in case of malfunctions in the diverter, it can be removed without any problems for repair or replacement, while the tap (with the exception of the “shower part”) remains fully operational.

Installation type for which the tap is designed. Nowadays, wall and sink taps (classic, freestanding and under the window), as well as built-in solutions, are most widely used — usually with installation in the wall, less often horizontally. Models built into the wall can be equipped with a bar(it plays the role of a kind of body and combines all the elements of the tap) or can be supplied without a bar(this option often allows you to choose the distance between the separate parts of the set). A special, rather rare and specific variety are floor taps.

Here is a more detailed description of each option:

— Wall (vertical). Models designed to mount to a vertical surface, typically a wall. This installation method is found mainly in bath and/or shower models, but can also be used in other types of taps— in particular, kitchen ones.

— Sink (horizontal). Installation on a horizontal surface such as a washbasin or kitchen sink. This method is extremely popular in models for kitchens and washbasins, it is also used in traditional bidet taps, but in other varieties, for a number of reasons, it has not gained much popularity.

— Sink (under the windo...w). A special kind of taps, which, due to their design, can be installed under the window, without preventing it from opening and closing. This is achieved in two ways. The first is the ability to tilt the spout towards the washbasin or sink, thereby hiding the tap in the sink bowl. The second method is based on a special mount of the tap body to its base, which makes it easy to pull it out of the “base” and put it next to it.

— Built in (wall). Mounting method in which most of the structure is hidden behind a wall or other vertical surface. Outside, there are only elements for which it is essential: spout, valves, shower set, etc. Recessed installation provides a neat appearance and saves space. In addition, many models of such taps allow you to choose the distance between individual external elements and their relative position. However, embedding is noticeably more difficult than usual installation, and repair/maintenance of such a tap can be quite difficult. This option is used in models for baths, showers, washbasins, as well as some types of bidet taps (see "Suitable for").

— Built in (horizontal). Another type of built-in taps, designed, in accordance with the name, for installation on a horizontal surface. They have the same main advantages and disadvantages as the in-wall taps described above, but differ in specialization: this type of installation is most popular in “washbasin only” models, it is somewhat less common in bath and shower taps.

— Floor. Installation on the floor using a special stand, thanks to which the main part of the tap is placed at the desired height. Such models are expensive, and the installation itself is quite complicated, it requires a spacious room with a specific organization of plumbing. Therefore, this option has not received much distribution: it is used mainly in designer taps made for freestanding bathtubs or washbasins.

The number of holes required to install the tap. Models for sinks and kitchens with vertical installation (see "Type of installation") most often require 1 hole through which both hot and cold water are connected. Among the taps for the bath and shower, the most common models are with 2 holes, one for the "hot" and "cold" pipelines. For 3-5 holes, mainly models with built-in installation are designed, in which you have to bring out at least a spout and controls, and sometimes also a shower head with a switch.

The diameter of the holes required to install the tap. This dimension allows you to assess whether the tap will be compatible with a sink, wall, etc., what dimensions the additional parts should have to install it, and whether the holes will need to be widened or narrowed.

The type of water pipes the tap is designed for.

— Hoses. With a flexible connection type, polymer tubes (hoses) are used to connect the tap to the water supply, which can bend well and are reinforced with a metal mesh for strength. This ensures ease and versatility of attachment — thanks to the flexibility of the pipe, it can be carried even in cramped places. On the other hand, such a supply is less durable and reliable than a rigid one. It is mainly used in models for kitchens and sinks (see "Suitable for"). Installation pipes may be included in the package of the tap; this point should be clarified separately.

— Rigid pipes. Such taps are designed for installing directly to metal water pipes. The advantage of this type is reliability and strength, the disadvantage is significant restrictions on the installation site: you either have to put the tap where the pipes were made during construction, or redo the communications, which is associated with great inconvenience and cost. On the other hand, such taps are usually used for bathtubs and showers, and in modern bathrooms, typically there are no problems with unsuccessful installation of pipes.