Features
The functions of the tap are mainly design features, among which the are
check valve,
bottom valve,
cold start,
LED backlight,
temperature adjustment lever,
display,
auto-drain (hygienic flush),
washer/dishwasher switch< /a>, shelves for accessories. In more detail:
— Check valve. The non-return valve prevents the flow of water through the tap in the opposite direction — for example, when there is a large pressure difference between hot and cold water. This function will be relevant for those who are going to install water metres: the presence of check valves on mixers is often a prerequisite for fulfilling an application for installation, because such valves prevent counters from spinning in the opposite direction. In addition, you should pay attention to the presence of a check valve in the tap (especially a single-lever tap, see "Tap type"), if there are interruptions in the water supply of your house — such taps behave much better in case of pressure surges in the water supply.
— Drain valve. A device that allows you to close the drain hole in the sink, kitchen sink or bidet (depending on the purpose of the tap). There are two types:
— Lever drain valve.
...To control the operation of such a valve, a small lever is used, located behind the tap, on the side of it or in front of the body. Raising and lowering it opens and closes the drain plug in the sink.
— Pressing drain valve. Valves of this type are locked and unlocked by pressing the drain plug, for which you need to wet your hand.
— Cold start. A feature found exclusively in single-lever models. The general principle of operation of the “cold start” is as follows: if you open the tap with the initial position of the joystick, it will not bring out mixed warm water (as in more traditional single-lever devices), but only cold water. To add hot water and raise the temperature, you need to deflect the lever from its initial position. Such a format of work can provide significant savings: by default, cold water comes out of the tap, and hot water is added to it only if necessary.
— LED light. Lighting system based on LEDs — an efficient and economical source of illumination. The purpose and functionality of such a backlight may be different. So, in some models, it is installed on the spout and directed downwards, which allows you to clearly see the space under the spout even in low ambient light. Sometimes such illumination also illuminates the stream of water, giving it an unusual appearance. There are also quite original systems — for example, with a transparent spout and LEDs at its base, which creates the effect of a tap glowing from the inside; and in some models, the lighting also changes color depending on the temperature of the water. However, anyway, this feature significantly affects the cost, so it is typical mainly for premium products.
— Autodrain (hygienic flush). Such a system is equipped with taps with additional electronics — mostly contactless models, as well as products with a thermostat or a button switch. The autodrain works as follows: at a certain rate (for example, once every 12 hours or once a day), the automation briefly turns on the water. Due to this, harmful bacteria are washed out of the device, which tend to multiply on the inner surfaces of the spout and in “stagnant” water inside the tap itself. At the same time, the consumption of water for hygienic washing is small, usually it is practically not noticeable against the background of general consumption.
— Temperature adjustment lever. A function found in taps, which design initially does not imply a temperature controller — primarily non-contact models, as well as in products with one main lever or with button activation (see "Tap type"). As the name implies, the temperature control lever allows you to use such a tap not only to control the pressure, but also to change the temperature of the water.
– Display. Taps that display temperature and/or current water flow. The display provides a clear visualization of the settings and allows you to see what kind of water and how much is flowing from the tap. However, the presence of the screen significantly affects the cost of the tap.
— Washer/dishwasher switch. A function that can significantly facilitate the connection of a washing machine or dishwasher to the water supply system. Taps with a washer/dishwasher switch have a separate pipe for connecting the dishwasher, as well as the switch itself, which allows you to open and close the water supply to this pipe. Thus, to connect a washing machine or dishwasher, you do not need to install additional bushings, splitters, etc. — just connect the device to an existing output. And you can control the water supply directly from the tap body, for this you do not need to get under the sink or into another hard-to-reach place.
— Shelf for accessories. Most often, the role of such a shelf is played by the upper part of the body, specially made flat. This feature is found mainly in bath and/or shower taps (see “Suitable for”): it is convenient to keep shampoos, gels, soaps and other cosmetic/hygiene products on the shelf.
Note that this function is rare — mainly in high-end taps (in particular, thermostatic ones), which initially have large body sizes. In more traditional models, it makes no sense to include this design element — it is wiser to purchase a shelf as a separate accessory for the bathroom.Cartridge diameter
The diameter of the cartridge used in the tap.
The cartridge is called the "heart" of the tap — the part directly responsible for adjusting the pressure and/or temperature of the water (in some models — also for switching between spout and shower). The main dimension of this part is precisely the diameter. However, in fact, this size becomes relevant only if it is necessary to replace the cartridge. But when choosing a tap, it does not really matter — from the point of view of characteristics, only the overall dimensions of the device depend on the diameter of the cartridge, and then quite approximately and without a fundamental difference between individual models.
Water flow
The maximum water flow during the operation of the tap, in other words, the maximum amount of water that it can pass through in a minute. This characteristic is important, foremost, for models designed for baths (see "Suitable for"): the greater the throughput, the faster the bath will fill. However, the meaning of this paragraph is not limited to this. First, flow information can be useful in certain calculations related to water supply — for example, to calculate the required pump capacity. Secondly, high-end taps can be equipped with aerators to achieve a powerful and efficient jet with low water consumption; the consumption indicated in the characteristics allows you to evaluate the efficiency of such devices in comparison with analogues.
Diverter
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.
Tap height
The height of the tap, measured from its base or lowest point to the highest point of the spout. The height of the spout partly determines the installation possibilities — in fact, this is the minimum vertical free space that is required for the tap. In addition, in models with horizontal installation (see "Type of installation"), the spout height is related to the jet height (see below).
