The Fir-tree mixer is unpretentious, from the point of view of the device, but rather demanded equipment, despite relative reliability. Today it is possible to choose among a wide range of double-lever models of different price categories and different designs, suitable for any interior of a bathroom or kitchen.
Types of Mixers
A feature of the Christmas tree device is the presence of valves on both sides of the crane.
Depending on the type of spout, several plumbing fixtures are distinguished:
- High (arched) spout provides for a length of 160-250 mm. Such a mixer with a height of 350 mm is more suitable for washing in the kitchen: it makes it possible to comfortably use when washing pots, volumetric containers. Typically, the device is equipped with a slewing crane.
- Shortened spout involves cranes 75-200 mm long and 90-280 mm high. With a large depth of the washbasin, it is better to use a curved spout of the tap.
- There are mixers direct spout with 2 flywheels and the possibility of rotation. They are mainly intended for bathtubs.
- Short spout have devices with a rotary aerator and a grid that protects against splashing water. Their length can vary from 90 to 115 mm, and height - from 70 to 120 mm. As a rule, this type is used for a bidet, and due to the impossibility of placement in standard bathrooms, it is not very popular.
Despite the external difference and design features of some models, the design of the Yolochka mixer remains the same: there is a tap in the middle and handles (valves) on the sides of the handle, with which a comfortable temperature is set.
Two-valve plumbing of groups I and II
A modern mixer has two types of devices for mixing water, the properties of which depend on differences in the parameters of the handles. In this regard, the devices have different technical characteristics:
- For double-lever mixers with a worm gearbox, the locking mechanism has a special gasket made of elastic material with silicone additives. The basic principle of operation is the reciprocating movement of the crane axle box. When the valve is closed, this tight-fitting part creates tightness conditions and prevents water from seeping out. However, the gasket remains the weak link of such mixers: it quickly wears out and becomes unusable. Foreign counterparts of the “Fir-tree” are significantly superior to Russian counterparts: the connection of the stem and gasket in them is based not on rotation, but on uniform movement, so the equipment needs less repair.
- Two-valve devices of group II are equipped with a ceramic shutterconsisting of two plates with holes, one of which is movable. When the handle opens, water exits by aligning the holes. This is the most reliable version of the device, so its cost is higher. The benefits include convenient temperature control. In addition, the equipment has a rotation angle of 180 and 90 degrees, which allows you to quickly (almost instantly) adjust the required flow of water.
Of course, the second type of plumbing is more preferable for its technical and operational properties. However, these two models still lose to single-lever modifications.
Materials for the manufacture of machinery
When choosing a mixer, it is important to look at what material it is made of, since this directly affects its functionality, appearance, durability and even safety:
- The most acceptable is brass. The product from it turns out to be durable, reliable, it is not subject to wear, abrasion and erosion. At the same time, this technique belongs to the budget category (it costs around 2.5 thousand rubles).
- Plumbing made of bronze is in second place in terms of its technical characteristics and duration of operation. By the way, the thread on such mixers is made of brass.
- Mixers made of silumin and other light alloys based on beryllium, aluminum, magnesium do not differ in high strength, so there is no need to talk about durability in this case.
- Plastic products are the most unreliable and can last a very short time. Despite the fact that they are quite resistant to water, many problems are always associated with them when using.
- Today, the fashion trend is the purchase of ceramic models. Their main advantage is an attractive appearance. However, in reality it is a fragile technique that often breaks and fails.
Equally important is the coating applied to metal elements. This is done not only for the aesthetics of the perception of the model.
- Nickel plated provides corrosion protection. It is usually applied to the outer surfaces of the brass parts of the device.
- Chrome prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria, the deposition of salts, however, the cost of chrome parts is higher.
- Colored enamel gives the product a beautiful appearance, but this coating does not have the strength: very quickly cracks and other defects can appear on such a mixer. And all this despite the fact that such plumbing is more expensive than other types.
Given these characteristics of materials, it is possible to choose a truly reliable and durable device.
Pros and cons of the Christmas tree mixer
The device is widely in demand, it is used in the kitchen and in the bathroom, if the requirements for the dimensions of the sink are met. Of course, this popularity is due to certain advantages:
- the equipment is easily installed and dismantled,
- the cost of the product, excluding some models, is available for almost everyone,
- the use is convenient and simple, and you can adjust the temperature with a single valve,
- such mixers have a rather long service life of at least 10 years,
- the equipment is easy to repair, quick replacement of components,
- there is the possibility of using a ceramic axle box, if this element is from the same manufacturer,
- the materials used for manufacturing are highly durable and reliable,
- The device has a nice appearance and design.
There are also disadvantages to the products. First of all, these are gaskets, although other low-quality parts can sometimes come across, but this should be attributed, rather, to defective products that have not passed the check for compliance with GOST standards.
During operation, problems arise not only with gaskets, but also with valves, but they, like other elements, must be replaced. The successful and long service life of the mixer also depends on the following reason - water, or rather, on its quality.
When choosing a mixer, it is important to pay attention not only to the material, but also to the placement options, type and washing parameters. In the latter case, it is necessary that the device is convenient for operation. In general, equipment is considered suitable if it is compact and equipped with a rotary function.
Rules for installing plumbing equipment
It is wiser for people who are not knowledgeable in the mounting workflow to use the services of qualified professionals.
Installation is made in the perforation located in the sink.
The procedure is as follows:
- you must first shut off the water,
- then, using an adjustable wrench, the old mixer is disconnected from the water pipes,
- install the equipment by means of a collet - a threaded sleeve,
- this segment is twisted with a nut, as a result of which the device is fixed to the sink,
- Further, fixture is made to the water pipe.
Unfortunately, subsequently such a fastening is loosened, so the nut will have to be tightened periodically.
True, professionals can carry out installation immediately on the conclusions of the water supply system, usually after that they are closed by a partition or other construction for masking. As a result, only the tap and valves remain outside, and the fasteners are hidden in the wall. The downside of this mounting is the need to disassemble the wall if the mixer starts to leak.
Therefore, it is recommended to choose the highest quality products for such purposes.
See how to install the Fir-tree mixer in the next video
How to choose
To select a mixer, you need to know the parameters of the sink. The most important thing is that the device does not take up much space and is conveniently located on it. Spout requires special attention. It should be large enough for comfortable use. A useful feature is the ability to rotate.
The choice of a faucet in the bathroom should also be based on size and suitable design. The most widely used wall options. The optimal solution in many cases is a design with a large body. It is important to have a short spout with a large diameter.
It is worth noting the undesirability of acquiring too cheap devices, as they are often made of low-quality materials and are prone to frequent breakdowns. A quality mixer has a high cost, justified by a long period of operation. Particular attention should be paid to checking the completeness of the selected option, the conditions of the guarantee and the availability of a certificate.
Design
Now you can find a two-fan type appliance for any kitchen furniture and stylistic orientation. In terms of cost, they are the most attractive. Faucets are presented in plumbing stores in an extensive price range, which is able to satisfy both great opportunities and rather modest needs.
Despite a noticeable external transformation, the design itself remained the same. The center of the mixer is a spout, on the sides of which there are valves or handles that allow you to adjust the required volume of water and a comfortable temperature. Accordingly, one handle is used for hot water, and the second - for cold. The modern herringbone mixer is conventionally divided into two types, which differ from each other in the design of the water mixing device and the characteristics of the valves.
Two-valve mixers of the first group
This type has not the highest reliability, which determines the low cost. The elastic gasket acts as a locking device. For its manufacture today materials with a low silicone content have begun to be used, while before it was entirely composed of rubber. Proven firms use parts with a new composition of high strength. Due to this, the period of operation of the device and the time until replacement of the gasket increases.
The principle of operation is the reciprocating movements of the crane box, in which a special elastic material is used as the locking part. It has much more wear and tear than European devices due to constant rotation.
Imported herringbone faucet for the bathroom has significant differences from domestic. The first option is more reliable due to the fact that the connection of the crankshaft and gaskets occurs by means of translational motion, and not by rotation. As a result, the need for repairs is much less common.
Advantages and disadvantages
The herringbone mixer, the device of which loses to the single lever mechanism, is in great demand due to the following advantages:
- ease of adjusting the desired temperature, it can be adjusted using a single valve,
- you don’t need to get used to such models, but using them is very simple,
- there is the possibility of using ceramic crankboxes provided one manufacturer of the old and new elements,
- simple, quick repair and reasonable cost.
The disadvantages include the need to engage two hands during use, as well as the completion of two full revolutions of the valve to turn the water on and off. Quick wear of the gasket leads to a fairly frequent repair.
Two-valve mixers of the second group
This herringbone mixer has a ceramic valve as a locking device, the so-called ceramic plate. Its principle of operation resembles a ceramic cartridge. In order for water to flow from the spout, the holes of the lower and upper plates must be combined. The latter, which includes aluminum oxide, closes or opens the water by rotation around its axis. While the bottom plate is always stationary. Such devices are characterized by greater durability, reliability and, as a result, belong to a higher price category. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the following:
- sufficient reliability
- quick temperature correction,
- the rotation angle of devices of this type has 180 and 90 degrees, so it is possible to reduce the number of movements during the setting of water.
Mounting Features
To ensure proper functioning, competent installation is required. In the absence of appropriate skills, such work is best left to specialists who are versed in all the intricacies of installation.
The installation of the Christmas tree mixer is carried out in special openings located on the sink. It is also common to install on the conclusions of the water supply using decorative hiding structures, for example, partitions. All fasteners remain in the wall, and only the spout and valves are open to the eye. But this technique has one significant drawback: in case of problems, to eliminate them, you need to disassemble the wall.
The threaded split sleeve is used for external installation on the sink. But often there is such a problem as loosening the mixer. Because of this, you have to periodically tighten the mount.
Metal devices
Of particular importance is the material of manufacture. Such parameters of the device as appearance, practicality, operation period, cost depend on it to one degree or another.
The herringbone kitchen faucet is mainly made from chrome, bronze and brass. Recently, this category has acquired an update in the form of options from light alloys or mixed materials, as well as from ceramics and plastic.
Brass has long been most widely used. She is not afraid of corrosion, she is also durable and has a long service life. Accordingly, the cost is based on the qualitative characteristics of the material and starts on average from 2-3 thousand rubles.
Bronze faucets have similar aesthetic and quality properties. The best option is the combination of a body made of bronze and brass thread.
Light alloys, which include silumin (a mixture of silicon and aluminum), cannot be called high-quality. Devices made from them are quite fragile and quickly lose their attractive appearance.
Ceramic and plastic appliances
The short-lived leaders are herringbone plastic mixers, the characteristics of which are quite consistent with the cost. Despite their resistance to hard water, they are often damaged.
The appearance of ceramic appliances deserves attention, they can become an excellent complement to the kitchen interior, but because of their fragility are not the most durable.Because of what, it is likely to soon encounter problems in work or a real flood.
Top coat
The herringbone metal mixer basically has a decorative coating of glossy chrome, colored enamel or nickel. The latter has excellent anti-corrosion properties. Most often, it covers the external brass elements.
A fairly practical material is chrome. It prevents the growth of bacteria living in a humid environment. Due to it, the appearance remains the same longer due to the reduction of deposits of mineral salts, which also protects against breakdowns arising from their formation. Products with chromium plating are somewhat more expensive, which is justified, because a high-quality device will delight for many years.
Enamel is also not the most budgetary coating. But it has less durability and strength characteristics. The new device has a flawless and attractive appearance, but over time chips and microcracks form on the coating, due to which the device loses its aesthetics.
The chrome version is not suitable for all style decisions, and an enamel mixer with low practicality can be the best complement to a bright kitchen.
Device and principle of operation
Two-hand faucet "Herringbone" is a design with a tap for pouring water in the center and two side valves.
This is a two-valve (or double-lever) mechanism. By turning one valve, warm water starts, and by opening another, cold water is launched.
The adjustment of the two levers makes it easy to adjust the required water pressure and its temperature value.
Depending on the design features, pouring can be done with or without an aerator, this mixer is placed on a sink or sink in the kitchen, and there is a wall-mounted option.
Many models have a mounting hole diameter of 32 mm. The water pipe should have a diameter of 1/2 inch. The herringbone mixer in its tightness belongs to the group having a working pressure of 0.63 MPa, and it can be used exclusively for water supply.
The following accessories are included with the mixer: spout assembly, two flywheels, gasket, fastening nut, housing, valve head (with rubber sleeve or ceramic plates).
Valve Types
The valve head or crane is a mechanism for supplying and closing the water flow in two-handed mixers. The crane box consists of a body (jumper), a fitting and a rod. The jumper has a thread with a gasket for tight connection with the mixer.
The front edge of the jumper has a hexagonal shape for attaching a wrench.
Valve heads come in two types.
- Worm gears. They function as a result of reciprocating movements of the rod, on the end of which an elastic gasket is fixed. If the gasket is tight, the water closes when the valve is closed.
- Ceramic. In this type of valve head, two ceramic plates are located. Both have holes, and one of them is movable. When the holes align, water begins to flow out. The top plate is usually made of alumina.
Base material
Most often, as a material for the manufacture of the Christmas tree mixer The following base options apply.
- Brass. This alloy of copper and zinc has a beautiful golden hue. Such mixers are durable and durable. They are not susceptible to corrosion and abrasion, have a low cost.
- Bronze. It is strong, but inferior in terms of service life of the basis of brass. Carving on bronze models is usually brass.
- Alloys. This option is made of silumin and light alloys, which are based on aluminum, beryllium, magnesium. But these alloys are inferior to bronze in durability.
- Ceramics. Such models have an aesthetic appearance, but are very fragile, which is why they have a short shelf life.
- Plastic. Such a mixer will serve very little, since plastic is a very fragile, albeit cheap material.
External coating
Often, Fir-tree mixers have the following types of coating.
- Nickel Nickel is an excellent corrosion protection for the mixer. It is usually applied to parts made of brass.
- Chrome. This coating delays the development of bacteria and the deposition of salts. But chrome increases the cost of the whole product.
- Made of colored enamel. Attractive, but not very durable coating.
Cracks and other defects that appear during use are more noticeable on it. This is the most expensive coating for these mixers.
Spout Options
Currently, these faucets are available with different types of spout, we will analyze them in more detail.
- Spout length 159-250 mm in the form of an arc. The best option for a kitchen sink. This tap allows you to comfortably wash not only small dishes, but also large-capacity kitchen containers. The tap in this embodiment of the mixer is usually rotated.
- Shortened spout 75-200 mm long. Such a curved tap is most often placed on a sink with great depth.
- Cranes with direct outflow. They have 2 flywheels that rotate. They are rarely used in the kitchen, they are mainly recommended for baths.
- Cranes 90-110 mm long with a short spout. They are often equipped with an aerator and a mesh that protects against water splashes. Used in the kitchen too infrequently.
Mounting
These taps are mounted in the perforation of the kitchen sink.
Before installation, do not forget to shut off the water in the apartment.
Then, carefully using an adjustable wrench, dismantle the old mixer. Install the new design with the threaded sleeve and tighten with a nut. After that, fasten the device to the water pipe and apply sealant or a special silicone compound.
Useful Tips
In order for this mixer to have a long service life, The following points should be noted.
- The material from which the Fir-tree mixer is made should be the most important criterion of your choice. The durability of the entire structure depends on it.
- The ceramic valve head is more durable since it does not have a gasket. But with this option, there must necessarily be a good filtration of water.
- In faucets of imported manufacturers, the gasket is pressed to the base of the crane axle with the help of translational movement, which increases the service life of the product.
- When using, do not tighten the valve much, as this increases the wear of the elastic gasket.
- If water leaks from the tap after installation, tighten the nut more tightly.
- When choosing a specific model of the "Herringbone" mixer, it is imperative to consider the general style of your kitchen interior.
The kitchen Fir-tree mixer is simple in operation, inexpensive and durable.
Modern designers have developed a large number of attractive options for this simple device, thanks to which you can easily choose a model that fits perfectly into the interior of your kitchen.
See how to install a faucet in the kitchen.
Classification of Christmas tree mixers by installation method
In 89% of cases, the herringbone kitchen faucet and the washbasin faucet have a horizontal mounting type. That is, they are installed on the side of the plumbing. It provides a technical hole for landing the crane and the output of the liner. But manufacturers also produce models that are mounted:
- On the wall are virtually all bath and shower faucets.
- Into the wall are mainly constructions for bath and shower. A good example is the Princeton Plus ML.PRP-8018 CR mixer of the Migliore brand.
- On the side of the bath. A type of built-in plumbing fixtures that has recently become popular. In most cases, consumers choose the herringbone designs because they look very elegant and unusual in the interior. But you need to consider that for such a herringbone mixer the price will be set much higher. At the same time, plumbing should also include built-in installation - there are technical holes on the side of the bathtub. A good example would be a Lord BVD-01 faucet under the Cezares brand name.
Analyzing user reviews, we found out that the herringbone faucet washbasin faucet and the same type of sink faucet are the most purchased plumbing fixtures because they are easy to install and easy to repair. Even built-in structures can be mounted without the help of a plumber.
Technical capabilities of "Christmas trees"
There is a faucet for the kitchen, a Christmas tree or the same type of faucet for bathtubs, showers due to valves. These control mechanisms allow you to open / close the water supply, adjust its temperature and pressure. The main control element is the axle box. Today, manufacturers produce herringbone class faucets with:
- Worm gearbox. Works due to reciprocating rod movements. A gasket is fixed at its end, which creates tightness conditions at the moment when the valve is closed - it fits tightly on the socket and does not let water through. That gasket is the weak point of even very expensive and high-quality models of plumbing devices.
- Ceramic crane box. Consists of two smooth plates with small holes. One of them is mobile. When the valve is unscrewed, the holes of the plates are aligned, giving an outlet to water.
Practice has shown that the operational and technical characteristics of the herringbone mixer with a ceramic axle box are higher. The cost of repair will also be high (if compared with the worm model), since it will have to be completely replaced. From a practical point of view, devices of this type are considered less practical than 1-lever models, since they have a more “problematic” control mechanism - it is necessary to unscrew two valves when adjusting. But in fact, the choice of a 2-valve or 1-lever mechanism is a matter of taste and preference.
How to install
First, the old herringbone kitchen faucet is removed after a preliminary shutdown of the water. It is disconnected with an adjustable wrench from the water pipes. Mounting is usually done by two methods. Devices on a wide base disassemble the valves. You need to remove the handles to gain access to the nuts securing the mixer.
Narrow-based devices are mounted on the underside of the sink, and they have to be dismantled under the sink, which is not always convenient with limited space. Using pliers, the existing nuts are loosened. A rack-mount key may be necessary if rigid pipes block access.
When installing a mixer with a wide base, first it is placed at the installation site, and nuts are manually bent. They are twisted with a key after aligning the device. The base is treated with sealant or a special silicone compound, after which the plate and valves are mounted.
