How to choose and install a mixer tap on the sink: the procedure for replacing

Advantages and disadvantages of using rigid eyeliner

This type of liner is characterized by rigidity. When the mixer is connected to the system using this design, the connection is fixed. The rigid liner is presented in the form of a chrome-plated metal pipe. The exception is copper products, which do not have a protective layer, since harmful bacteria and mold do not grow on their surface.

Rigid eyeliner has a long service life, which is about 20 years

Advantages of a rigid mixer hose:

Excellent decorative qualities and classic design.
Ability to withstand exposure to high temperatures, as well as their drops.
Resistant to aggressive chemicals.
High safety margin.
Resistant to corrosion damage.
Long service life (up to 20 years).

The disadvantages of rigid structures include a high price, as well as a rather complicated installation scheme. Since during the installation process all the elements are in a stationary position, the assembly of such a connection can be accompanied by certain difficulties.

Due to the smooth surface, keeping the eyeliner clean is not a problem

The length of the tubes must be chosen very carefully. If the direction of the outlets is not vertical, you will have to change it. For these purposes, curved fittings are used. In addition, the fixed connection creates additional difficulties in the process of repair and maintenance of cranes. Therefore, buyers prefer flexible connection options.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a flexible water line

Installing rigid steel pipes is a laborious process that results in a bulky and heavy metal structure. Installation of flexible products does not require significant effort. At the same time, the reliability of the system and the quality of the connections are not affected at all.

Flexible piping for kitchen faucets and other connection points has many advantages:

Safety and convenient operation system.
The tightness of the structure, which is achieved through the use of high quality materials for the manufacture of these products.
Installation and dismantling of the liner does not require special skills, knowledge and professional equipment. Even an inexperienced person can handle this job.
Vibration resistance. Flexible connections are not afraid of water hammer.
Under the condition of correct operation, the service life of the products is quite long.
Flexible hoses are able to function normally over a wide temperature range.

The technical characteristics of stainless steel allow the use of a braid made of it in almost all water intake points

Unlike rigid structures, the position of flexible joints can be changed and moved relative to the mixer.

Disadvantages of flexible hoses for faucets:

Flexible products are afraid of mechanical stress and are easily subject to deformation changes, so they cannot be twisted, bent or pulled too much. Otherwise, the service life of the liner will be significantly reduced.
Do not install flexible hoses near open flames.
If water is supplied to different rooms at the same time, the liner can make an unpleasant noise due to vibrations in the pipes.

The main disadvantage of aluminum braids is their low corrosion resistance

In addition, metal components that are present in the connector are corroded over time. Some flexible products are sensitive to high temperatures. If the water in the piping is too hot, leakage may occur.

Installation of a new mixer

In the kitchen, the mixer can be installed in two ways: in the sink or in the countertop. The first technology is more common. This is due to the fact that most kitchen sinks come with pre-drilled holes for faucet and piping. And there is no need to additionally drill holes for the device.

In the second method, the installation of the mixer body in the kitchen is allowed only if the tabletop is made of moisture-resistant material.

Installation in a sink

Installation of a plumbing fixture in a sink consists of the following steps:

laying the O-ring in the mixer base;
laying flexible hoses in the mounting hole;
fastening a rubber seal and a metal pressure plate (they have the same shape);
screwing in threaded pins;
final fixation of the crane with nuts screwed onto the pins.

During work, the outer covering of the device should be protected from mechanical damage. To do this, you can use electrical tape. If the installation work is carried out correctly, the crane will not move or rotate, and the high-quality tightness of the joints will serve as a guarantee for the long-term operation of the mixer.

Installation in a worktop

This technology involves the implementation of the following works:

determination of the location of the device;
applying a mixer and marking on the table top of the crane seats;
drilling holes with a drill;
sawing holes for a mixer in the table;
laying the sealing gasket;
inserting the device into the hole made;
fixing the mixer with a pressure washer.

When installed in a countertop, close attention is paid to the location of the plumbing. A small distance to the sink can make it difficult to turn on (turn off) the valves, and too far will cause water to get between the faucet and the sink with a weak pressure in the system

You can increase the life of a plumbing fixture in the kitchen using rigid connection technology. This method provides for the following algorithm of actions:

an angle needle is screwed into the inlet of the tap;
a gasket is placed between the sink and the mixer;
the crane is installed in the mounting hole;
the lower part of the plumbing is sealed and sealed with a rubber gasket;
a straight needle is screwed into the tap until it stops;
the excess part of the pipe is cut off;
the pipes are fixed with clamping sleeves.

Depending on the type of fastener, the installation of mixers is carried out using a nut or a stud.

With nut fastening

A threaded branch pipe is screwed into the lower part of the mixer, which is inserted into the seat of the sink. A large nut must be screwed into the branch pipe, which securely fixes the tap. Thanks to this, a correct and tight fit of the nut is achieved throughout the base, which will increase the life of the connection.

The efficiency of this technology is high. But now it is rarely used, since it has a high cost (more metal will be needed to manufacture such a crane).

With stud fastening

More common way. The pins are screwed into the body of the device and pressed with nuts. Such fastening of fasteners is convenient to use during installation work. First, the hoses are connected to the faucet, and then the studs are passed through and screwed into the hole in the sink. But this technology also has its drawback. Studs are not used in sinks less than 0.8 mm thick. All joints and joints are not properly seized with thin nuts. As a result, the crane will dangle.

Insulation and tools

Before installing the mixer in the bathroom, you need to prepare some tools and consumables. In order for the work to be done quickly and efficiently, you will need the following:

pliers;
adjustable wrench;
masking tape;
Teflon sealing tape.

Mixer installation tools

Masking tape is used to wrap around the fastening nuts to avoid damaging the nickel plating during assembly or disassembly. The key is needed to dismantle the old mixer. In most cases, a Teflon tape called fumka (FUM) is used for waterproofing. Despite the availability of modern materials, some plumbers use a cable-grip the old-fashioned way, but a fumka is still preferable.

Insulation is wrapped around the thread clockwise in several layers. When screwing on the nut, the tape will be pressed in, sealing the connection

It is important to remember in which direction to wind the insulation. Otherwise, it will slip and you will have to rewind - the old tape is removed and a new one is wound in the correct direction.

In most cases, the listed tools and materials are enough to replace or install a faucet in the bathroom.

Installation methods and preparation for installation

The location of the new product will determine its installation. For example, it is possible to build in a mixer or mount it on the wall. If we consider the first option, then it is built directly into the wall or installed on the side of the bath. It is possible to mount the mixer on a stand. Such an installation is possible if there is free space in the bathroom or when piping through the floor. The most expensive products today are rack-mount mixers, the choice of which is very diverse.

Mounting the mixer on the wall

Installation of the faucet on the wall is carried out when the washbasin and bathtub are located next to each other. This option allows, if necessary, to carry out dismantling without much difficulty, for example, to replace the mixer. The advantage of in-wall installation is a more attractive appearance, but there is no access to the connecting hoses. It is worth noting that if the sink or sink can be easily removed, then the faucet is attached first, and only then the plumbing fixture.

Before installing a faucet in the bathroom, it is necessary to prepare the device itself, which will be discussed below, as well as water sockets in the case of wall mounting. Basically, fittings for installing the mixer are already present. In the event that they are not there or the old pipes are being replaced, then when adding new ones, the following important points must be taken into account:

hot water is supplied on the left, cold water on the right;
the distance between the axes of the fittings must be 150 mm;
if the bathroom faucet is installed on a side, then the optimal height will be 150-200 mm;
in order to mask the tap connection area, the fittings should be recessed into the wall.

Then you can start assembling the mixer for subsequent installation.

Dismantling the old and assembling a new mixer

Dismantling the old tap in the bathroom should not cause problems. The main thing is to shut off the supply of cold and hot water to the mixer. Next, you need to drain the water remaining in the tap, and you can start removing it. When dismantling, it is not necessary to exert great effort in order not to damage the threaded connection on the fitting located on the wall.

Dismantling the mixer

In most cases, products are sold disassembled, so after purchase, you will need to assemble a bathroom faucet. At the time of purchase, you need to check the completeness. All items must be packed in cellophane. The complete kit should consist of the following parts:

main unit;
gander;
gaskets;
decorative cups;
eccentrics;
shower heads;
hose.

During assembly, it may be necessary to tighten the nuts.In order not to damage the surface, the jaws of the key or the nut itself are wrapped with electrical tape or masking tape in several layers. If the part is damaged, then its replacement will be problematic.

The main types of sinks

The way the sink is installed depends on the type of sink. Manufacturers offer these types of washbasins:

Built-in. They are cut into the top of a cabinet, table or other furniture module that has a flat surface. They mask water and sewer pipes.
With a pedestal. Such models are combined with classic interiors. A massive pedestal is placed on the horizontal base, on which the bowl rests. The support also masks the engineering structures.
Console. The plumbing fixture is suspended using a special frame. The washbasin has a stylish modern design.
With a semi-pedestal. Equipped with a stand that leans against the wall for a sleeker washbasin. Installation is hampered by the need to ensure the specified height of the siphon.

Built-in models are placed on the tabletop, fixing with bumpers along the perimeter of the base or inserting into the support from below. Regardless of the installation method, bowls are round, oval, rectangular. Semi-recessed models, enveloping the surface of the surface, are suitable for a small bathroom. When installing such a product, a homemade cabinet is created that closes the pipes.

Sink in the bathroom.

Standard gap for water inlets

Water sockets are modern fittings installed on pipe, water outlets. When using them, the installation and replacement of mixers is greatly simplified. The most common are threaded water sockets, but crimp or self-locking fittings can be used.

By design, single (for installing taps) and double water sockets are distinguished. For mixers, a double version is used. After their installation, a stationary assembly for installation is formed at the place where the water supply is output to the bathroom.

As in the previous case, the distance between the water sockets is important. It should also be 150 mm, which allows the use of standard plumbing

Water connection

It remains to connect the hoses to the water supply. The nuts should have rubber gaskets, which excludes the use of winding and the application of great efforts. Tightening too tight will cause leakage. Twist it by hand until it stops, then tighten it half a turn with a key 22 (24).

The reinforced plastic liner requires more work. It is required to measure the segment, give the correct bend, tighten the compression fittings.

When connecting supply pipes and hoses, follow the diagram: on the right - cold, on the left - hot.

If the sink was dismantled, then before turning on the water, make sure that it is connected to the sewage system: a siphon and a corrugated hose are inserted into the outlet of the sewer pipe.

After all the checks, you can turn on the water supply and test the mixer in practice.

After starting it is worth checking the connection points for leaks. When it is found, the water is turned off and the protrusion is removed with the help of a brace.

The listed installation methods are the most common, but there are more complex siphon designs:

Shower head with flexible hose. Additional communication and adjustment is required. At the bottom there will be a 1.5 m hose with or without corrugation, but with a fitting. It is installed in its original place in the mixer by screwing it into a socket in the housing. The hose should have a weight that limits the pulling length and returns it to its original position. The position of the sinker can be easily changed with the stop screw.
The mixer has a drinking water channel. The kit must include an additional fitting for the hose going to the water aftertreatment system. The mixer is turned on with a separate lever or tap.
With a detached autonomous boiler, thermostats, electronic control units, etc. Installation should be described in detail in the instructions with the equipment. If difficulties arise, it is better to resort to the services of a plumber.

Replacing the mixer yourself is not so difficult. The main thing is to choose the right mixer, carefully carry out the work and follow the installation sequence.

Installing a kitchen faucet

The faucet replacement in the kitchen is nearing its end. Now we assemble the crane and install it in place. It is much more convenient if work can be carried out on a removed car wash. If this is not possible, you will have to carry out all the manipulations reclining in the closet. Approximately as in the photo.

Assembly

First, we screw the flexible liners to the mixer. They are screwed in by hand, then tightened a little with a wrench - no more than 2 turns.

Now you need to pull a rubber gasket on the body, which seals the junction of the mixer and the sink surface. This is a decent diameter rubber ring - included. It is pulled through the installed eyeliner hoses, placed on the body.

Modern kitchen faucets have two different forms of attachment to the sink. The first one - with a nut - you saw in the part where it was about dismantling the mixer. It's just an older system. The second provides for the presence of rods and spacers-clips in the form of a horseshoe. There is usually one rod, but there may be two. If there are such rods, they are screwed into the appropriate socket. If a nut is screwed on it, it is removed.

Installation on a sink

The kitchen mixer can now be installed on the sink. First, flexible hoses are inserted into the hole, then the body is placed in the center of the hole. Further actions depend on the type of fastener. If this is an ordinary nut, they simply tighten it, trying not to overtighten it.

If it is a model with rods, the appearance is different, although the meaning is the same. First, the spacer is put on (it is also in the shape of a horseshoe), then the pressure plate. Next, nuts are screwed onto the rods. The nuts are tightened slightly with a wrench. THERE is nothing complicated.

Turn the sink over and turn on the tap. He must stand dead. There should be no backlashes. If there is movement, tighten the mount.

Installation of a sink

Now the sink with the mixer installed on it is placed in the prepared place. First, a silicone sealant is applied from the back of the sink around the perimeter (not acrylic - it quickly turns yellow). Then the sink is installed in place, the fastening bolts are tightened.

Then everything is simple: put it in place, align with the edges of the table, tighten the fasteners. It is made in the form of petals that attract the sink to the countertop when you tighten the nuts. The sink must stand firmly, without shifting.

Connecting hoses and siphon

With the siphon, everything is simple - we pulled the corrugated hose to the branch pipe, tightened the nut by hand until it stops. Everything. Do not use keys - everything is made of plastic.

Connecting the water supply is not much more difficult. You just need not to confuse the cold water connection. Her entrance is on the right. After making sure that there is a rubber gasket in the union nut of the flexible liner, we bring it to the pipe, tighten the nut as much as possible with our fingers. Then we take the key and tighten it one or two turns. Do not pull too hard - you can cut through the gasket and then the connection will flow.

But what about tow, roll and paste? If you are using normal quality hoses, they are not needed. The connection is reliable and sealed without them. It will be possible to reel a lot if, after a test run, drops of water appear from under the nuts. But it doesn't have to be. There is no need to simply wind tow or fum tape. Excessive time and excess pressure on the union nut.

After connecting to the hot pipeline, we can assume that the independent replacement of the faucet in the kitchen is over. It remains to turn on the water and check if everything is working properly and if the connections are leaking.For this, the joints are wiped with a dry cloth, and then carried out several times by hand.

The kitchen mixer is used more heavily than other plumbing fixtures. Even a high-quality product needs maintenance (replacement of a cartridge, taps) or becomes unusable over time. Constant contact with water causes erosion of the surface of the mixer body, the protective chromium coating becomes thinner, and the thread is "eaten away". For mixers of low quality made of silumin, the body often cracks and completely collapses, fragments are chipped off.

However, the replacement of the mixer can also occur for other reasons. For example, the interior of the kitchen has been changed, the installed model is outdated. Not only a plumber can change a faucet in the kitchen, but also an ordinary person without experience and special knowledge. The process is responsible, but accessible for the average resident of the apartment.

What is needed during the installation of the mixer?

In order to install the mixer, you will need to prepare some accessories, materials and accessories.

If you have already purchased a mixer, then you need to pay attention to the components. After all, not in all cases the length of the hoses (connections) included in the set is enough

Most often, their standard length is 30 centimeters, and this is not enough. In addition, if this mixer is from a dubious manufacturer, then in most cases the quality of the flexible hoses in the kit is unsatisfactory, so it is better to replace them immediately.

The length of the liner in a metal braid is not always enough

When buying such flexible hoses, it must be borne in mind that their fitting should have different lengths, making it easier to assemble the structure - after all, the hexagons will not rest against each other.

In addition, you should pay attention to the threaded connection with the water supply. This applies not only to the dimensions of the threaded part, but also to its type (internal or external)

Of course, in most cases, liners with an internal connection are used to lead to the pipe. However, another option is also possible if the ball valve already has an outlet with an internal connection.

When choosing connections, it is necessary to take into account the size and type of the threaded part.

It is important to achieve optimal hose tension. So, the liners should not be in strong tension or, on the contrary, dangle excessively.

Indeed, as a result of the constant opening and closing of the valves, the hoses will move, and this, in turn, will lead to wear of the rubber tube that is inside it. A hole may form in it, causing the eyeliner to leak.

External and internal braided flexible hose

Video - Features of flexible liners

In this case, it is better to purchase a flexible stainless steel corrugation. Of course, these hoses are more expensive and not easy to install. However, they will definitely serve you for several years, because they have good rigidity.

Corrugated stainless steel has good wear resistance

In some cases, it is possible to completely exclude the installation of such connections, because you can also supply water to the mixer using a metal-plastic pipe. To do this, you should buy a set of unions with press fittings suitable for these pipes.

Unions with press fittings are as follows

Of course, this kind of eyeliner is a little more complicated. However, it will not be necessary to change the fittings for many years in a row.

Connection option using pipes

In addition, before installing the mixer, we will need to prepare the following tools:

Wrenches for tightening nuts of different diameters

If it becomes necessary to secure the mixer to the sink with a nut that is too large, it is better to take a universal adjustable wrench.
A set of different screwdrivers.
Pliers.
Pipe wrench (may only be required in some cases).
If you are installing a faucet on a new sink, which does not have a hole for the faucet, then you need to prepare an electric drill with special attachments. diameter not less 3.5 centimeters.
During installation, it is important to clearly see all the connections, therefore it is recommended to have a portable flashlight with you. During the work you will need the following materials:

In the process of work, the following materials will be needed:

Thread sealant or fum tape. Seals are required only in cases where it will be necessary to install additional adapters on the pipes. For such purposes, it is recommended to purchase a special plumbing tape-fum or use a special sealing paste, so that the connection will definitely not leak.
If you will be detaching the sink, you must purchase a silicone sealant.
If an old mixer is being replaced, some of the connections may not loosen well. You can cope with this problem with the help of WD-40 universal aerosol lubricant.

When all the devices are ready, you need to get to work.

Detailed instructions for installing the tulip sink

The sink is connected to water supply and sewerage systems in standard ways.

We outline the place of attachment of the sink

Despite the fact that the bowl rests on a pedestal, it must be additionally attached to the wall. Before marking, a trial installation of the product is carried out. The stand should not wobble. After aligning the pedestal on the wall and floor, mark the locations of all parts. The use of a building level helps to draw lines correctly.

Marking the place of attachment of the sink.

Installing mounts for brackets

At this stage, holes are formed. After drilling, the holes are filled with glue, then dowels are inserted there. Anchor bolts with a length of more than 7.5 cm are used to fix the brackets, because under the influence of the load, ordinary self-tapping screws jump out of the wall with dowels.

We install and connect the mixer

The washstand is installed on the holders in two ways:

The bowl is placed on the mountings, after which the wall is tiled. The gap between the washbasin and the tile is filled with a sealant. It is recommended that you choose the one that contains antifungal additives.
The composition is applied to the surfaces of the holders. Next, you can put the bowl down and fill the joint with plumbing sealant. This prevents the sink from moving.

We connect the siphon to the sewer

To assemble the drain system with your own hands, you need to follow these steps:

Connect the overflow. The hole is combined with a flexible hose, which is fed to the base of the siphon, and fixed with a nut.
A grate, rubber seals, and a screw are placed on the grooves of the sink. Tighten the bolt to ensure a tight connection.
The drain pipe is bent, introduced into the sewer pipe. Raise the sink, move the pedestal, placing the elements of the drainage system in it.

Connecting the siphon to the sewer.

Peculiarities

Faucets and liners for kitchens and bathrooms differ among themselves in the technique of supplying water, the mechanism for switching it, the place of installation in relation to the bathroom, sink and sink, the materials from which they are made. Each product has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The mixer can be connected to the central water supply using different types of connections:

Rigid construction is the most reliable connection method. Such an inlet is connected with one end to the pipe thread, and with the other - also by means of a thread to the mixer.

The advantage of this connection over flexible prototypes is:

long service life: about 20 years;
corrosion resistance;
relatively convenient mounting.

The rigid connection can be connected to the water supply system in two ways: without auxiliary adapters or through connecting parts and specialized corner taps.

A rigid connection to the mixers can be observed in places with high sanitary and hygienic requirements, where there is a significant traffic of people.

These include:

medical institutions;
sanatoriums;
boarding houses;
schools;
kindergartens;
health and sports centers;
air terminals;
railway and bus stations;
stadiums.

Flexible hose is the easiest and cheapest way to connect. It is a hose made of rubber coated (braid) made of metal. Such a connection is mainly practiced in the private residential sector, apartments, and is also used when connecting household appliances that require water supply.

The mixer hose is a relatively sophisticated element, manufactured with the latest technology from high quality materials. Provided that the manufacturing technology is observed, it can maintain performance for a long time (about 10 years). Nevertheless, elevated temperatures, strong twisting or pinching during installation can disable it.

Bellows liner is a kind of flexible liner, and it is presented as a corrugated metal sleeve made of stainless steel, the end tips of which are realized in the form of union nuts made of brass.

The bellows version is a new connection solution with good performance characteristics:

long-term and reliable operation at high temperatures (up to 2500 degrees);
high wear resistance;
good resistance to oxygen diffusion;
resistance to compression and bending during installation;
corrosion resistance;
resistance to temperature fluctuations;
resistance to aggressive environments;
simple connection process.

What to look for when choosing

Since the gander is an integral and far from the most important part of the mixer, the crane itself is chosen first of all, paying attention to the following factors:

The material for the manufacture of the vast majority of mixers is brass, sometimes copper is found, the cheapest models are made of stainless steel, but they visually differ from the two previous ones with chrome plating in a less intense metallic luster. To find out exactly what the chrome-plated mixer is made of. They look at the inner surface of non-chrome-plated fastening union nuts or a gander, in which the aerator is previously unscrewed. Compared to copper faucets, stronger brass faucets should be preferred.
If you plan to use separate faucets for the bathtub and washbasin, it is better to purchase a model with a fixed gander to fill the bowl - this will prevent leaks due to abrasion of the gasket at the point where the tube is attached to the faucet body.
It is clear that if there is a washbasin in the bathroom without a mixer, they choose a model with a swivel long spout. Before buying, you should determine the middle of the distance from the center of the bathtub on the wall to the sink drain hole and, with this calculation, select the length of the gander. If the distance from the bathtub to the sink is too great and it was not possible to find a mixer with suitable parameters, the faucet body is shifted from the bowl towards the sink so that its aerator is located above the drain hole of the washstand.

Mixers made of different materials

When buying, you can unscrew the aerator in the spout and look at the thickness of its walls, comparing it with other models - the larger the cross-sectional area of the tube, the more reliable the selected tap is in operation.
The diameter of the spout is not very important and can only be important if the user has a rare habit of filling the bath faster. Typically, the circumference or perimeter dimensions of all ganders are standard and correspond to the internal channels of mixers from specific manufacturers.The highest flow channels of the ganders are possessed by expensive models of wall mixers from German manufacturers (Hansgrohe, Grohe) of avantgarde, hi-tech styles.
When choosing a suitable spout from any manufacturer, it should be borne in mind that the vast majority of expensive or cheap models are made of chrome-plated brass. In none of the most budgetary Russian or Chinese gander, the chrome coating will not peel off from the brass, the metal will not rust during decades of operation. Therefore, it makes no sense to overpay money for a product of a better-known brand if a similar cheap one is practically not inferior to it in terms of technical characteristics.

Design of bath and washbasin faucets