Mixer Reflectors: Varieties of Forms and Materials

Arrangement of bathrooms requires a special approach: every little thing is important here, as in a small space all the flaws are especially noticeable. Therefore, starting to repair in this room, you should consider each element of the interior.

Reflectors for faucets just one of those little things without which the room seems unfinished. What it is, why they are needed and how to choose a quality reflector, see our article.

Reflectors for mixers are a special bowl that seals the area around the pipe. Often they are used to hide eccentrics - the parts used to align the axes. But basically, these lining perform a more decorative function and help to elevate the interior, make it complete.

As a rule, bowls come with a mixer. But, as practice shows, the quality of parts is often lame.

In fact, the reflector is a ring hiding the exit of the pipe from the wall. At the same time, it also closes eccentrics, by means of which they align the axes of the pipes. As a rule, all sets of mixers include reflectors. But when installing experienced plumbers prefer to change them to better, made from reliable materials. This is due to the fact that factory nozzles are not always able to withstand modern loads. And often prematurely fail, rust and lose aesthetic properties.

Modern manufacturers represent the widest range. On sale there are deep and flat, small and large, standard and designed for an individual line of mixers.

Conventionally, all reflectors can be divided into three types:

• simple;
• demountable;
• doubled.

Simple are monolithic products and are attached before the installation of the mixer. They do not interfere with the installation work.

Split parts are considered more practical. They also do not interfere at all with the installation process and can be worn before or after they start. Split are distinguished by the presence of a cut, which conditionally divides the reflector into two lobes and allows you to put on the bowl after the installation of the mixer. Despite the fact that this incision is visually noticeable, it does not harm the aesthetic properties of the product.

Dual reflectors are used to supply cold and hot water. Differ monolithic design with two holes. They are not as popular as the previous two types, and are produced under a certain type of mixers.

Regardless of the manufacturer, the cups on the eccentrics are represented in just a few forms. Of course, you can find reflectors of an unusual, original form,but they are more designed for imported parts.

Today on sale there are round, square and rectangular reflectors for a crane. The most popular is considered to be a round shape that fits perfectly into any interior and fits many models of mixers. They look aesthetically pleasing and perfectly perform the function assigned to them.

Square, as well as rectangular, different futuristic design. Such products look good in rooms designed in the style of hi-tech or minimalism. Often, such bowls are placed under a large mono box or massive mixers. Clear shapes, smooth lines and stylish colors of flat square reflectors are indispensable in a modern interior.

But when choosing bowls for a mixer in a classic bathroom, it is better to give preference to the usual round products that will harmoniously look along with traditional furniture, bathroom fixtures, tiles.

Special attention deserve telescopic overlays on eccentrics. They are bowls with a high rise and are characterized by the presence of sliding parts, through which you can adjust the depth of the bowl.

Products from plastic differ in ease, simplicity of installation, variety of color scale. They are not afraid of corrosion and they fit snugly to the mixer. The most sought after plastic products "under the metal." However, the coating quickly deteriorates and becomes not aesthetic. In addition, under the influence of hot temperatures, the bowls quickly lose their shape, and the plastic begins to emit odor and toxic substances. Consequently, plastic reflectors cannot be called practical and reliable.

Such products with proper care do not lose their appearance and do not climb. Their weak point is low resistance to corrosion and after some time the product will begin to become covered with brown rust stains. Diligent manufacturers apply thick layers of the top coating in order to protect products from the harmful effects of moisture.However, such bowls will be much more expensive.

Durable and practical products with an optimum ratio of the price and quality. They are able to serve for many years without deformation and rust. They tolerate high humidity and do not lose shine.

For the production of reflectors, non-ferrous metals are rarely used and, as a rule, such products are more often found among limited editions of famous brands.

Standard reflectors are products with a diameter of 3/4 cm. Reflectors with a diameter of 4-5 cm do not stand out against the general background. And at the same time they fit snugly to the wall and are suitable for almost all types of mixers. There are bowls on sale, the diameter of which varies from 15, 20 to 35, 40. There are even products with a handle of 80 mm. Such bowls are suitable for non-standard taps.

Most well-known brands produce reflectors in silver color, which has already become a classic among bathroom accessories. It perfectly harmonizes with furniture and tiles of various shades.

The second most popular is white. Such bowls, as a rule, go in ready sets of mixers and look presentable. The only drawback is the coating coverage: the slightest dirt and water drops will be visible on it.

No less popular products "under the bronze." However, they require a certain design and in the usual interior they will stand out from the general row.

In the lines of branded bowls for mixers you can find a rather original color palette: golden, silver, black.

Considering the following factors when choosing reflectors You can easily distinguish a quality product from low-grade products:

1. First of all, you should pay attention to the material from which the product is made. Chrome steel reflectors will be quite heavy, while plastic and chrome-plated ones are much lighter.
2. Attention should be paid to the appearance of the products - they should be perfectly smooth, without dents and deformations. Scratches and burrs on these parts are unacceptable when creating the perfect interior.
3. Choose cups should be based on the size of the mixer.Any discrepancy between the parameters will be noticeable, as well as adversely affect the durability of the crane: water will leak into the hole in the cup, causing rust and mold.
4. The cost of products. Of course, this is an important factor. However, experts recommend to give preference to quality products, with an optimal price / quality ratio, such as stainless steel reflectors.

Installation tips are in the next video.