The choice of bathroom faucets has a huge impact on both the functionality and aesthetics of the room. Therefore, it is not worth underestimating it. One of the basic decisions an investor must make is the type of fittings. It has both concealed and surface-mounted faucets available. What are the characteristics of both types and which one is better to choose? Check out our guide!
From this article you will learn:
- What is the difference between surface-mounted and flush-mounted faucets?
- What to pay attention to when choosing a concealed and surface-mounted faucet,
- Which type of bathroom faucets to choose.
Characteristics of the surface-mounted faucet
A surface-mounted faucet is a classic solution that can be found in most Polish homes. It consists of just one element connected to ready-made water outlets. Simplicity of installation is the greatest advantage of this type of fittings. This feature also translates into easy access to the installation for replacement. In such a case, modernizing the bathroom only requires disconnecting the existing faucet and installing a new one to the same connections. It is also worth paying attention to the large selection of solutions available on the market. Surface-mounted faucets come in many variants, among which every user can easily find a product that suits his individual preferences.
It is not without reason, however, that surface-mounted faucets are increasingly being replaced by flush-mounted models. They take up a relatively large amount of space and make it difficult to optimally use the space, for example in the shower area. They are therefore not conducive to minimalism, which is becoming increasingly popular among bathroom designers. It should also be noted that a surface-mounted faucet is not the best solution for solutions that involve far-reaching personalization of the installation. Anyone who plans to expand the standard 2-3 water outlets with additional options, such as side showers, must give up the surface-mounted fittings and replace them with concealed ones.
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Characteristics of the concealed faucet
A concealed faucet is an innovative solution that characterizes modern interiors. This type of fittings is still gaining popularity, primarily due to the increasing interest of investors in minimalist styles. The vast majority of faucets of this type are located in the wall, and only the elements protruding outside are used to pour out water and control its stream.
The advantages of concealed faucets include freedom of arrangement. The designer does not have to worry about the connections between individual fittings elements. All cables - regardless of the number of water outlets and their location - remain hidden in the walls. Concealed fittings also save a lot of space, making using the bathroom automatically more convenient, especially in rooms of modest size. It is also worth remembering that concealed faucets guarantee greater water flow, which allows you to use several water outlets without pressure loss.
If concealed faucets have so many significant advantages, why have they not yet completely replaced surface-mounted fittings? First of all, their installation seems difficult. Since most of the concealed faucet is located in the wall, it is necessary to cut the plaster, prepare appropriate holes and connect the installation to each water outlet. Difficult access to key battery components obviously makes it more difficult to replace or repair potential faults. It is also impossible to ignore the issue of higher prices of concealed fittings, which may discourage some investors.
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What should you remember when purchasing surface-mounted faucets?
When deciding to purchase a surface-mounted faucet, you should take into account several key parameters. Taking them into account will guarantee users safe and comfortable use of the bathroom. The most important criteria include:
- Head type – the best parameters are ceramic heads, ensuring comfortable operation and a high level of abrasion resistance. All this translates into their long-term durability.
- Faucet type – the investor can choose between standard mixer and thermostatic models. The latter eliminate the problem of undesirable changes in water temperature during use. They therefore guarantee higher comfort and safety because they prevent burns.
- Number of water outlets - this parameter should be adjusted to individual preferences, depending on whether you plan only a shower or also a bathtub spout.
- Coating finish – in this respect, chrome reigns supreme in bathrooms. However, it is worth looking for batteries with a surface additionally protected against scratches and tarnishing.
- Warranty period – as with other products, the longer the warranty, the greater the durability and reliability of the battery.
Any surface-mounted faucet can be installed without any major complications. All thanks to the universal sizes of connections, which allow you to install and replace the fittings yourself.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a concealed faucet?
Installing a concealed faucet is definitely more complicated. As you know, it requires preparing the walls to accommodate most of the mechanism's elements. This type of fittings consists of two parts, so before purchasing and installing them, you should pay attention to the type of both of them.
Type of concealed element
It is the concealed element that is responsible for adjusting the flow parameters and supplying mixed water to the selected outlet. In this case, first of all, remember to verify the most important factors.
- Is it compatible with the selected surface-mounted element - distinguishing between standard and thermostatic faucets?
- How many water outlets can it work with - this is very important for investors planning, for example, a shower with a rain shower, a bathtub spout and side showers.
- How long is the warranty covered ? The standard is 2 years, but some manufacturers offer up to 5 years.
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Type of surface-mounted element
First of all, pay attention to matching the external part to the concealed element. It will be crucial to take into account the number of supported water outlets and the type of faucet (standard or thermostatic). Also remember that both components must come from the same manufacturer. Otherwise, you risk incompatibility between them. In addition, it is worth taking an interest in the type of head (again, the ceramic variant will be the best choice) and the length of the warranty period.
What type of faucet should be installed in the bathroom?
The choice between surface-mounted and concealed bathroom faucets should be dictated not only by the style of the bathroom and the personal preferences of its users, but above all by the installation options. The first type of products is intended for investors who only want to slightly refresh a classically decorated interior, and the second one is for people planning a serious modernization and thorough renovation.
By helping your customers choose bathroom faucets, you can offer them fittings available in our online wholesaler. At Onninen you will find both surface-mounted and concealed models from Hansgrohe , so you can easily meet the needs of every investor.