In the box
Items included in the package.
A set of taps, as the name implies, must include at least several taps. The most popular nowadays are sets that combine devices
for bath and shower and
washbasin. Other fairly common options are
a shower tap (also almost always supplied by a washbasin model) and
a kitchen tap. In addition, in the sets you can find specialized bath or bidet taps; and additional accessories supplied in the kit may include
a shower set,
an overhead shower,
a rack, a
soap dish, and sometimes more specific accessories such as a drain valve or a shelf. Here is a more detailed description of the different elements of the set:
— Washbasin tap. The tap for installation on the washbasin is perhaps the most popular piece of equipment in modern sets. Most of these sets are designed to fully equip at least a bathroom; so the most common set is considered to be a shower and/or bath tap (see below), complemented by a washbasin tap. Products from this category are distinguished by their small size, and sometimes even simplified functionality. So, in thermostatic format sets, a washbasin tap can have only one adjustment, or even not be equipped with a thermostat at all; see "Tap t
...ype" for more details.
— Kitchen tap. Tap designed for use with kitchen sinks. From products for washbasins (see above), they differ primarily in the greater length and height of the spout — without this, it would be simply inconvenient to wash dishes. And in some models, more specific functions can be implemented that facilitate kitchen use — for example, a flexible spring spout or a removable showerhead, which allow you to significantly expand the flexibility of the jet (for example, it is convenient to wash large dishes with such devices that would be difficult to turn under a fixed spout). However, in general, kitchen taps as an element of a set are relatively rare — after all, the kitchen is usually separated from the bathroom and can be decorated in a completely different style, so it does not often require plumb in the same design as in the bathroom.
— Bath and shower tap. Combined tap that can be used both for filling the bathtub and for taking a shower. Accordingly, such a device has two “outputs” — to the spout and to the shower set — as well as a built-in device for switching between these outputs (the so-called diverter). Such devices are the most popular type of taps for a bathroom (both in general and specifically in sets of taps) — after all, the bath is typically used also as a place for taking a shower, and in this case it is more reasonable to install one combined tap than two specialized ones (see. below).
Note that the design features of such mixers can be different, in particular, they can differ in the type of diverter. Such details should be clarified additionally. However, the most popular nowadays is a switch in the form of a button, which must be pulled up, to switch from a spout to a shower. In many models, such a diverter is also able to automatically return to its original position when the water is turned off — this eliminates the risk that the next time you turn on the water, it will immediately pour through the shower head and make a “flood”.
— Shower tap. Specialized tap designed for use with a shower head or overhead shower. Paying attention to sets with such a device in the kit makes sense mainly in two cases: either if the bathroom has a separate shower, or if there is also a bath, but it is already equipped with its own tap, and you are not going to change it.
— Bath tap. Specialized tap designed to fill the bath. It makes sense to purchase a set with such a tap, foremost, if the bath is made completely separately, is used only for its original purpose and is not intended to be used together with a shower. This is a rather rare option, so this item of equipment in sets is found very infrequently.
— Tap for bidet. Specialized tap for bidet — a hygienic bath that is used to wash the anus and perineum after using the toilet. There are two main types of such devices. The first, classic option is taps installed on a separate bidet. They are small and look like washbasin devices, but they differ in the spout design: it is directed horizontally, can be rotated by a certain angle horizontally and vertically (which allows you to choose the optimal direction of the jet), and is also equipped with a divider to soften the water flow. Another variety is taps for the so-called hygienic shower. Such a shower is a separate set in the form of a hose and a small showerhead; for its use a separate bidet is not required — the procedure can be carried out directly on the toilet.
In general, this item of equipment is relevant primarily for combined bathrooms, where there is, or it is planned to install a bidet or a hygienic shower. This is a rather rare combination of conditions, so there are very few sets with a bidet tap.
— Shower set. A set for a hand shower — in the form of a hose and a shower head on it (the rack, if any, is mentioned separately in the specifications — see below). A shower set is the minimum equipment (besides the tap itself) necessary for taking a shower. Therefore, this accessory is very often included in sets equipped with bath/shower or shower-only taps (see above). This configuration provides two advantages: the shower set does not need to be purchased separately, while it is optimally compatible with the original tap. However, the characteristics of the hose (primarily the length) and the watering can (the number of modes) cannot be chosen at your will — nevertheless, manufacturers usually choose these parameters in such a way that the shower can be used without problems, at least within the basic capabilities. And in extreme cases, the shower head and/or hose can be replaced.
— Overhead shower. Device, also known as a "rain shower": a large-sized shower head, placed at a fairly high height (in such a way as to be above the user's head). Such a device creates the effect of rain falling from above, and provides two advantages at once. First, the user does not need to hold the shower head, so both of their hands remain free; secondly, for many people, “tropical rain” is simply more pleasant than a classic hand shower. On the other hand, a similar effect can be achieved using a hand shower in combination with a rack (see below), and such a shower head also have more extensive adjustment options; and the overhead shower itself inevitably affects the price of the entire set, and quite noticeably. Therefore, in modern tap sets, this is a rather rare feature.
— Rack. Vertical rack attached to the wall. It is found exclusively in sets that include a shower set and the corresponding type of tap (see above). Such a device is used primarily for attaching a hand shower head; moreover, the corresponding latch is usually located in the upper part of the rack, which makes it possible to use such a shower head also as an overhead shower (see above). In many models, the location of the latch can be adjusted in height, and in some — also in the slope of the shower head. In addition, it is the stand that is typically used to mount the soap dish and shelf — both bundled (see below) and purchased separately.
Separately, we note that the overhead shower bar (see above) is not considered a stand, although it often performs similar functions — in particular, it serves as a place for attaching a shower head.
— Soap dish. Own soap dish provided in the design of one of the items in the set. Typically, such an accessory is mounted on a rack (see above) and is intended mainly to keep soap at hand while bathing in the shower. Usually the soap dish is made open, in the form of a characteristic “trough” with low sides, and holes can be provided in the bottom of such a “trough” so that water does not linger inside, and the soap does not become sour.
— A shelf. An additional shelf fixed, typically, on a vertical rack (see above). Such a design detail is designed to store various hygiene products and devices: shampoos, shower gels, liquid soaps, sponges, etc. And thanks to the location of the shelf, its contents are most conveniently located during bath procedures — right at hand.Shower set
The hand shower or shower set is in most cases supplemented with its own hose. In addition, the design may provide a mounting for a watering can – on the wall or directly on the tap body. In this case, the number of modes may not be limited to one.
Several hand shower modes allow you to get a shower to your liking – from classic small streams to one continuous stream, with all sorts of variations. The more settings provided, the wider the choice. Here are some of the options that are the most popular today:
– «Massage» – one or more powerful dense jets;
– «Turbo» – an analogue of massage, but, as a rule, with one very powerful jet;
– «Sauna» – spraying a jet into fine mist, so that the skin is treated not only with water, but also with an air stream;
– «Champagne» – soft jets saturated with air bubbles;
– «Economy» – a special mode that reduces water consumption without much loss of efficiency.
