The sink faucet
Single lever or two handles separated, polished or satin: the choice of mixer for the kitchen also depends on shape, size and material of the sink. That can be made of steel, ceramic or synthetic.
Two types of mixers
For the kitchen sink, you can choose between models operable to one or two commands. The former are more convenient to use and easy to adjust, while others have robust internal mechanisms that do not deteriorate with use.
Monocomando
These mixers are equipped with a single knob or a lever, which allows you to mix hot and cold water and adjust the flow.
Depending on the model, the knob can be placed beside, above or before the beak of disbursement.
The movement of the lever is secured by a ceramic disc cartridge that is located under the handle.
This can be ruined by the use and cause water loss, decrease of Pressing and hardening of the movement of the levers.
Must therefore have available a spare.
Two monopole
Alternatively, the lever, you can choose a model with a single bill for water supply, but two separate knobs for mixing hot and cold water.
In this case, there is no cartridge disc: the mechanism of closing of the tap handle is a ceramic headwork that allows a rotation of 90 ° or 180 °.
In older models, you could also open up more, but to avoid wastage of water, now it is limited only to this extent.
Wall
If you want, the mixer to a posting on the wall is masonry, to make a new attack at the tap.
E ‘therefore advisable to opt for this choice when you are undergoing restructuring, or whether it should replace a similar model, because otherwise you have to break the tiles of the coating.
Otherwise, with a cheaper but less aesthetically beautiful, if you can connect the new faucet to the old connections with the outer tube wire wall.
The beak of the tap must be long enough to reach the sink. If the hole for the insertion of the tap is already established in, the sink is covered with a steel plate.
What form
The mixer must be suitable to the sink, but the choice also depends on the presence of wall units or shelves, against which the beak of the cock should not hurt.
Two or three holes
In the kitchen, the taps are the most common hole patterns, which consist of a single element and therefore, in order to be installed, requiring a single opening.
This can be practiced in the sink in the kitchen or at the top of the wall.
Alternatively, you can choose, however, also taps to two or three holes. The first consists of a single element, but require two holes for hot and cold-water controls. The models with three holes, consisting of three separate elements, have an opening for the spout and two handles for hot and cold water.
Steel
Sinks in this material are hygienic, strong and durable stainless steel because it does not change color and not tarnish. The surface can be glossy or satin: in the latter case, stains and spots are less noticeable.
How clean
For stainless steel, using water and soap or detergent with a neutral non-abrasive wipes.
After rinsing, pass a soft cloth to emasculate that form spots.
For halos more resistant, use a specific detergent or wipe with a sponge dipped in a solution of water and vinegar.
You can dry with a soft cloth and some alcohol.
For the residues that are formed around the exhaust, rub with lemon and leave in force the substance for ten minutes.
Finishing Issues
The chrome is a treatment often used to refine the taps, especially those made of brass. Through a process of immersion in the chromium, the surface takes on a shiny like a mirror and a color similar to steel.
Shiny and clean
The taps are cleaned with soft cloth, avoiding abrasive sponges.
To remove lime scale using soap and water dry well or pass well specific products by reading the instructions for use.
Wipe the base with a toothbrush that has been made of a special detergent or creamy limestone.
Taps chrome you can spend with hot water and vinegar. Do not use salt and soda, which can scratch the chrome.
In the end, is particularly suitable for drying the skin of deer.
To remove lime scale from glass knobs prepare a solution of water and soap avoiding the use of other products that may cause the separation from the metal part.
Ceramic
These sinks are resistant to high temperatures, are hygienic and do not absorb odors. The tap may be inserted on the tank or on top of the kitchen. Care must be taken to physical shocks and scratches that can damage the surface.
How clean
The ceramic cream cleans using detergent diluted with water.
You can fill the sink with hot water and a glass of bleach and rinse after you leave in for 5 minutes. Some materials may require special manuntenzione more delicate, for example with products containing bleach dispensed in small quantities.
Sharpen the white surface, line the sink of paper towels soaked in bleach and rinse after half an hour.
Avoid abrasive materials and metallic flakes.
Synthetic
Very resistant to external agents are easy to clean and allow you to choose between many colors and shades, combined with the furniture and the top of the kitchen. In some cases, the appearance is similar to that of natural stone.
What are they and how they are treated
Some synthetic materials are made with proprietary formula by companies that market them. Here is a choice.
Fragrant: it is composed of grain dust and natural acrylic resins. Resists heat, is non-toxic and hygienic, the surface is smooth and waterproof. The color remains unchanged.
Salaries granite has the strength of granite el’igienicità of synthetic resins. Resists scratches and heat up to 240 ° C.
Carina is made up of rocks and minerals acrylic resins. Resists wear, does not absorb moisture, it is porous and has softened. It cleans with a cloth soaked in warm water and non-abrasive detergent. Avoiding contact with chemicals.
Single lever or two handles separated, polished or satin: the choice of mixer for the kitchen also depends on shape, size and material of the sink. That can be made of steel, ceramic or synthetic. (more…)