Installing the mixer on an acrylic bathtub

Mixer installation on acrylic bath, or rather, on board it is becoming an increasingly popular version of the stylistic design of the bathroom, which also combines the practical side. The mixer mounted on the side of the bathtub looks original, elegant, becomes an accent of the design of the entire room. However, like all technical innovations, such devices have their own characteristics. In this article you will find all the necessary information about the mortise type devices, as well as the algorithm for installing the mixer on board the bathtub.

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Benefits

We are already used to the fact that the mixer is attached to the wall. In small apartments, this solution is appropriate, as it saves space and money. Having installed the mixer at a sufficient height, and having a long spout, you can easily use one device for the wash basin and the adjacent bathtub.

More recently, a wall mounted device has a fairly strong competitor, which is mounted directly on the side of the bathtub. Such a installation has its undeniable advantages:

• Accurate and quick filling of bath water;
• Prevention of splashing drops;
• Space optimization throughout the bathroom;
• The convenience of use;
• Possibility of masking the shower head hose;
• Ample opportunities for decorating the interior of the bathroom.

As a result of installing the mixer on board the acrylic bath, the room becomes as comfortable, stylish and beautiful as possible.

Important! Cascading faucets, which imitate a small waterfall and are able to fill the bathtub in a few minutes, will give a special chic to the interior design of the bathroom.

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Disadvantages of installing the mixer on board the bath

Naturally, a plumbing device cannot do without flaws. Therefore, before seriously considering this version of the mixer, you need to familiarize yourself with possible problems:

• Increased operational loads lead to a greater likelihood of any malfunctions in the structure. For this reason, professionals recommend installation in such a way that access to the entire hidden part of the structure is ensured.

Important! A removable bezel can help provide access and not spoil the appearance.

• A shower hose placed under the bathtub wears out faster than a regular one. This is explained by his curved state in which he stays most of the time. To prevent quick damage to an expensive item, you need to buy a higher quality product, and even in this case, be prepared to periodically replace the hose after a while.

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How to install a mixer on board an acrylic bath?

A professional plumber can install a faucet on board a bath in a couple of hours. But a novice in this business will need much more time. The recommendations of masters with experience will be useful in this case:

1. First of all, it is necessary to study the device of the bathroom mixer you bought.

Important! It should be immediately clarified that the installation of the now popular single lever mixer differs from the installation of a traditional valve device.

2. Prepare all the tools you may need in the process:
   • Drill;
   • Screwdriver;
   • Milling nozzle;
   • Flexible hoses;
   • Adjustable wrench;
   • Fasteners.

Important! On the side of the bathtub at home, you can make holes only in the case of a bathtub made of acrylic or other composite materials. To avoid enamel chips and subsequent corrosion of the sanitary design, openings on steel and cast-iron bathrooms are carried out only in the factory. After that, the installation of the mixer on a cast-iron bath can occur without the help of a specialist.

3. Choose the best place on the side of the bathtub and make a marking.

Important! The place must be selected based on ease of use, connection, replacement and repair.

4. Using an electric drill, with an installed nozzle with a crown mill of the required diameter, make holes in the intended place.
5. Place a special gasket in the kit under the mixer installation site.
6. Insert the mixer into the hole.
7. Fix the device under the side.

Important! In the case of single lever mixers, use a special stud that is secured with a steel washer. In addition, use one or more mounting nuts.

8. Pull the mixer to the surface of the bathtub as firmly as possible.
9. Connect flexible hoses with which the design will be provided with cold and hot water.

Important! In the case of hose washers, special rubber gaskets must be used. As a rule, they are included.

Some manufacturers insert special mounting panels into the mortise type mixer kit. The need for their installation is explained by the fact that, by creating holes in the side of the bathtub, you violate the rigidity of the plumbing structure, and the mounting plate or panel allows you to strengthen the mounting area. However, in practice, professionals most often do without such an additional subject. Very often the panel is not suitable in size and requires trimming, and on the side of the bathroom with roundness it is generally difficult to apply it. Therefore, if the strength of the bathtub is in doubt, then a specialist consultation will be very helpful and, perhaps, the panel will be useful to you.

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Installing the mixer on board an acrylic bath - for or against?

• A bathtub with a mixer embedded in the board looks more modern and allows you to implement many design ideas. Unfortunately, there is no escape from the high degree of wear on the shower hose. Of course, this disadvantage can be a little stifled by choosing better plumbing from durable modern materials.
• It should immediately be borne in mind that during the installation process you need to be very careful, accurate and diligent, carefully isolate all the pipe joints and firmly clamp them with nuts (clamps). This recommendation is due to more difficult parts replacement in the event of system malfunctions.
• You should also immediately take into account the higher cost of such a device, when compared with the price of classic models of bathroom taps. However, the quality of mortise mixers is much higher.

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Stock footage

If you want a modern and fashionable bathroom, then the option of a mortise mixer in the bathtub will be very welcome. Cascading cranes look especially charming. In any case, before embedding the faucet in an acrylic bath, you should carefully consider everything, weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of plumbing, the possibility of replacing several parts and the availability of repair. If all the shortcomings of mortise plumbing seem to you insignificant, then purchase all the necessary elements and proceed with installation, especially since it can be done independently.