Plumbing: Mixer Taps, Valves and Fittings for Water Supply and Heating

Decide what the product is for — washbasin, bathroom, kitchen, heating system or drainage — and choose the matching mixer, valve, fitting or siphon. Installation usually requires adjustable and pipe wrenches. Read how to choose wrenches, sockets, ratchets and torque tools.

The most common threads in household systems are 1/2" and 3/4", and flexible hoses and mixers usually connect with an M10 or 1/2" thread. Check whether the thread is female or male, the pipe diameter and that gaskets and O-rings are included. See how to choose seals, gaskets, O-rings and repair kits.

Valves and fittings are often made of brass, stainless steel or polypropylene (PPR), and mixer bodies of chrome-plated brass. Check the nominal pressure (usually PN10–PN16) and the maximum temperature, especially for hot water and heating. Read what is working pressure.

Most mixers and showers work properly at about 1.5–4 bar, and with low pressure a booster station or pressure tank may be needed. Excessive pressure wears cartridges and gaskets, so a pressure reducer is useful. See how to choose a booster pump station and pressure tank.

For heating, choose valves, fittings and pipes rated for high temperatures, as well as air vents and filters. In closed systems the water is circulated by a circulation pump. Read how to choose a circulation pump for heating.

Seal threaded joints with PTFE tape, plumbing thread or sealant, and do not overtighten gasket joints. Use pipe cutters and press tools for plastic and multilayer pipes. See how to choose pliers, cutters, strippers and crimping tools.

Before work, shut off the water and relieve the system pressure, and after installation check all joints for leaks. Work on hot water and heating systems only after they have cooled down and while wearing gloves. Read how to use hand tools safely.