Previously, heated towel rails were not considered a necessary element in the bathroom and were often dismantled. This is correct, because bathrooms, as a rule, are cramped spaces, and the models of these devices had quite impressive dimensions.
Now everything has changed and you can choose a suitable heated towel rail for a bathroom of any size. Manufacturers offer a lot of options from various materials, all shapes and colors. It’s hard not to get confused in such an assortment, so you definitely need to know the basic rules for choosing a high-quality heated towel rail for the bathroom, which will be discussed in this article.
Classification of heated towel rails
Most of our country is located in a climate where it is important to maintain optimal temperature in the house using heating devices. In addition, drying clothes is difficult most of the year. This is why they buy a heated towel rail so that they can additional heating in the bathroom and be able to dry a small amount of laundry.
All heated towel rails are classified according to their material, shape, heating characteristics and design. Even an experienced buyer often thinks about how to choose a heated towel rail for the bathroom that would fully meet all the criteria in terms of quality and appearance, combining them in the right ratio, let alone those who purchase this unit for the first time.
We will look at all available types of heated towel rails.
By heating type
Depending on how the device is heated, they are divided into water, electric and combined type devices. In order to understand the principles of their operation, it is necessary to consider each in detail:
Water type heated towel rails. This type of heated towel rails operates from the heating system in the house. Since hot water from the water supply system passes through the pipes, an aggressive environment is not created inside. But any water sooner or later can cause calcareous deposits on the inner walls of the heated towel rail, so you should choose only those models that are resistant to such influences.
A negative feature of such heated towel rails is that they stop functioning in the summer when the hot water is turned off. Namely, they are just as needed at this time as in winter, especially on cold days, when warmth inside the bathroom would not hurt.
Connection of this device It is connected to the general system by attaching it to American nuts and creating waterproofing using rubber or paronite gaskets, which periodically need to be replaced to avoid leakage.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that it is better to choose stainless steel heated towel rail models with a tap for draining water. This will help, if you need to move the water device, to drain all the liquid from it. Also this valve will help free the heated towel rail pipes from air pockets that may form immediately after hot water is supplied.
Heated towel rails electric type. Such a device does not require additional water supply; it is enough to have it in the bathroom or outside it electrical outlet. The operation of the device depends only on the availability of electricity. In addition, such a heated towel rail can be installed not only in the bathroom, but also in any room of the house where it is needed.
Such devices are safe, since their heating temperature is only 60 degrees, which eliminates the possibility of burns. Many people worry that such a heated towel rail consumes a lot of electricity, but its consumption can be compared with the amount of energy that a 100 W light bulb needs for normal operation. Accordingly, if you use the device periodically, your electricity bill will not increase much.
Inside the device there is a special tubular type water heater or heating cable, protected from moisture.
There are dry and oil heated towel rails. Which one to choose, everyone decides for themselves. Due to their high heat capacity, the latest models do not cool down for a long time after being turned off and continue to transfer their heat into the room, which is a definite plus.
Important! Heated towel rails operating using the “dry” heating type are considered more reliable than those operating from heating elements.
Many questions arise about connecting such an electrical appliance. So, it can be implemented in several ways. The first is hidden, which involves installing a cable in the wall and leading it to distribution box, which allows you to integrate the device into the general power supply. Such installation of a heated towel rail can only be carried out if the device is equipped with a control unit through which it can be turned on or off, as well as set the required heating temperature, which can vary between 25 and 70 degrees Celsius.
Important! Devices of this type are equipped safety system, therefore, at the slightest failure, the unit stops working automatically.
But you can install an electric heated towel rail and open method. In this case, the power cord is connected to a regular outlet. It is worth paying attention to the distance to water sources. They should not be closer than 60 cm from the heated towel rail.
Now there are many models that differ in power, the indicators of which can range between 25 and 1200 W. A lot also depends on the size of the heated towel rail.
If all safety requirements are met to the maximum extent possible when connecting to electrical network, this type of heated towel rail is optimal for the bathroom.
Devices that combine the characteristics of the first two types. Such heated towel rails are units that can operate from a hot water supply system and from electricity. Such a device allows owners to connect it to the system that will be beneficial in at the moment. For example, in winter period the device is connected to hot water, and in the summer - to the power supply.
Important! This heated towel rail is the most practical model, since several sources can be used for its operation.
If the heated towel rail design is connected to the electrical network, then the water will be heated by the built-in heating element. That is why, when installing this device, you must comply with the operating algorithm and requirements that are provided for both options.
When the heated towel rail switches to electric operation mode, the water intake and outlet are shut off so that the cold liquid does not dilute the hot liquid. In this case, only the amount of water that remains there will be heated inside the heated towel rail. If there is a thermostat on the device, large quantity no electricity will be wasted.
According to the material of manufacture
Heated towel rails are made from several metal alloys, which react differently to aggressive environments and have different characteristics from each other. The materials for such devices are black steel or stainless type, copper, brass.
Heated towel rails made of stainless steel have a lot of positive features over similar products made of other metals, especially if they are made of pipes without joints. Such a device can withstand strong pressure with recessions, which often occur in apartment buildings.
In order to get a heated towel rail made of this steel after purchase that will work without problems for a long time, you need to pay attention to the thickness of its walls in the store. It should be at least 3 mm, since the thinner the metal, the shorter its service life. Heat transfer also depends on thickness - thin metal cools faster than thick metal.
Within the framework of this article, it is necessary to mention the significant weight of such a heated towel rail and its cost, which is lower than that of analogues made of other materials. Dryers of this type can be painted or simply chrome-plated; coatings that imitate bronze or brass are also common.
Important! It’s also not worth buying products that are too cheap, as they may have defects at the pipe joints.
Black steel heated towel rails. There is no anti-corrosion coating inside such devices, so they are very poorly resistant to exposure to aggressive environments. They can only be installed on the system autonomous type, where pressure drops are not recorded. If you need to connect the heated towel rail to a central water supply system, then you should choose a model with anti-corrosion coating inside.
The only advantage of such heated towel rails is their low cost, which is less than all other models.
Devices made of copper have high thermal conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Also they have no heavy weight and heat up quickly. This type heated towel rails can be installed in central system water supply only if inner surface is galvanized. But more long term operation can be achieved by installing this device in a stand-alone system.
Such a heated towel rail can become a full-fledged part of the interior and decorate it, as they are available in various interesting variations.
Brass is an alloy based on copper. It was from her that he inherited excellent technical specifications. Typically, such heated towel rails are chrome-plated inside, which significantly increases their service life.
As a rule, on construction market Only imported models of such devices are presented, which cannot always withstand pressure drops in the central water supply system. For a city apartment it is better not to choose devices of this type, but for a private house they are quite suitable.
According to the design of heated towel rails
Depending on the design and exterior design heated towel rails can be completely different. Mostly main role plays the hot water connection diagram. So, according to the connection method, devices can be bottom, top, corner and side.
Important! Models with side connections are considered the most practical, as they can be adapted to any installation location.
Such installation of the device will help make the connection almost invisible, which will in no way be reflected on appearance bathroom interior.
Heated towel rails can also be divided according to the installation location. So, they can be wall-mounted, which are the most common due to their compactness and variety of designs. Such devices are produced in various sizes, from which you can choose one suitable for a bathroom of any size.
Floor-mounted heated towel rails are also available. Depending on where they are installed, such units can be water, electric, or a combination.
If the bathroom is combined with a toilet, a heated towel rail can act as a separator functional zones, if you install it not against the wall, but perpendicular to it. This device is quite functional and original.
Heated towel rails are now installed not only in bathrooms. There are models that can be mounted in any other room, they are especially common in hallways, where they are used as a heater and a place for drying wet outerwear and even shoes.
Floor products are very convenient because they can be moved without much effort to any other place where heating is currently needed.
For user convenience, rotating heated towel rails are also available, equipped with a special mechanism that allows the components to be rotated 180 degrees. But such water heated towel rails for the bathroom are less reliable than stationary models, since their mechanism can quickly fail. Typically, the service life of such dryers is about 3 years.
If you want to install a rotating version of the heated towel rail, but you are not satisfied with the service life of such a model, you can take a different route and install a stationary one with an additional removable rotating mechanism. It can be made of several slats, on which you can easily place several towels and underwear.
You can also purchase electric model rotary heated towel rail, which is more reliable than a similar water one due to the absence of coolant inside the pipes. The convenience of such products is that all the things hung on the parts of the dryer will not overlap each other and will dry in a shorter time.
According to the shape of heated towel rails
Currently, designers are developing various interesting designs heated towel rails, in addition to the usual coil. Such diversity helps satisfy the taste of even the most demanding customer.
The following main forms can be distinguished:
There are also other, more interesting shapes. There are many of them, so we will not focus on their varieties; it is enough to know the basic configurations.
Conclusion
Choosing a heated towel rail for some can be a very difficult task, which can be easily dealt with if you know the basic criteria by which these devices are classified. And based on your needs and wishes, you can make a choice in favor of one or another unit.
The question of how to choose a heated towel rail needs to be decided at the start of repairs, and not after it is completed. There are several reasons for this: firstly, they differ in size and, secondly, in the connection method. In this article, together with the website, we will look at all types and sizes of existing heated towel rails in order to choose the right plumbing fixture.
Which heated towel rail is better to choose?
How to choose a heated towel rail: does the shape matter?
There are only two traditional shapes used to make heated towel rails - the coil and the ladder. To the question of which heated towel rail to choose, I will answer this way: a ladder is much more convenient to use. It allows you to dry things along the entire length. In addition, such a device can accommodate much more underwear. And also, as a rule, a “ladder” heated towel rail has a larger heating area, which means the bathroom will be warmer. The question arises, why then do many people prefer the coil? There are two reasons: the first is the low cost (it is usually half that of a ladder), and the second is the installation conditions. People simply don’t want to pay extra to convert the riser into a heated towel rail in the form of a ladder.
Coil heated towel rail photo
In addition, there are combined heated towel rails that combine elements of both a “ladder” and a coil. To be more precise, they relate more to a ladder, since they have the same connection principle - serpentine pipes are simply added to it, which make the operation of the heated towel rail a little more convenient.
Ladder heated towel rail photo
The size of the heated towel rail is no less important than its shape
Almost all heated towel rails produced today vary in size. On the one hand, this is not a very important classification, but on the other hand, one cannot do without it. The main parameter that determines the solution to the question of how to choose the size of a heated towel rail is the distance between its connections - sizes that are multiples of 50 mm are considered standard. There are heated towel rails with a distance between the centers of the connections from 300mm to 700mm - all other sizes fall outside the standard size.
How to choose a heated towel rail by size
In addition, heated towel rails can have different widths. Some confusion may arise here - for a “ladder” heated towel rail, the width is precisely the distance between the centers. The second size is the height, which can vary from 400mm to 1200mm. As for the coil, the opposite is true - the distance between the centers determines its height, and the width can vary from 400mm to 1000mm.
How to choose the size and shape of a heated towel rail
When choosing a heated towel rail based on its dimensions, you should take one thing into account - it must fit harmoniously into the room, but using the principle “whether it will fit or not on the wall” will be wrong. It is important that it does not look massive and does not attract undue attention.
For the secrets of choosing the described plumbing fixtures, watch the video, which will tell you how to choose a heated towel rail for your home.
What material is better to choose a heated towel rail from?
Today, only three materials are used for the production of heated towel rails: black steel, copper and stainless steel. This is even good, you don’t have to rack your brains for a long time over the question of which water heated towel rail to choose.
- Black steel is a budget option that has a lot of disadvantages. Here you have a rapid rate of rusting and peeling of the chrome coating. It is very risky to purchase such plumbing fixtures, since in most cases they are made of thin-walled suture. And if a seamless pipe is used, then the cost of such heated towel rails is equal to the price of similar devices made of stainless steel.
- Stainless steel - these plumbing fixtures could be called eternal, if not for one “but”. A stainless steel heated towel rail is quite exposed to so-called stray currents, which is critical in apartment buildings. These same currents “beat the stainless steel”, turning it into a sieve over time. Also, if you are going to do independent replacement heated towel rail, then you should know that threaded connections stainless steel is very capricious. If you want to reliably seal them with tow, you will have to dull the thread so that it does not cut it. As a rule, stainless steel heated towel rails do not have protective coating– to achieve mirror shine they are simply polished.
- Copper - heated towel rails made from this material can be called eternal. The disadvantage of such plumbing fixtures is the cost - this is the most expensive type of heated towel rails. In addition to the fact that copper itself is by no means a cheap metal, the technology of its soldering and chrome plating is not cheap.
Copper heated towel rail for bathroom photo
What to choose: electric or water heated towel rail
A classic of the genre is a water heated towel rail connected to a heating system or hot water supply. The latter case is used exclusively in situations where hot water is circulated.
When deciding which heated towel rail to install (water or electric), you should be guided solely by one principle - the presence permanent source coolant liquid. If there are no problems with interruptions in the supply of heating or hot water in your bathroom, then you can safely install a water heated towel rail. If he stable work is disrupted by the lack of hot water, it is better to give preference to an electric heated towel rail.
Electric heated towel rail photo
How to choose? There are several criteria for its evaluation - low energy consumption and the presence of a thermostat that provides control of the desired temperature. In all other respects, you should pay attention to the shape, material, and size.
At all ideal option for apartments and houses with intermittent hot water supply there will be a so-called combined heated towel rail, capable of operating on both electricity and liquid coolant. There are no such devices for sale, but it is quite easy to make one yourself. To do this, you will need to buy a “ladder” heated towel rail, connect it to a source of hot coolant using shut-off valves, using the connections on only one side. In the remaining two, install a Mayevsky tap and a heating element with a thermostat (the latter is installed in the lower supply). Now, if there is coolant, we open the shut-off valves and ensure that the heated towel rail operates from the central heating network, and if there is no coolant, we close them and turn on the electric heater.
How to choose a heated towel rail for the bathroom
Well, in conclusion, a few tips that will allow you to finally decide the question of how to choose a heated towel rail. Particular attention should be paid to two things - these are technical characteristics (especially working pressure) and the diameter of the eyeliners. The last point is especially relevant when replacing an old heated towel rail with a new one.
Today, a heated towel rail is not only heating device, which maintains the optimal temperature in the bathroom, but also important element interior Gone are the days when people did not pay attention to how the equipment looked. Today, every homeowner wants to have high-quality, beautiful and reliable plumbing fixtures and devices in their bathroom. , what secrets do you need to know? First of all, you should understand what exactly this drying is. Formally, this is a sanitary product designed for drying linen and towels. However, in reality it is a multifunctional element that makes the bathroom warm and dry.
Qualities of heated towel rails that you should pay attention to when choosing
To purchase a truly reliable and durable device, pay attention to the following points:
Availability of a hygiene passport;
- availability of a passport for the equipment;
- is there a warranty card with the name of the manufacturer written on it;
- condition of the outer surface. Before choosing a heated towel rail for installation in the bathroom, you should carefully examine its outer surface; there should be no unevenness on it. Also pay attention to the quality of the thread - the connection should not have burrs.
It is known that water circulating in the water supply system contains dissolved oxygen, which can cause corrosion of pipes and appliances. Every year new solutions to this problem appear.
A striking example of such a solution is a double-circuit heated towel rail equipped with a heat exchanger that can protect against pressure surges and is resistant to aggressive environments. No less in an efficient way The fight against corrosion is the use of stainless steel and non-ferrous metals such as copper, sanitary brass and aluminum in the production of plumbing products. However, it is recommended to use copper dryers where all water supply wiring is made of copper. But aluminum and brass dryers go well with metal-plastic pipes.
Heated towel rails are made from seamless or suture pipes. The cost of seamless products is slightly higher. However, all models must meet the requirements of SNiP and GOST.
Classification of heated towel rails by appearance:
Standard. The devices have a regular shape, with a bend in profile reminiscent of a beech “P” or “M”;
- modernized. Equipment supplemented with shelves;
- design radiators. They are designs different forms, which are not only characterized by high functionality, but also play the role of excellent design. The heat output of such devices can reach 2 kW (for example, a “foxtrot” or “ladder” heated towel rail).
The modern market offers wide range sanitary products for bathrooms, both domestic and imported. Based on operational parameters, preference should be given to products domestic production, since they can be connected to both the heating system and the water supply system. European versions are designed directly for insertion into the heating system.
If you insert imported analogues into the water supply system, there is a high risk of corrosion, since for the most part they are made of black steel. It is worth considering that the coolant moving through the pipes heating system, does not contain dissolved oxygen, so heated towel rails are less susceptible to corrosion, while in water supply systems the water is heated by a boiler, the water in which is more saturated with oxygen.
Good coolant circulation can be ensured using circulation pump low power. Thanks to its operation, almost any dryer can achieve a heat transfer of 2 kW.
Types of heated towel rails for baths:
High heat transfer coefficient;
Low power consumption;
No risk of leaks;
Ease of use;
Corrosion resistance;
The degree of heating is controlled by a thermostat.
The working fluid is water or oil.
- aquatic. Today these are the most popular and practical products for bathrooms. They are connected to the hot water supply system or heating system. Before making your choice, make sure that you have a heated towel rail of good quality. After all, this sanitary product will work in conditions elevated temperatures, may experience severe pressure and water hammer. By giving preference to products from trusted manufacturers, you will purchase a device that will serve you for decades;
- combined. Such models incorporate all the advantages of electric and water analogues. Externally, they practically do not differ from their “brothers”, but they include heating elements. This product is made from pipes, connected to the system through an intermediate heat exchanger. The cost of such a heated towel rail is slightly higher compared to water ones, but high quality, the strength and safety of the device fully justify it.
The equipment is fastened in a stationary and rotary manner.
When choosing a heated towel rail, the size of the bathroom, the level of humidity and the possibility of attaching the equipment in the place where it is planned to be placed are important. Having carefully studied the features of the bathroom, you can choose the right heated towel rail model. Please pay special attention on the method of supplying hot water, the layout of the room, the diameter and material of the pipes. Today, a heated towel rail is not only a heating device that maintains the optimal temperature in the bathroom, but also an important element of the interior. Gone are the days when people did not pay attention to how the equipment looked. Today, every homeowner wants to have high-quality, beautiful and reliable plumbing fixtures and devices in their bathroom. How to choose the right heated towel rail, what secrets do you need to know? First of all, you should understand what exactly this drying is. Formally, this is a sanitary product designed for drying linen and towels. However, in reality it is a multifunctional element that makes the bathroom warm and dry.
Are you looking for products to create coziness in your bathroom? Do you want it to be pleasant to be there during an invigorating morning shower or relaxing evening treatments? Pay attention to the heated towel rail. We will talk about its main characteristics based on the proposed models.
Which heated towel rail to choose, and why is it needed?
The product is a curved pipe through which hot water passes. It performs the following tasks:
- Heating the room. We shower in the bathroom, so it should be warm. It is best when the dryer is connected to hot water and not to heating.
- Bringing air humidity back to normal. Thanks to the constant flow of hot water in the pipe, it heats the air - this helps eliminate excess moisture from the premises.
- Drying towels and warming bathrobes. You can dry any small laundry on a heated towel rail.
- Extension hood addition. High humidity in the air leads to the appearance of mold and mildew, and this has a detrimental effect on the covering of walls and the health of residents. Hot pipe will help deal with this problem.
- Aesthetic component. By using original look pipes can transform a room beyond recognition.
The standard type of heated towel rail is water. Its use can be complicated by the fact that hot water is turned off for a long time. In order for the device to function continuously, you can purchase an electric or mixed type.
Selecting a Dryer Based on Water Pressure
Do you want your installed dryer to be comfortable and safe? When choosing, pay attention to the technical characteristics:
- water pressure in pipes;
- features of the heating and plumbing system;
- bathroom size;
- material of manufacture;
- shape, size;
- connection method.
Installation of the heated towel rail is in progress general repairs bathroom or replacing water supply and heating pipes. During this time, the hot water supply in the house is turned off. Keep in mind that a dryer running on heating will stop working after it is turned off.
Are you choosing a heated towel rail for a private home? Any model will suit you, because the water pressure in a separate cottage does not have periodic changes. Due to the autonomy and small number of floors, the average pressure value will be 2-3 atmospheres. If you live in an apartment building with a large number floors (from five or more), for selection the desired model and the installation of the dryer needs to be taken more responsibly. In the heating system of a high-rise building, large differences in operating water pressure can occur, reaching 10 atmospheres.
According to GOST, the pressure in the common pipe network should not be more than 4 atmospheres. In practice, according to average indicators, pressure fluctuates between 2.5-7.5 atm. According to the same GOST, plumbing fittings used in a house with a large number of floors must comply with the standards for pressure testing and working pressure. In the case of a heated towel rail, which is a water-folding structure, the value is 6 atmospheres.
Pay attention to the pressure for which the device is designed. The manufacturer writes about this in the product documents. The actual pressure plus its differences in the pipes of the house must correspond to the characteristics specific model that you decide to purchase.
What are the shapes and sizes of the product?
IN Soviet times the dryer in the bathroom was presented in standard form- like a coil. His modern forms varied:
- horseshoe;
- ellipse;
- "ladder";
- several hoops;
- shelves for towels;
- all kinds of pipe weaves;
- in the form of the letters "M", "MP", "P" and others.
After you have selected models based on water pressure, pay attention to the design of the room. When choosing a heated towel rail, try to make sure that it becomes part of the interior and does not stick out as a “nail” in big picture. You should not buy large and bulky models for small rooms. The room will become uncomfortable, the dryer taking up too much space will be in the way. If the bathroom is small and you want to make its design interesting, shift the focus from the heated towel rail to other elements.
Buy a regular coil model with two or three bends or a “ladder” with two vertical pipes and several crossbars. A flight of fancy can be realized, for example, in an interesting pattern on tiles, an original rug, or a colorful shower curtain. In the case of a spacious bathroom, the choice of dryers expands significantly. Pay attention to how convenient it will be for you to use a particular model. The proposed options can unfold up to 180 degrees or perpendicular to the wall, have a multi-tiered and ornate design.
Material of manufacture - from budget to premium class
On modern market models made of stainless steel, cast iron, brass, aluminum, copper, and ferrous metals are presented. The characteristics of the materials will help you decide on the planning of funds for the purchase. Cast iron models are losing their popularity because they require periodic painting and are inferior to other materials in attractiveness. Advantage cast iron pipe– high strength and low price. Now all new apartments are equipped as standard with this type of dryer. The desire to create custom design– the main reason for its replacement with a more modern one.
Black steel does not have internal anti-corrosion treatment and is therefore susceptible to aggressive environment hot city water. Constructions for water supply made from this material are suitable only for private houses where the heating system is autonomous and does not contain chemical reagents. Black steel is a budget option that is not suitable for a home where surges in water pressure periodically occur. Steel heated towel rails are suitable for classic and modern styles.
The most popular is stainless steel, as evidenced by positive reviews those who decided to check in practice which water heated towel rail is better. This is especially true for models made of seamless solid pipe. They are great for multi-storey buildings and can withstand significant pressure drops. When choosing a stainless steel dryer, pay attention to the thickness of the walls. It should not be less than three millimeters - the thicker the better.
The disadvantage of stainless steel is its heavy weight. Modern manufacturers offer dryers with a chrome-plated and painted surface, which can imitate more expensive materials - brass or bronze. When choosing models with joints, check the quality of their workmanship - there should be no defects. These are the weakest points in the design.
Copper has high thermal conductivity and resistance to corrosion. The copper heated towel rail is easy to assemble and install, it has light weight. Such a dryer can be installed in a central heating system only if the pipes inside are galvanized - protected from contact with water. Otherwise, they will begin to oxidize and change their color to greenish. Copper heated towel rails are beautiful because they have an original gold-plated tint and look rich. One drawback is the high price of the product.
Brass is an alloy based on copper. On the outside, the metal has a chrome coating, which significantly extends its service life. Advantages of brass:
- lasts a long time;
- conducts heat well;
- looks beautiful;
- Corrosion resistant.
When choosing a brass alloy dryer, carefully read the specifications. Imported heated towel rails are rarely suitable for the pressure that is created in our apartment buildings. Original models and various forms of foreign products are well suited for decorating private homes.
Connection methods and installation location
If you install the device yourself, buy what is simpler. The option of its connection depends on this: bottom, top, side or corner (diagonal). The side type is the simplest, most practical and optimal, because it can easily be adapted to any installation location. The connection point can be made almost invisible - this will not spoil the interior. The remaining methods depend on how the pipes from which hot water will be supplied to the dryer are located. The most difficult ones are the top and diagonal.
The convenience of its use depends on where exactly the heated towel rail will be located in the bathroom:
- Wall type - classic. Suitable for both large and small bathrooms, takes up little space, is easy to use and does not interfere. Modern models can be placed anywhere – even above the bathroom.
- Floor-standing type - convenient to combine with a heating radiator. Using a dryer large size The combined bathroom can be divided into two zones. It will look like a partition and be installed perpendicular to the wall.
- Rotary type - equipped with a special mechanism, thanks to which it individual elements rotate relative to the stand 180 degrees. The design is convenient, but less reliable than stationary options. Rubber sealing rings are installed in the rotating mechanism, which will need to be changed periodically. You cannot hang heavy items on this dryer. Average term operation without repair will be three years.
Increased strength can be achieved by improving the stationary one. An additional removable mechanism is installed on it, which will not be connected to the flow of water. Here you can hang towels - they will dry thanks to the heating from the hospital. Empty slats are lighter than those filled with water, so the strength and quality of the entire structure will not be affected.
Choosing a heated towel rail for the bathroom - what documents to check?
Once you have chosen the right heated towel rail for your bathroom, make sure of its quality. Good products have:
- 1. technical passport;
- 2. quality certificate;
- 3. hygiene certificate;
- 4. operating instructions and installation instructions;
- 5. warranty card.
Feel free to check all of this before purchasing. If in doubt, give preference to a model that comes with necessary papers fully.
If you decide to undertake installation yourself, strictly follow the installation instructions and data sheet data. This will help avoid wasting time and money on further reinstallation or calling a specialist to correct errors. The need to pay for the work of a master is not so scary. Much more problems will arise if a plumbing accident occurs due to incorrect installation of the heated towel rail. Careful actions and a little imagination will help you make your bathroom beautiful and cozy!
Electric or water heated towel rail – which one is better to choose for the bathroom?
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Summer is the time of seasonal shutdown of hot water. A good reason to think about repairing or replacing your heated towel rail. How to improve a water one and when does it make sense to spend money on an electric one? Which device will last longer in Russian realities - domestic or imported? What can a heated towel rail do besides dry towels? Let's sort it out in order.
Change, leave or remove completely?
If you have bought an apartment and are wondering what to do with an old heated towel rail (and it may still be completely useless), first look around. Are there any signs of fungus on the walls and joints? Look behind the bathroom screen and look for black spots on the silicone. Ask former residents if they were cold in the bathroom? You can go around the neighbors in the riser and ask the same questions. If the bathroom is cold and pockets of mold are found in the corners (even if the ventilation is working properly), it means that the room is not warming up well enough. There are several ways to solve this problem.
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Firstly, you can replace the old heated towel rail with a more modern one volumetric model. However, the larger the area of the pipes, the colder the water will flow through the riser - the neighbors will probably notice this too.
If the bathroom is large, there is a reason not to change the water “snake”, but to supplement it with an electric “ladder”. It is better to resolve this issue before exterior finishing room to carefully remove the wires into the wall.
You can take a detour and make an electric heated floor. Then you won’t have to worry about choosing which heated towel rail is better - water or electric. Especially if the bathroom is small - no more than 4-5 sq.m. Place towel rails at the bottom of the room and everything will dry naturally naturally. It’s troublesome to install, energy-consuming to use, but it’s nice on your heels and you can implement different design concepts in the interior without being tied to a heated towel rail.
Important! Connect the water heated floor to the riser with hot water in an apartment building is prohibited by law. Such redevelopment will never be approved for you - accordingly, selling the apartment will not be easy. In addition, the outlet water temperature will inevitably decrease - which means that angry neighbors have every reason to complain about you. management company, the prosecutor's office and Sportloto.
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In a private house, a regular radiator can replace a heated towel rail. A rod above the radiator will allow you to dry towels without any problems.
But the convector can only be partially used as a heated towel rail. Such a device can heat a bathroom (dust and moisture protection class is IP24 and higher), but you cannot cover it with a towel. If you search, you can find special convector heated towel rails - with a towel holder.
Welcome to complain
Do not hesitate to involve the management company in solving your problem. A heated towel rail (water) in Russian homes is built into either the hot water supply system or the heating system. Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of May 6, 2011 N 354 defines the following temperature minimums for hot water at the point of analysis: at least 60 degrees for open systems centralized heating, at least 50 - for closed ones (this data is in the Criminal Code). The current SanPiN 2.1.4.2496−09, regardless of the heat supply system used, sets the bar at 60 degrees (the temperature at which infectious pathogens die).
As for heating, the mentioned resolution obliges public utilities to heat our apartments to at least 18 degrees, and GOST R 51617-2000 sets a specific minimum for the bathroom - 25 degrees per interior wall rooms.
If the water in the pipes is colder than it should be, you can demand a recalculation of the payment for heat and/or hot water and take measures to increase the water temperature - sometimes it is enough to insulate the pipes in the basement, or cut off someone a water heated floor or a huge heated towel rail in exchange full-time
Which is better to choose a heated towel rail - water or electric?
Have you finally decided that you need a heated towel rail? Then let's decide which one will perform its tasks well in your bathroom.
Water is on average half the price of its electric counterpart and does not require additional expenses. An electric heated towel rail will inevitably increase your electricity bills, but you don’t have to worry about leaks, forget about the pressure in the pipes and turning off the hot water. The range of electric dryers is huge, while water dryers are somewhat more modest. There are, of course, water glass inserts or “branches” from collectors, but they are more expensive than standard electric ones.
Another important point. Most often, a water heated towel rail is built into the hot water supply system and works for a whole year except two "preventive» weeks. But in some houses - usually with geysers-The heated towel rail is part of the heating system and will be switched off for at least four months. In this case, you can also think about an electrical analogue. Especially if you are dealing with mold.
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Which water heated towel rail to choose
When choosing a water heated towel rail, first of all you need to look at the material from which it is made. The cheapest models are made of black steel, but can be painted to resemble stainless steel. There is a lot of oxygen in the hot water circulating through our pipes - together they corrode the metal from the inside (therefore, ordinary pipes for hot water supply are galvanized as protection). In addition, the water is full of metal impurities that settle on the walls of the heated towel rail. Both are detrimental to black steel. And the chrome coating quickly begins to peel off. Such models are suitable for private homes, where the water is cleaner and the pressure is weaker. In addition, there are dual-circuit models where water heats the antifreeze - they will last longer.
Stainless steel is not afraid of corrosion, so it is preferable to black. To avoid buying a fake, look at the certificate (passport) of the heated towel rail before you part with your money. The material must be indicated there. Stainless steel has few disadvantages: the threads on the connections are too sharp (a good seal will be required) and poor protection against so-called “stray currents” - but there’s nothing to be done about it.
Imported heated towel rails are often made from chrome-plated sanitary brass, adding elements of anodized aluminum - they are also not afraid of rust, but are not always ready for Russian loads. In general, chrome models look “more expensive” than polished ones, but they also cost the same. As for the quality of heating, the coating does not affect it.
Copper too good option, and also incredibly fashionable. In terms of thermal conductivity, this material will give a head start to others (well, you won’t make a radiator out of silver?). Disadvantages - high cost and bright appearance. It won't fit into every interior.
Water heated towel rail: won't leak?
A good heated towel rail must withstand not only the critical views of designers, but also the surprises of heating systems. Pay attention to what maximum pressure the model is designed for: according to GOST, plumbing fixtures must operate properly at a pressure of 6 atmospheres (bar) and withstand increased loads of up to 10 atmospheres. It is better if both of these indicators for your heated towel rail are 5-10 atmospheres more, since a couple of times a year our pipes have to undergo pressure testing, and at other times it happens that the water pressure “jumps” - especially on the first floor.
Russian heated towel rails usually take this point into account, building a safety margin into the wall thickness, but imported ones are often not designed for our peak loads, since they are made for individual systems heating, that is, private houses (where the pressure rarely exceeds 4 atmospheres). However, it is better in this case to rely on numbers.
The weak point of many water models is the seam, so it is better to choose a seamless heated towel rail.
Water heated towel rail: withhow long will it last?
When considering which heated towel rail to choose for the bathroom, immediately think about replacing it. The service life of a water heated towel rail depends on two factors: what it is made of and what it is connected to. Unlike DHW systems, the water in the heating system is not so saturated with oxygen. In addition, it is cleaned of rust and salts. Finally, the pressure in heating pipes is much less than in hot water pipes. Therefore, heated towel rails connected to the heating system last longer than their counterparts connected to hot water pipes. Both cheap appliances made of black steel and expensive imported ones made of brass (designed to be connected to a heating system) can fail before their stated service life - after two to three years - unable to cope with the DHW loads. But copper and high-quality stainless steel will easily last a couple of decades, no matter where you connect them.
Whatever heated towel rail you choose for the bathroom, install a fine filter at the inlet mechanical cleaning: This will add a couple of years to his life.
Can it be painted?
The heated towel rail can be polished, chrome-plated or enameled. If shiny metal does not fit into the design concept of the bathroom, the heated towel rail can be painted. However, please note that, unlike factory powder painting technology, achieving a uniform color manually It won't be easy. Even the aerosol will flow somewhere. You can, for example, go to a car repair shop where body parts are painted, and for a small fee they will do it for you “like at the factory.”
Remember that each layer of paint reduces the thermal conductivity of the battery (and a heated towel rail is the same battery) by 5-10%, depending on the paint. Moreover, oil is the worst option for heating radiators, since even in one layer it reduces heat transfer by 8%. The best option is heat-resistant enamel. It is better to paint in preventive periods when the pipe is cold.
And so on...
Other important characteristics water heated towel rail - its shape, the distance between the inlet and outlet, the diameter of the connection thread. Traditionally, our choice is limited to “horseshoe”, “snake” and “ladder”, although an inquisitive buyer will find more interesting design models. For drying towels, a “ladder” is more convenient than zigzags and staples, since it uses maximum area pipes In addition, this model has a larger heating area. But the “snakes”, which do not have joints, are stronger. In addition, they are cheaper and, unlike the “ladder”, do not require modification of the riser when connecting. Easy to use combined models- coils with shelves and rails.
Advice: When choosing the size of a water heated towel rail, keep in mind: “reserve” is not needed here. The water one is better when it is neither small nor large. In a small bathroom, a large heated towel rail will fight dampness well, but will “dry up” all the oxygen.
Before going to the store, measure the distance between the water inlet and outlet points so that you don’t have to extend or cut down the pipe for a new heated towel rail. Standard models have a distance between the inlet and outlet in the range of 30-50 cm (this will be the height of the coil or the width of the ladder). Coils are produced in widths from 40 to 100 cm. The standard height of ladders is from 40 to 120 cm.
Another feature of Russian communal system- heated towel rails play the role of a “compensation loop”, that is, they allow the riser to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Therefore, a water heated towel rail is better when it is made in the shape of a “snake”.
When deciding which heated towel rail is better - imported or domestic, consider one more nuance. Imported models, as a rule, are produced with a pipe diameter at connection of 1/2 or 3/4 inch, and domestic ones - an inch or an inch and a quarter. So adapters may be needed. It is not recommended to install heated towel rails with an inlet diameter smaller than the diameter of the pipe outlet: when high blood pressure the adapter may leak.
Installation
You need to buy a heated towel rail before starting your bathroom renovation. The fact is that pipe routing, including to the new heated towel rail, is carried out immediately after dismantling the old finishes and plumbing. Although you can directly connect the device both before laying the tiles - if the box is installed - and after: if the connection points are not closed.
If you have no experience in replacing and installing a heated towel rail, it is better not to try to save on the services of a plumber - especially if you need to install a non-standard model. You will have to meet with the technician at least twice: first (preferably before going to the store) to discuss the model and installation nuances, and then directly during connection.
You should be well prepared for replacing your heated towel rail.
You need to submit an application to the management company in advance so that during the work the water supply in the riser will be cut off (a paid service). Warn your neighbors about the water shutoff - this is, at a minimum, polite. Installation can take from 20 minutes to a couple of hours - depending on the model of the “dryer”, the number of additional parts and the need for welding. The heated towel rail can be unfolded any way you like, but make sure that the liner goes to it without sharp bends (“humps”) - there may be airlock.
To prevent plugs from forming in the heated towel rail, do not skimp on the air release valve - it is also respectfully called the “Maevsky tap”. Often a shut-off valve or automatic valve is installed at the connection point - and with the best intentions: if the heated towel rail suddenly leaks, a flood can be prevented. However, you must understand: narrowing the riser pipes and installing shut-off valves is prohibited, as this can affect the pressure and circulation of water in the entire system.
When installing a water heated towel rail, it really makes sense to install shut-off valves at the water inlet and outlet, but with the obligatory presence of a bypass - a safety jumper that ensures uninterrupted operation of the riser. Such a system will allow you to turn off the heated towel rail at any time without cutting off the water for the entire entrance. You can safely change the device, paint it, change the position, without listening to the curses of your neighbors.
Non-standard
If you are looking for a heated towel rail for a bathroom combined with a room, you can choose a model combined with a radiator.
Advice: According to Russian Federation standards, it is impossible to increase the area of bathrooms at the expense of living rooms and kitchens - under " wet areas» should only be located non-residential premises. An exception is made for apartments on the ground floor and for two-level housing.