IMEX built-in faucets are those that conceal the faucet body inside the wall, leaving only the external finish (rosette, handle, and outlet) visible, and they are manufactured in single-lever (1 to 4 ways) and thermostatic (2 to 4 ways) versions in chrome and matte black finishes.
Key facts
- Two families: single-lever (regulates flow and temperature with a single handle) and thermostatic (sets the temperature precisely and separates the flow control from the temperature control).
- The number of "ways" indicates how many water outlets the same built-in body can control: fixed shower head, hand shower, hydromassage, or bathtub.
- IMEX manufactures 1, 2, 3, and 4-way models in both single-lever and thermostatic versions.
- The built-in body (the part that goes inside the wall) is installed before tiling; the visible finish is installed at the end of the project.
- Available finishes: chrome and matte black, with prices increasing with the number of ways and the thermostatic type.
- There are also built-in versions for washbasins, following the same principle but designed for single-spout faucets.
Built-in single-lever vs. thermostatic: the first decision
Before looking at the number of ways, you must decide on the family. A built-in single-lever faucet regulates flow and temperature by moving the same handle sideways and up or down: it is cheaper and sufficient for a standard home bathroom. A built-in thermostatic faucet separates both controls and maintains the selected temperature steadily even if the mains pressure changes or another faucet in the house is opened, which avoids the cold or hot water shocks typical of shared showers or those with small water heaters. If you are debating between one or the other outside of the built-in range in the catalog, our guide single-lever or thermostatic faucet: which to choose for the shower explains the practical difference between both systems in more detail.
What the number of ways means
Each "way" is an independent water outlet that the built-in body can activate or close separately. A 1-way model only controls one outlet (usually the fixed shower head or a single point). A 2-way model allows for alternating, for example, between a fixed shower head and a hand shower. The 3 and 4-way models extend this combination to systems with overhead spray, side hydromassage, or a bathtub outlet, and allow for activating more than one water point at a time if the diverter allows it. The more ways, the more complex the built-in body and the more water points the installation can manage from a single visible handle.
Series available at IMEX
Within the IMEX built-in catalog, several references coexist according to the way and the finish: 1-way single-lever in matte black, 3 and 4-way single-lever in chrome or matte black, and the entire thermostatic range of 2, 3, and 4 ways in both finishes. The prices reflect the internal complexity: a 1-way single-lever costs around €100, while a 4-way thermostatic model exceeds €250 due to the temperature control mechanism and the greater number of internal switching operations.
Advantages of built-in faucets over wall-mounted ones
Since the body remains inside the wall, only the final finish is visible: the shower gains visual cleanliness, there are no protrusions that accumulate limescale or corners to bump into, and the handle is protected from accidental knocks. It also makes it easier to shower standing up without a wall faucet in the way, and allows for combining several water points (fixed shower head, hand shower, hydromassage) controlled from a single panel instead of several independent faucets. The trade-off is that installation requires breaking and re-tiling, so it is best to decide before starting construction, not after.
What you need before installing
- Confirm the pressure and the type of water installation in the home, because thermostatic units need a stable minimum pressure to regulate well.
- Decide how many water points you want to control (fixed shower head, hand shower, hydromassage, bathtub) to choose the correct number of ways before breaking the wall.
- Ensure the built-in depth indicated in the model's technical sheet is planned for, so that the finish is flush with the finished tiling.
- Have an installer who can leave the built-in body tested and sealed before closing the wall, because an internal leak is only detected once the installation is already tiled.
| Type | Ways | What it controls | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-lever | 1 to 4 | Flow and temperature with one handle | Standard home use, tight budget |
| Thermostatic | 2 to 4 | Fixed temperature + independent flow | Multiple users, variable pressure, greater comfort |
And for the washbasin?
IMEX also manufactures built-in versions for washbasins, with the same principle of hiding the body in the wall and leaving only the spout and handle visible, in series such as Pisa or Napoles and in finishes ranging from chrome to brushed rose gold. They are a common option for countertop washbasins where a traditional faucet sitting on the countertop itself is not desired.
Maintenance of the built-in body
The built-in body hardly needs maintenance because it is protected inside the wall, but the internal cartridge (single-lever) or the thermostatic cartridge is a wear part that should be replaceable without breaking the tiling: that is why it is important that the chosen model has replacement cartridges available and an accessible inspection panel. The exterior finish, however, does need the usual care of any faucet: drying it after each use and cleaning limescale with mild products, avoiding abrasive scouring pads that can scratch the chrome or wear down the matte black.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change a built-in faucet without breaking the wall?
The visible finish (rosette, handle, trim) can be replaced without construction work if the new model is compatible with the same built-in body. Changing the entire body, however, does require breaking and re-tiling.
What is the difference between 2 and 4 ways if I only have a fixed shower head and a hand shower?
With those two points, a 2-way model is sufficient. Choosing 3 or 4 ways only makes sense if in the future you want to add a side hydromassage or a bathtub outlet without changing the built-in body.
Do IMEX built-in thermostatic units have a temperature limiter?
Thermostatic models incorporate a safety stop that prevents exceeding a maximum temperature when turning the handle, designed to protect against accidental burns.
Which finish holds up better against limescale, chrome or matte black?
Both finishes require the same basic maintenance of drying after use; matte black shows limescale marks less to the naked eye, but it is no less porous or more resistant than chrome.
IMEX built-in faucets at Merkimarket
In our collection of built-in faucets you will find the entire IMEX range described in this article: single-lever models such as the 4-way built-in single-lever in chrome, thermostatic units such as the 2-way built-in thermostatic in matte black and the 4-way built-in thermostatic, as well as versions for washbasins such as the Pisa built-in single-lever.
If you are still not sure whether a single-lever or a thermostatic unit is right for you, start with our guide single-lever or thermostatic faucet: which to choose for the shower, and if you want to get to know the manufacturer better, you can read IMEX Products: who they are, where they manufacture, and what guarantee they offer.
Guide prepared by the Merkimarket editorial team based on manufacturers' technical sheets and the installation experience of our suppliers.
