Choosing A Tap - Dhm Building Maintenance

By Author: Docklands Handyman
Total Articles: 4
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Sir ano meanbSome of the latest designs operate differently. The water flow is controlled by two hardwearing ceramic discs - one fixed and the other moving. When the tap is turned on, openings in the disc line up so water can flow through. The discs become smoother and more water tight with wear, so the taps should never need a new disc. They also open and close with only a quarter turn (through 90 degrees) of the handle. Worn taps can usually be fixed by replacing the rubber washer, which can be done yourself but if you are daunted by the prospect get one of DHM Building Maintenance’s London Plumbers to take care of the job for you professionally, quickly and safely.

Taps for wash basins and sinks normally have a 22mm pipe. Most taps are made of brass and plated with chromium, but modern designs have wider range of finishes. Some have plastic handles others are all plastic. Two taps with a common spout are known as a mixer. Adjusting the hot and cold handles produce a flow at the required temperature. The taps are linked either by a deck block (flat against the surface) or a pillar dock (raised) Most mixers are two ...
... whole tyres that fit into a two hold sink, one for the hot tap and one for the cold. Some mixers however need three holes (a center hole for the spout) and some (mono-bloc types) only one.

PILLAR TAP

The type still often used in the home with a vertical inlet that fits through a hole in the sink, basin or bath. The conventional tap has a bell shaped cover - generally known as an easy clean cover and a capstan (cross top) handle

HANDWHEEL HANDLE

Many modern taps have the cover and handle replaced by a shrouded head that commonly forms a hand wheel handle - although some shrouded heads are molded like cross top handles. Shrouded heads not only give a neater appearance but also prevent water from wet hands going down the spindle and allowing detergent to wash the grease out of the tap mechanism.

LEVER HANDLE

Another type of lever handle, which is easy for the elderly or handicapped people to use as it can be pushed rather than gripped. Lever handle taps usually need only a quarter turn of the handle. Many, but not all have ceramic discs in place of a valve and washer.

HIGH NECK TAPS

Ordinary Pillar taps have the spout opening about 7/8inch (22mm) above their base on the sink, but high neck types stand well clear of the sink - with the spout about 33/4inch (95mm) above the base. With a shallow sink this allows room for filling a bucket or rinsing a large pan under the tap. The handles may be any of the standard designs.

BIB TAP

A tap with horizontal inlet, once commonly fitted into the wall above a sink or basin. Bib taps are now used mainly outdoors, in the garden or a garage. Many are of unadorned brass with a bar (straight) handle, but some are chromium plated with a capstan handle or shrouded head.

HOSE NOZZLE

Some Bib taps have a threaded nozzle for fitting a hose. A tap installed against an outside wall should have an angled head; otherwise you will graze your knuckles when you turn the handle on.

KITCHEN MIXER

The sprout has separate channels for hot and cold water which mix only as they emerge. This is because the kitchen cold tap is fed direct from the mains and it is illegal to mix cold water from the mains and hot water from a storage cistern in one fitting. The spout usually swivals and should be able to reach both of the bowls in a two bowl sink.

BATH OR BASIN MIXER

The hot and cold water merges within the mixer body, as both taps are usually fed from the cistern; it is against the law to fit this type of mixer in a direct system with cold water from the rising main and hot water cylinder. This is because mains pressure can alter and differences in pressure might cause stored - and maybe contaminated water to be drawn back into the mains. When a mixer is used with an instantaneous gas water heater, both of the taps are fed from the rising main.

BATH/SHOWER MIXER

Bath mixers sometimes have a shower attachment with a control knob that diverts the water flow from the spout to the shower sprinkler. Do not buy a bath/shower mixer unless your storage cistern can supply adequate pressure.

MONOBLOC MIXER

A single hole mixer having a compact body with the handles and spout very close together. Some types have narrow inlet pipes. There are monobloc designs for both kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchen monobloc mixers often include a hot rinse spray and brush fed from the hot water pipe by a flexible hose, so that the spray can be lifted from its socket for use.

Changing taps is a very effective way of giving a new and contemporary look to a bathroom or kitchen and one of the areas that you get most impact from your budget. DHM Building Maintenance has all the plumbing expertise you will need to advise, supply and install any type of new tap in either a kitchen, bathroom or outside. Our team of expert local plumbers is on hand to get on with the job at a price to suit and will give you the peace of mind that the job is done right first time. Why not call DHM Building maintenance on 0207 5373988 or visit the website at www.dhmbuildingmaintenance.co.uk and get a free quote and find out more about our London plumbing services and plumbing repairs in your area.