Bathroom Help
A Guide to Bathroom Taps
How they work
Bathroom taps work by using either a ceramic disc valve or a standard rubber washer valve. A ceramic disc cartridge operates when the tap lever or handle rotates the disc through 90 degress exposing openings in the discs that create channels allowing the passage of the water. The ceramic discs used help to prevent excess noise when in use. A standard valve operates using a turning operation that screws a rubber washer against a seating closing or opening the valve and allowing water to flow through the channels in the valve.
How they're made
All bathroom taps are made from cast brass that has either been chrome or gold plated. Chrome plating is by far the most popular finish and is extremely hard wearing. The brass casting has a ceramic disc cartridge or standard valve screwed into it and a handle is fitted to the valve or cartridge spindle to complete the tap.
How to look after them
We strongly recommend that bathroom taps are only to be cleaned with warm soapy water and rinsed afterwards; if necessary it can be polished with a soft cloth. Propriety chrome cleaner can also be used, however this substance is abrasive, so product instructions should be followed with care. Plated products are very vulnerable to acid attack and some household cleaners including strong disinfectants. These materials may have a varying effect on the surface of the products from black spots and streaks, to pitting of the surface, neither of which can be removed.
Types of Bathroom Taps
Bathroom taps fall into a few main categories; there are standard taps, usually supplied in pairs for two tap hole bathroom sinks and baths; monobloc taps, usually for one tap hole basins, although also available for baths now; bath taps are also available as bath fillers and bath shower mixers, which fit a standard two tap hole bath. Three or four tap hole bath fittings may also be supplied, although these are becoming less popular as they are fairly difficult to fit and can be expensive.
2 Tap Hole Basin Pillar Taps (Two Tap Hole Basin Pillar Taps)
These basin taps are used with two tap-hole basins. They are available in a variety of styles that range from extremely modern and contemporary to more traditional designs.
Advantages of these Taps: These are the most popular style of basin taps as they come in a variety of styles, and are simple to fit.
Optional Extras: Standard basin waste, plug and chain.
Basin Mono/Mixer Tap
This type of basin tap is used in conjunction with a one tap-hole basin and is usually supplied in modern style. Basin monobloc taps are generally supplied with a pop up waste, which is operated by a rod mechanism located at either the back or side of the basin monobloc tap.
Advantages of these Taps: Create a contemporary look for your new bathroom, and allows the water to mix whilst flowing into the bathroom sink.
Pair of Standard Bath Taps (Two Tap Hole Bath Pillar Taps)
These bath taps are used with two tap-hole baths. They are available in a variety of styles that range from extremely modern and contemporary to more traditional designs.
Advantages of these taps: These are the most popular style of bath taps as they come in a variety of styles, and are simple to fit. All UK bath tap holes should be drilled to a standard dimension meaning that virtually any UK bath taps should fit a standard UK bath.
Optional Extras: Standard bath waste, plug and overflow, or bath pop up waste.
Bath Filler Taps
Bath Filler taps are used in with two tap-hole baths as an alternative to a Pair of Standard Bath Taps. They are available in a variety of designs.
Advantages of this these taps: Bath fillers are very popular as they allow the water to mix in the tap body before it goes into the bath, this means you have better temperature control.
Optional Extras: Standard bath waste, plug and overflow, or bath pop up waste.
Three or Four Tap Hole Bath Taps
These bath fittings are fitted to three or four tap-hole baths, comes in a variety of styles ranging from traditional to the more modern. They have two handles, one to control the hot water and one to control the cold water supply, the third hole is for the water spout and in the case of the four tap hole fitting there is also a shower head on a retractable hose.
Advantages of these Taps: Can create a very striking effect and they allow the mixing of both hot and cold water for the ideal bath water temperature.
Optional Extras: Standard bath waste, plug and overflow, or bath pop up waste.
A bath pop-up waste is usually included with these fittings.
Bath Shower Mixer (BSM)
Bath shower mixers are compatible with two tap-hole baths, and are available in a variety of styles ranging from modern to traditional.
Advantages of these Taps: Advantages of these taps: Bath shower mixers are available in a variety of styles, and offer the flexibility of bath filling combined with the possibility of showering in the bath.
Optional Extras: Standard bath waste, plug and overflow, or bath pop up waste.
Bidet Mixer
These taps are used with bidets and are supplied in a variety of styles.
Optional Extras: These taps are usually supplied complete with a pop-up waste.
