Choosing a tap

Most have working the same way, turning the handle opens or closes a valve that fits into a valve seat. The valve, a rod and plate known as a jumper valve, is fitted with a washer that it replaced when it is worn and the tap drips. SW11 Plumbers can supply and fit taps.

Pillar Tap:
This type of is still often used in bathrooms, with a vertical inlet that fits through a hole in the sanitary ware. The conventional tap has a bell shaped cover, generally known as an easy clean cover, and a capstan (cross top) handle.

Hand Wheel Handle:
On modern taps, the cover and handle are replaced by a shrouded head that looks like a hand wheel. Shrouded heads not only give a neat appearance but also prevent water from wet hands going down the spindle and allowing detergent to wash the grease out of the tap mechanism. An SW11 Plumber is a trained professional.

High Neck Taps:
The spout on an ordinary tap is about 22 mm of its base, whereas the spout on a high neck tap will be at least 95 mm above its base. With a shallow sink this allows a bucket to be filled by large pans to be rinsed with ease. High neck taps are available with capstan, hand wheel and lever handles.

Lever Handle:
Another type of his rounded head has a lever handle, which is easy for elderly or disabled people to use as it can be pushed rather than gripped. Most lever handle taps have ceramic discs so require only a quarter turn of the handle.

Hose Union Bin Cock:
This is a tap with a horizontal inlet now used mainly outdoors or in the garage. Most bib taps have an angled head and threaded nozzle that can be used with a garden hose.