TAPS NOTES

Define:
TAPS
They are devices that regulate the flow of water in plumbing systems.
HOW A WATER TAP WORKS
The tap is generally made of a spindle connected to a controlling head and the jumper.
When the head is turned anti- clockwise, to open the tap, the spindle gradually raises the jumper
off the seat and let water flow through the tap.
When turned the head is turned clockwise, to shut the tap, the spindle screws down the spindle to
lower the jumper on to the seat and shut of the flow.
The flow of water is controlled by turning or moving the tap handle which is connected to the
spindle.
When moved, the spindle causes the tap valve to move upwards or downwards, causing the
water chamber to open or close.
The chamber is supplied with cold and/or hot water from connection pipes that transport water
from the water supply to a tap.
Kitchen mixer taps can change between hot and cold water because they are fitted with a mixer
cartridge.
 Connection pipes – connects the tap to the water supply.
 Mixer cartridge – controls the water temperature of a tap.

TYPES OF TAPS
1. Bib taps
2. Pillar taps
3. Stop taps /Stop cocks
4. Drain taps
5. Mixer taps
6. Spray taps
7. Screw taps
1. Bib Tap
These are draw - off taps fitted above sanitary appliance such as sinks or to supply water for
buckets or hoses
A bib tap is a wall-mounted tap that also offers the ability to connect a hose. They can be
operated in all manner of ways, from traditional turn taps and lever taps, to push button taps that
emit water for a set period of time before self-closing.

PARTS OF A TAP
The parts included in a tap will vary depending on its functions and have a range of different
names however, the basic parts of a tap are:
 Tap nozzle – where water comes out of a tap.
 Tap handle – on top of the tap, turn or move it to turn it on or off.
 Flange – under the tap handle, covers the tap bonnet and is visible.
 Tap bonnet – between the flange and the tap spindle, causes the spindle to move.
 Spindle – connected to the tap bonnet and the tap valve. Fitted with an o’ring.
 O’ring – prevents water from dripping out of or around the nozzle.
 Body washer – provides a seal that stops the water flow, connected to the spindle.
 Tap valve – controls the release of water.
 Tap seat – the tap valve pushes against the tap seat to close off the water flow.
Water chamber – where water stays in the tap until the chamber is opened

Water Flow Control Mechanism in bib taps

The water flow control mechanism in bib taps is typically simple and consists of a few basic
components that allow you to turn the water on and off and regulate the flow rate. The primary
components include:
1. Handle or Knob: This is the part of the bib tap that you turn to control the flow of water.
It can be a lever, knob, or a rotating wheel. Turning the handle clockwise (or in one
direction) typically closes the tap, while turning it counterclockwise (or in the opposite
direction) opens the tap.
2. Valve or Washer: Inside the bib tap, there is a valve or washer that moves when you turn
the handle. The valve or washer is responsible for controlling the flow of water. When
 the handle is turned to the open position, the valve or washer allows water to flow
through the tap. When you close the tap, the valve or washer blocks the water flow.
3. Stem or Spindle: The stem or spindle is the rod that connects the handle to the valve or
washer inside the bib tap. When you turn the handle, it rotates the stem or spindle, which,
in turn, moves the valve or washer to control the water flow.
4. Seat: The seat is a sealing surface inside the bib tap where the valve or washer comes into
contact when the tap is closed. This seat ensures a watertight seal when the tap is in the
off position, preventing water from leaking.
5. O-ring or Washer Seal: Many bib taps have O-rings or washer seals to create a watertight
seal around the spindle or stem, preventing water from leaking around the handle.
To control the water flow with a bib tap, you simply turn the handle in the desired direction.
Turning it counterclockwise opens the tap and allows water to flow, while turning it clockwise
closes the tap and stops the flow of water. The more you open the tap, the higher the flow rate,
and conversely, closing it reduces the flow rate.
The design of bib taps may vary slightly, but these basic components and the operation are
consistent across most bib taps. Proper maintenance and occasional replacement of washers or
O-rings can help ensure that the bib tap continues to function effectively and remains leak-free.
2. PILLAR TAP
These are draw – off taps fitted to sanitary appliances like sinks, wash basins and baths.
They have a long – threaded shank that allows them to be fitted into the appliance.
Pillar taps should be high – necked to buckets fit underneath.

Water Flow Control Mechanism in pillar taps

Pillar taps, also known as pillar faucets or pillar valves, are a common type of faucet used in
bathrooms and kitchens. These taps typically have two separate handles or pillars, one for hot
water and one for cold water.
1. Valve Mechanism: Inside the pillar tap, there is a valve mechanism that controls the flow
of water. This mechanism is usually a rubber or ceramic washer or cartridge that can be
moved up and down or turned left and right to open or close the water pathway. The
handles or knobs on the top of the pillars are connected to these valves.
2. Turning the Handles: When you turn the handles clockwise or counterclockwise, you are
adjusting the position of the internal valves. Turning the handle in one direction opens the
valve, allowing water to flow, while turning it in the opposite direction closes the valve,
stopping the water flow.
3. Mixing Hot and Cold Water: Since pillar taps have separate handles for hot and cold
water, you can control the water temperature by adjusting the positions of these two
handles. For a desired water temperature, you turn the hot and cold handles to the
appropriate positions to mix the hot and cold water in the desired proportion.
4. Flow Rate Control: In addition to temperature control, you can also adjust the flow rate of
water by partially opening or closing the valves. The further you turn the handle, the
wider the valve opens, and the more water flows through.
5. Rubber Washers or Cartridges: In older pillar taps, rubber washers were commonly used
as the sealing element inside the valve mechanism. In more modern taps, ceramic
cartridges are often used for their durability and ease of maintenance. The quality and
condition of these washers or cartridges can affect the smoothness of operation and the
prevention of leaks.
3. Stop Taps/ stop cocks
4. These are used to shut off water or control the rate of flow in pipelines. They are commonly
fitted to incoming water main in the building or on the feed pipe to individual appliances to shut
off the water flow for repair and maintenance.
Main Stop Tap: The main stop tap, also known as the main shutoff valve or water meter valve,
is located at the point where the main water supply enters your home or building. It is used to
shut off the water supply to the entire building.

Water Flow Control Mechanism in stop taps

A stop tap, also known as a shutoff valve, is a plumbing device used to control the flow of water
in a pipeline. The specific mechanism for controlling water flow in a stop tap can vary depending
on the type of stop tap, but there are common designs used in many of them.
Here are the key components and mechanisms involved in controlling water flow in stop
taps:
1. Valve Body: The valve body is the main part of the stop tap that contains the water flow
control mechanism. It is typically made of metal, such as brass or stainless steel, and can
have different shapes and sizes depending on the type of stop tap.
2. Valve Mechanism: Within the valve body, there is a mechanism that controls the flow of
water. There are several types of valve mechanisms commonly used in stop taps:
 Gate Valve: Gate valves have a round wheel-like handle and a gate or wedge-
shaped disc that can be lowered or raised to control the water flow. Turning the
 handle clockwise (right) lowers the gate to shut off the water flow, while turning
it counterclockwise (left) raises the gate to allow water to flow.
 Ball Valve: Ball valves have a lever handle and a hollow, perforated ball inside
the valve body. When the handle is turned 90 degrees, the ball is rotated to either
allow or block water flow. Turning the handle perpendicular to the pipe (a
quarter-turn) closes the valve, and turning it parallel to the pipe opens the valve.
 Compression Stop Valve: Some stop taps use a compression mechanism. A
threaded compression nut is tightened or loosened to compress or release a rubber
or plastic washer against the water pipe, thereby controlling the flow of water.
3. Handle or Lever: The handle or lever is the part of the stop tap that you turn to control
the valve mechanism. It is usually located at the top of the valve body for easy access.
Turning the handle or lever in the appropriate direction will open or close the valve,
allowing you to control the flow of water.
To control water flow using a stop tap:
1. Locate the Stop Tap: Find the stop tap that corresponds to the section of the water
supply you want to control. This could be a main stop tap or an individual fixture stop
tap.
2. Turn the Handle or Lever: To shut off the water supply, turn the handle or lever in the
appropriate direction, as mentioned earlier, depending on the type of stop tap you have.
Clockwise (right) typically closes the valve, and counterclockwise (left) opens it.
3. Check for Flow: After turning the handle or lever, check to ensure that the water flow
has been properly controlled. If the water is no longer flowing, the valve is closed. If you
want to restore the water supply, simply turn the handle or lever in the opposite direction.
4. Drain taps
These are fitted to the low point of all systems for drawing down the system.
They are controlled by a removable key to prevent an authorized use.

Water Flow Control Mechanism in drain taps

Drains typically don't have a flow control mechanism like faucets do. Instead, they have a
stopper or plug mechanism to open and close the drain. The purpose of a drain is to allow water
to exit the fixture and flow into the wastewater system.
To close the drain and keep water in the fixture, you manipulate the stopper by lifting, pushing,
pulling, twisting, or turning it, depending on the type of stopper in your fixture.
5. Mixer tap
These are basically a pair of pillar taps, hot and cold, joined together by a common or mixing
chamber and / or delivery spout to provide a mixed flow of hot and cold water.

Mixer taps, also known as mixing faucets, are plumbing fixtures that combine hot and cold water
streams to provide a single, controlled water temperature at the faucet's outlet. These taps are
commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens, and they are designed to make it easier to adjust the
water temperature and flow to your liking. Mixer taps typically have a single spout and a single
handle or two handles that allow you to control both hot and cold water.
Here's how the water flow control mechanism in mixer taps typically works:
1. Single-Handle Mixer Taps:
 Single-handle mixer taps have one handle that you can turn to control both the
water temperature and flow rate. When you move the handle to the left or right,
you are adjusting the water temperature, with left typically being hot and right
being cold.
 When you move the handle up and down, you control the flow rate. Moving the
handle upwards increases the water flow, and moving it downwards reduces the
flow.
2. Two-Handle Mixer Taps:
 Two-handle mixer taps have separate handles for hot and cold water. Turning the
hot water handle increases the flow of hot water, while turning the cold water
handle increases the flow of cold water. By adjusting both handles, you can mix
the hot and cold water to achieve the desired temperature.
3. Ceramic Cartridges: Many modern mixer taps use ceramic cartridge technology. Inside
the tap's handle, there are ceramic discs that can be rotated to control the mixing of hot
and cold water. Turning the handle adjusts the position of these ceramic discs to control
both temperature and flow.
4. Spout Control: In addition to temperature and flow control, you can often adjust the
direction and angle of the spout in many mixer taps. This allows you to direct the water
flow more precisely.
Mixer taps offer convenience and precise control over water temperature and flow, making them
a popular choice for both kitchen and bathroom sinks. They are known for their ease of use and
their ability to provide a consistent water temperature, which can be particularly important in
tasks like washing hands, dishes, or taking a shower.

Taps problems and how to fix them

Here are some common tap problems and steps on how to fix them:
1. Dripping Tap:
 A dripping tap is one of the most common issues. It can waste a significant
amount of water and increase your water bill.
 How to Fix: To fix a dripping tap, you usually need to replace a worn-out washer
or cartridge in the tap mechanism.
 Turn off the water supply to the tap.
  Remove the tap handle and access the inner components.
 Replace the washer or cartridge with a new one.
 Reassemble the tap, turn on the water supply, and check for leaks.
2. Leaking Base or Spout:
 Water leaking from the base or spout of the tap indicates a damaged O-ring or
seal.
 How to Fix:
 Turn off the water supply.
 Disassemble the tap to access the O-rings or seals.
 Replace the damaged O-rings or seals with new ones.
 Reassemble the tap, turn on the water supply, and check for leaks.
3. Low Water Pressure:
 Low water pressure can be caused by mineral buildup (scale) in the tap's aerator
or a partially closed shutoff valve.
 How to Fix:
 Remove the aerator at the end of the tap spout and clean it. Soak it in
vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits if necessary.
 Check the shutoff valves under the sink. Ensure they are fully open.
4. No Water Flow:
 If no water is coming out of the tap, there may be a blockage in the tap, pipes, or
aerator.
 How to Fix:
 Remove and clean the aerator.
 Check for any blockages in the tap or pipes leading to the tap.
5. Squeaky Tap Handle:
 A squeaky tap handle can be annoying and is often caused by friction or loose
parts.
 How to Fix:
 Disassemble the tap handle and apply plumber's grease to the moving
parts.
  Tighten any loose screws or components.
6. Hot and Cold Water Crossflow:
 If hot and cold water are mixing inappropriately, the issue may be with the
cartridge or valve.
 How to Fix:
 Replace the cartridge or valve mechanism to ensure proper separation of
hot and cold water.
7. Constant Dripping After Turning Off:
 If the tap continues to drip after you've turned it off, it could be due to residual
pressure or a worn-out washer.
 How to Fix:
 Turn off the water supply.
 Disassemble the tap and replace the washer or cartridge.
 Check for any debris or sediment inside the tap that may be preventing it
from sealing properly.
Always turn off the water supply before attempting any repairs on your tap. If you're unsure
about how to fix a particular issue or lack the necessary tools and expertise, it's advisable to
consult a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage or leaks.