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Kitchen Taps Glossary of Terms

Bar Pressure

A unit of measurement for water pressure. 0.1 bar equals 1m between the bottom of a storage tank (usually in the loft) and a tap

Ceramic Disc Taps

Taps which can be turned on or off with just a quarter turn. Ceramic discs inside the tap create a watertight seal and drip-free 'off' position.

Ceramic Disc Valve

Valve that uses hard wearing ceramic discs to create a watertight seal

Ceramic Disc Cartridge

Cartridge utilising hard wearing ceramic discs to create taps with single lever operation.

Mechanical Valve

Traditional type valve that uses a rubber washer to create a watertight seal.

Check Valves / Non Return Valves

A plumbing fitting designed to allow water flow in one direction only.

Cold Water Storage Tank / Cistern

Fixed container for holding water at atmospheric pressure usually used for providing a feed to a vented domestic hot water cylinder.

High Pressure Water

Water pressure 1 bar and over.

Low Pressure Water

Water pressure between 0.2 - 1.0 bar. All low pressure products are suitable for high pressure systems.

Minimum Pressure

The minimum pressure required to operate the tap. The pressure will vary depending on the type of tap and plumbing system installed. The minimum operating pressure of each tap is shown within the technical specification.

Pressure reducing valves

Sometimes required on systems using mixers and with a high pressure imbalance. (greater than a ration of 5:1 generally)

Single Flow Taps

Hot and cold water mixes within the mixer body. To comply with Water Bylaws fittings such as this require single check valves fitted to each inlet.

Dual Flow Taps

Where the hot and cold water supply mix at the outlet of the tap and not within (See Mixer Taps), thus no check valves are required..

Filter Taps

Filter taps reduces 99% of chlorine and other harmful chemicals and impurities but leaves essential minerals for healthy and great tasting water Filter Taps.

Mixer Taps

Mixer taps which requires a 1 tap hole basin or sink. Where hot and cold water from the two valves is mixed together before reaching the outlet Mixer Taps.

Monobloc Mixer Taps

Mixer tap requiring a basin with only one hole.

Pillar Taps

Two individual taps suitable for a two tap basin, sink or bath. Supplied as a pair.

Single Lever Taps

Mixer using only one lever to control both flow and temperature

Traditional Taps

Traditional taps recreate the charm of a bygone era they usually have ceramic indices and levers. Just because you want a traditional look does not mean that gold is your only choice, many traditionally styled taps have been given a more contemporary flavour by being finished in chrome Traditional Taps.

Wall Mounted Taps

Tap fitting which is fitted to the wall surface.

Deck Taps

A tap designed to be mounted on a flat service.

Slotted Waste

If your basin has an overflow you will require a slotted waste.

Unslotted Waste

If your basin has no overflow you will require an unslotted waste.

Waste Disposal Units

Waste disposal units are usually fitted directly under the kitchen sink and catch solid waste (such as vegetable peelings) and grinds food materials into a runny pulp, which is then washed down the drain without causing a blockage.

Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)

The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) is the Leading Employers Trade Association for the Plumbing and Heating Industry in England and Wales.

Water Bylaws

Water regulations set by your Local Water Authority in which installations are required to comply with.

Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS)

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme approves water fittings and materials that meet the minimum requirements of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 in England and Wales, The Water Byelaws 2000 in Scotland and the Water Regulations in Northern Ireland. The approvals are granted by a panel of experts from the Water Supply Industry who meets regularly to review the fittings and the reports on any tests that have been undertaken.

Non-Metallic Materials in contact with the water must comply with the British Standard 6920, whilst the water fittings themselves must currently conform to either: