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Traditional Spindle

Traditional spindle taps are still the most commonly used type of tap, simply due to the amount of time that they were the only type available. They operate by turning the tap head to achieve the desired flow rate.

Without getting too technical, the tap has a spindle through its core and a valve seat attached to the bottom of the spindle. A standard tap washer, usually made of rubber, is fixed to the end of the valve seat. As the handle is turned the spindle rotates and the screw thread moves the valve seat up and down to adjust the flow of water. The valve seat is positioned over the hole through which water flows. The valve seat will rise up and down as the spindle is turned, allowing proportional control of the flow of water. The traditional spindle approach is cheaper than the ceramic disk alternative, but is of an inferior quality.

Whilst durable, tap washers do need to be changed from time to time. This can be an awkward task and a dripping tap can prove seriously annoying, not to mention uneconomical. The appearance is limited by the spindle approach and the modern lever handles are not available using a traditional spindle tap. Ultimately, some form of repetitive turning is required to open and close the tap.

Traditional spindle taps are suitable for high or low-pressure systems. This gives them an advantage over ceramic disk taps.

Ceramic Disk

On the other hand, ceramic disk operated taps are drip free. Changing washers is a thing of the past. The reason for this is the entirely different mode of operation. Ceramic disks get their name from the fact that there are two ceramic disks within the tap body, which when the lever is turned or lifted, the disks are separated allowing water to flow. Only a quarter turn is required to take the flow rate from full on to off if the turn handle approach is used. Ceramic disk taps can look like traditional spindle taps, but inside the tap body the mode of operation is different. Whilst these taps are lower maintenance, last longer and function better, they are more costly, as is normally the case.

Ceramic disk taps are inferior as regards flow rates. They will not work successfully with very low pressures, whereas the traditional spindle type will.

Quick Notes On Pressure:

If you have a combination boiler or an un-vented hot water system (electric point of use water heater) you don't need to worry about pressure. If, however you have a traditional gravity pressure system i.e. a water tank in the attic and a hot water cylinder for domestic hot water generation, then you should make a note of your available pressure. If you have a very low available pressure and purchase ceramic disk type taps, they may not work as desired. Keep this in mind when choosing. If you do have the older, more traditional tank and cylinder system, consult a plumber or plumbers merchant to find out whether a pump is available to provide the needed pressure.

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posted by 83212  # 11:13 AM