Bath Mixer Taps

Mixing Function and Fashion in Your Bath Mixer Tap.When planning for a new bathroom, the choice of bath mixer taps is sometimes set aside for some later date.

However, the bath mixer tap is as important as all the other fixtures in the bathroom and they should be carefully planned in advance so that the construction of the bathroom ends up as a well organized affair.

The basic function of a bath mixer tap is to deliver bath water which can be hot, cold, or a combination of the two through one or more faucets. There are a number of bath mixer tap designs as to aesthetics, depending on one’s personal style and individuality. As a general guide, however, there are three fundamental variations to be considered based on functionality:

• Mixer tap – This type of tap mixes the hot and cold water supplies before the faucet using a ceramic valve to control the flows. The desired temperature is controlled manually.

• Thermostatic mixer tap – This type of tap uses a thermostatic valve to maintain the water output at a desired temperature by automatically adjusting the flow from both the hot and cold water supplies. The resulting output temperature remains constant even if water pressure fluctuations occur, like when water pressure from the main supply is low or when some other taps in the house are in use.

• Filler tap – This type of tap mixes the hot and cold water supplies within the faucet. The hot or cold tap can be adjusted manually to attain the desired temperature.

In the three tap variations mentioned, the number of mounting points or holes on the bath will depend on the type and design of the bath mixer tap to be installed. The hot, cold, and mixer taps can be closely clustered together passing through a single hole to save on space and create a semblance of orderliness and neatness. On the other hand, the hot and cold taps may each be installed in separate holes, with the mixer having its own hole for the purpose of being joined with the pipe work found above or underneath the fixture.

The flow and temperature of the hot and cold water supplies may be controlled by the use of control valves, the most common of which are:

• Mechanical valve – This is the conventional type of valve using a rubber washer seal. While rubber washers tend to wear faster over time, they are easily replaced. Besides, the taps with mechanical valves are less expensive than their counterparts.

• Ceramic disc valve – This type of valve contains a ceramic washer producing a water tight seal with minimal maintenance needed. It can easily be operated with only a quarter turn.

• Ceramic disc cartridge – This control cartridge is a component of a single lever tap. Requiring low maintenance, the ceramic disc is enclosed in a cartridge so arranged that water flow and temperature can be managed with one hand.

Having gained knowledge of the fundamentals of bath mixer taps, you are now ready to go on a shopping spree for your dream bath mixer tap.