A mixer tap is designed to combine both the hot and cold-water flow so that it comes out of one faucet instead of individual hot and cold faucets. This means you get water at your desired temperature from a single spout.
The Core Function
Unlike traditional taps where hot and cold water are dispensed from separate spouts, a mixer tap brings the two water sources together before they exit the faucet. This simple combination allows you to control both the temperature and flow rate with typically just one or two controls.
The Internal Mechanism
To achieve this combination, mixer taps have internal components that regulate the flow of hot and cold water. According to the reference, "there are valves inside mixer tap faucets that open and close, lining up with different holes that allow the chosen water setting to flow through."
How the Valves Work
The valves inside a mixer tap are key to its operation. They control:
- Water Flow: By adjusting the valve position, you can control how much water comes out.
- Temperature Mixing: The valve also directs how much hot water and how much cold water are allowed to mix.
- Turning towards the 'cold' setting restricts the hot water flow and increases the cold water flow.
- Turning towards the 'hot' setting restricts the cold water flow and increases the hot water flow.
- A position in the middle allows both hot and cold water to flow simultaneously, mixing to a desired temperature.
These valves, often ceramic discs or cartridges in modern taps, move or rotate to align with different ports or holes inside the tap body, precisely managing the water paths and volumes before the mixed water exits through the single spout.
Benefits of Mixer Taps
- Convenience: Easier to get water at a specific temperature.
- Efficiency: Avoids running water from separate taps while trying to find the right temperature.
- Modern Design: Often preferred for their sleek, integrated look.
In essence, a mixer tap works by using internal valves to accurately blend hot and cold water flows within the tap body, providing a mixed stream from a single outlet based on the user's adjustment.
