A pillar tap works by providing separate controls for hot and cold water flow from a pair of taps, each connecting directly to its respective water supply.
Pillar taps are characterized by their configuration as pairs of taps. You have one hot and a separate cold tap, meaning each tap is operated independently. This contrasts with mixer taps, where hot and cold water are combined before leaving a single spout.
Key Aspects of Pillar Tap Operation
Based on the provided information, here's a breakdown of how pillar taps function:
- Separate Controls: The fundamental principle is that the hot water and cold water are controlled by two distinct taps. To get cold water, you turn on the cold tap; to get hot water, you turn on the hot tap. There's no single handle or knob to adjust temperature by mixing within the tap itself.
- Independent Operation: Each tap is operated separately. You can have just cold water running, just hot water running, or both running simultaneously from their individual spouts. The user controls the flow rate of each temperature independently.
- Application: You can find pillar taps as pairs designed for various locations, including:
- Basins
- Baths
- Kitchens
Connection Method
The reference also describes the connection method, which is part of the tap's design and function:
- Pillar taps will have a rigid fixed metal tail for connecting to the water supply. This means the pipework connects directly to this tail beneath the sink or bath. This rigid connection is distinct from flexible hose connections found on some other tap types.
How Water Flow is Controlled (General Tap Mechanisms)
While the reference focuses on the separate nature and connection of pillar taps, the actual mechanism inside each tap that starts and stops the water flow typically uses one of several valve types common to most taps:
- Compression Valves: Older style, uses a washer pressed against a valve seat to stop water. Requires several turns to turn on/off.
- Ceramic Disc Valves: Modern style, uses two ceramic discs with holes. Turning the handle aligns the holes to allow water flow. Requires only a quarter or half turn.
- Cartridge Valves: Often used in mixer taps, but can be adapted. Controls flow rate and temperature (though temperature mixing isn't a feature of traditional pillar taps).
Pillar taps typically utilize either compression or ceramic disc valves within each individual hot and cold tap body to control the flow. The specific type of valve determines how many turns are needed to operate the tap and influences its durability. The reference doesn't specify which valve type is used, focusing instead on the separate control and connection aspects of the pillar tap design.
Summary of Pillar Tap Characteristics
Here’s a simple overview:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Pair of separate taps (hot and cold) |
| Operation | Each tap controlled independently |
| Water Control | User mixes water temperature in the basin/bath |
| Connection | Rigid fixed metal tail |
| Common Locations | Basin, Bath, Kitchen |
Understanding how a pillar tap works means recognizing its core design: two separate, independently operated taps for hot and cold water, each with a rigid connection tail, requiring the user to manually combine water flows in the fixture to achieve a desired temperature.
