Buyer’s Guide to Taps | Cross-Head, Lever, Sensor & More
When selecting the right taps for your washroom, there’s a wide range of options designed to meet specific needs, whether that be hygiene and durability or ease of use and water efficiency. Whether for schools, hospitals, catering businesses, or general public spaces, it’s important to know the different types of taps available and what makes them suitable for particular environments.
In this guide, we’ll outline the key types of taps you might want to consider, helping you choose the best fit for your bathroom design.
Speak To Our AdvisorsHow to Operate Your Taps
When selecting a tap, how it functions should be at the forefront of criteria for consideration. It is vital to ensure the tap you choose is accessible and safe for it’s intended usage. At Washware Essentials, we offer a range of taps with differing operational styles.
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One popular type of tap are cross-head taps, named for their distinctive cross-shaped handles. The shape of the handles make the tap easy to grip and turn, even if hands are wet, soapy and slippery. It is a common, traditional design, allowing for control over waterflow and temperature. They are easy to repair due to their simple mechanics, giving them a longer lifespan than some other options. Our range of cross-head taps are made of durable materials, for example, stainless steel, to ensure they can withstand use in high-traffic areas.
While cross-head taps offer a simple, easy-to-use design, foot-operated taps are also a popular choice in environments where cleanliness is paramount, such as kitchens or healthcare settings. Activated by pressing a pedal located on the floor, foot-operated taps offer a hands-free experience that greatly reduces the risk of cross-contamination, as users do not need to physically touch the tap before or after washing their hands. Built to withstand heavy usage, a foot-operated tap is ideal for areas where frequent handwashing is essential, and offers control over water flow based on how long the foot pedal is pressed.![]()
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You may also want to consider lever taps, specifically designed for easy operation. Operated by simply pushing or pulling a lever to control water flow, lever taps are particularly accessible for those with limited mobility. Some lever taps also offer the ability to mix hot and cold water for easy temperature adjustment.
If your primary concern is conserving water, press button time-flow taps may be the ideal solution for you. Designed to automatically shut off water flow after a set period of time, a press button tap is ideal for saving water in busy areas, such as a public washroom. To activate the user presses a button, allowing water to run for a set amount of time. Additionally, press button time-flow taps can withstand heavy use, as their design reduces wear and tear on the tap itself over time.![]()
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For some bathrooms, a sensor-operated tap may be more suitable. These taps detect hand movement automatically using infrared technology, automatically activating water flow in turn. Operation is hands-free, making them both a hygienic choice and an accessible one, as well as promoting water efficiency, as the flow of water automatically stops when the sensor no longer detects movement.Catering Taps
We offer a range of pre-rinse catering taps, designed to handle the rigours of commercial kitchens by providing a powerful spray to rinse dishes before washing. These taps typically feature a flexible hose and a high-pressure spray head that makes it easy to clean large pots, pans, and utensils. The flexibility of the hose allows users to direct water exactly where it’s needed, improving efficiency in busy kitchens. Pre-rinse taps are built to withstand the high demands of food service environments, with durable construction that ensures long-lasting performance.
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Medical Taps
Medical taps are specifically designed for use in healthcare settings where hygiene, safety, and accessibility are paramount. These taps are available in several operational styles, including lever and sensor, providing a greater level of accessibility and minimising the risk of cross-contamination. Many medical taps are equipped with thermostatic mixing valves to provide a consistent water temperature, reducing the risk of scalding. Made from durable, easy-to-clean materials, medical taps are built to meet the strict hygiene standards required in hospitals, clinics, and care homes.
Child-Friendly Taps
Child-friendly taps are designed with safety and ease of use in mind, making them ideal for schools and nurseries. We offer child-friendly taps that are approachable to encourage children to wash their hands regularly. Our range includes soft-touch taps, requiring a quarter of the amount of force as normal, as well as sensor and lever operated designs. The materials used in these taps are durable enough to withstand frequent use and the occasional rough handling that can come with use in educational settings.
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Key Considerations When Choosing Taps
If you are designing a washroom, there are several key factors to bear in mind when selecting taps, including hygiene, ease of use, durability in high-traffic environments, safety, and water efficiency.
Balancing practicality and hygiene can be tricky, so why not talk to the experts? At Washware Essentials, our team has plenty of experience in helping our customers bring their washroom designs to life. For help and support in choosing taps, get in touch with our team of experts today.
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Posted by Paul Thorn
21st October 2024
