There are three major components of a bathroom, including a tub, a toilet, and a sink. In the kitchen, you typically find a refrigerator and freezer, a sink, and an oven. The common fixture share by both of these rooms is the sink. Sometimes found in the form of bar sinks, both indoors and outdoors, they are also the one fixture that has seen the most variation on the design front in recent years. With the variety of sinks that are being offered, the number of faucet designs on the market has increased as well. Faucets, also called sink taps, were once simply functional in design. In order to keep up with the visual changes in sink design, however, they have taken on a variety of decorative changes as well.
What Is A Sink Tap?
More commonly known as faucets, a sink tap is the device by which the hot and cold water are pulled from the plumbing lines connected to the sink. Sinks and taps work together as a single unit to provide water flow to bathrooms, kitchens, bars, and out household areas requiring their use.
Triple Stem Sink Taps
The most common faucets design consists of three main working exterior components, the water spout along with a hot and cold water lever or knob. The hot and cold knobs control the flow volume of each water output. The temperature of each flow is set at a pre-determined temperature. The dual controls allow the user to combine the flows in various combinations to achieve the desired temperature.
Single Stem Sink Taps
The second type of faucet frequently seen is comprised of a single component. With these designs, there is either a knob or lever mounted onto the upper portion of the water spout. The temperature and flow volume of the water is controlled by the movement of the device. If the knob of lever is rotated or moved from one side to another, the temperature of the water is adjusted. An up and down movement adjusts how much water is flowing at the time.
Hands Free Sink Taps
In some commercial designs, the water controls are absent altogether. There is still a water spout present, however, the water flow is controlled by a motion sensor. As the user moves their hands in front of the sensor, the water flow is turned on. The flow will either continue running as long as there is movement sensed in front of it or it will shut off automatically after a pre-set amount of time. The temperature of the water is typically pre-set to a moderately warm flow. These types of sink taps are designed for hygiene in mind, making the hand washing process a touch free experience, as well as water conservation, eliminated the potential of the water to be left running when not in use.
Optional Sink Tap Features
Some models come equipped with a rear plug that controls whether the drain in the sink is open, allowing water to pass through, or closed, for use when the sink needs to be filled. With kitchen sink taps, in particular, there is also sometimes a spray nozzle feature. On a four stem tap design, aside from the spout and two control levers is a spray nozzle. The nozzle typically pulls up from the faucet base, attached to a hose that allows it to be extended a short distance. On more modern designs, the spray nozzle is incorporated into the main water spout itself. Essentially, the end portion of the spout pulls out, attached to a similar connector hose. These nozzle devices help to add a level of convenience when washing dishes, allowing the user to better control where the water is being directed.
Where Are The Sink Taps Mounted?
The majority of faucets or taps are mounted into the counter, through holes in the rear lip of the sink itself. This is the most common design for both kitchen and bathroom installations. Other faucets can be mounted in the counter as well, but are attached separate from the sink unit. In these cases, the sink itself will not have any access holes as they are not required. In order to better pair with more modern sink designs, wall mount taps are also gaining in popularity. These fixtures are mounted to the vertical wall behind the sink and are separate from the sink itself. Wall mount fixtures are often chosen for their unique visual appearance. Where you choose to have your sink tap mounted will depend greatly on which type of sink you have chosen to have installed.
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