Short Description
There are various types of taps and tap handles on the market - these
include crystal, capstan or cross bar, lever tap handles and a number of taps with specialist applications such as automatically sensing the
presence of hands and starting the flow.
More Details
Points to consider when buying taps or tap handles:
. Ease of operation
. Ease of installation
. Cost of installation
. The people using the taps.
Commonly found features:
. Indicators for 'hot' and 'cold'
. Taps with ceramic discs (washerless; only require quarter turn - full on to full off is ninety degrees or half turn to 180 degrees.
. Stainless steel, brass, gold, chrome, colour finishes.
. Seal valve system which replaces washers and allow taps to be turned off without tightening and makes turning them on easier.
Other available features:
. Lever handles for wrist or elbow operation, capstan or cross-bar.
. Hospital lever taps
. Spring-loaded taps (automatically return to off position)
. Sensor (no-touch) taps
. Foot operated mixing valve
. Knee-operated timed flow control
. Taps which are pushed in and turned simultaneously (designed to be child-proof)
Suggestions for people who experience PAIN, WEAKNESS or STIFFNESS of hands or wrists:
. Lever taps with ceramic discs eliminate the need for a twisting action.
. They do not need to be turned off very hard in order to stop them dripping.
. O-ring washer replacements do not need to be turned off tightly to stop the tap dripping. (eg. Hydroseal or Dynavalve)
. Tap turners increase the leverage on cross-bar or crystal taps, and are especially helpful for people with weak or painful hands.
. Taps can be modified so that a brass lever is permanently fixed to the body of the tap.
Suggestions for people with MEMORY LOSS:
. Spring-loaded taps may be useful for people with memory loss.
. Lever taps may require unfamiliar movements.
Taps installed in public buildings must comply with AS 1428.1-2001 as follows:
WATER TAPS: Water taps shall comply with the following:
. Taps shall have levers, capstan handles or sensor plate controls or the like. Where hot water is provided the water shall be delivered through a mixing spout.
. Where separate taps are provided for hot and cold water, the hot water tap shall be placed to the left of the cold water tap.
. Taps with capstan handles shall be not less than 50 mm from an adjacent surface that could restrict hand movement.
. For further information, check the yellow pages of the telephone book or talk to a plumbing supplier.
. We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide...
If there is something we should add or need to change, please let us know.
These are general suggestions - if you experience considerable difficulty in performing activities of daily living, consult an Occupational Therapist at a Community Health Centre or Aged Care Assessment team, or make an appointment with the ILC.
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