Couple of quick mixer tap questions

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will_uk

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• 2 Feb 2009

• #1

Hi everyone

Currently finishing off some work in a downstairs W/C / Cloakroom.

Am in the process of fitting a new basin and a single (monoblock?) mixer tap.

Tap is a Tavistock Kinetic TKN10.

Questions I have are:

There's no hot/cold markings on the tap or it's connections - I guess you could connect them either way round. Is there a 'standard' way in which these would be fitted in the UK (eg hot to the left or right, for example?).

Secondly, do I need to fit non-return valves before this tap? My limited guess is that because it's a mixer, couldn't the hot/cold mix slightly when the tap is in use?

Other than that, any pointers or tips would be most appreciated - just trying to get this room finished now (been tiling and grouting all day...)

Many thanks,

Will

 

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swidders

• 2 Feb 2009

• #2

As you say, hot on the left, cold on the right.

Non-return valves not necessary, but no harm in fitting them to prevent hot contamination of cold supply.

 

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will_uk

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• 2 Feb 2009

• #3

Cheers for that - much appreciated.

My guess of hot on the left only came from glancing at the kitchen tap (mixer), but that has the little red/blue disc thing that could be fitted both ways round I assume!

It won't be used a great deal, I can put non-return valves in (but not tonight - haven't got them!), so would you say it'd be worth the extra effort?

Never thought about it before.

I have a combi boiler if that makes any difference, so the hot is quite good pressure.

Thanks,

Will

 

mogget

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• 2 Feb 2009

• #4

will_uk said:

I have a combi boiler if that makes any difference, so the hot is quite good pressure.

Click to expand...

There's no need for check valves with a combi.

 

S

swidders

• 2 Feb 2009

• #5

Depends on whether the outlet is single flow (hot and cold water can mix before it comes out, in which case I'd probably install non-return valves) or twin flow (don't mix until outside the tap, in which case I wouldn't).

Not sure which type these are - you should be able to see when you install them if the water comes out from different sides/concentric circles of the spout in which case they're twin flow. In either case, can install valves at a later date.

 

S

swidders

• 2 Feb 2009

• #6

... on the other hand, you could just take mogget's advice

 

kirkgas

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• 2 Feb 2009

• #7

i would look again for a mark or in the instructions for which side is hot, if the spout is concentric you should have the hot coming out of the middle so that the spout isnt too hot to touch

 

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will_uk

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• 2 Feb 2009

• #8

Cheers for the replies guys.

Just had a double, double check.

There's definately no markings for hot/cold or anything on the tap anywhere - visable or hidden underneath, nor where the tails go in etc.

There's no mention of hot/cold orientation in the instructions etc either.

Blowing through the flexi pipes (!), left - left, right - right, and mix etc obviously. I think it must mix before the spout as they both flow through the centre already mixed.

Typically, just looked at the old taps and they're the other way round (hot on the right).

Upstairs bathroom single taps and the kitchen mixer are both the other way round..

Might as well use the flexi to make the crossover, keep them all the same?

Will

 

S

swidders

• 2 Feb 2009

• #9

As you see fit - you are, after all, the customer!!! Don't forget mogget's advice of no need for valves on a combi. She knows about these things!