What is better, a screw down tap or a single lever mixer?
By Patrick Gordon, technical manager, Splashworks
TECHNICAL 35
I am upgrading my taps and mixers, should I continue using screw down taps or replace with single lever mixers?
Let us first determine what a screw down tap / mixer is and what a single lever mixer is. between hot and cold. This is also attained by using a cartridge that houses two ceramic discs.
A screw down type tap or mixer uses a mechanism that uses a screw thread to lift the tap jumper of the main seat so as to regulate the flow of the water through the unit.
All images supplied by Patrick Gordon
So, the easiest way to recognise this type of mixer is when we open or close the tap you have to turn the handle several times to regulate the water flow. The mixers also have two separate handles, one for hot and one for cold.
The next type of mechanism uses a ceramic cartridge to regulate the water flow. Here the mixers again have two separate handles but the turning action to open and close the water flow is limited to a quarter turn.
What are the advantages of the one over the other?
The screw down mechanism is great for fine infinite adjustments in the flow. This mechanism is quite forgiving with suspended dirt particles in the water. The mechanism has to be maintained to ensure a smooth turning action as well as having a good ability to seal.
The ceramic mechanism has a smooth action but is susceptible to particles of dirt in the water. The water pressure also has to be balanced to have prolonged sealing ability. The cartridge cannot be maintained and must be replaced completely if it becomes faulty.
So, no one or the other is better, however before making your selection you need to analyse your user preferences as well as your installation requirements. PA
Need help or advice? For professional guidance or assistance with your system design, feel free to contact: Patrick Gordon | 083 303 1437 | patrickg @ splashworks. co. za
The last version is that of a single lever mixer. As the name denotes, the water flow is regulated by the use of a single handle. This handle will facilitate the amount of water flow as well is the ratio of mix
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April 2026 Volume 32 I Number 02 www. plumbingafrica. co. za