PM19-357407555 Kitchen Tapware Brochure 2019 A4 v6 HR - Flipbook - Page 4
4. DO YOU WANT CER A M IC DISC?
Integral to every tap is a valve, which controls the flow of water. Different types of tap use different
valves, and understanding these will help you choose one offering the ease of use and durability that
meets your needs.
CERAMIC DISC VALVES
Ceramic disc valves are
considered a more durable
option and should last the
lifetime of the tap.
CERAMIC CARTRIDGES
COMPRESSION VALVES
This allows you to control the
speed of flow by raising or
lowering the tap lever, and flow
of hot or cold water by moving
the lever left or right.
Compression valves are made of
solid brass with a watertight seal
to prevent dripping.
5. DO YOU HAVE MAINS PRESSURE OR LOW PRESSURE?
What exactly is the difference between ‘Low pressure’ and ‘Mains pressure’ hot water systems in a house and how
do you tell which you’ve got?
Low Pressure
Mains Pressure
Many older New Zealand homes were built with low
pressure hot water systems. There are a couple of ways
checking whether you have a low pressure hot water
cylinder.
A mains pressure hot water cylinder is made of
steel and runs at 600-1100 kPa. The cylinder
is closed-vented, so you won’t find a vent pipe
anywhere. The advantage of mains pressure is
that water is delivered to the entire house at the
same pressure, so it is less affected by multiple
demands on water usage, such as simultaneous
showers, running taps, washing machines etc.
1.Check if you can see a vent pipe poking out of
your roof or over a gully trap.
2.Compare the pressure from your hot and cold taps.
If there is a noticeable difference in pressure, there
is a high chance your system is low pressure.
The overall range of tapware available for low
pressure systems is still very small compared to
what is available for mains pressure systems.
There are other benefits of upgrading to
mains pressure in addition to the huge range
of tapware that you will be able to choose
from. Due to better technology and more
sophisticated manufacturing processes new
mains pressure cylinders are much more efficient
at heating water, saving energy and ultimately
saving you money on your electricity bill.
There are a few common issues with Low Pressure systems.
1. Poor water flow when showering or filling baths
2.Hot water turning cold in the shower when another
tap is turned on
3.The valves will require occasional replacement of
washers or diaphragms. If you see water coming
out of the vent, this may indicate a problem with
the valve.
4.The element may corrode inside the cylinder,
resulting in a sudden loss of hot water.
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