Tap (valve) facts for kids
A tap, also known as a faucet or spigot, is a device that controls the flow of a liquid or gas. Think of it as a special valve that lets you turn water on and off. Most taps have a handle or a knob that you turn, push, or pull to make the liquid start or stop flowing.
Many taps are used to control the flow of water in homes, schools, and public places. You'll find them in kitchens for washing dishes and getting drinking water, and in bathrooms for washing hands and brushing teeth.
Water that comes directly from a tap is called tap water. It's often safe to drink and is a common choice at restaurants instead of bottled water.
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Types of Taps
Taps come in many different designs and are used for various purposes.
Kitchen Taps
In the kitchen, taps are usually found at the sink. They often have two handles, one for hot water and one for cold water, or a single handle that mixes both to get the right temperature. Some kitchen taps have a sprayer attachment for rinsing food or dishes.
Bathroom Taps
Bathroom taps are typically smaller and are found on sinks, bathtubs, and showers. Like kitchen taps, they can have separate hot and cold controls or a single mixing lever. Some modern bathroom taps use sensors, so the water turns on automatically when you put your hands underneath.
Outdoor Taps
Outdoor taps, often called spigots or hose bibs, are usually found on the outside walls of buildings. They are used to connect garden hoses for watering plants, washing cars, or filling buckets. These taps are built to be durable and withstand different weather conditions.
How Taps Work
A tap works by using a simple mechanism to open or close a pathway for water. Inside the tap, there's a valve that moves when you turn the handle. When the valve is open, water can flow through. When it's closed, the water stops. Older taps might use a washer that presses down to stop the flow, while newer ones often use ceramic discs that slide against each other.
Water Conservation
Using taps wisely is important for saving water. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or soaping your hands can save many gallons of water each day. Fixing leaky taps quickly also helps prevent wasted water and can save energy, especially if it's a hot water leak.
Images for kids
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Plastic taps are widely used in India due to low costs.
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Old metal taps were often used as decoration, as is this one at Fužine Castle, Slovenia.
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Gas taps
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A North American style mixing valve uses a center handle to control both water flow and temperature (increased by clockwise rotation). Below it is a lever controlling a diverter, sending flow to the tap when positioned to the left, the shower to the right.
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Tap mechanism
See also
In Spanish: Llave de paso para niños
