Mixer Taps and Faucets

Types of Taps, Mixers and Valves: Differences and Buying Guide

Taps, mixers and valves are at work at every point of a plumbing system, from shutting off water to blending hot and cold. Learn the differences and how to choose.

ORFA Technical TeamUpdated: Oct 30, 20263 min read

Plumbing is a basic need in every building, from homes to industrial plants. The various taps, mixers and valves used in these systems control water and other fluids, directly affecting everyday comfort and the safety of the installation.

This article explains the differences between taps, mixers and valves, the common types and what to consider when choosing the right product.

What Is the Difference Between a Tap, a Mixer and a Valve?

All three are mechanical devices that control flow, but they serve different purposes:

Product	Main function	Typical location
Tap	Opens and closes a single water line	Garden, washing machine, basin and cistern connections
Mixer	Blends hot and cold water to deliver water at the desired temperature	Washbasin, kitchen sink, shower and bath
Valve	Opens, closes, regulates or diverts flow	Building inlets, risers, heating and industrial installations

Types of Taps

Angle stop valves: Used on basin, toilet cistern and mixer connections; they let you shut off water to a single point for maintenance or repairs.
Garden taps: Used outdoors for hose connections.
Short and long-nozzle taps: Made with different body and spout lengths to suit basins, sinks and washing machines.

Types of Mixers

Basin mixers: Blend hot and cold water at bathroom washbasins.
Kitchen sink mixers: Usually have a taller, swivelling spout that makes it easier to fill large pots.
Bath and shower mixers: Fitted with a diverter that sends water to the hand shower or the bath spout. They are used together with shower sets and overhead shower sets.

Mixers are also classified by how they are operated: single-lever models (one handle controls both flow and temperature) and two-handle models (separate handles for hot and cold) are the most common.

Types of Valves

Valves are used to fully open and close flow, regulate the flow rate or change its direction. Ball, butterfly and gate valves are the most common types, each serving a different purpose. Ball valves are usually preferred in homes, while industrial plants use different valve types depending on size, pressure and the medium.

What to Consider When Choosing

Application and purpose: Bathrooms, kitchens, gardens and industrial plants need different products. Industrial valves are designed for different pressures and temperatures from residential products.
System requirements: Mains pressure, water temperature, flow rate and connection size (e.g. 1/2″, 3/4″) must suit the product.
Quality and durability: Body material, the quality of the internal mechanism (e.g. the cartridge) and the surface finish determine service life. Choosing quality products reduces maintenance and replacement costs in the long run.
Water and energy saving: Aerated and water-saving models reduce both water consumption and the energy used to heat water.
Design and ergonomics: In bathrooms and kitchens, the product should match the decor and be easy to use.

Tip: Fit an angle stop valve before every mixer and cistern connection. This lets you carry out repairs or replace spare parts without shutting off water to the whole building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a tap and a mixer?

A tap opens and closes a single water line. A mixer combines the hot and cold supplies to deliver water at the desired temperature.

What is an angle stop valve for?

An angle stop valve shuts off water to a single outlet, such as a basin mixer or toilet cistern, so the rest of the plumbing can stay in use during maintenance and repairs.

Which valve is used in home plumbing?

Residential plumbing usually uses ball valves, which open and close quickly with a quarter turn.

Conclusion

Taps, mixers and valves are core components of any plumbing system and directly affect the comfort, functionality and safety of living and working spaces. Choosing products that suit the application and system conditions improves efficiency and ensures a long service life. The ORFA Endüstriyel Mamüller San. ve Tic. A.Ş. team can help you choose the right product. Browse all models in our Mixer Taps and Faucets product group.

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