BLANCO has an extensive range of kitchen taps and the different designs, finishes and features ensure the largest choice for our customers. The models are all perfectly designed for the modern household, however spray features, faucet height, colour and finish are just some of the kitchen tap features you want to consider when selecting a tap for your kitchen. One of the most important elements to consider is whether a tap is low or high pressure.
What is the difference between a high and low pressure tap?
UK homes generally have one of two main types of hot water system - pressurised and non-pressurised, so before purchasing a tap it is important to find out which system is fitted in your kitchen.
• Pressurised water systems come in two different versions:
• High Pressure Water Systems are usually modern combi boilers or gas water heaters that give you a continuous flow of hot water. If your home has this system you are likely to have a boiler unit but no hot water cylinder or storage tank.
• High Pressure Pumped Water Systems consist of a hot water cylinder with an expansion vessel on top – brands include companies like Megaflo. These cylinders form what is known as an unvented system which is pressurised to mains water pressure, ensuring a strong flow of hot water when you turn a tap on in the home, regardless of where it is located. These are usually found in the airing cupboard and with this system you would usually not have a cold water tank.
• Non-pressurised water systems – occasionally referred to as Gravity fed systems – usually have a cold water tank in the attic and the hot water tank in the airing cupboard.
What happens if I fit the wrong type of kitchen tap?
If you install a tap that requires a pressurised water system and your system is non-pressurised (gravity fed), you will have an extremely weak flow of hot water; sometimes the flow is too weak to enable the tap to supply water at all.
Homes that have a low-pressure water system require specific low-pressure kitchen mixer taps that are designed to operate under lower pressures, ensuring a steady flow of water.
Alternatively, homes that have a high-pressure water system are generally able to use any kitchen tap and will still have a steady flow of water.
If you are unsure about the type of system you have, or what type of kitchen tap will be suitable for your home, it is a good idea to enlist the help of a plumber who can easily identify what you need.
How do I find the right kitchen tap for my home?
Once you know the type of kitchen tap required, BLANCO has a range of models to suit all pressure types. From Smart taps that deliver boiling water instantaneously and mixer taps with built in water filters to sensor taps with built in technology that enable contactless water flow. Use our kitchen tap selector tool to identify which kitchen tap is right for you; simply filter by pressure type to discover an incredible range of models.
