Kitchen Taps FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I identify what water pressure / system I have in my home?

Please click here for an introductory view on water pressures and the most common found water system in the UK.

What are Aerators and what do they do?

Anti-splash aerators or pearlators are common on most Abode taps. They work by sucking air into the water flow and giving it a ‘bubbly champagne’ effect. They will slightly reduce the flow. Aerators can be removed by simply unscrewing the casing at the end of the spout. Note they can ‘clog up’ if the system is not ‘flushed’ first, which we would always recommend.

What is the difference between single and dual flow taps?

Single flow taps are becoming more common in the UK. The water mixes in the body of the tap and spout and gives a greater flow due to larger outlet/spout diameter. They provide for an even temperature mix at spout exit. Non return valves must be fitted if on an unbalanced system.

Dual flow taps used to be standard in UK homes. These are where the Hot water is fed through the centre of the spout, separate from the cold. The spout will not get too hot to touch. Non return valves are not required in these instances when installing a dual flow tap.

Where can I find pressure information for my chosen tap?

Each tap has its own required minimum bar pressure information; this information can be found under the details and specifications section of the dedicated product page or alternatively within the specification pdf again under the same section.

The spout on my tap has started to wobble.

There are 3 possible causes and resolutions for a spout to wobble:

The locking collar or grub screw is loose. If this is the case ensure the spout is fully inserted and that the spout fixing nut or screw is tight.
The taller the spout design the more wobble will be apparent. The spout needs a certain amount of play to not become stiff with age, if the amount of movement is not acceptable a shorter spout may be available.
The spout O-rings or spacers are worn. If this is the case remove the spout check the adjoining parts are present and not worn.

My Kitchen tap has started to drip what should I do?

If the tap drips for a short while after use this is normal, especially if the spout is a ‘swan’ design spout where water is held in the return section of the spout, swapping the aerator type may help if this is possible.

If the tap always drips (never stops) then the valve(s) need replacing. Use the service (isolation) valves to isolate hot or cold supplies to check if either the hot or cold valve needs replacing.

My tap rotates / slides on the tap hole.

The tap base seal / worktop rubber seal is missing - Check the base rubber seal is present.
The fixing kit is not tight enough. If this is the case tighten the fixing kit fully, a box spanner or basin wrench will help gain access to hard to reach spaces.

My hot water flow is slow.

There are 3 possible causes and resolutions:

The aerator is blocked because the system was not flushed. Unscrew the aerator, located at the spout end, check if the flow is still poor without the aerator installed. Wash the aerator through backwards and reinstall it.
Customer has a gravity fed (low pressure) hot water system and the tap chosen is suitable for higher pressure. Check the pressure requirements, a booster pump can be installed on gravity fed systems. A higher flow aerator can sometimes be offered to improve flow.
The installer has changed the supplied tail pipes to another type. Always use the pipes provided, copper pipes give better flow than flexi pipes. Our flexi pipes are a wider internal bore than most.

The mixed water supply is too cold.

There are 2 possible causes:

Imbalance between high pressure cold supply and low pressure hot supply. Increase the hot water pressure using a booster pump, or reduce the cold water flow rate using a pressure reducing valve or isolation valve.
The hot water temperature is too cold. Increase the hot water temperature setting on the combi boiler or thermostat on the cylinder.

My Tap is splashing.

The water pressure is too high. Reduce the cold and or hot water pressure using a pressure reducing valve or isolation valve.
The tap has a flow straightener rather than aerated diffuser. Exchange the existing flow straightener with lower flow diffuser aerator.
The tap is turned on full before any level of water is in the bowl. Turn the tap part on until some water is in the bowl before turning it on fully.

Water is leaking from the body of the tap.

Tail pipes not screwed in fully. Screw the tail pipes in firmly but only by hand.
Valve is loose or damaged. Tighten the valve or lock nut that seats it, thereafter replace the valve.
An assembled section has become loose. Tighten the assembly.
The spout is loose or needs new O-rings. Check the spout seating and O-ring condition, replace if required.

What is limescale and how do I remove it?

Hard water is a mixture of calcium and magnesium compounds and is naturally occurring in some parts of the countries water supply. Limescale, the white chalky deposits left by this ‘hard water’ can reduce the life of ceramic valves and may mark the tap and shower.

Limescale when dry will have a white chalky appearance and will generally gather around the end of the spout, base of the spout and body of the tap.

A simple remedy to remove limescale marks and deposits (other than rubbing spray head nozzles) is to dilute white vinegar with water; soak the affected areas then clean with a soft cloth (an old toothbrush may be helpful for tight areas), the product should be rinsed with water afterwards.

The longer the limescale has been present the harder it will be to clean. Do not scrape the limescale off with a sharp object as this will scratch or damage the surface of the tap.

Customers should avoid domestic limescale cleaners as they will void their warranty and damage their product.

Please ref to our ‘Caring for your products’ section for further details on how to maintain your tap.

How do I care for my kitchen taps and what are your cleaning recommendations?

Please click here for an a comprehensive guide to caring for your products.

If you cannot find the answer to your question above, please click here and complete the contact us form and a member of our customer service team will be in contact with you shortly.