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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.



Item Details

A Buyers Guide To Single Lever Mixing Taps

ILC Reference NO 81:50:600
Item sourced from ILC ACT database


Example of single lever mixer

Short Description
Single lever taps enable water to flow through a single outlet spout. Water flow is controlled by a lever that is built into the overall tap design. Horizontal movement of the lever controls the temperature and vertical movement controls the water flow. These mixers are available for basin, sink, shower, bidet, or bath and shower combination mixers. Some single lever taps are supplied with a thermostatic mixer which automatically controls the water in line with a pre-selected temperature. Single lever taps are available in a wide variety of designs from retail bathroom and plumbing stores.


Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.

More Details
CAUTION
- Some people may find it difficult to adjust the tap to the required rate of flow due to the degree of precision that some taps demand in terms of lever movement.
- Ask your plumber to adjust the rate of flow to suit your needs.

POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SINGLE LEVER MIXER:
. Smoothness of operation
. Suitability to existing water system (mains pressure/gravity feed)
. Complexity of setting changes - will the user become confused or have difficulty managing the required lever movements?
. Turning range of lever
. Suitability of lever design - can the user grip the lever comfortably and/or can the user co-ordinate the range of movement that the lever requires?
. Suitability of lever angle for gripping
. Are there visual cues (eg. red for hot and blue for cold) that indicate where the hot and cold water begin and end?
. Maintenance
. Clarity of temperature indicator colours.
. Length and conditions of guarantees.

ADVANTAGES
- Some people may find the lever method of operation less stressful on their joints and muscles than a conventional tap handle.
- Single lever taps with a thermostatic mixing valve reduce the risk of accidental scalding.
- Single lever taps can be used in a variety of locations eg. kitchen, bathroom and shower.

COMMONLY FOUND FEATURES
. Ceramic disks promote easy turning and prevent dripping.

OTHER AVAILABLE FEATURES
. Modifications may be necessary for use with Solar hot water systems.
. Extractable spray with bottle brush or pan-scraper (kitchens).
. Extended levers - levers that are longer, wider and/or have a knob on the end may be easier to operate, although this does have implications for clearance space between the tap and the splashback wall. A U-shaped handle may be easier to grasp.
. Mechanically set hot water limit.
. If user is unable to manage the water temperature, consider using a single lever tap with a thermostatic mixer.
. Shock absorbers limit the speed at which the mixer can open or close. This design reduces water hammer.
. Dual flow settings. Lift lever to normal "on" mode for 60% of maximum water flow. A second upward lift of the lever provides full flow.
. Optional safety buttons may be available, allowing the lever to turn only when the button is pushed in.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCE PAIN, WEAKNESS AND/OR STIFFNESS
- consider lever handles that are either longer, wider and/or have a knob at the end of the lever.

SOME COMMONLY AVAILABLE BRANDS
Dorf, Caroma, Mattson, Irwell, Moratemp, Donson, Enware, Hansa.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
These are general suggestions - if you experience considerable difficulty in performing activities of daily living, consult an occupational therapist at a community health centre, make an appointment with an occupational therapist at the Independent Living Centre, or talk to the suppliers listed.
We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide. If there is something we should add or need to change, please let us know.


Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
HARVEY NORMAN,   FYSHWICK, ACT
KEELER HARDWARE ACT,   FYSHWICK, ACT
REECE,   22 MORT ST, BRADDON, ACT
SOUTHERN PLUMBING SUPPLIES,   , ACT
TRADELINK PLUMBING SUPPLIES,   FYSHWICK, ACT

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