Taps

Taps is a term with several related meanings. In everyday use, it most commonly refers to taps or faucets that control the flow of water in a building. The word also denotes a ceremonial bugle call used by military organizations, and in metalworking it names tools used to cut internal threads in holes.

Plumbing taps: Water taps regulate the delivery of water from a supply line to fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, and showers. They come in several designs, including compression taps that seal with a washer and washerless taps such as ball, cartridge, and ceramic disk types. A tap typically includes a handle, a valve mechanism, a spout, and an outlet aerator. Single-handle taps mix hot and cold water via a cartridge or mixing valve; two-handle taps provide separate controls for each temperature. Materials are commonly brass or stainless steel, with finishes like chrome or nickel. Standard connections are usually 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch in size, depending on the installation.

Maintenance and issues: Dripping taps usually indicate worn washers or cartridges and may require replacement. Leaks around the handle can involve packing nuts or stems. Regular cleaning of aerators improves flow and reduces mineral buildup. Servicing often requires shutting off supply valves to avoid draining the whole system.

Taps (bugle call): Taps is the traditional U.S. military bugle call played at dusk and at solemn ceremonies, including funerals. It originated during the Civil War era, is typically a 24-note sequence, and is associated with signaling lights out and marking the end of the day.

Taps (threading tools): A tap is a tool used to cut internal threads in predrilled holes. Common forms are taper taps, plug taps, and bottoming taps. Taps are used with a tap wrench and lubrication, following an order that often starts with a taper tap and ends with a bottoming tap for full thread depth. Thread standards include UNC/UNF and metric M.