The cap, which is either screwed or pushed into place, is more aesthetically pleasing than the screw it conceals and also provides a layer of protection for the mechanics inside. Some tap designs include other aesthetic additions like tap body coverings and base plates.
Compression washer tap handle screw
A brass or stainless steel screw secures the handle to the tap spindle.
Compression washer tap handle
The handle is the exposed part of the mechanism, used to manipulate the water flow.
Compression washer tap spindle retaining nut
The retaining nut fixes the spindle in place while still allowing the mechanism to move.
Compression washer tap spindle
The spindle forms the majority of the internal mechanism. As the handle is turned, so is the spindle, causing it to move up and down, forcing the washer against the seat.
Compression washer tap spindle O-ring
O-rings can be used at varying points within a tap to seal joints and prevent water passing through.
Compression washer tap washer
The washer is the part of the tap in constant use, it is moved up and down against the seat to stop and start the flow of water. The washer is made of rubber and can become worn down, brittle and cracked.
Compression washer tap stem screw
The stem screw holds the washer in place at the bottom of the spindle.
Compression washer tap seat
This is the part that the tap reseater repairs. The seat is where the washer rests when it is down and the tap is off. This means that the seat is also in constant use and is vulnerable to both wear and limescale. The tap reseater grinds away any unevenness on the seat so that it is smooth. This enables the washer to sit flush on the seat so that there are no gaps for water to pass through.
