Tap (valve)
A tap (also spigot or faucet: see usage variations) is a valve controlling the release of a liquid or gas.
Nomenclature
British Isles
Tap is used in the British Isles and most of the Commonwealth for any everyday type of valve, particularly the fittings that control water supply to bathtubs and sinks.
US
Faucet is the most common term in the US, similar in use to "tap" in British English.
Spigot is used by professionals in the trade (such as plumbers), and typically refers to an outdoor fixture.
Silcock (and sillcock), same as "spigot", referring to a "cock" (as in stopcock and petcock) that penetrates a foundation sill.
Bib (bibcock, and hose bib), same as "spigot".
Wall hydrant, same as "spigot"
Tap generally refers to a beer tap, though also appears as a descriptor in "tap water" (i.e. water purified for domestic use).
Types
Liquid
Water for baths, sinks and basins can be provided by separate hot and cold taps; this arrangement is common in older installations, particularly in public washrooms/lavatories and utility rooms/laundries. In kitchens and bathrooms mixer taps are commonly used. In this case, hot and cold water from the two valves is mixed before reaching the outlet, allowing the water to emerge at any temperature between that of the hot and cold water supplies. Mixer taps were invented by Thomas Campbell of Saint John, New Brunswick and patented in 1880.
Longview News-Journal
22 Apr 2025