Q What is Rapid Action?
A This term describes the mechanism which enables the tap to be fully
opened or closed in less than half a turn.
In conventional tapware the handle (A) turns the spindle (B) 3 to 4 full
rotations up or down the thread inside the bonnet (C) and this raises or
lowers the valve (D) which either lets water through the seat of the tap
or shuts it off.
In ceramic disc tapware the valve is replaced by ceramic discs which slide
over each other (think of the twist-caps on salt and spice dispensers).
When the tap is closed the ceramic discs completely cover the tap seat;
when the tap is opened the discs slide to cover each other and so leave
an opening which allows water to flow.
In ‘Rapid Action’ tapware the handle (A1) turns the spindle (B1) up or
down the specialised and very accurately machined thread inside the
bonnet (C1), which enables the spindle to rise to the fully open position
in less than half a turn of the handle.The valve (D1), which therefore
either completely opens or closes the tap seat, is of a specialised type,
very accurately manufactured, which can provide a perfect seal when the
tap handle is closed, (without the need for extra-hard turning of the
handle which often happens with conventional tapware).
‘Rapid Action’ tapware demonstrates high quality and accuracy of
manufacture, and the design also allows for ease of maintenance.
The ‘Hydroseal’ valves (available at all good hardware stores) can be
changed as easily and quickly as in a conventional tap.
Because there are a number of different ceramic disc systems on the
market (all imported) it can be quite difficult to find and then fit the
exact replacement part when the need arises.

Q Do ‘Rapid Action’ taps turn on and off the same way as
ordinary taps?
A If they look like ordinary taps, they turn like ordinary taps too —
both hot and cold turn on anticlockwise and off clockwise.With lever
tapware (Celestial Lever,Torrens Lever,Torrens Flared Lever and Roulette
Lever) the hot tap turns in the opposite direction to the cold.

Q Does ‘Rapid Action’ tapware turn through a quarter turn or
a half turn?
A More than a quarter turn (because a quarter turn gives no graduation —
the water is either off or on) and less than a half turn (because this would
make the longer levers very uncomfortable to use).

Q Is ‘Rapid Action’ tapware suitable if there is a low-pressure hot
water supply, or if the supply is from a tank or bore by means
of a pressure pump?
A Yes, because the design allows the full flow that is possible through the
seat of the tap when the tap is fully open. Ceramic discs restrict the flow
somewhat, even when the tap handle is in the fully open position.
When the hot water supply is at low pressure and the cold water is at
high pressure, it may be more difficult to achieve a comfortable mixture
because there is not enough graduation in less than half a turn to control
the high pressure water – in such a situation a conventional tap would
probably be more successful.

Q What is Antique Brass?
A Antique Brass is a finish electroplated on to brass (like chrome) which has
the appearance of freshly polished brass.
The plated surface is made up of nickel, chromium and other inert metals
in a carefully balanced formula, and includes gold. Being chemically inert,
it does not tarnish (that is, discolour in the presence of air and moisture).
While it is not as hard as chrome plating,Antique Brass is much harder
and more durable than 24 carat gold plating.

Q What is the difference between Polished Brass and
Antique Brass finishes?
A Brass is the basic material of tapware, and in the course of manufacture
the exterior parts are polished to a high lustre – hence Polished Brass.
Antique Brass is a finish electroplated on the Polished Brass which has the
appearance of freshly – polished brass, but is made up of various
unreactive metals including nickel, chromium and gold.
Polished Brass quickly and easily reacts to air and moisture and this
creates tarnishing, which must be removed by regular repolishing.
Antique Brass is an inert and durable finish (much harder than gold but
not as hard as chrome) which bonds completely with the polished surface
during plating and so there is no exposed brass that can tarnish or
discolour, and absolutely no need for repolishing.

Q I would like tapware in a special colour.What are the options?
A White and Almond Ivory are the only two standard colours, but other
colours are available as a Special Order, for a modest fee (price on
application). Choose from Black, Heritage Green, Burgundy,Apricot, Mist
Grey (as well as Red, Blue,Yellow Green, Grey — usually for commercial
applications) — or discuss your requirements with our Sales Office.

Q Can Heritage taps be powder-coated?
A NO — the shape of the handle is unsuitable for this finish.

Q What is the best way of looking after the various tapware finishes?
A Care instructions are provided with every purchase:–
Antique Brass — is a plated finish so — wash with warm soapy water,
dry and buff with soft cloth. DO NOT use abrasives or metal polishes
Chrome Plate — is a very durable finish so — • wipe thoroughly
with soft cloth and detergent, then rinse • dry with soft cloth if desired
• mild bathroom cleaners may be used occasionally on stubborn marks
Coloured Tapware — is epoxy coated so — • wipe thoroughly with soft
cloth and detergent, then rinse • dry with soft cloth, especially on edges
• avoid bumping or hitting, as this may cause chips and fractures in
the finish
Satin — is very similar to Chrome, so — • wipe thoroughly with soft
cloth and detergent, then rinse • dry with soft cloth if desired • try to
avoid bathroom cleaners as they may leave scuff-marks on the satin finish
Gold — is a soft metal, so — • wash with warm soapy water • dry with a
soft cloth or chamois • DO NOT use abrasives, metal polishes, bathroom
sprays, tile cleaners
An effective and very safe way of brightening tapware is to spray with a
50:50 mixture of methylated spirits and water, and then dry off quickly
with a soft dry cloth.

Q Made-to-measure tapware. Is it possible to have outlets
higher/lower/longer/shorter than shown in the book?
How are they priced?
A Certainly, but there are a few restrictions.

Gooseneck Outlets
Outlet diameters (‘reach’) are limited to those in the table below
(NB larger diameters are nominal sizes — actual outlet may be up to
10 mm larger). Outlets can be made higher (or lower down to half the
diameter + 10 mm).The table shows recommended dimensions.

Suggested Dimensions for Specially made Outlouts –
all prices on application
Type A Diameter (c–c + –5) B Height (from joint)
Gooseneck Hob 130 130 + 45 Base
Gooseneck Hob 160 140 + 45 Base
Gooseneck Hob 250 280 + 45 Base
Gooseneck Hob 315 310 + 45 Base
Gooseneck Wall 110 + 55 Elbow 100
Gooseneck Wall 130 + 55 Elbow 130
Gooseneck Wall 160 + 55 Elbow 140
Gooseneck Wall 250 + 55 Elbow 280
Gooseneck Wall 315 + 55 Elbow 310
Hob or Sink Outlets will have the base shown in the standard illustration
unless a Heritage (or other decorative eg CB Ideal,Torrens) base is requested.
Price is on application and depends on dimensions and finish.

Upswept Outlets —
Reach — almost anything is possible (but measure horizontally, not obliquely
along the tube). Outlet height — anything is possible — the table below shows
commonly requested dimensions.
Upswept Hob 130 90 + 45 Base
Upswept Hob 200 160 + 45 Base
Upswept Hob 250 160 + 45 Base
Upswept Hob 300 190 + 45 Base
Upswept Wall 130 + 55 Elbow 90
Upswept Wall 200 + 55 Elbow 160
Upswept Wall 250 + 55 Elbow 160
Upswept Wall 300 + 55 Elbow 190
If a steeper or flatter outlet is needed — a sketch with measurements is
essential. Hob or Sink Outlets will have the base shown in the standard
illustration unless a Heritage (or other decorative eg CB Ideal,Torrens) base
is requested. Price is on application and depends on dimensions and finishes.

Square and ‘t’ Outlets —
Most dimensions possible, in both height and reach. Since this is classed as a
Special Order, a customer-approved sketch with dimensions, and an agreed
price, is needed before manufacture.

Q Can Shower arms be longer/shorter than those shown
in the book?
A Ball Joint and Adjustable Shower Arms — No
Flamingo and Gooseneck Shower Arms — Yes.This is a Special Order —
provide a customer-approved sketch for quotation and manufacture
Overhead Shower Arms on exposed sets — Yes.Arms 300 mm and
600 mm long available — POA.The 600 mm arm is made with a ring
to enable a supporting chain to be used if the customer wants one
(a shower arm of this length is really quite heavy when full of water).

Q Do you manufacture a water-saver shower?
A Only one – it is vandalproof, and rated at 81/min. Illustrations appear
in the commercial section of the price book (code SA8965)

Q Can Pillarcocks be longer than shown in the book?
A No — This is a cast (one piece) body and comes in one length only.
The Rainwater Pillarcock (xx5072 or xx5032 in most ranges) may be
suitable in this situation.

Q Can items from several ranges be put together eg Heritage outlets
with Roulette Handles etc?
A Yes – price on application

Q Are tapware installation intructions provided?
A All tapware is to be installed by a qualified tradeperson (plumber) who
would naturally be very familiar with the correct method of installing
general tapware. Installation instructions for exposed sets are provided
as a guide to the qualified tradesperson/installer who may be less familiar
with this type of tapware.The Company accepts no responsibility for
faulty installation but their trained personnel can provide advice by phone
or fax if there are difficulties.

Q Can a diverter unit (codes HE9481–2–3,RU9481–2–3, RL9481–2–3)
be fitted in place of a standard three-piece bath set
A Yes – there are two ways of doing it
1. Remove the bath set, including the in-wall plumbing and a few of the
covering tiles, and start again with two water outlets.
2. Remove the exterior part of the bath set. Cap the central hole
(where the bath spout was).Two fittings called ‘wobble joints’ must
then be fitted along with 2 15 x 18 breeching piece nipples to the other
two holes, and these convert the tap holes to fittings which are the
same as the in-wall plumbing needed for the exposed set.At the same
time the ‘wobble joints’ can be rotated so that the centre distances are
right for a cast diverter. Install the diverter as per instructions.
Latest release: Easiest of all is the three-piece telephone set which has all
the features of the diverter but which can be installed in to conventional
in-wall plumbing without removing tiles - see pages 110, 130, 148.
Caution:This general description should be taken as a guide only, and it is
imperative that the possibilities – and the costs– are discussed with a
qualified tradesperson as well as knowledgeable sales personnel.

Q The tapware is needed very urgently.What can be done?
A Locally arrangements can be made for the customer to call and collect
from the Company’s front counter. Please arrange the collection time
before sending the customer to CB.
Interstate – extra-fast freight service (airbag, overnight airfreight)
is available at the customer’s request and the customer’s expense.
This needs to be negotiated as early in the day as possible and preferably
when the order is placed.

Exposed Sets
Q What inwall plumbing is required for exposed sets?
A For 9458 Cast/Bath/Shower diverter (codes HE9481–2–3, RU9481–2–3,
RL9481–2–3) plumbing required is: 2 X 15 Female Iron (BSP) female
fittings (W75) (1 for hot supply, 1 for cold supply) at 165 mm centres.
Since this is a cast (solid) set the centre distances must be exact.

For 9458A tubular Bath/Shower Set (codes HE9581–2–3, RU9581–2–3,
RL9581–2–3) and for 9459 Alcove Shower Set (codes HE9597–99,
RU9597–99, RL9597–99) plumbing required is:
2 x 15 Male Iron (BSP) fittings (1 for hot supply, 1 for cold supply)
at 150 mm centres.

For 2196 Combined Bath/Shower Set w/– diverter and Handshower
(codes HE9621, RU9621, RL9621) plumbing required is:
2 x 15 Male Iron (BSP) fittings (1 for hot supply, 1 for cold supply)
at 165 mm centres.

Q What plumbing is needed for the installation of hob mounted
and floor mounted exposed sets?
A 2 x 15 MI nipples through floor or hob (1 for hot supply, 1 for cold
supply) at centre distances — 165 mm for Cast Bath/Shower diverter
(codes HE9494, HE9496, RU9494, RU9496) 150 mm for all other exposed
sets (eg HE/RU9587, HE/RU9626)
For floor mounted bibcock sets, (codes HE9600, RU9600, RL9600) the
distance between the nipples is the same as the length of the brace between
the legs. Recommended distance — 200 mm centre to centre.
Exposed hob sets (eg. HE/RU9362) are supplied with tails for copper or
flexible hose connections to water supply.
For more help, each exposed set illustration contains the plumbing
information for that set.

Q The Cast Bath/Shower diverter (projecting 145 mm) does not
reach in to the bath — what can be done?
A This is a very common problem with free-standing bath tubs.The codes
for Bath/Shower Diverters with extensions are listed in the price book
(codes HE9481–2–3, RU9481–2–3, RL9481–2–3 price on application)
or the extension pieces themselves can be obtained separately
(see outlets and accessories code SA7901–2–5–6) if the diverter
has already been purchased.

Q The bath tub is further from the wall than the usual built-in bath.
Can a tubular Bath/Shower Set (9458A) be installed?
A If possible, before buying the set, measure the distance between the wall
and the spot over the bath where the water should fall.The standard set
has a total reach of 140 mm for the bath taps. If this measurement from
the water supply does not reach in to the bath tub an extended set
should be ordered.This is because the bath taps at the bottom of the set
are welded in one piece with the tee-piece to fit on to the wall, and so
the whole piece (bath taps and tee-piece) must be the correct length.
If the standard set is bought and it is subsequently found that the bath
taps are too short then two of the whole component (comprising bath
tap and tee-piece) of the correct overall length is needed to replace
(two of) the too-short standard component. See the outlets and
accessories section for codes, lengths, prices and pictures.

Q The extended tubular Bath/Shower Set reaches into the bath;
will the shower be in the right place?
A Maybe — maybe not. If the set is mounted on the side of the bath,
the shower arm may need to be shorter. Usually the 450 mm shower
arm places the shower rose at a comfortable spot above the bath;
however longer or shorter arms are readily available.

Q Exposed tapware is needed in a very unusual situation (around a
leadlight window, next to a bowl, over a parapet, through a glass
divider for example). Can this be done?
A Yes, almost certainly.This is the procedure (in fact this is the best
procedure for any non-standard product).
Sketch the requirements in as much detail and with as many
measurements as possible.
Send (fax) to the Sales Office, where experienced personnel make an
assessment of the best way to go about the project,
and provide a quoted price and time-frame.
When all details (including price) are finalised and in written form, this can
be accepted as an official order, and the goods will be manufactured, sent
and invoiced as agreed.

Q The exposed tapware (or any tapware for that matter) has been
in use for a while and is now looking rather shabby (probably
tarnished, if polished brass). Can it be refurbished?
A The Company does have a refurbishing service; however work can only
be done if the product is individually inspected and assessed and the
quoted price agreed in writing. Spare internal parts for diverters are also
manufactured, but since the CB diverters have been on the market for
many years, a few subtle improvements have been made, which may
influence the reconditioning process.The job is best left to the qualified
tradesperson or expert Company personnel.

Q I have a problem with this tapware.What do I do?
A Go back to where you bought it and discuss your problem with the seller.
If the problem is likely to be a warranty matter you will need to have your
sales docket for proof of purchase.

WE ARE TOTALLY COMMITTED TO THE QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCT AND
TO THE CONTINUED SATISFACTION OF OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS
but we are not plumbers, and it may be necessary to distinguish between
a plumbing problem and a tapware problem.
The seller will then contact our Sales Office with details of the problem
and we can then contact you (almost always within 24 hours of being
advised by the seller) to arrange whatever after-sales service is required.