How does a water tap faucet or spigot work?

Answer:

Most older taps use a soft washer which, when you turn the handle of the tap, is pressed down onto a valve seat in order to stop the flow.

For more information, including a diagram, see the Related link shown below this answer.

First answer by Martinel. Last edit by Martinel. Contributor trust: 883 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 5 [recommend question].