The traditions of some nations can be very surprising. So, for example, English sinks almost always have two taps - one supplies only cold water, the second - only hot. The British do not use faucets familiar to the whole world.
But why do the British refuse this convenience. There are several reasons for explaining such a strange behavior of the British. In many ways, it is natural.
Historical background and architecture
It is worth remembering that London and many other cities of the country are very ancient, their history begins from the Middle Ages. Many buildings are real architectural attractions, having a rich history. The mass of British houses dates back to the beginning of the 20th century or the end of the 19th, there are more ancient houses that are still inhabited by people.
It is the old buildings that actually turn out to be the basis of the country's housing stock, but in the past there were no usual amenities and plumbing systems. When they appeared, they were offered in the simplest version, when a pipeline with cold water was simply laid in the kitchen or in another room.
For some time, cold water supply was the only option; then hot water appeared, which was simply laid as part of a separate system. Accordingly, the crane for its supply was installed separately.
Boilers and legislation
To be more precise, nobody uses centralized heating and hot water systems in modern England.Each house has its own gas column, which is responsible for the issues of heating water, maintaining heat in the winter.
Previously, the boiler was used in conjunction with a tank, in which liquid stagnation often occurred, rust appeared - in short, it was impossible to drink hot water, the health risks turned out to be quite real. For cooking and drinking, it was reasonable to use only cold water. AND a law was passed in England that once and for all prohibited the mixing of water - it is still relevant. Therefore, they must come from different taps.
Two taps with water and English traditions
If Britain still remembers rusty tanks and problems of the past, it is not surprising that they have not forgotten the habit of washing from the basin. The country lives on its own traditions, which it doesn’t actually refuse - this aspect penetrates the everyday life of all people. So, hands or face under the tap are not washed here.
If people all over the world are used to scooping up water directly from the tap with their hands and washing their faces with it, the British first fill the sink like a basin and then draw water from it with their hands to wash, or wash their hands in it. Two taps to fill the sink with water of the right temperature - this is quite convenient. Rinsing hands is not in the English habits; after washing in the sink, they are immediately dried with a towel. The cork from the sink gets, the water comes down.
Interesting fact: the same thing happens with dishes, they are washed in the sink and dried immediately - without rinsing.
It would seem that such an approach is not entirely reasonable, but if you consider it in detail, it definitely makes sense. If you mix water in the sink and then wash it, wash your hands with it, and even more so if you brush your teeth in this way, the water consumption will be much less. By opening the faucet, adjusting the water temperature in the usual way, then proceeding with hygiene procedures, a person will spend a lot of water, much more than would be used when filling the wash basin. The English approach to the use of cranes can be considered economical and environmentally friendly, it is worth recommending.
Thus, the use of two cranes in Britain is a time-tested tradition. In addition, such a solution is a consequence of the technical features of houses and water supply systems; in many buildings it is simply unreasonable to do otherwise. Also, the legislation of the country does not allow mixing hot water with cold in order to avoid poisoning when drinking, cooking. If modern progress has not changed the situation, it is unlikely to change in the future.
