P.S. Are ceramic valves better than screw down valves on taps?

That depends. It is possible to get ceramic valves that pass as much water
as old compression taps. However, the fact is that the ceramic valves are
newer and are usually designed (in Italy or Germany) for modern mains
pressure supplies such as are typically installed throughout Europe. As
ancient gravity fed hot water systems are a largely UK peculiarity, modern
designs from countries without them tend not to be suitable.

Christian.