Basin Taps: Buyer's Guide

One thing is indisputable in bathroom design: basin taps are essential to any bathroom. They are more than just functional; they can add a touch of elegance, sophistication, and even a hint of luxury to your personal space. Whether you lean towards the vintage aesthetics of Traditional Taps or those with a modern design, this comprehensive buying guide breaks down everything you need to know when purchasing your next set of Basin Taps.

How do I choose a basin tap?

Choosing the right basin tap can enhance your bathroom's look and functionality. To help you make the perfect choice, here are some key factors to consider:

Budget: Your budget plays a significant role in your choice of basin tap. It's important to remember that while you want a tap that looks great and complements your bathroom's design, you also need it to be functional and durable. At Showers to You, we offer an extensive selection of high-quality basin taps at various prices, ranging from just over £20 to just under £2,000. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly or luxury model, we have a product to suit your needs.

Measuring: This is the first and most crucial step. You need to measure the size of your basin and the space available around it before choosing a tap. For example, if you have a small basin, a large tap might overpower it. Similarly, a small tap might need to provide more reach if you have a large basin. So, always measure first to ensure an ideal fit.

Design of the Bathroom: Your basin tap should complement your bathroom's overall design and aesthetic. You might prefer a classic two-handle tap if you have a traditional bathroom. Our hand-picked collection of Burlington Bathroom Taps is ideal for vintage-inspired bathrooms. In contrast, a single-handle mixer tap might be more suitable for a modern, minimalist bathroom. Remember, your tap isn't just a functional item; it's a key component of your bathroom's design.

Finish: The finish of your tap can make a massive difference to the overall look of your bathroom. Chrome is a popular choice for its versatility and durability. Still, you might prefer a brushed nickel or brass finish for a more distinctive look. Consider the other fixtures in your bathroom when choosing your tap's finish to ensure everything complements each other.

How do I measure a basin tap?

Measuring a basin tap correctly ensures an excellent fit and seamless functionality. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Identify the Type of Tap: First, determine if your basin requires a monobloc tap (one hole) or a pillar tap (two holes). This will depend on the number of tap holes in your basin.

Measure the Tap Holes: If your basin has one tap hole, measure its diameter. For two tap holes, measure the distance from the centre of one hole to the other. Use a tape measure for accuracy.

Consider the Tap's Height and Reach: The height of the tap (from the base to the highest point) and its reach (from the base to the spout's end) are essential factors. Ensure the tap is high enough for you to comfortably use the basin but not so high that water splashes out. The spout should ideally reach the basin's centre to avoid water splashing on the counter.

Measure the Water Inlet Size: Check the size of the water inlet where you'll connect the tap. Standard sizes are usually 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch.

What does "Tap Hole" mean?

A "tap hole" is an opening in a basin for installing a tap. The number of tap holes - 1TH, 2TH, or 3TH - influences the tap type and bathroom style. A 1TH or one-tap hole basin is designed for monobloc taps, which combine hot and cold water supplies into a single stream. On the other hand, a 2TH or two-tap hole basin accommodates separate taps for hot and cold water. Finally, a 3TH or three-tap hole basin provides space for two separate taps and a spout or a monobloc mixer tap with separate handles for hot and cold water.

Handles

Choosing the suitable tap handles is essential in combining functionality and style. Knob handles, smooth and modern, suit sleek bathrooms and are easy to use. Crosshead handles, such as the Hudson Reed Tec Crosshead Tap collection, add traditional elegance with their 'X' or 'T' shape, providing a firm grip for water control. Lever handles offer a style blend and allows precise, one or two-handed control. The perfect tap handle should complement your décor and enhance usability.

Are expensive taps better?

In comparing basin taps, price isn't the sole factor. It's also about material quality, durability, and design. Premium taps from solid brass or stainless steel offer lasting service and aesthetic value. However, cost doesn't always reflect quality. Our affordable Kartell G4k Mono Basin Mixer and premium Grohe Spa Allure Brilliant Floor Mounted Basin Mixer deliver quality and functionality. Always consider the brand reputation and reviews before purchasing.

What is a Basin Mixer?

A Basin Mixer is a bathroom tap that combines hot and cold water to achieve the desired temperature within one sleek design. This offers an uncluttered look for your basin. Mono Basin Mixers are a subset of these, with a single handle controlling the flow and temperature, making them visually appealing and easy to use.

For smaller spaces like cloakrooms, Mini Mono Basin Mixers are ideal. Their smaller versions of standard Mono Basin Mixers offer the same quality and performance despite their reduced size. Whether a Mono Basin Mixer or a Mini Mono Basin Mixer, you can rely on their quality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal in your bathroom.

What are Basin Taps?

Basin taps are bathroom fixtures in pairs, with one tap controlling hot water and the other controlling cold water. This design allows precise control over water temperature for a comfortable washing experience. Crafted from high-quality materials, these taps promise durability and longevity while enhancing your bathroom's aesthetic. The lowest-priced Basin Taps we offer are the Bristan Club Utility Chrome Taps.

Wall Mounted Basin Mixers

Wall Mounted Taps are a specific type of bathroom fixture directly installed into the wall. They offer a unique blend of simplicity and practicality, often seen as perfect partners for countertop basins or in scenarios where space is at a premium. The design of these taps provides a sleek, uncluttered look, contributing to an overall sense of spaciousness within the bathroom. Their space-saving design makes them an ideal choice for compact bathrooms, ensuring optimal utilisation of available space.

Waterfall Basin Mixers

Waterfall Basin Mixers are an innovative and stylish addition to any bathroom. As the name suggests, Waterfall Taps pour water over a flat surface or through a specially designed spout, creating a waterfall effect. This adds a touch of elegance and luxury to your bathroom and ensures a smooth and controlled water flow.

Are all Basin Mixer Taps the same fitting size?

Basin mixer taps come in various fitting sizes, styles, and designs. The size of the tap does not refer to the physical dimensions of the tap itself but rather how it fits onto the pipes.

Generally, basin taps have a thread size of 15mm. However, there is no standard size for all basin mixer taps, as they can vary based on the design and type of installation. For instance, wall-mounted basin taps might have different dimensions than deck-mounted ones.

Do all taps come with a waste?

Basin taps and mixers come in various styles, but not all include wastes. For instance, the Scudo Koko Bathroom Tap Collection, known for its superior quality and minimalist design, does not have a matching waste. This allows you to choose a waste that best suits your bathroom's aesthetic and functional needs. Always check product descriptions or consult with our customer service team before purchasing.

What basin waste do I need?

Choosing the suitable basin waste depends on your basin design. If your basin has an overflow hole, opt for a slotted waste. If not, choose an unslotted waste. To help you understand better and to explain the various available designs, we offer a detailed guide on basin wastes and a step-by-step guide on how to install a basin waste. These resources will ensure you make an informed choice for a smooth-functioning basin.

Why should I choose Showers to You for my new bathroom tap?

At Showers to You, we offer an exceptional range of bathroom taps from leading industry brands and suppliers, such as Bristan, Nuie, Scudo, Roper Rhodes, Burlington and Tavistock. Our selection is hand-picked, ensuring each product aligns with our high standards of quality and design. We strive to create a seamless shopping experience, with our professional team always ready to provide informative advice and guidance. Contact one of our experts today through email (info@showerstoyou.co.uk), telephone (01472 242159) or online contact form.

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