Ultimate Bathroom Taps Buying Guide

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Bathroom Taps Buying Guide

Choosing your basin and bath taps

Traditional wall-mounted chrome bath mixer tap with white ceramic lever handles on a beige brick-style tiled wall

Welcome to the world of bathroom taps — those not-so-humble fixtures that can define your bathroom’s character and functionality. Whether you’re upgrading a family bathroom, refining a sleek en-suite, or optimising a compact cloakroom, this expert bathroom tap buying guide will help you choose the perfect taps for both your basin and bath.

We’ll walk you through styles, materials, handle options, water pressure considerations, and even installation tips. Ready to tap into excellence? Let’s ensure your new taps become the finishing touches that bring your bathroom vision to life.

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For First-Time Buyers: A Quick Overview

Savvy Shopper: Technical Tips for Tap Buyers

For First-Time Bathroom Tap Buyers

A Quick Overview

If this is your first foray into the world of bathroom taps, start by considering compatibility and design. Think about the basin and bath you’ve chosen: how many tap holes does it have? Is your water pressure high or low? Will you need a shower attachment for versatility, or are you after a minimalist look with wall-mounted taps?

Why Taps Matter in Bathroom Design

Taps are not just functional fixtures; they’re style-defining elements that can uplift the entire bathroom. Thoughtfully chosen taps offer aesthetic coherence by tying together basins, baths, and accessories, while also improving usability with intuitive controls and user-friendly heights. They can even become striking focal points that enhance the bathroom’s overall look, whether it’s sleek and modern or charmingly traditional.

Bathroom Tap Space and Positioning

Plan your tap placement for both functionality and comfort. Ensure the spout reaches into the basin or bath without excessive splashing. For baths, place taps within easy reach when seated. If upgrading existing fixtures, sticking to the current configuration can save on installation costs. Always measure and consider handle clearance, especially if placing taps near walls or mirrors.

Assessing Water Pressure & System Compatibility For Your Taps

Understanding your home’s water pressure is essential for optimal tap performance and helps you avoid slow-filling baths, weak flow, and disappointment post-installation.

High-Pressure Systems (Combi, Pressurised): Offer wide flexibility, including single-lever mixers, waterfall taps, and wall-mounted designs.
Low-Pressure Systems (Gravity-Fed): Require taps designed for low pressure (often traditional pillar taps or certain mixers) to ensure a satisfying water flow.

Determining Tap Holes & Installation Constraints In Your Bathroom

Before purchasing, check your basin, bath, or bidet’s tap-hole configuration:

Basin Tap Holes:

1 Tap Hole: Perfect for monobloc (mono) mixer taps or single-lever designs.
2 Tap Holes: Suited for pillar taps or two-hole mixers (hot and cold).
3 Tap Holes: Ideal for luxurious three-hole mixers with separate handles and a central spout.

Bath Tap Holes:

Some baths arrive without pre-drilled holes, giving you flexibility for deck-mounted, wall-mounted, or freestanding taps.
Freestanding baths pair beautifully with floor-mounted or wall-mounted taps for a statement look.

Types of Bathroom Basin Taps

Monobloc Basin Taps

A monobloc tap mixes hot and cold water through a single spout, controlled by one or two handles. Perfect for basins with one tap hole, it suits a variety of styles, from modern to transitional. These taps are space-saving, easy to use, and family-friendly, but they require balanced water pressure for optimal performance.

Wall Mounted Taps

Wall-mounted taps are installed above the basin, freeing up countertop space and creating a sleek, minimalist look. They work particularly well in modern bathrooms and with countertop basins. While they offer a clean aesthetic and are easy to clean around, installation is more complex and often requires professional plumbing.

High Rise Basin Taps

Designed for vessel or countertop basins, high-rise taps bring a dramatic, spa-like vibe to the bathroom. Their height provides generous clearance under the spout, making them practical and stylish. However, they require precise measurement to ensure the correct fit and are generally more expensive than standard taps.

Pillar & Bridge Basin Taps

For a traditional or period-style bathroom, pillar and bridge taps are the perfect fit. These classic designs use separate hot and cold pillar taps or a bridge mixer. They exude timeless charm and are easy to replace, though the separate controls can make temperature mixing less convenient.

Swivel Spout Taps

Swivel spout taps allow you to adjust the water direction, making them a great option for larger basins or double vanities. They provide flexibility for various tasks but may not be necessary for smaller basins. Over time, the moving parts can wear out, requiring maintenance.

Waterfall Basin Taps

Waterfall taps create a luxurious cascading water flow, ideal for spa-inspired bathrooms. They make a bold visual statement and add a soothing touch to the space. However, these taps typically need higher water pressure to function well and are often on the pricier side.

Commercial Basin Taps

Sensor and non-concussive taps are primarily designed for commercial or hygiene-focused environments. Sensor taps offer touchless operation, promoting hygiene and reducing water usage, though they require a power source and come with higher initial costs. Non Concussive taps, which close automatically after a preset time, are eco-friendly and help prevent water wastage but offer less control over flow duration. While ideal for public or commercial spaces, they’re less commonly used in home bathrooms.

Instant Hot Water Taps deliver heated water on demand, eliminating the need for separate water heaters or extensive pipework. Drawing directly from a cold mains supply, they rapidly heat water as it flows, making them efficient for both commercial settings and domestic spaces where installing a full hot water system is impractical.

Types of Bath Taps

Bath Shower Mixers

A bath shower mixer combines a bath filler with a handheld shower hose, making it an excellent choice for family bathrooms. It offers versatility for bathing or rinsing hair, but it requires adequate water pressure for both the bath and shower to perform effectively.

Bath Filler Taps

Bath fillers mix hot and cold water through a single spout, allowing for efficient bath filling. These taps are ideal for modern baths with two tap holes, offering easy temperature control and a sleek design. However, balanced water pressure is often necessary for optimal performance.

Wall Mounted Bath Spouts

Wall-mounted taps are fixed to the wall above the bath, creating a minimalist and elegant look. They are particularly suited for modern bathrooms or freestanding tubs, saving rim space and adding a stylish touch. Installation, however, can be more complex and may require professional assistance.

Freestanding Bath Taps

Freestanding taps are floor-mounted and rise beside a standalone bath, making a dramatic style statement. Perfect for feature roll-top tubs, they often include a shower handset for added functionality. However, they require complex installation, floor support, and specific plumbing considerations.

Other Bathroom Tap Types:

Quickfix Taps
Cool Touch Taps
Thermostatic taps

Bathroom Tap Cost Range

Taps come in a variety of prices to suit any project:

Basic Taps

Price Range: From £25 to £60.
Features: Simple pillar taps or basic mixers, great for budget-friendly updates.

Mid-Range Taps

Price Range: £60 to £120.
Features: Wider style variety, quality chrome finishes, bath/shower mixers, and sleek monobloc designs.

High-End Taps

Price Range: £120 to £250.
Features: Designer finishes, waterfall spouts, thermostatic control options, and premium craftsmanship.

Premium & Bespoke Taps

Price Range: £250 and above.
Features: Custom designs, unique finishes (brushed brass, matte black), multi-hole sets, and cutting-edge features.

Disclaimer: Prices and stock levels are subject to change. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.

Savvy Shopper: Technical Tips for Bathroom Tap Buyers

Bathroom Tap Materials & Technology Considerations

Solid Brass Construction: Durable and corrosion-resistant, often plated in chrome or other finishes.
Ceramic Discs: More robust than rubber washers, ensuring no-drip performance and easy quarter-turn operation.

Bathroom Tap Finishes

Chrome: Most popular and easy to maintain.
Gold or Antique Gold: Adds warmth and a vintage feel.
Matte Black, Brushed Brass, Nickel: Contemporary finishes that define modern or industrial aesthetics.

Waste & Overflow

Pair your bathroom taps with a suitable basin waste (click-clack, plug-and-chain) to maintain design harmony.

Tap Handle & Control Options

Lever Handles: Easy to use, hygienic (operable by elbow), and accessible.
Crosshead & Knob Handles: Traditional appeal, timeless style.
Push-Button & Sensor (Touchless) Taps: Germ-reducing, water-saving, often seen in commercial or hygiene-focused areas.
Joystick-Style Handles: Contemporary, sleek, and user-friendly.

Faucet Frugality

Everyone loves a good deal. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of your tap purchase:

Buy in Sets: Consider purchasing matching basin and bath taps as a coordinated set.
Opt for Eco-Friendly, Water-Saving Taps: Taps with aerators, flow regulators, or non-concussive features reduce water usage without sacrificing comfort.
Prioritise Essential Features Over Extras: Focus on fundamental qualities like solid brass construction and ceramic disc cartridges rather than high-end, luxury extras.
Choose Universal Finishes: Chrome and stainless steel taps are often more affordable and widely available than speciality finishes (like brushed brass or rose gold).

Pro Tip: If your order exceeds £499, you’ll qualify for free standard delivery (UK Mainland), adding extra value to your purchase.

Understanding Tap Approvals: What They Mean for You

When shopping for bathroom taps, you might come across terms like TMV2, TMV3, or WRAS. These aren’t just technical jargon—they’re important indicators of quality, safety, and compliance. Here’s what each approval means and why it matters for your tap purchase:

TMV2 (Thermostatic Mixing Valves)

TMV2 approval ensures that a tap’s thermostatic mixing valve meets safety standards for domestic use, protecting against scalding by regulating water temperature. This is particularly important for family bathrooms or homes with young children or elderly residents, as TMV2-approved taps provide enhanced safety and peace of mind.

TMV3 (Healthcare Grade)

TMV3 approval, a step up from TMV2, guarantees stricter safety and performance standards suitable for healthcare and commercial environments, making it ideal for care homes, hospitals, or accessible bathrooms where user safety is paramount. If you’re designing an inclusive or high-traffic bathroom, TMV3-approved taps are worth considering.

WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme)

WRAS approval certifies that the tap complies with UK water regulations. It ensures that materials and components are safe for use with drinking water and prevent water waste.

How to Choose the Right Bathroom Tap Approval for Your Needs

For home bathrooms, TMV2 approval ensures enhanced safety by regulating water temperature, making it a top priority for families with children or elderly residents. For commercial or healthcare settings, TMV3-approved taps offer stricter protection standards, ideal for environments like hospitals and care homes. Always check for WRAS approval to guarantee compliance with UK water safety and efficiency standards, ensuring your investment is both stylish and environmentally responsible.

Including these certifications in your buying decision ensures you’re investing in taps that are not only stylish but also safe, durable, and environmentally responsible.

Top Bathroom Tap Brands We Recommend

When selecting taps for your bathroom, choosing a reputable brand ensures quality, durability, and style. Here are some top brands we stock:

Arezzo: Modern minimalism and innovation—like contemporary art for your basin.
Bristan: Trusted classics meeting modern convenience.
Burlington Bathrooms: Victorian-inspired elegance that whispers of heritage.
Crosswater: Cutting-edge design with impeccable quality.
Hansgrohe: German engineering meets sustainability and sleek aesthetics.
Victorian Plumbing: Broad selection, excellent value, reliable quality.

Brands Disclaimer: Please note that the availability of products from these brands may vary depending on stock levels and supplier inventory. We recommend checking individual product pages on our site for current availability before making any final decisions.

Bathroom Tap FAQs

How do I know what taps to buy?

Match your taps to your fixture’s tap holes, check your home’s water pressure, and choose a style that complements your bathroom décor and functional needs

Do you need a plumber to change bath taps?

While simple replacements can be DIY, hiring a professional plumber ensures proper installation, prevents leaks, and protects your fixtures from damage.

What is the difference between concussive and non-concussive taps?

Concussive taps are self-closing to save water, shutting off after a preset time. Non-concussive taps flow continuously until manually turned off.

Can you use basin taps on a bath?

Generally, no. Basin taps have lower flow rates suited for sinks, while bath taps are designed for higher volume to fill bathtubs efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Taps serve both function and form, influencing your bathroom’s daily comfort and overall aesthetic. Whether you crave a contemporary waterfall spout, a classic pillar tap duo, or a statement-making freestanding tap, the right choice transforms your bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ready to upgrade? Explore our extensive range of bathroom taps and accessories or visit our blog for design inspiration. Share this guide with friends to help them tap into bathroom perfection!

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