There’s a bewildering choice of tapware out there, too. Fixtures come in a range of materials, so examine the performance and build characteristics before making decisions. A good tap or shower mixer should give smooth and trouble-free service for many years and not drip (saving your energy bills). Find out, in any case, whether you have low or high water pressure, and check the pipe bore in your plumbing system: there’s no point spending a fortune on a mixer tap that looks stylish but gives just a trickle of hot water.
Given that you’ll need to use a qualified plumber, ask them for advice; they should know what will and won’t work. Also check product warranties and after-sales service when selecting bathroomware.
Types of Taps
A newer addition to the line up, Single-lever-commercial-taps take inspiration from commercial kitchens for an industrial feel. Very functional and great for people who like to cook.
Monobloc kitchen sink mixers are the most common type of sink mixer, they are available for both high and low pressure systems, they have a standard 35mm hole for the sink and can also be fitted to a worktop directly.
Pull out spray kitchen sink mixers are getting more popular, they come from a commercial background and are very practicle in modern kitchens, you will really need a high pressure water system to be satisfied with a pull out spray mixer. There are some that will function on as little as 0.5 bar but for you to be truly happy with the product we recommend a minimum pressure of 1.0 bar for most.
Shower Head Options
A growing trend in showers points to a combination of showerheads as opposed to a single wall-mount unit. Both types of showerheads adjust to produce a spray that varies from fine to coarse and a water action that ranges from gentle pulsation to vigorous massage.
Showerheads are rated according to flow rate, or the number of gallons of water they spray per minute. Water-consuming showerheads deliver as many as 8 gpm. Low-flow models use only 2.5 gpm while matching the effectiveness of their water-consuming counterparts.
What finish should you go for?
When choosing your ideal design, pick a finish that suits the rest of your suite and the overall style of your bathroom.
When it comes to the material and finish, gold or brass-effect taps add warmth to your bathroom. They’re ideal for creating Victorian style or for adding a touch of traditional luxury.
Popular chrome taps are available in a wide range of contemporary and classic styles to suit most bathrooms. Choose a matt or shiny finish to complete the look you’re after.
It’s worth bearing in mind that shiny chrome taps need frequent cleaning to keep them looking their best. Stylish brushed or matt chrome finishes are much easier to maintain.
