Types of tap
| Tap | Where it's used | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pillar taps | Separate hot and cold on a basin or bath | Traditional look; needs two tap holes |
| Monobloc mixer | Single tap mixing hot and cold | Needs one tap hole; check its pressure rating |
| Wall-mounted | Taps fixed to the wall above a basin or bath | Pipework has to be run inside the wall first |
| Bath shower mixer | Bath tap with a hand shower | Handy for rinsing hair and cleaning the bath |
| Pull-out kitchen tap | Kitchen sink with a hose spout | Useful for filling pans and rinsing the sink |
Check the pressure before you buy
This catches a lot of people out. Many modern mixer taps, especially monobloc basin mixers and kitchen taps, are designed for higher water pressure and give a feeble flow on a low-pressure gravity system. If your hot water comes from a cylinder fed by a tank in the loft, look for taps rated for low pressure. On a combi boiler or unvented cylinder, most taps work well. If you're not sure what system you have, ask before you order.
Why taps drip
Older taps with rubber washers drip when the washer wears; a new washer usually fixes it. Most modern taps use ceramic disc cartridges that turn a quarter or half turn from off to full. When a cartridge wears, it can drip or become stiff, and the fix is a new cartridge, if one is still available for that tap. Cheap taps often have cartridges that can't be bought separately, which is why spending a bit more on a tap from a known manufacturer can save money later.
Basins and wastes
A new basin needs the right waste. Basins with an overflow need a slotted waste, so water can drain from the overflow; basins without one need an unslotted waste. Click-clack and pop-up wastes are tidier than a plug and chain, but the type has to suit the basin. Wall-hung basins need solid fixings into the wall, and some need a frame or reinforcement behind plasterboard.
Matching taps to the basin or sink
Before choosing a tap, check how many tap holes the basin or sink has, and how far the spout needs to reach. A spout that's too short splashes water onto the back of the basin; one that's too long splashes the front. On a vanity unit or worktop, there also needs to be enough room behind the basin for the tap body and the handle to move freely. A basin mixer that suits the basin is much more pleasant to use day to day.
Connections
Most modern taps connect with flexible tap connectors. They're convenient, but they shouldn't be twisted, kinked or stretched, and they don't last forever. Every tap should also have an isolation valve on each supply, so it can be serviced without turning off the water to the whole house. If your existing taps don't have them, it's worth adding them when the taps are changed.
Shower fixtures
Not every shower upgrade needs a new shower. A new riser rail, head, hose or handset can make a tired shower look and feel much better, provided the new parts suit the valve. Larger rainfall heads look great, but need enough flow and pressure behind them, so they're best matched to the water system. For a complete new shower, see our page on shower installation.
Kitchens and utility rooms
We fit taps and sinks in kitchens and utility rooms as well as bathrooms. Kitchen taps get the hardest use in the house, so a solid, well-made mixer with replaceable parts is worth having. A utility room is a good place for a simple, hard-wearing tap and a deep sink.
Other fixtures
Fixture upgrades also include things like toilet seats and flush buttons, towel rails and bathroom accessories, wherever they're part of the plumbing or need secure fixing into the wall. Anything heavy, such as a towel rail or a wall-hung unit, needs fixing into something solid, not just plasterboard.
Water byelaws in Scotland
Taps and fittings installed in Scotland need to meet Scottish Water's byelaws for water fittings. In practice, that means using fittings that are approved for use and installing them so that water can't flow back into the supply.
Part of a bigger job
If you're updating the whole bathroom, see our page on complete bathroom renovations. For problems with pipework, leaks or drains, see bathroom plumbing repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fit taps I've bought myself?
Usually, yes, as long as they suit your basin or sink and your water pressure. It's worth checking with us before you buy.
Why is the flow from my new tap so weak?
Many modern mixer taps need higher pressure. On a low-pressure gravity system, a tap rated for low pressure works much better.
Can a dripping tap be repaired?
Often, yes, with a new washer or cartridge. If the parts aren't available, a new tap is usually the answer.
Do you fit kitchen taps?
Yes. We fit taps and sinks in kitchens and utility rooms as well as bathrooms.
What's the difference between a slotted and unslotted waste?
A slotted waste is for basins with an overflow; an unslotted waste is for basins without one.
Do you give free quotes?
Yes. Call 07453 243277 or send an enquiry, and we'll come back to you with a free quote.
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