Choosing the Right Washbasin Tap

There are specifications to consider when choosing a washbasin tap. We’ve put together a six-point guide to help you throughout the process.

• Mixer tap or double-handle mixer tap
• Materials
• Type
• Installation
• Number of holes
• Other characteristics

GRAFF Double-Handle Mixer Tap

Mixer taps combine hot and cold water, mixing the two together before the water pours out of a single spout. They are either single-handle mixer taps or double-handle mixer taps.

• Single mixer taps operate using one lever to control the water temperature and flow. The advantage of a single lever tap is that you can leave the tap lever at your preferred position once you have attained the water temperature that you want.
• Double-handle mixer taps have two handles or knobs that release hot and cold water separately. The disadvantage of double-handle mixer taps is that it can take a long time for you to get your preferred water temperature as you have to adjust both knobs.

Taps can be more economical if they are fitted with a flow limiter that helps prevent too much water flowing from both hot and cold pipes so you use less hot water when mixing in one single flow, which can help you save a lot on your energy bills and contribute to the environment.

The base and finish material you choose will depend on the style you prefer and what fits with your bathroom environment. The various types of materials for washbasin taps include metal and glass. The most common material for washbasin taps is metal; a lot of metal taps on both the home and commercial market are plated in chrome. Chromed metal is very durable and can last a long time. Other taps made in metal can also have a nickel, gold, or brushed steel finish. Taps made in glass can add a modern and clean look to your space, but they can be more easily damaged than metal taps.

ROCA Self-Closing Tap

Standard taps, or mechanical taps, are the most popular type on the market, as they can easily be bought and installed. There are also thermostatic taps that use a thermostat to keep the water temperature constant. These can cost more than a standard tap, but many families with children at home prefer them in order to avoid scalding accidents.

Another type is the electronic tap which is equipped with a proximity sensor that allows water to flow in response to hand movement in proximity. Self-closing taps shut off the water automatically after a number of seconds, saving water. Electronic and self-closing taps are often used in commercial places with a lot of users such as airports and malls. Knee and pedal operated taps ensure hands-free operation, which helps prevent cross contamination, making them well suited to healthcare facilites and public buildings.

• Standard and mechanical: Popular for the home and commercial spaces
• Thermostatic: A better choice for spaces used by children
• Electronic and self-closing : Good for commercial spaces, i.e. airports and malls
• Knee and pedal: Good for hospitals and clinics

When choosing the tap it is important to consider if the type of installation is possible with the existing plumbing and washroom fittings.

The main types of washbasin tap installations are wall mounted, countertop (also known as deck-mounted)  and floor mounted.

The simplest installation is a countertop tap, which is installed on a countertop with drilled holes or a washbasin with precast holes. Wall mounted taps free up worktop and washbasin space, and can also be positioned more freely than countertop taps. However, they require the water supply to be installed in the wall or behind ducting panels, increasing the installation cost.

Floor mounted taps can add an original and minimalist appearance and are often paired with free standing washbasins.  However, floor mounted taps often require floor integrated piping, which can be more expensive and complicated to install.

The number of holes required will depend on the tap configuration you choose. For example, a single-handle mixer tap with an integrated spout will only require one hole. A double-handle mixer tap with a seperate hot water handle, cold water handle and spout will need three holes.

RITMONIO 1 Hole Mixer Tap

FLAMINIA 2 Hole Tap

TREEMME 3 Hole Double-Handle Mixer Tap

Some of the other characteristics that you might want to consider for your tap include a tap that is eco-sustainable and has water and energy saving features. As mentioned above, there are knee or pedal operated washbasin taps and electronic taps with sensors for hands-free operation.
There are also taps that have integrated lighting and LED displays, mostly found in smart bathrooms in homes and hotels. There are stylish waterfall taps that are designed to have water cascading from a single open spout.

MARIANI Mixer Tap with Integrated Lighting

AXOR Waterfall mixer tap

MISCEA Mixer Tap with LED Display

Being mindful of the water flow from your washbasin tap will help you save water. Proper care should be taken to prevent leaking from washbasin taps by fixing leaks as soon as possible and not leaving washbasin taps on when not in use.

Below are more ways you can save water and energy with your washbasin tap:

1. Check the seals and valves to ensure that they work properly in order to avoid leaks that will lead to water wastage.
2. Regulate the use of water temperature to save energy. If you have a double-handle faucet, try to use one handle at a time, this will facilitate both water and energy saving.
3. Get a new tap nozzle instead of buying a whole new tap. If you want to replace your old washbasin tap to save water and energy, you can change your old tap nozzle instead of getting an entirely new washbasin tap. Get a water-saving nozzle, also called a perlator. This type of nozzle mixes air into the jet of water even at low flows and will save water.
4. Use new resource-efficient washbasin taps. The latest technology for tracking water usage and the lifespan of recent filters can help efficiently save water and energy. Some of the latest technological features for washbasin taps are infrared mixers that make the water flow only when there is hand movement detected.
5. Get a thermostatic mixing valve. You can install a thermostatic mixing valve so you can have your ideal water temperature more quickly than with a traditional mixer tap and save water.

Modern technological developments have led to the creation of washbasin taps with sensors for hands-free activation, for example. Here are some of the latest trends:

• Improved touch motion sensors, regulating the flow and temperature of water at the same time.
• Contemporary silhouettes and new finishes, like brushed brass and rose gold that meld two metal finishes together. Some manufacturers now offer their taps with new finishes that prevent scratches and tarnishing, created via a physical vapor deposition process.