Basin Taps

The basin tap gets used more than any other fitting in a bathroom, so it is worth choosing on quality rather than price alone.

Match the tap to the basin

This is the first decision and it cannot be undone. Tap holes are moulded into the basin:

• Mono mixer — one hole, one spout. The modern standard.
• Pillar pair — two holes, separate hot and cold. Traditional, though you cannot easily get warm water.
• Wall mounted — no holes in the basin at all; pipework comes through the wall and must be planned before tiling.

Check your basin's drilling before ordering.

Height and reach

Look at the spout projection against your bowl. Too short and water lands at the back; too tall and it splashes out. For a countertop basin sitting proud of the surface you need a high rise mixer to clear the rim.

Water pressure

Some mixers need a minimum pressure to work properly. On a gravity-fed system with a loft tank, check the specification before buying — a low-pressure system with a high-flow tap gives a disappointing trickle.

What to look for

Ceramic disc cartridges outlast rubber washers considerably and give the smooth quarter-turn action. Most taps come without a waste — add one and match the finish.