How to Choose Your Tapware
If you haven’t built a home or renovated before, you may not realize the number of considerations to make when choosing tapware. Whether it’s out of necessity or by choice, when selecting taps for your home, it’s not just about looks.
With renovations your options may be limited by space or existing plumbing but in many cases we can adjust pipes to suit. With a new build, there’s more flexibility in your choice.
What to Look for When Choosing Tapware
Know Your Pressure
If you are renovating, you may be working with the existing plumbing which means you’ll need to take into consideration the type of water pressure your house has. You can check your cylinder to see if it’s labelled “Mains Pressure” or you may find pressure is noticeably low when you’re running water. Tapware is designed to cope with mains pressure or enhance low pressure so make sure tapware matches your pressure. If you aren’t sure, contact us to discuss other ways you can determine the type of pressure you have.
Know Your Needs
Where is the tap and what kind of usage will it see? High-usage taps like the kitchen and bathroom sinks are worth seeking out a higher-quality tap. Will it be a utility sink therefore might warrant a pull-out or pull-down tap? These have flexible hosing that allow the faucet to reach further than a fixed tap does. They are becoming popular in kitchens too. Another choice is whether you want a mixer that controls both hot and cold from one lever or whether you prefer separate taps. Modern tapware generally leans towards mixers as it’s a more pleasant experience to be able to control the temperature that easily.
Know Your Space
If you are renovating and the sink isn’t being moved, measure the distance from where your existing tap is mounted in your bench to your sink. Ensure that you keep this in mind because having water land in the sink is the primary concern! Talk to your plumber for advice on the options you have with your existing sink.
Know Your Warranty
If a tap only offers a warranty of 1 or 2 years – it’s more likely that you’ll be calling us for a replacement shortly after it expires. Look to products that have a warranty longer than 2 years if you really want something that will last.
Know Your Style
Yes, we finally get to the fun part – the look! Traditional choices offered the basics like a chrome finish or gold finish. Now there are brushed chrome options and even black! Just be sure to keep the functionality in mind and not get too swayed by all the shiny options.
Ask the Experts
If all these decisions sound like a bit much, get in touch with us. We’re happy to discuss your needs and make recommendations – and we have lots of experience to back them up! Check out our plumbing services for more information about how we can help with your build or renovation.
