Whether you’re undertaking a new build, a full bathroom renovation or updating select fixtures, considering the types of bathroom taps you need will not only help ensure the final result maintains the functionality of your bathroom but enhances the aesthetic of your space and make your daily routine easier and feel a little more luxurious.
But despite their small footprint and how easy it is to overlook this element, they significantly contribute to how successfully they are to use and how effortlessly they integrate with all your other bathroom units and accessories, such as vanities, mirrors and high-mounted cabinets.
Our guide will review the different types of taps available, including the various designs and finishes, as well as how to clean and install them to help you create the perfect Zure bathroom of your dreams. Read on to find out how you can turn bathroom taps, an essential fixture in any bathroom, into one of your best-performing and stylish design accents.
Bathroom Fixture Essentials You Need
Household bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, requiring different types of bathroom taps that respond to the room's layout and how ergonomically they fit in among all your cabinetry and fixtures. Some of the staple bathroom hardware you will need include:
- Basin mixer taps — They combine your hot and cold water feeds to enable them to flow through a single spout and are controlled by twin handles or a single lever.
- Shower/Wall mixers — These types of bathroom taps are either installed to the wall or shower to make it easier to adjust the desired temperature and, in some cases, the water pressure of your shower by drawing water from hot and cold water supplies. They can come with or without diverters.
- A diverter — In bathrooms that combine a bathtub and shower, diverters help redirect the flow of water between a bath spout and shower head to change the function and experience of the unit.
- Water spouts — Simply put, they deliver water from the faucet valve to the sink or bath.
- Floor mixers — This type of bathroom tap are essentially mixers mounted on the floor and used to control the flow of water for freestanding bathtubs in a sleek and dramatic fashion.
- Shower wall taps — Instead of having a spout, the shower hose has a fitting on which it is clipped.
Types of Bathroom Taps
Before you start shopping for bathroom taps, it's important to understand the different types of taps on the market. Next, you must see to it that they sit well with your decor and the rest of your bathroom. Here are the most common types:
- Single-handle taps — These have a single handle controlling the water flow and temperature. They're easy to use and install and are a popular choice for modern bathrooms.
- Dual-handle taps — This style features separate handles to control hot and cold water output through a central spout. While they're a classic style that's popular in traditional and vintage-style bathrooms, many homes in Australia feature this type of installation, which ensures there is an expansive range to choose from when you’re looking to update your tapware but want to retain your vanity and need your hardware to match the same mountings.
- Sensor taps — To help conserve water, they use integrated motion sensors to detect and release water only when you need it, making them an excellent choice for public bathrooms, commercial venues or people with disabilities.
- Waterfall taps — If you’re looking to cast your bathroom with a lush resort feel, waterfall taps are some of the most different types of taps available to help you create a serene atmosphere. With an open spout design that allows water to cascade into the basin, you can follow your self-care routine with the soothing sound of babbling water.
Where to Mount Your Tapware
Deciding on a location on where to install your taps — on the wall, deck or floor, can greatly contribute to the room’s tone and how it responds to your routine. Each mounting spot has its own pros and cons that help determine whether different types of bathroom taps are suitable for your space.
- Wall-mounted taps — These are installed directly into the wall rather than on the sink or countertop. They're a great option for small bathrooms or creating a minimalist look where you want to keep your basin’s countertops free from clutter and easier to clean. However, their fittings are discretely hidden behind the wall, necessitating you to use a professional for a seamless installation or maintenance and, in some cases, a tiler to refinish your walls.
- Freestanding taps — Rather than installing on the sink or wall, floor-mounted taps add a dramatic focal point to a freestanding or clawfoot bath tub. However, they can be difficult to naturally integrate into your bathroom as they require a larger room to ensure you achieve the biggest impact from this design-forward fixture. Additionally, you’ll need to pay more attention to the dimensions of the tap and tub to ensure they proportionately align with each other.
- Deck-mounted taps — Installed directly on your sink or bathtub, these are the most common type of bathroom tap. While they have the biggest ranges of finishes and options available, you’ll need to ensure they match the openings of your sink.
Finishes
Bathroom taps come in a variety of finishes that allow you to easily adjust the feel of the room, allowing you to switch from a more timeless design to one that is up-to-date with contemporary styles. From brushed to gloss and matte finishes, the most common colourways include:
- Chrome — Chrome is a popular choice for bathroom taps due to its shiny and reflective surface. It's easy to clean, durable and suits a wide range of bathroom styles, from modern to traditional.
- Brass — This type of bathroom tap has a bright, golden appearance that adds a luxurious and classic feel to the bathroom. They are a timeless choice but require regular maintenance to prevent tarnishing.
- Nickel — This finish has a muted, matte look that helps to hide fingerprints and watermarks that's great for modern bathrooms.
- Black — This finish is becoming increasingly popular for bathroom taps, as it creates a bold, modern look while offering some resistance to water spots and fingerprints.
Maintenance and Cleaning
To keep your bathroom taps in top condition, it's important to maintain and clean them regularly. Here are some tips:
- Wipe them down after use — This will help prevent water stains and mineral buildup.
- Use a soft cloth — Harsh cleaners and abrasive sponges can scratch the finish on your taps, so it's best to use a soft cloth or sponge.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners — Harsh cleaners can damage the finish on your taps, so it's best to stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaners.
- Clean the aerator — The aerator is the part of the tap that controls the water flow. It can become clogged with mineral buildup over time, so it's important to clean it periodically.
Installation
If you're installing new bathroom taps, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Here are some general tips:
- Turn off the water — Before installing your new taps, turn off the water supply to your bathroom.
- Remove the old taps — If you're replacing old taps, you'll need to remove them first. This may involve loosening nuts and bolts or using a wrench.
- Install the new taps — Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to install your new taps. This may involve attaching mounting hardware or tightening nuts and bolts.
- Turn the water back on — Once your new taps are installed, turn the water supply back on and test them to make sure they're working properly.