How to Choose the Right Bathroom Taps: A Complete Guide

Choosing the right bathroom taps might seem straightforward, but with so many styles, finishes, and configurations available, it pays to know what you're looking for. Whether you're fitting out a new bathroom or upgrading your existing taps, this guide will walk you through everything you need to consider.

The Aumix Capri mono basin mixer — a popular choice for modern bathrooms

Types of Bathroom Taps

Pillar Taps

The traditional choice for UK bathrooms, pillar taps feature separate hot and cold taps mounted on individual tap holes. They're reliable, easy to maintain, and suit classic bathroom designs. If your basin or bath has two tap holes, pillar taps are often the simplest option.

Mono Basin Mixers

The most popular choice for modern bathrooms, mono basin mixers combine hot and cold water through a single spout with one or two handles. They require a single tap hole and offer precise temperature control. Browse our basin taps and mixers collection for a wide range of styles.

Wall-Mounted Taps

For a clean, contemporary look, wall-mounted taps free up basin space and make cleaning easier. They require concealed pipework, so they're best planned during a full bathroom renovation.

Freestanding Bath Taps

If you're installing a freestanding bath, floor-standing or freestanding bath taps make a stunning centrepiece. Check out our bath taps range for options to suit every style.

Traditional bath pillar taps remain a popular choice for classic bathrooms

Understanding Water Pressure

Before buying any tap, you need to know your water pressure system:

• Low pressure (gravity-fed): Common in older UK homes with a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder. Look for taps rated for low pressure or consider adding a pump.
• High pressure (combi boiler/mains-fed): Most modern taps work well with high-pressure systems. You'll get a strong, consistent flow.
• Unequal pressure: If your hot and cold supplies run at different pressures, a mixer tap with built-in compensation can help balance the flow.

Always check the minimum operating pressure in the tap's specifications. Most manufacturers list this in bar — typically 0.1 bar for low pressure and 0.5-1.0 bar for standard taps.

Tap Finishes and Materials

The finish you choose affects both aesthetics and durability:

• Chrome: The most popular and affordable finish. Easy to clean, highly durable, and suits virtually any bathroom style.
• Brushed Nickel: A warmer, more subtle alternative to chrome with excellent fingerprint resistance.
• Matt Black: Bold and contemporary, matt black taps make a strong design statement. Increasingly popular in modern bathroom design.
• Brass/Gold: Perfect for traditional or luxury bathrooms. Modern PVD coatings make these finishes more durable than ever.

Tap Valves: Ceramic vs Compression

The valve inside your tap determines how it operates and how long it lasts:

• Ceramic disc valves: The modern standard. Quarter-turn operation, virtually drip-free, and long-lasting. Found in most quality mixer taps.
• Compression valves: The traditional rubber washer design. Cheaper but requires more maintenance as washers wear out over time.

We recommend ceramic disc valves for reliability and ease of use.

Sizing and Installation

Key measurements to check:

• Tap hole size: Standard UK tap holes are 35mm for mixers. Check your basin's tap hole diameter.
• Spout reach: Make sure the spout reaches over the basin bowl. A spout that's too short will splash water onto the surround.
• Spout height: Consider clearance — tall taps look great but need enough space above and may cause splashing in shallow basins.

Sleek mono basin mixers suit contemporary bathroom designs

Budget Considerations

Bathroom taps range from under £20 for basic pillar taps to £200+ for premium designer mixers. Our advice: invest in quality where it matters. A well-made tap with ceramic valves will last years longer than a budget alternative, saving you money on replacements and call-outs.

At APM Plumbing & Electrical, we stock taps across every price point, all from trusted manufacturers. Whether you're a plumber fitting out a rental property or a homeowner creating your dream bathroom, we'll help you find the right taps at the right price.

Need Help Choosing?

Visit our trade counter at 24 Western Avenue, Acton, London W3 7TZ or call us on 020 8702 8080. Our team has over 20 years of experience in the plumbing trade and we're always happy to help you choose the right products for your project.