Faucet blending units—commonly known as mixer taps—are utilized in various areas of the home and come in a wide range of styles, finishes, and dimensions. If you are planning to purchase a new fixture for your bathroom, a mixer tap is likely a strong consideration. However, you may have questions, ranging from their fundamental function to their typical cost. This guide is designed to clarify the terminology, explain how these fittings work, and assist your research before you buy.
What is a Faucet Blending Unit (Mixer Tap)?
The best way to understand a blending unit is to take its name literally. This type of faucet combines both hot and cold water through a single spout, allowing the user to adjust the temperature using one or two controls. This design differs from traditional setups where separate taps, each with their own spout, are used for the hot and cold water lines.
Blending units are available for numerous locations, including basin blending faucets, tub blending faucets, and specialized fixtures like bidet blending faucets. They are also commonly used in the kitchen. They come in both contemporary and traditional styles, featuring various handle designs, such as simple levers or classic twist tap heads (like crosshead designs).
How Does a Mixer Tap Work?
Inside the faucet unit, there are internal components, often referred to as cartridges, valves, or discs. When you turn the handle or lever, these internal components move from a closed position to a partially or fully open position, depending on the desired temperature and flow rate.
For example, if you only want hot water, the cold control remains off (valve closed), while the hot water control is partially or fully open. This mechanism makes blending units highly responsive and excellent for family households where consistent temperature control is valued.
The Function of a Tub-and-Shower Blending Faucet
A tub and shower blending faucet operates on the same core principle as any other blending unit. However, this model is connected to a handheld shower spray in addition to the main spout. To switch the water flow between the main spout and the showerhead, a diverter valve or switch is used. The handheld shower can be mounted on the deck of the tub or on the wall for easy access and storage.
Different Types of Mixer Taps Available
Knowing the basics, let’s look at the different types of blending units you can purchase, focusing on basin, tub, and bidet applications:
1. Single-Hole Blending Faucet
A single-hole blending faucet features the spout and all controls (single or dual) contained within one unified unit. This design requires a single hole for installation. While tub and basin faucets come in multiple designs, bidet blending units are typically single-hole faucets.
2. Multi-Hole Blending Faucets (2 to 5 Holes)
These fixtures require multiple installation holes. For basins, you typically find two-hole and three-hole blenders, which include the spout and one temperature control, or separate controls for hot and cold water.
For tubs, in addition to two-hole and three-hole blenders, you can find four-hole or five-hole assemblies. These comprehensive sets can include a spout (sometimes omitted in four-hole sets), separate on/off or temperature controls, a diverter switch, and a handheld shower spray.
3. Cascade Flow Faucets
Cascade flow faucets refer specifically to the water delivery method. They are designed so the water flows out in a broad, aesthetic sheet, mimicking a waterfall. They are available in both open-spout (trough) and closed-spout designs for both basins and tubs.
4. Deck-Mounted and Tub-Mounted Faucets
Deck-mounted blending faucets are those fixed directly onto a countertop or the surface of a vanity, often accompanying a vessel-style basin. When used on tubs, they can be referred to as either deck-mounted or tub-mounted blenders.
5. Wall-Mounted Faucets
Wall-mounted blending faucets operate identically to deck-mounted versions, but the controls, spout, and diverter are recessed and mounted directly into the wall. This style is highly popular for creating a clean, uncluttered appearance and freeing up counter space.
6. Freestanding and Floor-Mounted Tub Faucets
Freestanding or floor-mounted faucets are exceptionally tall units designed to accompany standalone tubs. They are installed via connections under the floor. These units typically consist of controls, a spout, and two vertical standpipes connecting to the water supply.
7. Compact and High-Profile Basin Faucets
Variations in size are also common. Compact basin faucets are smaller, designed to accommodate small washstands or cloakroom basins, making them ideal for confined spaces. High-profile basin faucets have an extended height, often standing next to a countertop basin.
8. Two-Hole Spout Faucets (Bridge Style)
Bridge-style blending faucets are essentially single-spout units that require two tap holes for installation. This is because they mount separately over the existing hot and cold water connections. However, the design uses a visible connection (the “bridge”) to bring the hot and cold water feeds together before the single spout.
9. Kitchen Blending Faucets
The majority of kitchen blending faucets are single-hole units with a single spout and integrated controls. The main difference from bathroom fittings lies in the neck design. Many kitchen units feature a tall spout that curves over itself (a swan neck), or offer features like pull-out spouts and flat swivel spouts.
Mixer Tap Styles and Finishes
Blending units are available in styles ranging from classic traditional to starkly modern, with finishes covering standard chrome and metallics like stainless steel, nickel, brass, bronze, and gold. Colored blending units in finishes such as black or white are currently trending in popularity.
- Traditional blending faucets often feature more ornate, curved designs reminiscent of Victorian, Edwardian, or Georgian periods. They frequently incorporate crosshead or lever handles with decorative accents like ceramic or mother-of-pearl detailing.
- Contemporary blending faucets feature simpler, minimalist designs with either squared edges or smooth, clean curves. Some even include modern functionalities like hands-free or no-touch activation.
Sizing and Dimensions of Mixer Taps
Dimensions vary based on the location, style, and function of the unit. Here is a general guide to approximate dimensions:
- Deck-Mounted Basin Faucets/Compact Faucets: Height: 90mm+, Width: 50mm+
- Wall-Mounted Basin Faucets: Spout projection: 100mm+
- Tub-Mounted Blending Faucets/Bridge Faucets: Height: 100mm+, Width: 200mm+ (measured at the deck plate)
- High-Profile Basin Faucets: Height: 150mm+, Width: 50mm+, Spout projection: 100mm+
- Freestanding Tub Faucets: Height: 800mm+, Width: 100mm+, Spout projection: 150mm+
Installation Questions
Can I Change Two Separate Taps to a Mixer Tap?
In most cases, yes, you can replace two separate pillar taps (one hot, one cold) with a blending faucet. However, you must first check your existing water pressure, and it is advisable to seek expert plumbing advice.
If your basin has two tap holes, you can install a bridge basin blending faucet, which fits over the two existing holes while delivering water through a single spout. If you want to switch to a single-hole blending faucet, you will likely need to adjust your plumbing system to feed both hot and cold water to a single tap and potentially replace your basin with a single-hole model for a cleaner look.
Can I Use a Mixer Tap With Just Cold Water?
In principle, yes, you can use a blending faucet with a cold-water-only system. However, the unused hot water inlet must be correctly capped off or blocked. If the hot water control is switched on when this connection is not properly sealed, it could lead to leaks. For a single-feed system, always seek professional advice and ensure proper installation, or connect to a hot water system if possible.
Do Mixer Taps Have Washers?
Not all blending faucets use washers. Modern types operate using ceramic disc technology. Inside the faucet, two smooth ceramic discs with holes sit against each other. One disc moves with the handle, and the other remains fixed. The alignment of these holes controls the flow rate and the temperature of the blended water.
Typical Cost of Mixer Taps
Costs vary widely based on materials, features, and design complexity. Generally, blending units are affordably priced:
- Basin blending faucet: Starting from approximately £40+
- Tub blending faucet: Starting from approximately £70+
- Freestanding/floor-mounted tub faucet: Starting from approximately £150–£250+
