Bathroom Taps

How to Choose the Best Tap for Your Bathroom?

To choose the best tap for your bathroom, first check how many tap holes your basin or bath has, then confirm your home's water pressure type — gravity-fed, combi boiler, or mains pressure. Once those two things are confirmed, pick a style and finish that matches your bathroom.

What Are the Different Types of Bathroom Taps?

The main types of bathroom taps are monobloc mixer taps, pillar taps, wall-mounted taps, high-rise basin mixers, waterfall taps, and freestanding bath taps. Each suits a different basin or bath setup, water pressure system, and bathroom style.

How Do I Know How Many Tap Holes My Basin Has?

The number of tap holes your basin has determines which tap you can fit. One hole suits a monobloc mixer tap, two holes suit separate hot and cold pillar taps, and no holes means you need a wall-mounted tap. Always check the basin spec before buying a tap.

Will This Tap Work with My Home's Water Pressure?

Whether a tap works with your water pressure depends on your system. Most UK homes have either a gravity-fed system with a cold-water tank in the loft, or a combi boiler running at mains pressure. Check the tap's minimum pressure rating — most mixer taps need at least 0.5 to 1.0 bar — and match it to your system before buying.

What Tap Finish Should I Choose for My Bathroom?

The right tap finish depends on the overall look you are going for. Chrome is the most versatile and easiest to keep clean, making it the most popular choice in UK bathrooms. Brushed brass and gunmetal grey suit modern or statement bathrooms, while matt black works well with darker, contemporary schemes. Whatever you pick, try to match it to your other hardware like towel rails and accessories.

What Is the Difference Between a Basin Tap and a Bath Tap?

The difference between a basin tap and a bath tap comes down to size and flow rate. Bath taps have a larger 22mm pipe connection to fill the tub quickly, while basin taps use a smaller 15mm connection suited to handwashing flow. The two are not interchangeable, so always buy the right type for the fixture you are fitting.

Do I Need a Plumber to Fit a New Tap?

Whether you need a plumber to fit a new tap depends on the job. A straight like-for-like replacement is something a confident DIYer can manage with basic tools and isolating the water supply. However, wall-mounted taps or any job involving rerouting pipework is better left to a qualified plumber to avoid leaks and water damage.

How Much Do Bathroom Taps Cost in the UK?

The cost of bathroom taps in the UK ranges from around £25 for a basic chrome basin mixer up to £350 or more for a freestanding bath tap in brushed brass or gunmetal. At Bathroom Mountain, most basin taps sit between £30 and £100, and bath taps between £60 and £250, with regular sale prices bringing those down further.

How Do I Clean Bathroom Taps Without Damaging the Finish?

To clean bathroom taps without damaging the finish, use a soft damp cloth and mild soap for day-to-day cleaning. Avoid abrasive bathroom sprays or scouring pads, especially on matt black, brushed brass, and gunmetal finishes, as these scratch easily. For limescale, a diluted white vinegar solution applied briefly then rinsed off works well on chrome — but check the manufacturer's guidance for specialist finishes first.

Why Is My Tap Dripping and How Do I Fix It?

A dripping tap is most commonly caused by a worn ceramic disc cartridge or a loose internal valve. On many modern monobloc mixer taps, the cartridge can be replaced without changing the whole tap — simply isolate the water supply, remove the tap head, and swap the cartridge like for like. If the drip continues after replacing the cartridge, it may be worth calling a plumber to check the valve seat.