Basin Taps (99)

Everything You Need to Know About Basin Taps: Types, Features, & Benefits

Investing in a new set of basin taps is an excellent and cost-effective way to refresh the look of your bathroom. Regardless of your style, the right basin tap can bring a touch of elegance and personality that elevates your bathroom.

With a wide range of modern and traditional designs available, choosing the perfect tap can be more challenging than simply picking one that catches your eye; it's essential to consider a few key details before making a purchase.

If you’re looking to renovate your bathroom – or just replace your existing hardware – the following guide contains everything you need to know about choosing the right basin taps, as well how to install one (even if you’re a DIY novice).

Alternatively, book a free consultation at our multi-award-winning bathroom showroom and let us design the bathroom you’ve always dreamt of. Our showroom can be contacted on 01772 909 150 or email [email protected].

Table of Contents

1. What are the Different Types of Basin Taps and Mixers?
2. What Different Styles of Basin Taps and Basin Mixers are Available?
3. Are Basin Taps All the Same Size?
4. Are Basin Tap Holes All the Same Size?
5. Are Basin Taps and Bath Taps the Same?
6. Can I Install Basin Taps Myself?
7. How to Fit a Basin Tap
8. What’s the Best Way to Clean My Taps?

1. What are the Different Types of Basin Taps and Mixers?

Basin taps come in different styles and fittings depending on where they’re being installed.

Basin Pillar Taps

Basin Pillar Taps are a pair of individually controlled taps - one for hot water, one for cold - and up until a few years ago were the single most common type of tap found in homes across the UK.

Each tap has its own handle/lever and spout, allowing for individual control over the hot and cold water flow.

Mono Basin Taps

A mono basin mixer tap is a popular option as they are quick to fit and simple to use. The water flow and temperature is controlled by one handle for efficiency. This style is also available as a tall basin tap – ideal if you have a countertop basin and need a taller tap to reach over the side.

Deck Mounted Basin Taps & Mixers

Deck Mounted Basin Taps are fast becoming the most popular type of basin tap style. Designed to sit directly on the basin's ‘deck,’ these taps typically feature two separate valves, allowing you to control the flow of hot and cold water independently. The water is then mixed within the tap body and flows elegantly into your basin through a centrally positioned spout.

While having two individual controls for hot and cold water is the most common design, some two-hole basin taps are designed with a single lever, allowing you to adjust both the water flow and temperature seamlessly with one hand.

Available in a variety of colours and finishes, Deck Mounted Basin Mixers cater to both modern and traditional homes. From sleek chrome and brushed nickel for contemporary spaces to classic brass and vintage-inspired finishes for period properties, there’s a style to suit every bathroom. These versatile options ensure that you can complement your décor while adding functionality and elegance to your basin.

Wall Mounted Basin Taps & Mixers

Achieve a modern, sophisticated aesthetic with our stunning selection of Wall Mounted Basin Taps & Mixers. These taps offer a streamlined alternative to deck-mounted options, freeing up valuable space on or around your countertop or basin. With a variety of designs available, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your dream bathroom.

Wall Mounted Bath Taps are perfect for those looking to create a clean and uncluttered look. Not only do these allow more room for manoeuvre when washing, they also keep the basin/vanity clean and free from water and dirt build-up that could normally form around the base of a deck mounted tap.

To suit both modern and traditional homes, Wall Mounted Basin Taps are available in a range of colours and finishes. Choose sleek chrome or matte black for contemporary spaces, or opt for classic brushed brass or polished nickel to enhance a timeless aesthetic. With so many options available, these taps not only add functionality but also elevate your bathroom’s overall style.

Tall Basin Taps

Tall Basin Taps (also known as high-rise basin taps or tall basin mixers) are faucets with a tall spout that extends above the basin. These taps are most commonly used alongside countertop basins.

3 Hole Basin Taps

3 Hole Basin Taps are available in both traditional and modern styles, designed to suit any bathroom décor. As with basin pillar taps, 3 hole basin taps have individual controls for hot and cold water. The spout is fitted separately with longer, higher spouts available that give you more room to wash.

2. What Different Styles of Basin Taps and Basin Mixers are Available?

All bathrooms fall into one of three categories: contemporary, classic, or traditional.

A sophisticated matt black finish is a brilliant contemporary alternative to a standard chrome finish.

Polished nickel is a relatively new colourway and is great for classic bathrooms. It has a warmer undertone than chrome, but is less striking than brushed brass or gold.

For more traditional bathrooms, “living finishes” can add a really unique and special touch. Unlacquered brass, bronze, and copper ages with time, and every tap will end up with a slightly different finish. This ever-changing patina will add character and charm to your bathroom – though we wouldn’t recommend these if you want to maintain a crisp, perfect finish.

3. Are Basin Taps All the Same Size?

Basin taps and mixers are available in a variety of styles, but not all basin taps are the same size. The standard size for a basin tap hole is 35mm in diameter (although this can vary slightly depending on the brand and design of the tap). The standard diameter of most basin taps is around 47mm - but again, different brands and manufacturers may vary.

When fitting - especially if you're changing the type/style of tap - it’s crucial to ensure the pipework is properly installed beforehand. Wall-mounted taps in particular require precise positioning and may involve adjustments to your plumbing layout. Planning the pipework in advance will help avoid complications during installation and ensure the taps function seamlessly once fitted.

4. Are Basin Tap Holes All the Same Size?

No, basin tap holes aren’t always the same size. The standard size for a basin tap hole is 35mm in diameter (although this can vary slightly depending on the brand and design of the tap). The standard diameter of most basin taps is around 47mm - but again, different brands and manufacturers may vary.

5. Are Basin Taps and Bath Taps the Same?

No. Most commonly, bath taps have a 22mm feed, whilst a sink/basin tap will have a 15mm feed.

6. Can I Install Basin Taps Myself?

Replacing a basin tap like-for-like doesn’t have to be complicated. If you have good DIY skills, replacing an old or faulty tap can be straightforward.

If, however, you aren’t confident with plumbing projects, it’s worth hiring a plumber to ensure a professional and water-tight finish.

If you’re changing the style of tap completely (for example, from a basin pillar tap to a wall mounted mixer), new pipework may need to be installed. This makes any replacement much more complicated, and should really only be undertaken by a professional to ensure the end result is impeccable.

7. How to Fit a Basin Tap?

As above, if you’re installing a basin tap from scratch, it’s worth getting a plumber to tackle that job for you. But replacing an old or faulty tap can be quite a simple job.

Whether you're fitting a mono basin tap or new basin pillar taps, here are some key things you'll need to know.

Replacing a basin tap/s involves dealing with several essential components:

• Tap nuts and washers: These secure the tap to the basin
• Flexible tap connectors: These are the bendable pipes that connect the tap to your home’s plumbing
• Compression fittings: Small plumbing components with metal ‘olives’ designed to join two pieces of plumbing. They’re also commonly used to isolate your water supply
• Internal plumbing: The fixed pipes in your home that typically connect to the tap via compression fittings and flexible connectors. If your plumbing system doesn’t already have compression fittings, it’s worth considering installing them. They simplify future plumbing tasks and improve convenience. Additionally, most new taps include flexible tap connectors, and using these can provide a more secure and efficient connection compared to resealing old ones

Tools You'll Need

• Tube Spanner
• Basin Wrench
• Adjustable Spanner
• An Old Towel

Step 1: Isolate the Water Supply

Start by shutting off your water supply. For systems with compression fittings, use a flathead screwdriver to turn off the hot and cold water at the fitting. If compression fittings aren’t present, turn off the water at the mains supply.

Step 2: Remove the Old Tap

The next step is to remove the existing tap. Look underneath the basin to locate the two flexible connectors linking the internal plumbing to the tap. Disconnect these connectors using an adjustable spanner.

If replacing the flexible connectors, detach them entirely from the compression fitting or wall pipe and the tap body. Be prepared for some trapped water to spill when removing the connector from the tap - keep an old towel handy to absorb any spills.

To remove the tap itself, undo the securing nut from below the bath. If access is difficult, use a specialised extended tool. Once the nut and washers are removed, you can lift the old tap out of the tap holes. It’s normal to find some dirt or residue around the holes - clean the area thoroughly with a damp cloth before proceeding.

Step 3: Install the New Tap and Connections

Insert the new tap into the cleaned tap holes. Secure it using the provided washer and nut, ensuring a tight, watertight seal to protect the area beneath the basin.

If you’re installing new flexible connectors, attach one end to a compression fitting connected to the internal plumbing. Then, connect the other end to the tap body behind/underneath the basin. If reusing existing connectors, simply attach them to the new tap.

Step 4: Test for Leaks

Turn the water supply back on and run the tap to check for leaks or any loose fittings. Tighten any connections as necessary.

8. What’s the Best Way to Clean My Taps?

Whether you have basin pillar taps, a mono basin tap, deck mounted basin tap, wall mounted basin tap, a tall basin tap, or a 3 hole basin tap, it’s best not to clean them with any harsh or abrasive chemicals. These can damage the surface and result in them becoming tarnished or damaged. Warm soapy water, lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar are all friendly products to use on your basin taps and other bathroom products.

For further technical information relating to our range of bath taps and mixers, please telephone our main sales line on 01772 431 216 or email [email protected].