Bath Taps & Mixers (59)

The Ultimate Guide to Bath Taps & Mixers: Types, Features, & Benefits

Installing a new set of bath taps is an excellent and cost-effective way to refresh the look of your bathtub. Regardless of your bath's style, the right bath 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 bath mixer for you, 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 is a Bath Mixer?
2. What are the Different Types of Bath Mixer?
3. What Different Styles of Bath Taps and Bath Mixers are Available?
4. Are Bath Taps All the Same Size?
5. Are Bath Tap Holes All the Same Size?
6. Are Bath Taps and Sink Taps the Same?
7. Can I Install Bath Taps Myself?
8. How to Fit a Bath Shower Mixer Tap
9. What’s the Best Way to Clean My Taps?

1. What is a Bath Mixer?

Bath taps and mixers control the hot and cold water which fills your bath. Bath taps are often individual faucets which each control either the hot or cold water, whereas a bath mixer combines the water into one spout.

Within these categories are several other options – from wall, floor, and deck-mounted mixers through to bath shower mixers and regular bath taps.

2. What are the Different Types of Bath Mixer?

Depending on the style of your bathroom – or whether you’re retro-fitting or doing a full renovation – you have a few different options you can choose from.

If you want to simply upgrade what was already there, you’ll just need to replace your mixer or bath tap/s with a like-for-like product. However, if you’re doing a full bathroom renovation, now is the perfect time to decide which of the following is going to suit your new suite the best.

Deck Mounted Bath Mixers

Deck Mounted Bath Taps are by far the most popular type of bath mixer. Designed to sit directly on the bath’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 bath through a centrally positioned spout.

While having two individual controls for hot and cold water is the most common design, some two-hole bath 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 Bath Fillers 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 bath.

Freestanding Bath Taps

A Freestanding Bath Tap is the ultimate statement piece for any bathroom, offering a luxurious and eye-catching focal point. While they tend to be more expensive than standard bath taps, floor-standing bath taps and bath shower mixer taps are an investment worth making, instantly elevating the look and feel of your space. These taps are particularly stunning when paired with a sleek, modern freestanding bath, creating a perfect blend of style and functionality.

Similar to their deck-mounted counterparts, freestanding bath taps are available in a diverse range of modern and traditional designs. Whether your bathroom boasts a clean, minimalist aesthetic or a cozy, vintage-inspired charm, there’s a perfect option for you.

To further enhance your bathroom’s style, Freestanding Bath Mixers come in a variety of finishes and colours to suit any home. Choose polished chrome or matt black for a contemporary vibe, or opt for brushed or antique brass for a classic, timeless appeal. With so many choices, these taps ensure your bathroom achieves the wow factor while perfectly matching your decor.

Wall Mounted Bath Mixers

Achieve a modern, sophisticated aesthetic with our stunning selection of Wall Mounted Bath Mixers. Designed to suit baths without pre-drilled tap holes or freestanding baths positioned near a wall, these taps offer a streamlined alternative to deck-mounted options. 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. Many also include a shower handset attached to a flexible hose, making them versatile for tasks like washing your hair, rinsing the bath, or even cleaning your pets.

To suit both modern and traditional homes, Wall Mounted Bath Mixers are offered 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.

3. What Different Styles of Bath Taps and Bath 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.

4. Are Bath Taps All the Same Size?

Bath taps and bath mixers are available in a variety of styles, but not every tap will be compatible with every type of bath. Standard two-tap hole designs tend to fit a wider range of baths, making them a versatile choice. However, wall-mounted taps, freestanding taps, and bath shower mixers can add a striking, dynamic touch to your bathroom, creating a more stylish and bespoke finish.

When opting for wall-mounted or freestanding taps, it’s crucial to ensure the pipework is properly installed beforehand. These types of taps 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.

5. Are Bath Tap Holes All the Same Size?

No, bath tap holes aren’t always the same size. These holes are drilled using a holesaw – the size of which will be determined by the drill bit used.

6. Are Bath Taps and Sink Taps the Same?

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

7. Can I Install Bath Taps Myself?

Replacing a bath 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 deck mounted mixer 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.

8. How to Fit a Bath Shower Mixer Tap?

As above, if you’re installing a bath shower mixer 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 Bath Shower Mixer Tap or a Bath Mixer without a shower head, here are some key things you'll need to know.

Replacing a bath tap involves dealing with several essential components:

• Tap nuts and washers: These secure the tap to the bath
• 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 bath 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 specialized 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 bath.

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 the bath. 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 bath tap to check for leaks or any loose fittings. Tighten any connections as necessary.

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

Whether you have a wall mounted bath filler, deck mounted bath filler, or freestanding bath and shower mixer, 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 bath taps and mixers.

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].