Tap/Faucet Buying Guide

What To Look Out For When Buying A Tap/Faucet

Although a tap/faucet is one of the most commonly purchased home products, purchasing one can still be challenging. To assist you in finding the right tap for your home, we have listed the features you should look out for:

Size

Whatever type of faucet you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your sink or bathtub. Make sure it isn’t too big or too small. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use it to your advantage.

Function

It’s also vital to know what function you want your tap to serve. Remember that there are thermostatic taps, touchless taps, mixer taps, and many others. 

Throughput

Buying a tap with a large throughput can be very beneficial for your bathtub, washing machine, or kitchen sink. In case you’re in need of a tap for your shower, it’s better to buy one with a small throughput such as the Grohe Eurodisc Cosmopolitan Shower Mixer Tap. This is also the case for basin taps and shower taps.

Spout

In order for you to receive enough water from your tap, its spout should be at least two thirds near the center of the sink. 

Valve

The tap valve is essential to providing you with water. As such, it should be highly durable or else you might be faced with a leaking tap. Taps with ceramic valves are highly recommended as these tend to be sturdy and almost leak-proof.

Material

Never forget that how durable your tap will be depends on its material. Water taps made from stainless steel and chrome are extremely popular as they are corrosion resistant which means they can last a long time. 

What Should You Know About Taps/Faucets?

Mixer Taps 

If you’re looking for a tap that will provide you with hot and cold water, you should go for a mixer tap like the Grohe Eurocube Basin Mixer Tap Size S. This contains valves that control the water temperature based on how the handle is positioned. It also has built-in technology that ensures smooth control of water volume and temperature. At the same time, there are silicone nozzles that prevent limescale build-up which makes the tap easy to clean.

Bath and Shower Taps

These taps are designed similar to mixer taps in that they also provide you with hot and cold water. They are usually sold as shower mixer taps or two way taps. 

If you’re in need of a shower mixer tap, you can go for the Grohe Eurocube Joy Bath & Shower Mixer Tap. This tap is made with multi-layered coating that makes it scratch resistant and gives it a long lasting shine. Moreover, it has a non-return valve that prevents wastewater from backing up into your clean water supply.

Kitchen Sink Taps 

For efficient cleaning, kitchen taps usually have a swivel and high neck spout. Another benefit of this particular tap is it sometimes comes with a hot/cold flexible hose for easier washing. It is also easy to clean since it is usually made of chrome. 

Basin Mixer Taps 

As the name implies, basin mixer taps are normally installed on wash basins. Previously, many homes only had a cold water tap for their basin. However, installing a basin mixer tap has become increasingly popular. One of the best basin mixer taps you can buy is the Grohe Eurodisc Joy Basin Mixer Tap Size XL (Chrome). It has a protective layer that is robust and easy to maintain. Its smooth body and extra-high spout allows for a user-friendly experience. 

Bidet Taps 

Bidet spray taps are pull-out taps extensions that are normally installed beside toilet bowls. They help in cleaning oneself after using the toilet and can also be used to wash the bowl itself. One of the most recommended bidet taps in Singapore is the Fidelis-Artic Bidet Hand-Spray Set C/W Hose & Bracket (Chrome) FT-5005. This is because it’s made with stainless steel material which means it won’t rust easily. It is also easy to clean since it has a chrome finish.

Washing Machine Tap/Service Tap 

Washing machines usually have 1-way taps or outdoor service taps installed. The reason for this is that they are designed for frequent and heavy use of water. 

Different Tap Features and Mechanisms

The many different types of taps/faucets you can install in your home will have varying features and mechanisms. You should be familiar with these so you can better choose the right tap/faucet for your home.

Ball Taps 

A ball tap such as the Grohe Eurodisc Cosmopolitan Bath & Shower Mixer Tap pushes plastic or stainless steel balls over a circular cover. This allows you to adjust water flow and temperature. Take note though that this tap is prone to water leaks.

Cartridge Taps 

These taps contain a lever which you can move vertically or horizontally to adjust water flow and temperature. 

Ceramic Taps 

Unlike most taps, ceramic taps like the Kohler Taut Tall Bathroom Basin Mixer Tap contain ceramic discs. This means they are easy to twist and only need a quarter turn to be switched on. It also helps the tap itself to last longer.

Thermostatic Taps 

A thermostatic tap like the Grohe Eurodisc Joy Shower Mixer Tap (Chrome) is much safer to use as it ensures consistent temperature. As a result, you’re less likely to scald yourself when taking a hot bath.

Ultimate Guide In Buying Bathroom Tap

Choosing the right bathroom tap ensures that your bathing and washing needs are fully met. If you’re in the process of buying a new bathroom tap, make sure to consider the following:

Tap Installation Type

Any homeowner should always consider installation type when buying a new tap. Among the best taps you can choose from are center set taps, single hole taps, and vessel sink taps.

Single Hole Taps

Single hole taps provide you with hot and cold water with just one handle. One of the best single hole taps you can buy is the Fidelis-Ronald Single Lever Basin Cold Tap (Chrome) FT-8201C. It has a two-tick water efficiency rating which means it can help you save on your water bills. In addition, it is built with a chrome finish to prevent rapid corrosion and scratches.

Center Set

A centerset tap consists of two handles on a single deck plate with the center hole acting as the mounting place for the spout. There are also two holes a few inches away from the center hole which are meant for the handles. With its design, this tap is ideal for single hole or three hole basins.

Vessel Sink Taps

Vessel sinks require long taps like the Fidelis-Sydney Square Single Lever Basin Cold Tap Extended Body (Chrome) FT-8502C since they are built on top of a countertop. If you have this type of sink in your home, you can simply buy vessel sink taps since they have just the right height.

Advantages of Buying A Chrome Bathroom Tap

Many homeowners in Singapore are buying chrome bathroom taps due to the many advantages they provide:

1. Shiny Finish

Chrome bathroom taps are among the shiniest taps around. In fact, they are considered much brighter than stainless steel taps. When you buy this tap, your bathroom will look much more appealing. 

2. Modern Looking Finish

Another reason why chrome bathroom taps are becoming popular is their modern design. Thus, you can buy this tap if you want to give your bathroom a more contemporary look. One modern looking tap you can purchase is the Grohe Eurocube Basin Mixer Tap Size M. This tap has a multi-layered coating which makes it resistant to scratches and gives it a long lasting shine.

3. Versatility

If you want a tap that can match any bathroom design, a chrome bathroom tap like the Kohler July Bathroom Basin Mixer Tap is highly ideal.  No matter what theme and accessories you have, this tap will always blend in with your bathroom’s design. It is built with solid metal infrastructure so it is highly durable and reliable. It also contains ceramic disc valves that help it to last long. Besides that, its high temperature limit helps to prevent scalding while you shower. 

4. Durability

A major benefit of buying a chrome bathroom tap is that it is non-corrosive. Since it doesn’t rust easily, you won’t have to worry about replacing it with a new tap anytime soon.

Common Tap Handles

Single Handle

A single-handle tap such as the Fidelis-Ronald Single Lever Sink Cold Tap (Chrome) FT-8206C is often connected to a deck plate so that any unused handle holes are concealed. Besides that, it allows you to choose between hot and cold water easily.

Double Handle

Double handle taps consist of cross handles that have a vintage and unique design. Moreover, they just need to be turned horizontally for water flow to be controlled.

Importance of Proper Tap Design

The tiles you choose for your bathroom can affect its appearance significantly. In the same way, the color and design of your tap alone can have a very big impact. No matter what function it will serve, a well-designed tap like the Fidelis-Ronald Single Lever Bath/Shower Mixer (Chrome) FT-8204 will give your bathroom a much more modern look. You won’t have to buy any expensive accessories just to have an elegant looking bathroom. 

What’s The Right Faucet For Your Kitchen or Bathroom?

When choosing a kitchen or bathroom tap, you should know where you want it to be installed. Remember that the location of your tap will affect how well it will fulfil your needs. For instance, installing your kitchen tap too far from your kitchen sink will make it difficult for you to wash dishes and even result in water wastage. 

Another thing you should take note of when buying a kitchen tap or bathroom tap is that those with a longer spout should be near the center of the sink to ensure ease of use.

In case you have cabinets that hang low above your sink, buying high arching faucets may not be the most practical choice. It’s better instead to buy taps that have a straight horizontal spout.

When it comes to design, you can opt for a tap with visible cylindrical lines or smooth features. If you want something simpler, you can just go for steel or chrome taps as they have an extremely shiny look.

Once you have chosen the best tap/faucet for your home, be sure to hire a reliable tap installation service so you can avoid any damage.

Conclusion

When buying a brand new tap for your home, be sure to consider some important factors like size, spout, throughput, valve, function, and material. You should also know that there are different types of taps such as mixer taps, bath and shower taps, kitchen sink taps, basin mixer taps, and bidet taps. At the same time, make sure to determine whether you want a ball tap, cartridge tap, ceramic tap, or thermostatic tap. 

If you’re planning to buy a new bathroom tap, it’s vital to consider the installation type and whether you prefer a single hole tap, centerset tap, or vessel sink tap. It’s recommended to buy a chrome bathroom tap as it has a shiny and modern looking finish. In addition, it is highly versatile and durable. Don’t also forget to consider the importance of tap design as it can have a big impact on your entire bathroom.

Finally, when choosing a faucet for your kitchen or bathroom, you should know where you want it to be installed. In terms of design, it’s recommended to go for an elegant looking tap such as one with visible cylindrical lines or smooth features.

This article was reproduced from Tap & Faucet City Singapore.