bathroom

Best Bathroom Taps

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Kim
21st April, 2022 | 20 minute read

When it comes to choosing new bathroom taps, no matter what style of bathroom you have, there are so many choices it can be hard to find the right taps for you.

With a huge range of materials and colours, how do you know which bathroom taps are the best?

chrome sink tap

Whatever style you are looking for, take a look at our guide below on the best bathroom taps. We have rounded up a list of the best bathroom water tap in each category so that you can find the right taps to suit you and your needs.

We have included a range of different styles, finished, and installation types to give you the inspiration you need when looking for your perfect new bathroom taps. Whether you’re looking for bath taps or bathroom sink taps, we’ve got you covered.

What is a Bathroom Tap?

We all use bathroom taps every single day, whether it’s to wash our hands, wash our face, or for brushing our teeth – you probably use your bathroom taps more than you think.

Bathroom taps are connected to your home’s water supply and provide a flow of water to the bathroom. These taps are most commonly found installed in a bathtub or a bathroom sink.

Bathroom taps traditionally consist of two taps, one providing hot water and one providing cold water. However, modern bathroom taps can sometimes come in the form of just one tap ,which mixes the hot and cold water together.

We will explore all of the different types of bathroom tap within this article and will provide a list of the pros and cons of each type to help you decide which bathroom tap style is best for you.

How Does a Bathroom Tap Work? 

Have you ever wondered how a bathroom tap actually works? We all have bathroom taps, and we all use them. Every person uses around 20-50 litres of water every day for various things such as drinking, washing, and cooking.

Taps are usually constructed of brass as this provides longevity. They are then usually plated in something such as chrome or gold to give them a more appealing appearance.

running tap

The water pipe is connected to the bottom of the taps, and water is held within a chamber until it is needed. When you need water, all you have to do is turn the handle of the tap anticlockwise. This unscrews the internal valve and allows water to start flowing out.

Mixer bathroom taps work in a similar way, except the hot and cold supplies are connected to the same tap rather than separate taps. These taps will release warm, hot, or cold water depending on how far you turn the handle.

Types of Bathroom Tap

There are several different types of bathroom taps to choose from. If you are unsure which type is best for you, we have created the list below to help you make the right decision.

This list provides you with everything you need to know about each of the different types of bathroom tap, along with the pros and cons of each type. Read on to learn more about the different types of bathroom taps:

Floor Mounted Taps

Floor mounted taps are a modern tap invention that is becoming increasingly popular in UK homes. Instead of having the pipes and plumbing hidden in the wall, the plumbing is actually exposed, leading from the floor up to the tub.

This means that the bathtub can be placed anywhere in the room as long as the plumbing can be redirected to your chosen area.

Wall Mounted Taps

Wall mounted taps are just as their name suggests – they are mounted directly to the wall. These taps will extend out from the wall to reach over the bath or sink where the water needs to be directed.

black wall mounted tap

This style of tap is quite a modern style that is very easy to clean. However, the only issue with wall - mounted taps is that they are quite difficult to repair should anything go wrong with them, as all of the plumbing is hidden within the wall.

Pillar Taps

Pillar taps are the most common style of tap used in UK bathrooms. These are individual hot and cold taps that each have their own valves that control the flow of water to them.

These taps fit into any bath or basin that have two tap holes in them – one is for the hot water tap and the other is for the cold water tap. These taps are easy to install and maintain.

Mixer Taps

Mixer taps for a bathroom are becoming more and more popular in UK homes. These are sometimes referred to as monobloc taps when only one tap hole is used. These types of taps mix the hot and cold water supplies just as it leaves the faucet.

This gives you a nice even temperature before it reaches the sink or the bathtub and gives you the opportunity to customise the temperature of the water coming out of the tap. This prevents the risks of freezing or scalding water, causing injuries to you or your family.

Bath Filler Taps

Bath filler taps are very similar to mixer taps as they also mix together the hot and cold water supplies just before the water leaves the faucet. These taps usually feature two control handles or levers that you use to control the temperature and flow of the water.

bath filler tap

This is ideal as it allows you to customise the water to the perfect temperature when filling up your bathtub or basin. This is especially useful for when you’re running a bath and don’t want it to be scalding hot or too cold.

This type of tap also doesn’t need a high water pressure to work effectively.

Bath/Shower Mixer Taps

Bath and shower mixer taps are a mixture of a bath filler and a handheld shower head that stretches out from the taps. This allows you to wet the entire body while sitting or standing in the bathtub.

These taps are useful as they act as an all-in-one tap that can fill your bathtub but that can also work as a shower for washing all over your body. These taps are not ideal or practical for installing on hand basins.

Best Bathroom Tap

If you’re looking for a bathroom tap but not sure where to find the best ones, then you’ve come to the right place. We have created this list of the best bathroom taps for each of the different types of tap.

We have rounded up a range of different styles and designs of tap, and you’ll find a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each tap below each of the reviews.

Best Floor Mounted Taps

Onyzpily 2-Way Black Finished Floor Mounted Bathtub Tap

Onyzpily

This freestanding, floor mounted tap features large hot and cold hoses for a larger water flow than other taps.

It is multifunctional and features a 360-degree swivel spout so you can direct the water exactly where it’s needed. This tap also features a handheld shower so you can clean every inch of your body with ease.

The tap is made from brass and features corrosion prevention for reliability and durability.

If you are looking for a reliable and stylish freestanding bathroom tap set, then this is the perfect choice for you. The tap is black and modern-looking and would fit into most contemporary bathrooms.

Things we liked
  • Large water flow rate
  • 360-degree swivel spout
  • Handheld shower
  • Corrosion prevention
  • Durable
  • Stylish
Things we didn't like
  • Won’t fit in with every style of bathroom
  • Plumbing will have to be redirected under the floor
  • Difficult to install

Free Standing Rozin Bathroom Tap

360 rotatable

This gorgeous chrome freestanding tap system is a very modern-looking and sleek setup. It features a full 360-degree rotatable filler spout as well as a handheld sprayer. The chrome finish is easy to clean and looks great.

The tap is constructed of brass which promises durability and longevity. The only downside with this freestanding tap unit is that it doesn’t work well in homes with low pressure.

If you are looking for a stylish, reliable tap unit, then this freestanding tap is the perfect choice for you. It also includes all of the necessary bathroom tap fittings you need for easy installation.

Things we liked
  • Stylish chrome finish
  • Handheld sprayer
  • Durable
  • 360-degree swivel spout
Things we didn't like
  • Not suitable for low water pressure
  • Plumbing will have to be redirected under the floor
  • Difficult to install

Onyzpily Chrome Freestanding Bath Taps

Onyzpily Chrome

This Onyzpily freestanding bath tap features corrosion prevention and a gorgeous chrome finish that looks very stylish. The unit is constructed from A-class brass that is very sturdy and ensures that the taps remain durable.

The added 59-inch showerhead means that you can effectively clean every part of your body with ease. This particular tap unit works best with water systems that have a pressure of between 1-8 bars.

Things we liked
  • Corrosion prevention
  • Stylish chrome finish
  • A-class brass construction
  • 59-inch showerhead
  • Durable
Things we didn't like
  • Plumbing will have to be redirected under the floor
  • Difficult to install

Best Wall-Mounted Taps

GRIFEMA PORTO-G11503 Wall - mounted Mixer Tap

GRIFEMA

This particular wall-mounted tap comes with a two-year warranty so you will have complete peace of mind when buying this tap. It features a gorgeous chrome finish that is easy to clean and maintain. The gorgeous curved edging is appealing, stylish, and sleek.

It is compatible with all plumbing systems including low pressure and high-pressure systems. The tap features a single handle that ensures the perfect temperature and flow rates so you can customise your water to the way you want it. The soft water flow prevents splashes and reduces water waste without sacrificing the pressure.

Things we liked
  • Two-year warranty
  • Stylish chrome finish
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Suitable for all plumbing systems
  • Soft water flow
Things we didn't like
  • Not as attractive as some other tap styles
  • Difficult to repair

PHASAT Wall Tap

PHASAT

The PHASAT wall tap is a very stylish unit that is contemporary and looks great.

It features a space-saving design and benefits from an amazing 180-degree swivel spout so you can direct the water wherever you need it to go. With an amazing five-year quality warranty, you can live in peace that this tap set is built to last.

It is a mixer tap, so you can customise the temperature and flow rate to exactly what you need at any given moment. The chrome finish is beautiful to look at and easy to clean and maintain. Plus, the solid brass casting body construction ensures durability.

Things we liked
  • Stylish chrome finish
  • Space-saving design
  • 180-degree swivel spout
  • 5-year warranty
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Durable
Things we didn't like
  • Not as powerful as some other tap units
  • Difficult to repair

Hapilife Chrome Waterfall Bath Filler Tap

Hapilife

The Happilife chrome waterfall bath filler tap benefits from the addition of a wall mounted shower-head so you can clean every part of your body with ease. It features multi-layer chrome plating for a gorgeous, stylish look and ease of cleaning.

The construction also features corrosion prevention to help the tap last for a very long time. The water flows out of this tap system beautifully like a waterfall.

The waterfall effect means that a lot of water is released quickly so your waiting time is reduced if you are filling up a bath. The unit is constructed of low-lead brass which is sturdier than normal brass and can effectively resist the corrosion of various microelements.

Things we liked
  • Includes showerhead
  • Stylish chrome plating
  • Beautiful waterfall flow
  • Fast water release
  • Low-lead brass construction
  • Durable
  • Easy to clean and maintain
Things we didn't like
  • Not suitable for use over a basin
  • Difficult to repair

Best Bathroom Pillar Taps

Luckyhome Twin Bath Pillar Taps

Luckyhome

These bathroom pillar taps are lead-free, nickel-free and feature corrosion resistance. The simple lever allows you to control how much water is released from the tap at any one time.

They are chrome plated and highly reflected which provides a mirror-like appearance. These taps are very versatile and will fit in with most bathroom decors.

They are easy to fit, easy to clean, and a good all-round tap. For additional peace of mind, these taps come with an amazing 10-year warranty.

Things we liked
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Stylish chrome finish
  • Versatile
  • Durable
  • Easy to fit
  • Easy to clean
  • 10-year warranty
Things we didn't like
  • The taps are quite small
  • Temperature can’t be controlled

Bathroom Self Closing Pillar Taps

Self Closing Pillar

This set of bathroom self-closing pillar taps is perfect for any type of bathroom. The set features one hot tap and one cold tap with a push-button mechanism to turn the tap on.

The tap then slowly closes by itself, meaning you don’t need to worry about accidentally leaving your tap running or dripping.

The stylish chrome finish goes well with most bathroom decors and the taps are simple and easy to install. If you are looking for simple bathroom taps, then these are the perfect choice for you.

Things we liked
  • Self-closing
  • Stylish chrome finish
  • Easy to install
  • Durable
  • Easy to clean
Things we didn't like
  • The taps are quite small
  • Temperature can’t be controlled

Traditional Victorian Style Matte Black Pillar Taps

Traditional Victorian Style Matte Black Pillar Taps

These traditional Victorian style taps are perfect for placing in a bathroom that has an older, more traditional look. If you live in an older home or your bathroom is decorated with a more traditional look, then these taps would be perfect for you.

The gentle water flow is perfect for everyday use in the bathroom. These taps are gorgeous, stylish, and easy to install. The heavy-duty lead-free construction ensures that the taps remain reliable and durable.

They benefit from an amazing 10-year guarantee so you will always have peace of mind when buying these taps.

Things we liked
  • Traditional Victorian style
  • Easy to install
  • Gentle water flow
  • Heavy-duty lead-free construction
  • Durable
  • 10-year guarantee
Things we didn't like
  • May take a long time to fill a bath
  • The taps are quite small
  • Temperature can’t be controlled

Best Bathroom Mixer Taps

Celala Bathroom Mixer Taps

Celala

This particular mixer tap is very modern and stylish and would look great in most styles of bathroom. The chrome plating is easy to clean and looks great.

It features a stylish lever that can be moved from side to side and up and down to control the temperature of the water and the level of flow that comes out of the tap.

The square design is very modern-looking and the curved spout is very unique, providing a gorgeous, stylish aesthetic in your bathroom.

It provides a great flow of water so it’s easy to fill up a bathtub or basin quickly and easily. This tap also benefits from an amazing 10-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee so you can have complete peace of mind when buying this mixer tap.

Things we liked
  • Stylish
  • Temperature and flow lever control
  • Modern-looking design
  • Good flow of water
  • 10-year warranty
  • 30-day money back guarantee
Things we didn't like
  • Tap is quite small
  • Can only be installed in baths or basins with a single tap hole

Hapilife Bathroom Single Lever Mixer Tap

Hapilife

This simple bathroom tap is stylish, convenient, and easy to install. It is constructed of hardwearing materials that are built to last. The chrome finish is highly reflective and has a mirror-like appearance which looks great.

The tap features built-in aerators that mix air and water together so that the flow becomes very light and soft. This makes it very comfortable for use, however, it could make the process of filling up the bath or basin a little bit slower.

Due to its timeless design, this particular mixer tap works well in all types and styles of bathroom. It makes a great mixer tap for bathroom sinks. This tap also benefits from a 10-year warranty so you’ll have complete peace of mind when buying this tap.

Things we liked
  • Stylish design
  • Easy to install
  • Reflective chrome finish
  • Built-in aerators
  • 10-year warranty
Things we didn't like
  • Tap is quite small
  • Can only be installed in baths or basins with a single tap hole
  • Slow to fill up the tub or basin

ATUM HOME Modern Polished Chrome Waterfall Bathroom Tap

ATUM HOME

This gorgeous modern looking mixer tap provides a beautiful waterfall-style flow that looks glorious coming out of the tap. The durable chrome finish is resistant to dust, tarnish, and corrosion. The extra-large spout is drip-free and can fill the bath or basin up quickly.

This unit is easy to install and easy to clean. The single handle allows you to control the temperature and flow rate easily. You can have complete peace of mind when buying this tap set as you are protected by a 30-day money back guarantee.

Things we liked
  • Modern aesthetic
  • Waterfall flow
  • Durable
  • Stylish chrome finish
  • Dust-resistant
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Temperature and flow controls
  • 30-day money back guarantee
Things we didn't like
  • Tap is quite small
  • Can only be installed in baths or basins with a single tap hole

Best Chrome Bathroom Taps

Tall Modern Chrome Bathroom Tap

Tall Modern

If you are looking for a gorgeous, modern chrome tap, then this tap might just be the perfect choice for you.

It is a simple design that features a single lever to control the temperature and flow rate of the water that comes out of the spout.

The tap is easy to install and provides a timeless, elegant look that works great with all types of bathroom décor.

It is very easy to install and control and is constructed with durable materials. The chrome plated surface is easy to clean and provides a gorgeous reflective look that remains timeless.

This tap unit also benefits from coming with a 30-day money back guarantee, providing you with complete peace of mind when you make your purchase.

Things we liked
  • Modern design
  • Temperature and flow rate control
  • Durable
  • Stylish chrome design
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Easy to clean
Things we didn't like
  • Can only be installed in baths or basins with a single tap hole
  • Tap is quite tall

Hapilife Pair of Victorian Style Taps

Hapilife Pair of Victorian Style Taps

These taps are perfect for providing a traditional aesthetic to any bathroom. The gorgeous chrome finish is easy to clean and highly reflective like a mirror so it looks beautiful.

These particular taps come with an astonishing 20-year warranty so you can be sure that you’re getting a product that lasts.

These taps are very easy to install and simple to use. The set features two taps – one for hot water and one for cold water. Each of the taps includes a lever that controls the amount of water that is released from the tap.

Things we liked
  • Traditional aesthetic
  • Easy to clean
  • 20-year warranty
  • Easy to install
  • Simple to use
Things we didn't like
  • The taps are quite small
  • Temperature can’t be controlled
  • Can only be installed in baths or basins with two tap holes

Hapilife Waterfall Chrome Mixer Tap

Hapilife Waterfall Chrome Mixer Tap

The Hapilife chrome mixer tap is a gorgeous modern tap that has a waterfall flow feature. It is made from solid brass for durability and then chrome plated to make it look beautiful. The chrome exterior also means that this tap is easy to clean.

The simple lever allows you to customise the temperature and flow of the water with ease. This tap is easy to install and comes with the added benefit of a 30-day returns policy.

The waterfall flow feature means that water flows out in large volumes so you can fill your bath or basin very quickly.

Things we liked
  • Modern aesthetic
  • Waterfall feature
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to install
  • 30-day returns policy
  • Fill the bath or basin quickly
  • Temperature and flow control
Things we didn't like
  • Can only be installed in a bath or basin with one hole

What to Consider Before Buying Bathroom Taps

There are several things that you may want to consider when looking into buying new taps for your bathroom. Below is a list of the main things that you may want to be aware of when deciding on the best taps for you.

Quality of Taps

The quality of the taps is an important factor to look out for when purchasing new taps. The better quality taps you can get, the longer you can expect them to last.

The only downside, however, with getting high-quality taps is that they will usually come with a higher price tag so be sure to keep your budget in mind when making a decision.

Aesthetics

There are so many different styles and colours of taps that it can be hard to decide on the right ones for you.

It’s always better if you have an idea of what you’re looking for before you start searching for new taps to prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed with the number of choices out there.

Take a look at your bathroom and have a think about what would look best and which types/styles/colours of taps would go well with the décor of the room.

Materials

Taps come in a number of different materials and finishes. The material and finish can affect the cost, the way the taps look, and the longevity of the taps.

If you’re unsure which material of taps is best for you, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research to see what would suit your needs and the style of your bathroom best.

Styles of Tap

As we have mentioned earlier, there are many different styles of bathroom taps. Take a look at our list above of the different types of taps and their pros and cons. This should help you to decide which taps are best for your particular bathroom, needs, and taste.

Colours

When choosing taps to install in your bathroom, you want to think about the colour of the taps. The finish that you choose on your taps should fit in with the theme and décor of your bathroom.

There are several different colours of taps available from white to chrome to black to gold – take a look at your bathroom and have a think about which colour of taps would work best in your space.

FAQs

How long should bathroom taps last?

The quality of bathroom taps is improving year after year. Modern taps last for around 15-20 years on average.

Can you drink water from a bathroom tap?

While it’s not unsafe to drink water from the bathroom tap, it’s not the best source of water in the house.

The water that is released in your bathroom has often been stored in a tank in the loft. This means that the water isn’t fresh from the mains supply like it is in the kitchen.

It may be dangerous to drink water from the bathroom in older houses as these often use lead piping. If the water comes straight from the mains supply, the water hasn’t had time to absorb the lead.

Whereas if the water has been sitting around for a while like the supply to the bathroom, you may end up with quite a bit of lead in your bathroom water, which could lead to lead poisoning.

Modern properties tend to be fitted with plastic or copper pipes as the use of lead pipes was phased out in the UK by the 1970s. If you live in a modern home, it is probably safe to drink from your bathroom tap.

However, if you live in an older home, you should check your pipework to determine whether or not it is safe to drink the water in your bathroom.

What is the difference between traditional taps and mixer taps?

Traditional taps tend to consist of two separate taps – one for hot water and one for cold water. You can alter the flow of the taps depending on how much you turn the controls, however, you can’t usually control the temperature of the water that comes out of traditional taps.

Mixer taps usually consist of just one faucet with two controls, one for hot and one for cold. You can turn both of these controls on at the same time to control the temperature of the water that comes out of the faucet.

For example, if you want the water to be colder, you can simply turn the cold water tap up so that more cold is released or turn the hot water tap down so that less hot water is released.

Why is my new tap dripping?

If your new taps have rubber washers, it may take some time after installation for them to settle into place. However, if the dripping persists, then this may mean that the washers are damaged or installed incorrectly.

It’s best to seek advice from a plumber in this situation to determine the problem and advise on the best course of action moving forward.

What is the best way to clean taps?

The best way to clean taps is with a soft, soapy sponge. You will simply need to wipe the taps clean, rinse them, and then wipe them dry. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or hard-wearing tools as these may damage or scratch the taps.

If your tap has a build-up of limescale present, then you should use either vinegar or lemon juice as this can effectively remove limescale.

Sources

  1. https://www.bigbathroomshop.co.uk/info/blog/complete-guide-to-different-types-of-bathroom-taps
  2. https://www.taps4less.com/bathroom/how-do-bathroom-taps-work
  3. https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/bathroom-ideas-and-inspiration/different-types-of-bathroom-taps
  4. https://www.bigbathroomshop.co.uk/info/blog/faqs/how-long-should-taps-last
  5. https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/safe-drink-water-bathroom-tap-14453957