How To Choose the Perfect Tap

Choose the best possible tap for the job

When you’re choosing taps for a kitchen or bathroom, it’s best to consider your options carefully and opt for the best possible tap for the job rather than simply choosing the cheapest solution available to you. By investing a little more, you can get the efficiency and performance you require without having to prematurely worry about repairs and replacements. Taps UK is one of the country’s most reputable tap suppliers, and we cater not only for the general public but kitchen/bathroom fitters and builders looking for the best solutions available to them too. We offer a wide range of taps from some of the most renowned manufacturers around and there are scores of options available to you in terms of style and features. More than 1.5 million people visit our site each year, and we are constantly developing and expanding our range to remain at the forefront of the market. We also supply a wide range of our own branded items and are renowned for our diverse range of products, exceptional customer service standards and competitive pricing.

At Taps UK, we offer a huge range of taps for bathrooms and kitchens including single lever, twin lever, stainless steel, brushed steel, wall-mounted, basin and waterfall taps to give just a few examples. We supply products from some of the most esteemed brands in the industry, such as Brita, Reginox, Tristar. Deva, Astini and many more.

Kitchen Taps

When you’re looking for new taps, you will need to choose a solution which is suitable for your water pressure. Those with low pressure water systems need to ensure they purchase taps designed for this level of pressure, whilst homeowners with high water pressure systems can benefit from a host of special features.

Your choice could be determined whether you are updating your new sink or purchasing a brand new one. As the vast majority of sinks have pre-drilled holes, your tap must match the number of holes. If you’re buying a brand new sink, you will need to ensure the taps match it. If you have one hole, you can opt for a single spout, but you will need two holes if you wish to opt for more than one spout.

When it comes to materials, options are plentiful. Brass is noted for resisting corrosion in water and is extremely suitable for high water temperatures, which is why it is used for boilers. Brass has a traditional look and never seems to go out of fashion, although it may be best to opt for brass if you have a traditional-looking bathroom or kitchen.

Copper has a traditional look and is known for its vast antimicrobial abilities, with bacteria being killed off within just a few hours. However, copper fittings can stain easily and require a great deal of maintenance. We are able to offer a variety of taps in Chrome, Chrome & Black, Steel, Gold, Beige, Black, Nickel, Chrome & White, White and Brass.

Single Lever Taps

Single lever taps have a single lever which is turned left or right to control the way water flows. They are a great match for those seeking modern, on-trend solutions and ideal for use in environments where space is limited. The fact they can be operated with one hand means they are a great match for busy kitchens. Handles may be positioned to the left, centre or right-hand sides. You won’t be able to use some single lever taps as flotation devices. You will need one tap hole if you are purchasing single lever taps.

Twin Lever Taps

Twin lever taps can be contemporary and traditional in style and have two valves, enabling you to mix streams of hot and cold water, which both remain separate inside the tap, ensuring high standards of hygiene and safety. Features may include a swivelling spout and divided flow. You will need two tap holes for twin lever taps.

Pull Out Rinser Taps

With this option, you can pull out the spout of the tap to make full use of your kitchen sink and enjoy more flexibility whilst targeting otherwise difficult-to-reach parts. Many pull out rinser taps have an aerator for champagne-style flow and are suitable for single and multiple bowl sinks.

Professional Coil Taps

Professional coil taps are ideal for those seeking something elegant and modern. A professional coil tap will normally feature a swivel coil spout designed for single and multiple bowl sinks. Many taps feature interchangeable ceramic valves to help you beat the battle against hard water and limescale. You should be able to change the valve without replacing the entire tap.

Brushed Steel Taps

Brushed steel is ideal for those buying with cleanliness in mind as fingerprint marks are greatly reduced, ensuring a freshly-cleaned appearance is always offer. You will need to take care not to scratch or dent the steel.

Stainless Steel Taps

Though stainless steel is not for everyone, with some consumers finding it cold and unwelcoming, stainless steel taps could be ideal for you if you require something that won’t stain and offer excellent levels of durability. Stainless steel can make your kitchen appear bigger and is also remarkably resilient to heat and water. What’s more is that stainless steel is famously easy to clean, as well as providing the modern, sleek style so many people are seeking.

White And Coloured Taps

If stainless or brushed steel taps are not for you, white and coloured taps could give you the warmth that you require. We offer a wide range of white and coloured taps to suit all kinds of décor, including bronze, gold and black taps.

LED Spout Taps

More and more homeowners are investing in LED spout taps that give the impression of the water lighting up and add a real sense of fun and excitement to kitchens. The colour of the light can also keep you safe as it indicates whether the water is too hot or cold, or if it is perfect. LED spout taps can be expensive, but they can play a pivotal role in helping you create an ultra-modern home fit for the 21st century.

High Neck And Bib Taps

High neck taps are ideal for those who face difficulty using taps with lower necks. Whilst the design of high neck taps isn’t appealing to everyone, there is still a substantial appetite for taps of this style. Bib taps are designed for outside use and can be the perfect solution when you need to use hosepipes to maintain your garden or vehicle.

Bridge Taps

Bridge taps are similar to most mixer taps, except the spout sits above rather than flush on the sink’s surface to give a bridging effect. To prolong the life of your bridge taps, you can use a ceramic disc valve. For bridge taps to operate effectively, you may need to meet certain water pressure requirements.

Wall-mounted Taps

If you require something distinctive that will make cleaning easier, a wall-mounted tap may be the ideal solution. You may face tough battles with dirt and calcium deposits when using a deck-mounted tap, which means wall-mounted taps can save you a great deal of time and hard work as well as looking great. One of the few problems with wall-mounted taps is that they can prove somewhat difficult to install, so you may find yourself seeking out the services of a plumbing professional to get your tap or taps up and running.

Filtered Taps

If you have big concerns about the purity of your water, it may be time to invest in filtered taps. Filter taps are designed to remove impurities including copper, aluminium and lead whilst ensuring you don’t need to miss out on the minerals that benefit you and can enjoy water that tastes fantastic. Invest in filtered taps and you won’t need to worry about using a filter jug to get the water quality you require. You will need a filter system if you do wish to purchase filtered taps. These taps can be somewhat costly, but they can represent a remarkable return-on-investment when you require constant access to clean, pure and safe water.

Instant Boiling Water Kettle Taps

Kettle taps are also known as instant hot water taps and mean you no longer need to boil your kettle to get your water to the required temperature. Kettle taps are much more energy-efficient and reliable than they were in the past, and there are many modern and stylish options available to you. Kettle taps have become increasingly popular over recent years and boil water and keep it under the worktop so you can access it as soon as the tap is operated. It’s claimed that heating water in this way is more affordable and eco-friendly than using a kettle because of the reduced waste involved. Kettle taps can be expensive, but they may well meet your needs if you do have the cash to spare. These taps are set to fall in price in the future, so if you’re not planning on investing in kettle taps now, you may change your mind in time.

Low Pressure Taps

More and more environmentally-conscious people are investing in low pressure taps. These taps can help you reduce your water bills and reduce the workload of your hot water tank. They mix air into water to give the impression of enhanced flow whilst cutting your water consumption.

Contract Taps

Our simple but highly-efficient contract taps are ideal for homes, commercial environments and special needs requirements. If you’re looking for something affordable that you can rely on to do with the job with few or no special features, our contract taps may well be ideal for your needs. Whether you require something traditional or modern in appearance, we’re confident we have contract taps for you. Those that have more to spend may explore alternative channels, but if you do need something basic but efficient and reliable, contract taps could be the solution.

Reasons for Buying a New Tap

There are many good reasons for investing in new taps. Perhaps you need a replacement tap because your exiting taps have broken or started to leak? Maybe you’re purchasing a new kitchen and need to find suitable taps for it. New taps can also help you breathe new life into old kitchens, whether you’re opting for something traditional or modern in appearance.

At Taps UK, we hold more than £5 million in stock at any given time, which allows us to offer same-day shipping in most cases. You are more than welcome to contact us at any point if you do have any queries about the products that we offer. Our customer service team have excellent product knowledge and are always ready to listen to what you have to say in order to match you up with solutions that suit your tastes, budget and requirements perfectly. Furthermore, all our products are inspected thoroughly before they are sent out, so you can rest assured they will arrive at your home or business premises in pristine condition.

Bathroom Taps

Basin Taps

Basin taps can complement the style of your bathroom wonderfully, and there are many designs and handle types to choose from in our range. Your selection may be based on the number of holes on your basin, but we offer a diverse collection of basin taps designed to make your bathroom not only more attractive but more efficient too. You may wish to buy your bath taps from the same range for a coherent feel. We offer basin mixer taps, hot and cold basin taps, tall basin mixer taps, wall-mounted basin taps and 3-hole basin taps.

Bath Taps

We offer a wide range of bath taps to meet your needs and tastes. Our collection includes hot and cold bath taps, 1-hole bath taps, bath mixer taps, bath shower mixer taps, 3 hole bath taps, 4 and 5 hole bath taps, wall-mounted bath taps, free-standing bath taps and thermostatic bath taps. We are always on hand to help you identify the right bath taps for your requirements. To find your perfect bath tap, you will need to check your water pressure, find out how many tap holes you have, identify your stylistic needs, choose between materials and finishes. In terms of finishes, you can choose between nickel, gold and chrome.

Bidet Taps

There are many different bidet taps in our range, offering you a vast amount of choice in terms of design, and we can cater for you whether you require something traditional or more contemporary. Most bidet taps are designed to fit mixer taps. Some bidet taps have dual levers and features including pop-up waste functions are available. Anti-splash functionality can heighten comfort. As the vast majority of bidet taps require only minimal pressure, most taps should be suitable for your circumstances.

Basin and Bath Tap Sets

If you’re looking to create the highest level of harmony in your bathroom, you may wish to opt for a basin and bath tap set. We can cater for you if you require a basin and bath tap set featuring a bath shower mixer, basin taps, a basin waste and a bath waste. Basin and bath tap sets make it easier to implement a sense of coherence.

Basin and Bath Spouts

We offer a wide range of spouts for baths and basins from various illustrious brands. We are able to provide high and low-pressure options and can assist you whether you require something classic or contemporary in style, or if you require something that fuses the old and new. Whether you’re on a budget or have more to invest in bath and basin spouts, we can assist you. Spouts can be wall or deck-mounted. Make sure the spout you opt for is in proportion to your bath or basin to avoid creating an unappealing look.

Waterfall Taps

Waterfall taps are designed to add a touch of real luxury to your bathroom. They take their name from the way that the water pours out in a waterfall effect and can help you transform your bathroom from one that is merely functional to something truly special, providing a valuable sense of drama and elegance. Waterfall taps are mixer taps that give you more control over temperature, and modern and traditional-looking options are available. What’s also pleasing about waterfall taps is that they are normally no more difficult to install than other mixer taps. Again, waterfall taps are not to everyone’s tastes, but they have become more and more popular over recent times.

What Brand to Choose?

At Taps UK, we offer a taps and faucets from some of the world's most prestigious and trusted brands. Read on to learn more about the brands we stock.

Adobe specialise in bathroom and kitchen taps,and their UK-based designers and engineers are renowned for their innovation. They offer contemporary and classic-looking taps and design filtered water taps, anti-splash aerators and smooth valve cartridges. Top sellers include their Abode Ludlow Antique Bronze Monobloc Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap.

Highly-regarded for solutions like the Bollente 3 In 1 Ambient & Hot Water Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap, Astini are one of the world's leading manufacturers of kitchen taps and sinks.

Astracast have been in the business for three decades and specialise in manufacturing ceramic, composite granite and stainless steel solutions. The company is based in the UK and its most popular products include the Targa Champagne Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap and the Elera Brushed Steel Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap.

Brita is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the field of water filtration and their solutions can convert the water from your mains into pure fresh-filtered BRITA water. The company offer solutions designed for a host of requirements and its Brita Struana Chrome 3 Way Ambient & Water Filter Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap is particularly popular amongst our discerning customers.

Caple offer a whole host of solutions for your kitchen including a plethora of innovative sinks and taps alongside furniture and appliances for your kitchen. Top taps include the Caple Aspen Chrome Pullout Spout Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap.

This company's roots can be traced back to the 18th century when it opened an iron foundry in Falkirk. Today, Carron Phoenix is globally admired for its sinks, taps, waste management solutions and sink and tap value packs. The Carron Phoenix Pura Single Lever Chrome Kitchen Tap can be found in scores of UK homes.

CDA is a Nottinghamshire-based company that has been a leading player in its field since 1991. In 2015, it became part of the Amica Group. Amica has a presence in 50 countries. Some of the most popular CDA products in our catalogue include the wonderfully stylish CDA Square Contemporary Side Lever Tap Chrome.

This Danish company specialises in taps for the bathroom and kitchen such as the Damixa Merkur Single Lever Chrome Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap. The company was first founded in the 1930s and its philosophy is built on world- leading craftsmanship, durability and ease-of- use. Its Fern series is based on an innovative water saving feature designed to help you reduce wastage whilst retaining the highest levels of efficiency.

Deva is one of the UK's most prolific supplier of Francis Pelger offer vast solutions for taps and showers and is now part of the Methven Group, which has been a leading player in its field for more than 125 years. Some of the biggest-selling Deva products in our catalogue include the Deva Self Closing Chrome Pillar Basin Tap and Venetian Gold Twin Handle Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap.

Francis Pelger offer vast solutions for bathrooms and kitchens providing both entry- level and high-end products. Their products include bathroom taps with flow restrictors and various innovative products for the kitchen such as the Xia Cast Spout Kitchen Mixer.

As one of Switzerland's most revered kitchen sink and taps manufacturers, Franke are renowned for their flair for design and are amongst the largest stainless steel sink manufacturers in the world. Products including the Coxy Chrome Single Lever Pull Out Spray Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap have become hugely- popular amongst our customer network.

Gessi is an Italian designer and manufacturer of exceptional luxury kitchen and bath faucets and electronically-operated taps. The company has more than 20 years of history and experience behind it and products like the Gessi Rettangolo Cucina Single Lever Chrome Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap exemplify their approach to innovation.

GROHE is the name behind a whole host of award-winning bathroom and kitchen fittings and their products are characterised by first- class craftsmanship and timeless design. Our biggest-selling Grohe products include the Red Duo Chrome C Spout Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap & Single-boiler and the Eurostyle Cosmopolitan Chrome Bath Pillar Tap.

This pioneering German company provide you with the highest levels of quality and efficiency whether you're utilising your kitchen space or unwinding in your bathroom area. Their products are found in homes and commercial environments across the world and the team specialise in Single Lever Taps, Twin Lever Taps, Pullout Rinser Taps, Brushed Steel Taps and Stainless Steel Taps. More and more Taps UK customers are investing in solutions like the Hansgrohe Focus Chrome Single Lever Pullout Spray Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap.

Hotpoint is one of the most well-known designers and manufacturers of products for the home in the world. The company has been in the business for over a century and focused on irons initially before graduating onto washing machines, refrigerators, washing machines, sinks and taps. When it comes to water-related solutions for the kitchen, the Hotpoint Professional Coil Chrome Twin Lever Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap and Hotpoint Luce Brushed Steel Monobloc Twin Lever Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap are true innovators.

Insinkerator design and manufacture a wide spectrum of Filtered Taps, Kettle Taps and Replacement Parts to improve the standard of your domestic life. They are well-known for their hot water taps, which provide you with near boiling water in just seconds and allow you to consign your kettle to history. The Insinkerator 3n1 Chrome Steaming Hot & Cold Kitchen Sink Kettle Tap & Kit is just one example of the quality on offer.

This UK-based company offer a great selection of sinks and taps for the kitchen, and there are a host of styles and materials to choose from. The team offer stainless steel, ceramic and composite solutions, including sinks manufactured from high grade 18/10 stainless steel. The most popular Leisure Sinks solutions on our range include the Leisure Aquanomic Aquaflow Chrome Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap. Various Single Lever Taps, Twin Lever Taps, Low Pressure Taps and Contract Taps are available.

Revered for products such as the MGS Nemo Rh Matt Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap, MGS offer top- class lead-free stainless steel taps for your kitchen, bath and outdoor use. Fusing Italian design with Swiss engineering, the company's products are highly chip and scratch-resistant and designed to age wonderfully.

Perrin & Rowe is a noted supplier of luxury kitchen taps and bathroom accessories. All products are hand-built in the UK, and the craftspeople at the company employ the finest attention to detail in order to create high-end products that add an extra layer of class to the environments they are purchased for. The team are able to offer a wide selection of tap styles, including low pressure, filtered, high neck and bib, pull out rinser, single and twin lever taps to give just a few examples. At the top of our best- selling Perrin & Rowe products list are solutions like the Phoenician Dual Lever Chrome Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap.

Rangemaster is the oldest range cooker manufacturer in the world and is also known for the calibre of its kitchen taps. Products including the Aquaclassic Brushed Twin Lever Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap and the Belfast Bridge Chrome Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap have sold particularly well over recent years.

The Holland-based designers and engineers at Reginox are internationally-renowned for their sink units and faucets. All manufacturing occurs at their Rijssen HQ, and the company is a popular source for single lever, twin lever, pullout rinser and low-pressure taps including the popular Reginox Miami Chrome Contemporary Single Lever Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap and Brooklyn Chrome Traditional Double Black Handle Kitchen Tap.

Schock were the inventors of the granite sink, and it's claimed that over 60% of sinks are now manufactured using methods first pioneered by the team. Products are handmade in Germany. When it comes to taps, the team mainly specialise in single lever, white and coloured solutions including the Sc-300 Single Lever Onyx Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap and the Chrome & Polaris Granite Single Lever Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap.

The experts at Shaws of Darwen have been handcrafting sinks since 1897 and still manufacture all their sinks in North West England, using the same techniques that were employed by their first craftsmen when they entered the market. Shaws specialise in twin lever, high neck and bib taps and bridge taps, with their biggest-selling products including the Pendleton Chrome Bridge Kitchen Mixer Tap and Calder Chrome Pillar Kitchen Taps.

At Taps UK, we have supplied a substantial amount of Smeg solutions like the Pisa-bn Brushed Twin Lever Swivel Spout Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap and Pisa-c Chrome Twin Lever Swivel Spout Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap to our customers. Smeg are able to offer a diverse selection of taps, including filtered taps, single and twin lever taps and stainless steel taps to give just a few examples. Smeg is an Italian manufacturer with a global presence and the UK arm of the company was launched in 1989.

Villeroy & Boch have been designing and manufacturing high-end solutions for the bathroom and kitchen since 1748 and offer a number of single lever, pullout rinser and stainless steel taps to suit a wide range of tastes and requirements, such as the Umbrella Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap, Como Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHEN INSTALLING A TAP?

Remember, you only need one tap hold if you're installing mixer taps. However, you will need two holes if installing separate hot and cold taps. Make sure you know how to switch the hot and cold water supply of your sink off, and on again when you have finished. You should always follow the specific instructions that come with your tap. Not only will this help you do complete the work correctly, it will also assist you if you do run into problems later.

Many people choose to get someone more experienced to fit taps for them such as a qualified plumber. Small parts can be hard to get to grips with, and if the job seems too complex it may well be best to seek help from elsewhere. Always turn off the water supply before you try to remove the tap you are replacing. You should then switch on all hot and cold taps in your home so excess water can be drained. Tools needed for replacing taps usually include a bucket, a slotted screwdriver, water pump pliers, adjustable wenches, a pipe cutter and a box spanner. If you are not confident enough to carry out the work yourself, it's very wise to enlist the services of a qualified plumber to avoid causing further problems.

IN CONCLUSION

It's always wise to invest a substantial amount of time in picking the right taps for your needs, whether you're buying for a bathroom or kitchen. There are many factors to consider when choosing taps, including the style, shape and finish of taps as well as the flow. Flow is particularly important as certain types of tap may not be suitable for your home due to your water pressure levels. Whilst budget can be a big concern, if you pay too little for your new taps you may find yourself regretting your decision and could face replacing them sooner than you envisaged. You should ensure your taps come with a guarantee that shows the manufacturer has enough faith in their product to back it.

Style can be a very important consideration. What looks great in the showroom or online could be completely unsuitable for your existing décor. If your kitchen is traditional in style, it may be best to opt for a classic look, although you may be able to fuse the new and the old perfectly in some circumstances.

It's vital that you spend time thinking about function as well as style and cost. Many keen cooks opt for pulled out rinser taps that make cleaning not only food but pots and pans easier too, whilst some traditional types choose taps that are operated in a more conservative manner. Whilst modern-looking levers are right for some, certain people prefer handles over this option. Spend time thinking about how different taps operate so you can decide which kind of function is right for your needs. Taps needs to be as easier to use as possible, and you should never find it difficult to obtain the right temperature when using a mixer tap. Taps with ceramic discs can also be easier to use.

There are also many options available to you when it comes to finish. Those seeking a traditional look may find that chrome taps meet their needs perfectly, whilst a stainless steel tap may be right for you if you already have a stainless steel sink and other appliances in your kitchen. If you don't want to add too much modern shine to your kitchen, you may well wish to explore other options like white or coloured taps.

Many people find mixer taps convenient for use in the kitchen and in the bathroom, especially when they are attempting to achieve the ideal temperature for a bath. Some bath mixer taps can also be used for showers, allowing you to switch between shower and bath functionality with just a touch of a button. A mixer tap can make bath times safer too, as they vastly reduce of adding scalding hot water to the bath, making them ideal for families with children. Thermostatic bath mixer taps make obtaining a safe and comfortable temperature even easier.

CONTACTING TAPS UK

At Taps UK, we offer access to a UK-based call centre as well as a live chat facility and online helpdesk, which are all designed to ensure you can obtain the help and advice you need whenever you need it. All staff have received high levels of training and have the experience and expertise needed to help you select the perfect products for your requirements. We also offer high-quality after-sales support so any problems you might have with your taps and other products can be rectified quickly. The vast majority of customers are able to get a response from our support team via our online helpdesk within just four working hours.

All products purchased from Taps UK are backed with a 14-day money back guarantee, which eclipses the 7-day guarantee offered by a number of our competitors. We also offer a 30-day exchange guarantee which gives you 30 days to make an exchange if you find your products are not suitable as long as the goods are returned in the same condition as they were when they were despatched.

My shopping cart

Next day Delivery

365 Days Return Guarantee

Free Standard Delivery

How To Choose the Perfect Tap

Choose the best possible tap for the job