Bathroom Taps Buying Guide

For a replacement, record the number of holes, hole spacing and the space behind the tap before browsing finishes. A single-hole mixer, separate pillar taps and a wall-mounted set need different arrangements. Check the product drawing rather than assuming the new tap will fit existing holes.

A wall-mounted tap also needs a suitable concealed body and access for servicing. Confirm wall depth and the finished tile position with your installer before closing the wall.

Height alone does not tell you whether a tap suits a basin. Compare the spout outlet height, horizontal reach and the bowl shape. The outlet should deliver water into a usable part of the bowl with room for your hands; the aerator angle and flow also affect splashing.

For a countertop bowl, measure from the mounting surface to the basin rim. For a compact cloakroom basin, a shorter projection can be more useful than a tall statement tap. Manufacturer-tested tap and basin pairings are helpful where available.

Ask your installer to identify your water system and check available pressure and flow at the fitting. Compare these with both the minimum and maximum requirements on the tap specification. A boiler type alone does not establish the pressure a particular tap will receive.

A high minimum-pressure tap can disappoint on a low-pressure supply. A bath filler also needs a suitable flow rate if you want practical filling times. Do not assume a pump is compatible with your system.

Compare chrome, brushed brass, black and other finishes against your shower and accessories. Colour names are not standardised between brands; use products from the same finish range where a close match matters.

Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Check the coating and finish warranty separately from the cartridge warranty, and avoid assuming that a dark or brushed finish is maintenance-free.

Confirm whether the waste, tap tails, concealed body and fixings are included. Match the waste to the basin’s overflow arrangement and check any connection requirements with your installer.

Before ordering, save the technical drawing, the pressure requirements and a list of included parts. Browse basin taps, bath taps or wall-mounted taps once those checks are complete.

• Tap and basin compatibility — hansgrohe
• Identify your water system — Mira

For a specific product, use its current technical drawing and installation instructions as the final compatibility check.