What Types of Taps Are Available?

Are you considering upgrading your taps, but finding it challenging to determine the best type for your needs? Perhaps there are taps available that you haven’t yet explored… To help you decide on the best tap for your bathroom or kitchen, we have compiled a list of the most popular types of taps. We will also outline the advantages and average cost of each one.

Looking for Types of Taps to Enhance Your Space?

In this article, we will cover the most popular types of tap handles, including:

• Types of pillar taps
• Benefits of pillar taps
• Pillar taps price
  • Twist head tap
  • Lever head tap
• Types of mixer taps
• Benefits of mixer taps
• Mixer taps price
  • 2X handles/lever
  • 1X handle/lever (monobloc taps)

Types of Pillar Taps

Pillar taps have an individual hot and cold supply. While most commonly found in bathrooms, these taps can also be installed in kitchens.

What Are the Benefits of Pillar Taps?

Pillar taps offer the added advantage of being able to operate two taps at the same time, which can be useful in certain scenarios, such as warming the hot water tap whilst pouring a cold drink.

Since these taps are straightforward and easy to install, they’re also simple to repair in case of a leak or other issues. Plus, if one tap has an issue, the other can still work, allowing you to still have running water.

The main disadvantage is it’s harder to get an even temperature. Achieving a tepid temperature requires running both taps simultaneously and alternating between the cold and hot taps to prevent your hands from being affected by extreme temperatures.

Pillar Taps Price:

Pillar taps are typically priced between £25 and £300. A low-quality tap available from stock will likely cost £25 to £50, a durable tap from stock will cost £50 to £150, whereas, a customised tap or one using high-quality materials will cost £150 upwards.

There are two popular types of pillar taps; twist head taps and lever head taps:

Twist Head Tap

Twist head taps, also known as shrouded taps, feature a twist handle that users unscrew to release water from the pipe. As you twist, the washer is lifted, creating a flow of water from the tap. These are a reliable type of tap that have simple components, making them easy to install and use. They can become stiff to turn after time, so if you have difficulty with your hands, it’s worth considering lever head taps.

Lever Head Tap

Lever head taps are one of the easiest types of tap to turn on and off. They have an easy-to-push lever located at the top of the tap, which requires a slight touch to turn on. Typically, they require a quarter turn to start releasing water. Lever head taps are perfect for anyone suffering from arthritis. If this is the case, it’s worth considering one-handle or lever head mixer taps as you will benefit from complete control from one handle or lever.

Types of Mixer Taps

Mixer taps work by bringing hot and cold water together through the pipes, then distributing it through one tap. Both are relatively easy to install and can be completed as a DIY project. However, we advise you to hire a professional plumber, especially when it includes hot water. Incorrectly installing mixer taps can result in your supply only including hot or cold water. This can be inconvenient to fix, especially if you are unsure what the issue is.

What Are the Benefits of Mixer Taps?

Mixer taps are extremely versatile and offer consistent water temperature. It’s easier to control whether you want hot or cold water, perfect for baths and bathroom sinks.

They are also a modern type of tap that many owners are opting for due to their sleek design. Due to their newer mechanism, these taps typically come equipped with a flow limiter. This means you won’t use too much water, so you can save on your energy bills and help the environment.

The main disadvantage is not the type of tap itself, but the person using it. For example, if it’s turned up to its full capacity, you may be using more water than necessary. In fact, you should only turn it up 50%.

Mixer Taps Price

Mixer taps are typically priced between £20 and £800. A low-quality tap from stock will cost £25 or less, whereas, a decent quality tap will cost £25 to £60. For a customised tap or an extremely high-quality one, you should expect to spend more than £180.

There are two popular types of mixer taps; 1X handle/lever and 2X handles/levers taps:

1X Handle/Lever (Monobloc Taps)

Whilst the two-handle mixer tap provides more control, one-handle mixer taps are the modern type of tap that is mostly installed into new kitchens or bathrooms. The beauty of one handle that controls both hot and cold water is you can choose an exact temperature output and leave the water to pour out (similar to a mixer shower). The downside is you have less control sometimes, and in some cases can struggle to get the exact temperature you want.

2X Handles/Lever

Two handles are an ideal option for anyone that would prefer extra control over their water temperature. This type of tap works by drawing water from both the hot and cold supply. Unlike one-handle mixer taps, you can accurately control your hot or cold water output with separate handles. While having only one lever isn’t necessarily problematic, having two is often preferable as it actively reduces the risk of accidentally pouring the wrong temperature.

Are These Types of Taps Available in Different Variations?

All types of taps are all available in different variations. For example, you can get tall monobloc taps that are great for kitchens and you can get push top-pillar taps that are perfect for commercial environments where water wastage reduction is a primary concern.

If you’re looking to improve your hygiene or have serious difficulty using your hands, there are also sensor taps available that use infrared to sense your hands and then pour water.

What Tools Do I Need to Install These Types of Taps?

Before you buy a tap, visit your local DIY store and familiarise yourself with the way each tap looks and feels. You don’t need to purchase a tap from the store if you hire a plumber to install your taps as a we may be able to get you a wider variety of taps at a better price. But if you start to establish what type of tap suits your preferences, you’ll be better informed when it comes to the final decision.

If you do intend on fitting the tap yourself, we recommend you purchase the following tools:

• Your new taps
• New taps instruction manual
• Open-ended spanners
• Basin wrench
• Back nut box spanner
• Box spanner set
• Adjustable pliers
• Cleaning cloths
• PTFE tape
• Washing bowl
• Towels

GK Plumbing & Heating Are Experienced Plumbers That Can Fit All Types of Taps

Hire a professional plumber to fit your new taps and reduce the risk of damage or accidents from incorrect DIY.

We are plumbers that provides expert skills to Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. We have over 25 years of experience offering our skills as general plumbers, guaranteeing we will fit your new taps without any issues. We will also uninstall your current taps with complete care in case you were looking to sell or reuse them in another room.

Contact us today to further discuss the types of taps you would like to install and visit our bathroom page for more information. We offer competitive pricing and a wide range of taps sourced from our top local suppliers.