Selecting a tap confounds most people when they are making the decision for the first time in their life. The following are points are to assist in your selection of tap
The questions you should ask yourself:
1) Cold or Mixer tap?
If you require hot water, then you have to select a mixer tap If cold water is all you need then a cold water tap is enough
2) What is the size of my tap hole?
The mixer tap requires a standard tap hole size of 35mm in diameter The cold water tap requires a standard hole size of 25mm in diameter
A mixer tap hole allows for either cold or mixer tap to be installed. The down side is that since the mixer hole is larger, a cold tap which usually have a smaller bottom base than a mixer might not be able to secure firmly.
A cold water hole limits your tap selection only to cold taps.
3) Is water pipe connection properly setup for the tap?
Check that you have at least a cold water pipe with the end installed with 1/2” miniball valve. A flexible water hose is to connect from the valve to the tap.
For a mixer tap you need to have cold and hot water pipe with 1/2” miniball valve prepared.
Installing 1/2” miniball valve on water pipe is optional, however it is very helpful when you need to shut the water to a leaking tap or shut the water when replacing the tap.
4) The height and length of the tap
Take note of the height limitatations of the tap. A general rule is that at least 8cm clearance from the top of the tap. The 8 cm clearance is such that your hands have access to the handle or spout and the tap can be pulled up to be removed when replacing it.
The length of the spout is for comfort of use. A general rule is that the spout should reach near to the center of the drainage waste of the bathroom basin or kitchen sink and not exceed it.
5) What material and color of the tap?
Tap are made from mainly Brass and Stainless
Brass is used for most of the tap products because they have been the main material for taps for many years, easier to forge and form into desired shapes and it is high resistant to corrosion.
Stainless Steel ,although being the lower cost in material compared to brass, is a very hard material to be shaped or cut into desirable form. Therefore designs are fewer and less appealing in looks.
Both stainless steel and Brass lasts equally long
If you are going for colors and designs brass to go for. If need for simplicity and lower cost, then stainless steel to go for.
In Summary:
Choose your tap by setting your basic requirements answering the questions listed out above. And when you have made a choice does it fit your long term view. Your long term view of joy or comfort in seeing and using it everyday, how does the tap match or blend in with the surroundings , how long you want the tap to last or the ease of switching when the time is up for change.
I hope the above makes it easier for your to decide on a tap.
Selecting a tap confounds most people when they are making the decision for the first time in their life. The following are points are to assist in your selection of tap
The questions you should ask yourself:
1) Cold or Mixer tap?
If you require hot water, then you have to select a mixer tap
If cold water is all you need then a cold water tap is enough
2) What is the size of my tap hole?
The mixer tap requires a standard tap hole size of 35mm in diameter
The cold water tap requires a standard hole size of 25mm in diameter
A mixer tap hole allows for either cold or mixer tap to be installed. The down side is that since the mixer hole is larger, a cold tap which usually have a smaller bottom base than a mixer might not be able to secure firmly.
A cold water hole limits your tap selection only to cold taps.
3) Is water pipe connection properly setup for the tap?
Check that you have at least a cold water pipe with the end installed with 1/2” miniball valve.
A flexible water hose is to connect from the valve to the tap.
For a mixer tap you need to have cold and hot water pipe with 1/2” miniball valve prepared.
Installing 1/2” miniball valve on water pipe is optional, however it is very helpful when you need to shut the water to a leaking tap or shut the water when replacing the tap.
4) The height and length of the tap
Take note of the height limitatations of the tap. A general rule is that at least 8cm clearance from the top of the tap. The 8 cm clearance is such that your hands have access to the handle or spout and the tap can be pulled up to be removed when replacing it.
The length of the spout is for comfort of use. A general rule is that the spout should reach near to the center of the drainage waste of the bathroom basin or kitchen sink and not exceed it.
5) What material and color of the tap?
Tap are made from mainly Brass and Stainless
Brass is used for most of the tap products because they have been the main material for taps for many years, easier to forge and form into desired shapes and it is high resistant to corrosion.
Stainless Steel ,although being the lower cost in material compared to brass, is a very hard material to be shaped or cut into desirable form. Therefore designs are fewer and less appealing in looks.
Both stainless steel and Brass lasts equally long
If you are going for colors and designs brass to go for.
If need for simplicity and lower cost, then stainless steel to go for.
In Summary:
Choose your tap by setting your basic requirements answering the questions listed out above. And when you have made a choice does it fit your long term view. Your long term view of joy or comfort in seeing and using it everyday, how does the tap match or blend in with the surroundings , how long you want the tap to last or the ease of switching when the time is up for change.
I hope the above makes it easier for your to decide on a tap.