Ideal Standard Millenia S7300 1 tap hole basin monobloc tap Chrome Plated

Bathroom taps control the flow and temperature of water at basins and baths. This category covers pillar taps, monobloc and wall-mounted basin mixers, bib taps, thermostatic and low flow mixers, and the tap extensions, connection sets and basin wastes used with them.

Tap types

• Pillar taps: separate hot and cold taps, usually sold as a pair, for basins with two tap holes.
• Monobloc mixers: a single body that blends hot and cold water, for basins with one tap hole. Some come with a click-clack or pop-up waste.
• Wall-mounted mixers: the spout comes out of the wall, leaving the basin deck clear.
• Bib taps: wall-mounted taps with a horizontal inlet, used over sinks, in cleaners' rooms and outside.
• Thermostatic mixers: hold the water at a set temperature, where scalding is a concern.

Water pressure

Check the tap suits your hot water system. Many mixers need more pressure than a low pressure, tank-fed system gives, so look for the minimum operating pressure; some are designed to work from as little as 0.2 bar. On a tank-fed system, performance also depends on the height of the cold water tank above the tap.

Connections and standards

Basin taps commonly have 1/2 inch connections, so check the size against the pipework. Tap extensions raise a tap where the basin or worktop is thick, and connection sets suit concealed or exposed bib taps. Single and combination taps are made to BS EN 200, and mechanical mixing valves to BS EN 817. Taps must be suitable for use under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, and the installation must protect the supply against backflow.

For isolating and servicing valves, see valves; for shower mixers, see bathroom showers.