Despite the various designs of basin taps, your choice will likely be between standard and mixer taps. Both taps are great, so it boils down to your preference. Before choosing, you should know the features and benefits of standard and mixer taps.
Standard Taps
Standard taps come as a set, one for hot water supply and another for cold water. However, some taps have one spout with two faucets. It is hard to control the temperature in these taps because you get extreme temperatures. If you want warm water, you’ll have to open both taps.
Basin taps have different designs, but the concept is the same. Although they are traditional taps, they have stood the test of time mainly because they are timeless, easy to install, and reasonably priced compared to mixer taps.
Despite the advantages, standard taps have some drawbacks.
- These taps take up more space than mixer taps.
- The turn taps are hard to open for some people, such as children, people with disabilities, or those with hand injuries.
- They cause accidental burns when one opens the wrong tap. For example, young children may accidentally open the hot water tap.
- Taps fitted on the sink are sometimes difficult to clean, especially the ring around the sink.
Standard basin taps are ideal for people with;
- A tight budget.
- Large sinks with adequate space for two faucets.
- A sink with one, two, or three installation holes.
Mixer Tap
The mixer tap (thermostated tap) allows hot, cold, and warm water through the same basin tap. The lever controls the temperature of the water flowing through the spout. You can easily change the water temperature by moving the lever.
The mixer tap has disc or ball-shaped valves that open and close depending on how you move the lever. When you want warm water, both sides open slightly to allow hot and cold water to mix as they flow out of the tap.
Mixer taps fit bathrooms of different styles and are favourable in households with young children and older people.
Mixer taps have several benefits.
- You get the desired water temperature quickly.
- These taps are fitted with flow limiters to control water flow from the hot and cold water supply. This is why the water temperature is controlled easily.
- It lowers your water bills because you won’t waste water trying to reach the right temperature.
- The taps are modern and stylish. They have a slim profile ideal for minimalist bathroom decor.
You should get a mixer tap if you have;
- A flexible budget.
- A small sink or a small bathroom.
- High water bills and are hoping to control wastage.
Both standard and mixer basin taps are durable. The mixer taps have a 5 -10 year lifespan, while some traditional taps can last 20 years. However, taps will last as long as they are well-maintained. Identify issues as soon as they appear, and get a professional to fix them whenever possible.
When choosing one tap over the other, you need to determine which is more suitable, depending on the type of sink, bathroom decor, and size of the bathroom. You also need to consider ease of use for all your family members.