Factors To Consider When Choosing A Bathroom Sink Tap

Bathroom fittings come in an array of styles and designs. Sometimes choosing one is challenging because this isn’t just about your preference. Sometimes, other factors will influence your decision. 

The Type Of Basin Sink

Like taps, bathroom sinks are available in different sizes and designs. Some taps must be integrated with the sink, so you must determine the number of installation holes. This can help you eliminate some of the basin taps you are looking at because they don’t fit the sink. 

For example, a tap with a long spout is an impractical choice if the tap is integrated with the sink. Your choice would instead be a tap with a short spout.  

You also need to look at the size of the sink. You can’t go for a small basin tap in a large sink, and neither can you go for a sink with a long spout in a small sink. 

The Material And Finishing

Some popular materials used in making bathroom basin taps are brass, chrome, nickel, and stainless steel. Stainless steel is a versatile material and one of the most popular because it fits with any decor. It is also durable and easy to maintain. 

Brass, nickel, and chrome are often chosen for aesthetics and how they fit with the rest of your decor. For example, brass looks great if your target is vintage decor. 

Style And Design

Most recent changes in bathroom sink taps have centred on style and design. For example, you can choose from half-moon, LED, or wall-mounted tap designs. Some of the basin taps are set to function similarly but have unique styles. The choice will depend on your preference. 

Water Efficiency

Bathroom sink taps have different flow rates. Sometimes, the water pressure in your home will determine which fixture is most suitable and which is unsuitable. Some taps have aerators that help save on water and ultimately save you some money. 

Your Budget

Your budget is an important factor to consider when choosing a bathroom sink tap. The price range of sink taps is so vast that you may find a tap within your budget but not your first choice. Additionally, the tap you like may be too expensive. 

So, even as you look at tap designs, you must consider the cost. Stainless steel taps tend to have a lower price tag than other materials. However, some designs are cheaper than others, especially traditional tap designs. 

Ease Of Use 

The members of your household will also have an indirect input on the type of basin tap you buy. Do you have children or older adults in your home? Is anyone suffering an ailment that makes it difficult to grip the tap? 

Depending on their age, children should use the tap without assistance. You can opt for sensor taps if you are worried about children leaving the taps running. You can also opt for a tap with a lever if the traditional control is difficult for an elderly member with chronic arthritis. 

Brand Popularity

You can also consider brand popularity. Some brands have been in the market for a long time because they are known to have unique tap designs that are also durable. Even considering the price, it is safer to consider the brand and if you are getting value for money. 

These are essential things to consider when buying a bathroom sink tap. Fortunately, you are not short of choices even when you narrow your search to a specific material, design, and budget.

Common Problems with Basin Taps

Basin taps, like other fixtures, get faulty with time. Sometimes it’s due to poor handling, and the tap may be worn out. So, the sooner you address the issue, the better. Fortunately, basin taps from reliable brands work for a long time before they fail.

A Dripping Tap

A dripping tap can be a nuisance, especially when you don’t know why or what to do about it. The cause of a dripping faucet is sometimes because of a faulty cartridge. It can also be due to worn-out rubber seals. 

You must turn off the water supply and call your plumber to look at it. If you know your way around water systems, you can also check the source of the fault and fix it. If you don’t know what to do, and it will take a while for the professional to fix the issue, you can do the following:

  • Turn off the water at the source. If this area is isolated in the water system, just cut off this area as you use water in the rest of the house. 
  • Tie the tap with a strong string and have the end of the string in the sink. This will help control the dripping sound but won’t stop the leakage.

Ensure you fix the problem because the issue will get worse.

Loose Knob

Sometimes the basin tap fails to close completely, causing the water to drip. This usually happens when the tap has loose nuts or fittings. 

If you have a wrench, you can tighten the nuts. However, you must be careful not to overdo it because if it gets too tight, you may damage the tap or even break the sink. 

Low Water Pressure

If your water pressure has been reasonable, only for it to drop suddenly, it could be a general problem in your area, or your tap may be faulty. First, find out if your neighbours are facing the same problem. You can even ask the concerned authorities. 

The tap head or aerator may be clogged if you have established the problem in your home. You can solve this issue by cleaning the tap head with a cloth dipped in vinegar. Alternatively, you can get a professional to fix the problem. 

Water Leaking At The Tap’s Base

When water leaks at the base of the tap (where the basin tap meets the sink or wall), the cause is a damaged o-ring. You can fix the problem by removing the tap head and replacing the damaged ring. You can then reassemble the tap and check if the pressure is normal. 

Water Temperature Interchange 

If your bathroom sink has two taps for hot and cold water, sometimes they don’t follow the normal water temperature. For example, the hot water tap may start producing cold water, while the cold water tap produces hot water. Sometimes both taps may have hot or cold water. 

This may be due to a thermostat or heating element fault. It would be best if you got a professional to fix the issue. 

Most of these faults can easily be fixed. In some instances, you will need to replace the basin tap.