Toilet Suites

Determining the quality of a bathroom tap involves considering various factors such as material, finish, construction, brand reputation, and functionality.

Here are some key aspects to look for when evaluating the quality of a bathroom tap.

• Material: Solid Brass: High-quality taps are often made from solid brass, which is durable, corrosion-resistant, and has a long lifespan.
• Stainless Steel: Some taps use stainless steel, which is also corrosion-resistant and offers a sleek and modern appearance.
• Ceramic Disc Cartridges: Look for taps with ceramic disc cartridges, as they are more durable and provide smoother operation compared to rubber or plastic alternatives.
• Finish: A good quality tap will have a well-applied finish that not only enhances its appearance but also protects it from corrosion and tarnishing. Common finishes include chrome, brushed nickel, brushed brass, and matte black.
• Brand Reputation: Choose taps from reputable brands with a history of producing high-quality plumbing fixtures. Established brands often invest in research and development, ensuring their products meet industry standards.

The choice isn't just about style; it is dictated by the type of basin you have chosen. Getting this wrong is the most common reason for returns.

• Standard Mixers: Designed for inset, under-counter, or wall-hung basins where the tap sits on the basin itself or the vanity top, and the basin rim is low.
• Tall (High Rise/Vessel) Mixers: Specifically designed for above-counter (vessel) basins. Because these basins sit on top of the vanity, you need the extra height so the spout clears the rim of the bowl comfortably.
• The "Gap" Rule: Ideally, you want about 100mm to 150mm of space between the spout outlet and the bottom of the basin for comfortable hand washing without excessive splashing.

This is a critical aesthetic detail. Unlike Chrome (which is fairly standard across the industry), special finishes like Brushed Brass, Brushed Gold, or Gunmetal can vary significantly between manufacturers.

• The Variation: One brand's "Brushed Gold" might be yellow-toned, while another's is more bronze or reddish.
• Our Recommendation: To ensure a cohesive look, we strongly advise purchasing your basin mixers, shower mixers, and accessories (towel rails, robe hooks) from the same brand and same collection.

This refers to how you control the water flow and temperature, and it affects your plumbing rough-in.

• Mixer Taps: Have a single lever that controls both flow and temperature. They are modern, easy to use (even with one hand), and require only one hole in the basin or wall.
• 3-Piece Sets: Traditional styling with one spout and two separate handles (Hot and Cold).
• Renovation Tip: If you are replacing old taps without re-tiling, check your existing setup. If you currently have a 3-piece set coming out of the wall, you cannot swap to a mixer without removing tiles and changing the plumbing behind the wall.

Yes, absolutely. We strictly only sell tapware that meets Australian Standards.

• WaterMark: This is a mandatory certification ensuring the product is safe for use in Australian plumbing systems, handles mains pressure, and won't contaminate your water supply. Installing non-WaterMark taps can void your home insurance.
• WELS (Water Efficiency): This star rating tells you how much water the tap uses per minute. A higher star rating means lower water bills. You will find the WELS registration number and flow rate listed clearly in the "Specifications" section of every product page.

"Spout Reach" (the distance from the center of the tap body to the water outlet) is crucial to prevent water from splashing onto your benchtop.

• The Target: The water should land directly over the waste (plug) or slightly past it towards the user.
• The Risk: If the spout is too short, you will struggle to wash your hands. If it's too long, water may splash back off the curved front of the basin.
• Wall-Mounted Mixers: When buying a wall mixer, you must calculate the spout length minus the depth of your tiles and glue. Always consult the technical drawing provided on the product page.