The Mixer Series: Handy Tips When Buying Your Bathroom Taps
Taps are generally purchased separately from the basins or sinks. Therefore, when you're selecting and buying your tapware, you first need to find those which match your basin, sink or bathtub.
On average, the majority of generic taps, sinks and water basins are perfectly compatible. However, as you scale up the design and price ladder, you'll likely discover that their compatibility is not guaranteed as it changes. In fact, some won't just match at all, while some others have been designed exclusively for single style of basin.
Legal Requirements
Some provisions of the 2011 Tenancy Laws and Regulations require that all rental properties in Australia must be in compliance with the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) guidelines before a tenant is billed for usage of water.
The National Construction Code and Vol. 3 of the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) give clear installation standards that are specific for the mixer taps.
Important Mixer Series Considerations
Are you planning on erecting a new Bathroom? Probably you have a renovation in the pipeline. When selecting and buying your taps, there are several important considerations which require some reflection.
1. Functionality Of Your Taps
Remember that a tap must not just be nice looking to all who use your bathroom, but most importantly, they have to be functional. What is the principal work of your sink? Is it for just washing hands after using the bathroom or do you also want to wet your hair in it when you wake up in the morning?
Consider your basin or sink size where you want it installed. The majority of modern sinks come with huge bowls but smaller sides. Generally, the question is will it serve your purposes?
2. Tap Configuration
Apart from the basic tap compatibility, you'll need to think about the tap configuration in relation to your basin. If yours is a one lever mixer, do you want it installed to the right, left or in the basin/sink centre? Will your tap mixer be placed at the basin centre with a soap holder either to the left or right? Do you require some space clearance behind the tap?
3. The Tap Design
The next important thing to consider is the tap design and fit in relation to your bathroom decor. Your tap mixer must not only function well, but it also has to look good. The modern design is now accepted to mean being additionally angular and bigger in design. If you got a traditional bathroom, go for stylish rounded taps.
Of course your tap handles must be in sync with your other bathroom accessories. No point in having a clash of colours and style, some old while other facets are ultra modern. Your décor must match the tap style.
4. Water Conservation
In Australia, all water efficiency devices receive a Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating between 0 and 6 that is based on their flow rate as defined in the Australian Standards (AS/NZS 6400). The higher the products' WELS rating, the higher is the water-efficiency.
An important final consideration before purchasing your taps is level of water pressure in your house. If you suffer from episodes of low pressure, then wise mixer selection becomes a must. Some have been specifically designed for situations of low pressure and should provide you with reasonable water flow despite the issues of pressure.
About the Author
Babak Tavakoli has been assisting homeowners at ACS Designer Bathrooms to much acclaim. The kind of assistance you will receive from Babak will leave you wishing you had come earlier. ACS Designer Bathrooms only gives the best products. Browse on http://www.acsbathrooms.com.au/taps/mixer-series.html for more info.
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