Choosing a tap usually starts with a simple question: what will fit the basin? But once you begin looking at bathroom fittings, you come across several options. Some have one handle, others have two. A few are fixed to the wall, while sensor-operated models do away with handles altogether.
The differences are worth understanding, particularly if you are replacing an old fitting or planning a new bathroom. A tap needs to suit the basin, connect correctly to the water supply and feel comfortable to use. Its appearance comes into the picture too, but it should not be the only deciding factor.
Four types you are likely to come across are mixer taps, pillar taps, wall-mounted taps and sensor taps. Here is what sets them apart.
Table of Contents
- Mixer Taps: One Spout, Combined Water Supply
- Pillar Taps: The Traditional Two-Tap Arrangement
- Wall-Mounted Taps: When the Basin Surface Stays Clear
- Sensor Taps: A Tap You Do Not Need to Touch
- Mixer Tap or Pillar Tap: Which One Should You Consider?
- What Does Basin Mixer Mean?
- Before You Buy: Check These Details
- Bringing the Tap and Basin Together
- Frequently Asked Questions
Mixer Taps: One Spout, Combined Water Supply
Think about washing your hands at a basin. You want water at a comfortable temperature, without having to keep adjusting two separate outlets. That is the basic idea behind a mixer tap.
It receives hot and cold water through separate connections and combines them within the fitting. The mixed water then flows out through a single spout. On a single-lever model, one handle controls the flow and temperature.
Not every mixer looks the same. Some have a compact body with a short spout; others are taller or have a more distinctive shape. The control arrangement can also vary.
A mixer is often a practical choice for a washbasin, but the basin itself has a say in the matter. Check whether it has the correct tap opening and enough space for the fitting. If you are replacing an existing tap, the position of the water connections should be checked as well.
Pillar Taps: The Traditional Two-Tap Arrangement
Pillar taps keep things separate. One tap supplies hot water and the other supplies cold water. Each has its own handle, spout and connection.
You will often see this arrangement on basins designed with two tap holes. It is straightforward to understand and can suit bathrooms where separate controls are preferred.
The difference becomes noticeable when adjusting the temperature. With pillar taps, you regulate the hot and cold supplies individually. There is no mixing mechanism bringing the two together inside one fitting.
This is why checking the basin matters before ordering a replacement. A pair of pillar taps needs two suitable mounting openings. If the basin has been designed for a single mixer, the two arrangements are not interchangeable without considering the installation.
Pillar taps are also available in different finishes and designs. Their separate controls do not mean they have to look old-fashioned.
Wall-Mounted Taps: When the Basin Surface Stays Clear
Not every tap needs to sit on the basin. A wall-mounted tap is fixed to the wall above it, with the spout extending outwards over the bowl.
This arrangement changes the look of the wash area. There is no tap body taking up space on the countertop, which can be useful with countertop basins. It also leaves the surface around the basin easier to wipe down.
The important part is getting the position right. The spout must extend far enough over the bowl, and its height should work with the depth of the basin. A fitting that looks elegant on a product page may not be comfortable to use if its dimensions are wrong for the basin.
There is another detail that is easy to overlook: the plumbing. Wall-mounted fittings have connections concealed behind the wall. Their location needs to be planned before tiling and finishing work is completed. Retrofitting one into an existing bathroom may require additional plumbing work.
If a wall-mounted design is on your list, check the installation drawings and dimensions of the specific Jaquar model before finalising the basin layout.
Sensor Taps: A Tap You Do Not Need to Touch
A sensor tap replaces the usual handle-operated control with sensor-based operation. Place your hands within the detection area and the tap activates the water flow. On models with automatic shut-off, the flow stops when your hands move away.
You may have encountered these fittings in airports, hotels, restaurants and office washrooms. Their use is not restricted to public spaces, though. A sensor tap can also be installed in a home bathroom where touch-free operation is preferred.
There are a few practical considerations before buying one. Sensor taps need the specified power arrangement and plumbing connections. The sensor also needs to be positioned so that it detects hands as intended. Check the manufacturer's instructions for power, installation and maintenance requirements.
For a household, the decision comes down to how useful touch-free operation would be in everyday life. It is a different way of using a tap, rather than simply another handle design.
Mixer Tap or Pillar Tap: Which One Should You Consider?
These two fittings are easy to tell apart once you look at how they are installed and operated.
A mixer tap brings hot and cold water together through one spout. A pillar tap has two independent outlets. The choice is often decided by the basin's design before you even get to the styling.
| Point of Difference | Mixer Tap | Pillar Tap |
|---|---|---|
| Water outlet | One combined outlet | Separate hot and cold outlets |
| Controls | Usually one lever or combined controls | Two individual handles |
| Tap holes | Depends on the mixer design | Generally requires two openings |
| Temperature adjustment | Hot and cold water are mixed within the fitting | Hot and cold supplies are adjusted separately |
If your basin has one tap hole, a compatible mixer may be the more suitable option. If it has two separate openings, pillar taps may be appropriate. Always confirm the product's fitting requirements rather than relying on appearance alone.
What Does Basin Mixer Mean?
The term basin mixer is used for a mixer tap intended for a washbasin. It combines the hot and cold water supplies and delivers the water through one spout.
You may find basin mixers described by their design or installation style. A single-lever basin mixer, for instance, has one handle for controlling the water. A wall-mounted basin mixer is installed above the basin, with its plumbing concealed behind the wall.
So, when comparing products, look beyond the general name. Check the mounting type, dimensions, handle arrangement and water-pressure requirements. These details tell you much more about whether the fitting will work with your basin.
Before You Buy: Check These Details
A new tap is not always a straightforward replacement for the one already in place. Even when two fittings look similar, their mounting requirements can be different.
Take a look at the following before placing an order:
- The basin opening: Is there one tap hole, two separate holes or no opening at all? This will help narrow down the type of fitting you can install.
- The spout position: Check how far the spout reaches into the basin. The water should fall into the bowl, not close to its outer edge.
- The fitting dimensions: Compare the tap's height and overall size with the basin. This is particularly important with countertop basins.
- Water pressure: Look at the minimum operating pressure stated by the manufacturer. A tap that is unsuitable for your home's water supply may not perform as expected.
- Plumbing and installation: Wall-mounted and sensor-operated taps can have requirements that differ from conventional deck-mounted fittings. Read the installation instructions before making a decision.
Bringing the Tap and Basin Together
A bathroom fitting should make sense once it is installed, not just when you see it in a catalogue. A mixer tap may suit a basin with one opening. Pillar taps need the right arrangement for two separate fittings. Wall-mounted taps require advance planning, while sensor taps bring a different method of operation.
Once the practical details are clear, you can think about the design. Consider the shape of the spout, the handle style and the finish alongside the other fittings in the bathroom.
Jaquar offers a range of bathroom faucets and basin mixers in different designs and finishes. Compare the product specifications and installation details to find a fitting that works with your basin and water supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different types of taps?
Common types include mixer taps, pillar taps, wall-mounted taps and sensor taps. Mixer taps combine hot and cold water through one outlet. Pillar taps have separate hot and cold outlets. Wall-mounted taps are fixed above the basin, while sensor taps use a sensor to activate water flow without a manual handle.
2. What is the difference between a mixer tap and a pillar tap?
A mixer tap combines hot and cold water within one fitting before it comes out through a single spout. Pillar taps have separate hot and cold outlets, each with its own handle. The main difference is how the water is controlled and delivered.
3. Are sensor taps worth it for home use?
They can be, particularly if touch-free operation is important to you. Sensor taps activate water when hands are detected, so there is no need to operate a handle. Before buying one for home use, check its power requirements, installation needs and maintenance instructions. Whether it is worth the investment depends on your household's preferences and how you use the bathroom.
4. Which type of tap is best for a modern bathroom?
There is no single answer. A basin mixer offers combined hot and cold water control, while a wall-mounted tap can leave the basin surface clear. Sensor taps are an option for those who prefer touch-free operation. The basin design, plumbing arrangement and available space should guide the decision.
5. How do I choose the right tap for my basin?
Start with the basin's tap holes and dimensions. Check whether it is designed for a mixer, separate pillar taps or a wall-mounted fitting. Then compare the spout height and reach with the basin, and check the tap's water-pressure and installation requirements. The finish and design can be considered once you know the fitting is compatible.