Selecting the right tapware for your kitchen

Having the right tapware can make your time in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable – even when you’re washing those big roasting dishes! It can also be a feature statement, adding colour, contrast and personality to your kitchen.

Here’s a few tips from our in-store kitchen design specialists on the latest in tapware, and what to look for when choosing between the different options at your local Mitre 10 store.

Style, colour, function

New technologies in tapware means that there’s much more on offer than chrome, chrome and more chrome: you have the choice of stainless steel or even colour coated options.

Stylish tapware, especially in an island setting, can add a lot of interest and actually be the feature or focal point of the kitchen.

Black tapware has been very popular in recent years but emerging colours like gunmetal and black chrome are proving to be the new colours that our customers are considering to add WOW to the kitchen.

Other design options such as pull out spray heads or high rise “goose neck” spouts help make cleaning up the sink or those larger dishes a breeze.

Quality

As well as getting the right style of tap, it’s just as important that your fixtures are high quality ones.

Bathrooms and kitchens are one of the more expensive rooms to renovate and choosing low quality fixtures can mean replacing them earlier than you anticipate. This is particularly important with colour-coated tapware. If you’re planning on installing coloured tapware, opt for PVD-coated or electroplated options and be sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty statement, both for length of time and installation requirements.

Consider water and energy efficiency

Replacing your tapware is a great time to consider improving your water efficiency. All tapware products have water efficiency ratings from 0-6 stars, with the more stars indicating a more water efficient product.

Compare product star rating when choosing your tapware as water efficiency can mean using less hot water, saving you energy costs in the long run.

Other ways to conserve water and energy are a simple as buying water restrictors from your local Mitre 10 store.

Check your water pressure first

Ensure the tap you wish to purchase is compatible with the water pressure system you have – mains or low pressure. If you have low pressure, select a model suitable for that pressure system. Water pressure is measured in kpa’s with low pressure or all pressure tapware starting from 17kpa and mains pressure tapware from 150kpa.

Cleaning

To ensure taps sparkle, clean your tap using only a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Rinse and wipe dry using a dry clean soft cloth. Do not use abrasive compounds, pads, cloths or creams as these will damage the surfaces.

Tips for replacing an old tap

• If you’re replacing an old tap on an existing benchtop, consider buying a tap with the same base so you don't have to drill any bigger holes in the bench top or be forced to cover over a larger hole.
   
• Before popping down to Mitre 10, check the thread size of the pipes. You’ll need to buy brass caps to temporarily cap pipes off while working. Use thread tape to wrap around pipes before attaching new pipes to them.
   
• And check the box of your new tap to see if there is a speciality spanner supplied to tighten the hex screws up to the underside of sink. This will save you a trip back to Mitre 10.
   
• Turn water off at the mains and hot water cylinder. Once water is off open a few other taps to relieve the pressure in the pipes.
   
• Always have a bucket on hand to catch any drips.