Choosing a Kitchen Sink Tap: Key Aspects That Reveal the Level of Quality
When it comes to designing or redesigning a kitchen, the sink tap is one of the things to pay special attention to both when it comes to function and aesthetics. Today’s models are especially noticeable as the modern designs rise above the sink in matt or shiny finish. It’s even safe to say that they can act like kitchen centrepieces. That being said, when it comes to choosing the right kitchen taps, they are some key elements one should consider before in order to make the right choice.
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Mixer Tap Types
Before choosing a type, one should first determine the type of water connection. Over the past few years, the most commonly used type of mixer tap is the high-pressure model. These taps should be connected to the central hot water system through an angle valve that is located on the kitchen wall. Now, since not all homes have a central heating system, a low-pressure mixer tap should is required in these situations. In addition, if order to have warm water and a boiler located in the sink cabinet, you need to go for a mixer tap that can handle pressure from a low-pressure boiler.
Mixer Tap Styles & Materials
Generally speaking, today’s kitchen sink taps are all about being simple, yet appealing and functional. Although the old two-handle centre-set faucets are still available on the market, these days the use of single-handle faucets is on the rise. Extremely stylish and eye-catching, single-handle sink taps are breaking the record when it comes to their usefulness. These one-of-a-kind taps allow you to control hot and cold water with one hand while holding something else with the other one.
Nowadays, brass and stainless steel are the most commonly used materials for kitchen tap mixers. The most popular brass faucet finishes include brushed and polished chrome, antique brass, gold-plating, high gloss and powder-coated finishes in black, red, white and grey colour.
- Generally speaking, brass faucets are usually plated with nickel before a layer of brass plating is applied. When choosing a high gloss finish, usually there is a clear coat applied over these faucets to reduce the need for homeowners to clean and polish the faucet on a monthly basis.
- Chrome faucets are also nickel-pleated before the chrome is applied, but because they won’t stain that easily like brass, they can be left uncoated.
Choosing High-Quality Mixer Tap
The material of the taps is closely related to their quality. And since there are lots of countries over the world where drinking tap water is allowed, making sure the chosen tap is quality is crucial. So, for a kitchen sink tap to be quality, the mixer tap should not pass anything on the drinking water. That’s why one should buy quality and certified sin mixer taps like the ones made of nickel-plated brass and rust-proof stainless steel. Both of these materials are robust and pose no danger to human’s health.
Understanding the Tap’s Core
The inside of the mixer tap is as important as the outer part. One of the most essential parts of a mixer tap is the cartridge which should be food grade-approved, hard-wearing and resistant to corrosion. Usually, ceramic is the material used for the production of the cartridges’ sealing discs which makes them long-lasting and resistant to the constant daily pressure and use.
A flexible connecting hose is just another type of component one should look in a mixer tap. This will not only make the overall tap resistant to wear but it will also ease the whole installation process.
How to Install a Sink Mixer Tap?
Whether replacing or installing a mixer tap for the first time, this is a very straightforward process. With a little planning and stocking with the right tools, one can easily install the new tap in no time.
For all those who are not sure how to remove sink tap handle or how to tighten a kitchen sink mixer tap the proper way, seeking professional help would be the right thing to do. Ultimately, having a peace of mind is better than living in fear that the tap/water could explode at any time because of improper installation.
