How can you make the right choice for your property regarding kitchen and bathroom tapware, and how important is it?
When it comes to tapware, your decisions have power. The right tapware can not only improve the aesthetic of your home but can also save you money and stress later down the road. Conversely, the wrong tapware can have the opposite effect, increasing the risk of flood damage and even lead contamination.
So, what’s the secret to great tapware for your kitchen and bathroom spaces? Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Hot in Tapware
There are many kinds of tapware on offer, each with their own unique benefits! What does it take to keep up with the trends?
Aesthetically on Trend
From a visual point of view, you might be tempted to choose tapware based on colour or design, but these are far from the only considerations you should keep in mind.
Sleek black taps are stylish, fitting in with an industrial home design and mixers are modern and elegant, often available in sleek, squared designs. But what else aren’t you seeing?
Practically on Trend
Right now, mixers are hot! These taps minimise space demands by using one handle to control both hot and cold water flow. This makes for a minimalist and convenient design and is popular in both bathroom and kitchen tapware.
Better yet, a mixer tap can even offer accessibility benefits. Gone are the days of fighting with a stuck tap handle. Mixers require only a light touch, which makes them easy for the whole family to use.
Functionally on Trend
It’s also important to think about flow rate and durability. An adjustable flow rate means you can rely on optimum water pressure, while also retaining control over saving water (and associated costs). Durability means choosing high-quality, non-corrosive materials, like brass or stainless steel, that help your tapware withstand the test of time. This will mean you get more wear out of your tapware before it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Avoiding Lead in Your Water
It’s time to go lead-free! Tapware regulations are changing, so it’s important to keep up with the times.
As of May 2026, copper alloy plumbing products containing more than 0.25% lead will be ineligible for drinking water installation. Still, a significant number of Sydney taps deliver lead-contaminated water directly to your cup, but that’s about to stop.
In order to reduce the risk of lead contamination – and align with the latest building codes – you need to carefully choose tapware that aligns with all-important lead-free standards. Stainless steel is a great option!
Remember, by choosing a lead-free tapware option, you’re not just ticking boxes on a builder’s list. You’re also protecting your family from the harmful effects of lead in their drinking water, from nervous system damage to blood cell and hearing impairments.
Tapware Choices to Minimise Flood Risk
What about flood risk? Selecting the right tapware can help you reduce risks of floods and damage to your home. So which taps are prone to bursting?
The answer is simple. When it comes to laundry and kitchen tapware in particular, flexi hoses look good and are popular for their flexibility, but that doesn’t make them foolproof. With these taps, it’s always best to proceed with caution, as they can be prone to bursting and sending water skyrocketing throughout your home. Simply can’t live without that gorgeous, black, on trend, pull-out kitchen spray mixer? It is recommended that you replace your flexi-hose every 3-5 years to avoid hose failure, along with the potential for major water damage inside your home.
Whenever possible, it’s best to select a sturdy tapware option made from high-quality, hardy materials. You need taps you can trust to help you avoid a very expensive plumbing emergency.
Correct Tapware Installation
Call in a professional plumber – don’t rely on old mate next door to replace your taps. What’s so hard about installing new bathroom tapware? It might surprise you how many ways someone could get it wrong. From forgetting to turn the mains off at the outset, all the way down to not seating the washers or aerators correctly and overtightening the fittings, DIY tap installation is a recipe for disaster.
Replacing tired old tapware? Sometimes you will have no choice but to install tapware in a similar style to the existing taps – unless you are also planning on changing the sink or vanity or undertaking a major renovation. A plumber can provide guidance in the choices of replacement tapware suitable for your kitchen or bathroom set up.
Leave tapware installation to the qualified plumber for a drip free and professional finish.
The Ultimate Plumbing Selection
Don’t take risks when it comes to your plumbing. Making strong, informed decisions now can save you time, stress, and cash later.
Searching for reliable plumbing services you can trust? Contact Gladesville Plumbing for expert support today.
