Many important decisions need to be made when renovating a kitchen. It's easy to overlook details such as taps. These taps will be used often and are an essential part of your kitchen.
You need taps that are durable, stylish, and appropriate for your needs. Although it is only a small component of your kitchen's overall design, it can make a big difference in the look and feel of your kitchen.
This guide will help you make a decision.
WATER PRESSURE Is Important
Before you start looking at kitchen faucets, it is important to know which water system you have.
LOW-PRESSURE SYSTEM
These systems are also called gravity-fed systems. These systems have a cold water tank at the loft and a hot-water tube elsewhere.
HIGH PRESSURE VENTED SYSTEM
The combination boiler heats water, instead of using cold or hot water tanks. When a hot tap turns on, the water is heated immediately from the mains.
HIGH-PRESSURE UNVENTED SYTEM
A hot water tank is only required for unvented high-pressure systems. Immersion heaters heat the water. These heaters can be found either on the tank or in a central heating boiler.
Knowing the details of your water system will help you avoid purchasing a tap that doesn't work as it should. Your water flow will be poor if you have a low pressure system and a high-pressure faucet.
Some taps only work with low-pressure systems. Most taps work with high-pressure, unvented systems. All tap options are compatible with high-pressure vented system. Your water system will determine which kitchen taps are available to you.
DIFFERENT TYPES KITCHEN TAPS
PILLAR TAPS
The pillar kitchen tap is the most traditional and cost-effective. The pillar comes with two taps as well as spouts. The one that dispenses cold water is the hot one.
MONOBLOC KITCHEN TAPS
Monobloc kitchen taps have a single lever to control the temperature and flow of water, and a single spout.
TIPS FOR DECK MIXERS
Monobloc deck mixer taps look similar to monoblocs, but they have one spout with two handles for hot and cold water.
FEATURES OF KITCHEN TAPE
HANDLES
The handles can affect the appearance and functionality of your taps. For busy kitchens, lever handles are ideal because you can quickly turn the water on with your backhand. Crosshead taps, however, are great for classic aesthetics.
SPOUTS
Kitchen taps with high-spouts are easier to use and clean. Swivel spouts are also very handy as they can be moved to the side and directed water to various utensils.
VALVES
It is also important to know what type of valve your are using. The brass compression valve, which is traditionally made from solid brass, has a rubber washer as well as a watertight seal.
These can become worn and cause drips over the years. Ceramic disc valves are more reliable and resist drips and leaks, which makes them more popular.
KITCHEN TAP TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS
Even though you might not think that you'd ever hear the words "tap", or "technology" in the same sentence, there are many useful features you can add to your kitchen taps to make them more efficient.
PULL OUT KITCHEN TAPS
You can remove the pull-out kitchen taps and attach a nozzle to the hose. This will allow you to clean your whole kitchen.
BOILING WATER TAPS
These taps heat water instantly, making them ideal for busy kitchens who don't have the time to wait for the kettle boil. These taps can be used to add boiling water to a monobloc handle, or as an additional lever.
FILTER TAPS
These taps allow you to enjoy filtered water whenever you like. It is important to remember to change the filter underneath the sink every so often.
KITCHEN TAP FINISHES
There are three choices for tap finishes: chrome stainless, brushed stainless and colored. It doesn't matter which finish you choose, it's important to match your taps with your rest of the room.
CHROME STAINLESSSTEEL
Chrome stainless steel is the most popular finish. It is resistant to heat and water.
BRUSHED STAINLESSSTEEL
This finish is best if cleanliness is your top priority. Because they are less fingerprint-prone than chrome stainless steel taps, these taps are great for families.
COLOURED TAPS
If stainless steel is not your preference, you can choose to have colored taps. They are available in many colors, including gold and copper as well as brass, black, rose gold, and bronze. The wide range of options available means that you can match your tap to any type of kitchen design.
