8 Common Types of Taps Explained

If you’re on the hunt for new fittings, whether to boost the aesthetics of your kitchen fixtures or bathroom units, or simply because you’d like to do a mini home makeover – this guide is for you. In the sections below, we’ll explore the main tap styles UK homeowners can choose from, including mixer taps, pillar taps, monobloc taps, and more. We’ll also highlight what to consider before buying, such as water pressure compatibility, finishes (chrome, matte black, brushed nickel), and how different tap types suit both traditional and modern designs. By the end, you’ll know exactly which fittings best fit your home’s design and functionality needs.

Things to Consider Before Buying New Taps in the UK

Whether it’s for your kitchen taps or bathroom taps, knowing how to choose the right fixture means keeping several factors in mind. Here are the most important things to check before you buying a new tap in the UK:

• Appearance isn’t everything – Choose a fixture not just for style but also for features, longevity, and how it complements your existing sink fittings or bath hardware.
• Price and budget – With so many styles, from affordable pillar taps to luxury boiling water taps, there’s a wide range of options to suit every home.
• Height and reach – The tap’s spout height and projection are critical for usability, especially for kitchen mixer taps, high-rise fittings, or wall mounted taps.
• Tap holes – The number of holes in your sink or bath will dictate the fixtures you can install. For example, one-hole setups fit monobloc taps or basin mixer taps, while two-hole setups suit pillar taps or bath filler units.
• Tap finish – Options include chrome taps, brushed nickel finishes, matte black taps, or even gold fittings. Each finish requires different cleaning and maintenance routines.
• Water pressure – Always check your home’s water system. Low-pressure homes (gravity-fed systems) may need low-pressure fixtures such as pillar taps, while combi boiler or unvented systems support high pressure designs like waterfall taps or thermostatic taps.
• Valve type – Many modern mixers use ceramic disc valves for durability, while older designs may rely on compression valves.
• Waste fittings – Double-check compatibility with your basin waste, common types include click-clack, pop-up, flip, or chain wastes.

By considering style, practicality, and UK water pressure requirements together, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and choose a fixture that looks great, functions perfectly, and lasts for years.

Different Types of Taps and Their Features

The world of taps is vast, offering a wide variety of designs and functions. From pillar taps and mixer taps to monobloc taps, freestanding units, and even boiling water taps, there’s a solution for every style and need. Choosing the right fixture might feel daunting at first, but once you understand the main types of taps and their features, the process becomes much easier.

If you’re not confident about tap replacement or fitting the correct model for your kitchen hardware or bathroom fittings, consult with professional plumbers for your tap replacement. Expert advice ensures your new fixtures are compatible with your home’s water pressure system and installed to last.

1. Pillar Taps

Pillar taps are one of the most common types of taps in the UK, traditionally fitted on a basin or bath. They come as a pair, with one tap for hot water and one for cold, giving you precise control over temperature by mixing water in the sink or bath rather than at the spout.

These taps are particularly suitable for low water pressure systems, making them a reliable choice in older UK homes with gravity-fed tanks. They are also versatile in style, available in both traditional taps for period bathrooms and modern pillar taps for contemporary designs.

There are several types of pillar taps to choose from:

• Crosshead pillar taps (Capstan Head taps): a vintage, timeless look.
• Lever head pillar taps: designed for easy operation, recommended for accessibility.
• Bib taps: often wall-mounted, commonly used outdoors or in utility sinks.

Pillar taps are usually affordable, widely available, and easy to maintain. Many use simple compression valves, which can be repaired by replacing washers when needed, for example, when you need to fix a dripping tap. However, they do require two tap holes, which may limit replacement options if you later want to install a different style such as a monobloc tap.

Pros of pillar taps: affordable, reliable for low-pressure taps, easy to install, widely available in both modern and traditional styles.

Cons of pillar taps: cannot mix hot and cold at the spout, require two tap holes, and may feel less convenient compared to mixer taps.

2. Mixer Taps

Mixer fittings are one of the most popular choices UK homeowners make for both kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike pillar fixtures, which have separate spouts, a mixer unit blends hot and cold water into a single stream, making it easier to achieve the perfect, consistent temperature. This improved water control is one of the main reasons they are preferred in modern homes.

There are two main styles of mixer taps:

• Twin-handle mixer taps – combining two separate controls for hot and cold, joined into one spout.
• Single-lever mixer taps – offering a more streamlined design, where one lever adjusts both the flow and temperature with ease.

You’ll commonly find kitchen mixer taps in sinks, where convenience and precise control are essential, and bath mixer taps in bathrooms, often paired with a shower attachment. Many models use ceramic disc valves instead of older compression washers, providing smoother operation and better durability.

When it comes to water systems, mixer taps generally require medium to high water pressure for optimal performance, which makes them especially suitable for homes with combi boilers or unvented systems. For properties with very low pressure, special low-pressure mixer taps may be required. If you’re planning on replacing your taps, mixer options can be one of the most practical upgrades.

Pros of mixer taps: stylish, versatile, and efficient in controlling water temperature.

Cons: may not work well in homes with very low water pressure unless you install compatible models.

3. Wall Mounted Taps

Wall mounted fixtures are a sleek, modern option where the fittings are installed directly into the wall above a basin or bath. They protrude from the wall rather than sitting on the sink or countertop, which makes them easier to clean and adds a minimalist touch.

These taps are often chosen for contemporary interiors, as they free up counter space and pair beautifully with countertop basins or freestanding baths. Many designs are mixer taps, with separate handles and a spout that blend hot and cold water. Some versions also use ceramic disc valves, offering smoother operation and improved durability.

The main downside of wall mounted taps is the installation. Because the pipework is concealed within the wall, fitting them requires more planning and may involve drilling through tiles or rerouting plumbing. While they look stunning, repairs or replacements can also be more costly compared to deck mounted taps.

Pros of wall mounted taps: stylish and modern, save counter space, easier to clean around the sink or bath, suitable for minimalist bathrooms.

Cons of wall mounted taps: more complex and costly installation, repairs can be difficult, require careful plumbing access.

4.Monobloc Taps

Monobloc units are a modern and space-saving design where a single spout delivers both hot and cold water. They are operated with a single lever that moves left or right to adjust the temperature, while lifting or lowering the lever controls the flow. This makes them intuitive, practical, and a stylish alternative to more traditional pillar taps or mixer taps.

Because of their streamlined appearance, monobloc taps are especially popular for kitchen sinks and modern bathroom taps, fitting seamlessly into contemporary interiors. They’re also available in a wide range of finishes – from chrome taps and brushed nickel taps to matte black taps, making it easy to match them with your décor.

Most monobloc designs use ceramic disc valves, which are durable and less prone to leaks compared to older compression washers. However, they typically require medium to high water pressure to work effectively, so they are best suited to homes with combi boilers or unvented systems rather than gravity-fed, low-pressure setups.

Pros of monobloc taps: sleek and modern appearance, easy single-lever operation, durable with ceramic disc valves, available in many finishes and styles.

Cons of monobloc taps: generally require higher water pressure, not suitable for some older plumbing systems, installation may be restricted by one-hole sink/basin designs.

5. Washer Taps

Washer taps, also known as compression fittings, are a traditional style of pillar tap operated with a twisting handle. Inside, a small rubber washer presses down to control the flow of water, sealing the valve when the tap is turned off. As the name suggests, the washer is the key component that regulates how much water is released.

These taps are well-suited for DIY tap repairs because the washers can be easily replaced if they become worn out and start dripping. This makes them an affordable and accessible option for homeowners who want to maintain their bathroom taps or kitchen taps without professional help.

However, compared to modern ceramic disc taps, washer taps can wear more quickly and may require more frequent maintenance. They are most commonly seen in older UK homes and in traditional tap styles, where they maintain an authentic look and feel.

Pros of washer taps: affordable, easy to repair by replacing washers, good for DIY maintenance, suitable for traditional bathrooms.

Cons of washer taps: washers wear out over time causing drips, less durable than ceramic disc taps, require more frequent maintenance.

6. Ball Type Taps

Ball type mixers are a style that use a rotating ball inside the mechanism to control both water flow and temperature. With a single handle, you can easily switch between hot and cold water while adjusting the strength of the stream, making them convenient and user-friendly.

These taps are often found in kitchen sinks and utility areas because they allow quick, smooth control of water with just one movement. The ball mechanism makes them versatile, but compared to modern ceramic disc taps, they are more prone to leaks as the seals and internal parts wear over time.

Still, their affordability and ease of operation make them a practical choice in many UK homes, especially where tap replacement needs to be simple and cost-effective.

Pros of ball type taps: easy single-handle operation, smooth control of temperature and flow, affordable, widely used in kitchens.

Cons of ball type taps: more prone to leaks than ceramic disc taps, internal parts may wear out faster, less durable in the long term.

7. Cartridge Taps

Cartridge fittings are a modern and reliable type of mixer tap that use a replaceable cartridge inside the mechanism. With a single lever, moving it left or right adjusts the water temperature, while moving it up or down controls the flow – from a heavy stream to completely off.

There are two main types of cartridges:

• Ceramic disc cartridges – durable, smooth to operate, and resistant to leaks.
• Brass or rubber cartridges – more traditional, but less common in modern UK homes.

Because of their design, cartridge taps are much longer-lasting than older compression washer taps or ball type taps, and they require very little maintenance. If problems arise, the cartridge itself can usually be replaced without having to change the whole tap, making them cost-effective in the long run.

You’ll often find cartridge mixer taps in both kitchen sinks and bathroom basins, where consistent performance and easy temperature control are essential.

Pros of cartridge taps: smooth single-lever operation, highly durable, resistant to leaks, easy to repair by replacing cartridges, suitable for both bathrooms and kitchens.

Cons of cartridge taps: cartridges can be more expensive to replace than washers, may require medium to high water pressure to perform at their best.

8. Disk Type Taps

Disk type fixtures, often called ceramic disc taps, are a modern alternative to traditional washer taps. They use two ceramic discs inside the mechanism to control the water flow. These discs have small openings that align to allow water through, making the operation smooth and efficient.

Because they don’t rely on rubber washers, ceramic disc taps are highly durable and far less prone to dripping compared to older designs. They also allow for precise control of both temperature and flow, which is why they are often used in monobloc taps and other modern bathroom taps or kitchen taps.

One consideration is that dirt, limescale, or debris can sometimes collect between the discs, which may require cleaning or cartridge replacement. However, with proper maintenance, ceramic disc taps can last significantly longer than compression or ball-type alternatives, making them a popular choice in many UK homes.

Pros of disk type taps: smooth single-lever operation, highly durable, resistant to leaks, water-efficient, ideal for modern kitchens and bathrooms.

Cons of disk type taps: may need cartridge replacement if discs become clogged, often require medium to high water pressure to work effectively.

9. Thermostatic Taps

Thermostatic taps automatically regulate water temperature, keeping it steady even if someone flushes a toilet or turns on another tap in the house. This makes them a safe choice for families with children or elderly members, as they prevent sudden bursts of scalding hot or icy cold water.

They are most commonly used in bathrooms and showers, but thermostatic bath taps are also popular for filling tubs quickly without temperature fluctuations. Most models use ceramic disc technology for smooth control and durability.

Pros of thermostatic taps: improve safety, maintain consistent water temperature, great for families, modern and stylish.

Cons of thermostatic taps: often require medium to high water pressure, usually more expensive than standard mixer taps.

10. Filter Taps

Filter taps combine standard hot and cold water functions with a built-in water filtration system. By removing impurities such as chlorine, limescale, and odours, they provide clean, fresh-tasting drinking water straight from the tap.

Available as three-way kitchen mixer taps (hot, cold, and filtered water) or as dedicated drinking taps, they are an eco-friendly alternative to bottled water or filter jugs.

Pros of filter taps: provide purified water instantly, eco-friendly, reduce limescale build-up, stylish kitchen upgrade.

Cons of filter taps: require filter cartridge replacements every few months, higher upfront cost than standard taps.

11. Boiling Water Taps

Boiling water fittings are a modern convenience in UK kitchens, providing near-instant boiling water directly from the spout. They replace the need for a kettle and are perfect for tea, coffee, or quickly filling pans for cooking.

Many models are 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 taps, offering boiling, hot, cold, and even filtered water options in one unit. While they’re energy-efficient in daily use, they require an electrical connection and plenty of under-sink space for the boiler unit. They also align well with eco-friendly plumbing systems, helping reduce reliance on kettles and lowering household energy use.

Pros of boiling water taps: instant boiling water, save time, may use less energy than boiling a kettle, combine multiple functions in one tap.

Cons of boiling water taps: high installation cost, need regular servicing and safe installation, not ideal for very small kitchens.

13. Sensor Taps

Sensor units are touch-free taps that use infrared motion sensors to start and stop the water flow. They are commonly seen in commercial or public bathrooms but are also increasingly available for modern homes seeking better hygiene and water efficiency.

Because they don’t require turning handles, they’re highly convenient and reduce the spread of germs. They also help conserve water by only running when needed, making them an excellent choice for households that want save water and lower utility bills.

Pros of sensor taps: hands-free operation, improve hygiene, reduce water waste, modern appeal.

Cons of sensor taps: require a power source (battery or mains), higher upfront cost, installation can be more complex.

What Finish Should You Go For?

When choosing tap finishes, it’s important to think about how they complement the overall design of your bathroom taps or kitchen taps. The finish not only affects style but also influences durability and maintenance.

Gold or brass-effect taps – Perfect for creating a Victorian or period-style bathroom, these finishes add traditional luxury and warmth. They work best when planned as part of a full bathroom installation concept.

Chrome taps – The most popular choice in the UK, available in both classic and contemporary designs. A shiny chrome tap looks elegant but requires frequent cleaning to maintain its sparkle, while matte chrome taps are easier to keep pristine.

Brushed finishes (e.g., brushed nickel, brushed steel) – Offer a softer look and are more resistant to fingerprints and watermarks, making them low-maintenance.

Matte black taps – A stylish, modern option that adds a bold statement in contemporary interiors.

Copper or rose gold taps – Increasingly popular in designer bathrooms and kitchens, adding warmth and a unique touch of personality.

When selecting your tap finish, always consider how it will look alongside your other fixtures, such as handles, shower fittings, or even cabinet hardware. Matching or contrasting the right finish can transform the overall look of your home.

What About Fitting?

Traditionally, most taps were installed on basins or baths with pre-drilled tap holes, and this remains the standard for many models today. However, contemporary options such as wall mounted taps and freestanding taps have become increasingly popular for their sleek, minimalist styling and ability to free up counter space.

Deck-mounted taps sit directly on the sink, bath, or countertop and are generally easier to install.

Wall mounted taps require concealed fittings behind bathroom fixtures, creating a modern look but making installation and future maintenance more complex.

Freestanding taps are usually fitted alongside freestanding baths, adding a touch of luxury but requiring plumbing to be routed through the floor.

When fitting kitchen taps, it’s worth noting that changing the tap may also mean replacing your kitchen sink to achieve a consistent style and finish. Matching the number of tap holes to the type of tap is essential, for example, monobloc taps need a single-hole setup, while pillar taps require two.

For best results, always have your new taps fitted by an experienced plumber. Professional installation ensures correct alignment, avoids leaks, and guarantees that your chosen tap types perform at their best.

How to Maintain Your Taps

Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your bathroom fittings and kitchen hardware while keeping them looking their best.

• Cleaning: Wipe taps daily with a soft cloth and mild cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage finishes such as chrome or matte black.
• Preventing limescale: Use a descaler or vinegar solution weekly in hard-water areas to stop buildup around the spout and joints.
• Replacing washers: In washer taps, worn washers should be replaced promptly to prevent drips.
• Cartridge care: In cartridge taps or ceramic disc taps, cartridges may need replacing if water flow weakens or leaks appear.
• Checking seals: Inspect joints under basins or baths regularly to catch leaks early.

A little routine care goes a long way in keeping taps efficient, hygienic, and stylish. For more guidance, explore our tips on preventative plumbing maintenance.

Takeaways

Choosing the right type of tap for your home can feel overwhelming at first, given the wide variety of tap types UK homeowners can choose from. From pillar taps and mixer taps to monobloc taps, wall mounted taps, and freestanding taps, each style has its own strengths, design appeal, and practical uses.

The key is to balance aesthetics with function: consider your home’s water pressure system, the number of tap holes available, and which tap finishes (such as chrome, matte black, or brushed nickel) best complement your interior. Once you’ve decided whether your tap will be deck mounted, wall mounted, or fitted to a bath or basin, the rest comes down to your taste and budget.

With the right choice, your new bathroom fittings or kitchen fixtures can do more than deliver water – they can enhance comfort, style, and long-term durability.

8 Common Types of Taps Explained

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