What should I look for when buying a kitchen tap?
Regardless of your preferences in relation to finish, colour and extra features, you should ensure that your kitchen tap of choice is easy to use. If you are looking into making a purchase of a specialised kitchen mixer tap, be sure that there is a good balance between the hot and cold water.
Taps with ceramic discs are typically easier to control that other kitchen tap varieties.
Are cheap kitchen taps even worth considering?
Though not entirely irrelevant, you must be aware that cheap kitchen taps – in relation to standard pricing (not discounted) – have a much lower build quality, meaning they wear out far sooner: repairs to components such as o-rings, valves, washers and screws may not alleviate faults as they emerge over time.
Leading brands such as Franke, Perrin & Rowe and Prima+ can be trusted to last the test of time, as well as providing world-class aftersales service.
Do I need a plumber to fit a new kitchen tap?
So long as you are confident to do so, fitting/replacing a new kitchen tap should be a relatively simple process: meaning that a DIY kitchen tap project could, potentially, save on overall costs.
Be sure to utilise common sense, as well as following all relevant manufacture instructions to ensure that a DIY kitchen tap installation project is done correctly and safely.
Is there a difference between cheap and expensive kitchen taps?
Absolutely! Cheaper kitchen taps are far more prone to issues relating to wear-and-tear, lower quality control, and a lack of product diversity. High-end kitchen taps often have a broader range of styles, finishes, features and colour options, as well as being more resilient than cheaper alternatives over the lifetime of the product.
How long should a kitchen tap typically last?
A good quality, reliable kitchen tap should be expected to last a lifetime of between 15-20 years, though several factors can affect this figure. The product lifespan will be dependant on variables such as the quality of installation, general quality of the product, type of water (soft/hard) and overall wear-and-tear.
Why does my kitchen tap constantly drip?
The main suspect of a dripping kitchen tap is that of rubber seals. Over time, limescale will form over the rubber seals, causing excessive material wear, leading to leaks. Fortunately, these rubber seals are relatively cheap and easy to replace quickly.
Some modern taps may require a cartridge: this is also a common reason for dripping taps, so it is advisable to replace the cartridge.
What material is best for a kitchen tap?
Brass
Typically, brass would be the best material to choose for a long-lasting, hardwearing kitchen tap.
What happens if I don't fix a dripping kitchen tap?
Should you not rectify a dripping kitchen tap as soon as is possible, you may have a serious – therefore expensive – problem to solve: particularly in relation to water damage.
Consider, too, that the simple nuisance of a dripping tap can be causing you to lose approximately 13 litres of water per day! With the cost of bills climbing, you should not ignore a dripping tap!
What are the most common causes of a leaking tap?
- Cartridge damage
- Pipe problems: eroded pipes/pipe seals, or incorrect installation
- High water pressure
- Worn out rubber seals/o-rings
- Damaged valve seat
Is it important that I turn off boiling water tap at night?
No, this is not needed: there isn’t a requirement for you to turn off your boiling water tap at night-time: though doing so could lower your household energy consumption.
It may be beneficial to do so, however, when you are out for the day, go to work or are scheduled to go on holiday.
Should I get a boiling water tap?
A hot water tap can bring along numerous benefits to your home. Not only can one massively increase your convenience in comparison to a conventional kettle, but boiling water kitchen taps can also have a knock-on effect to both your utility bills and the environment, as you only use the exact amount of water that is needed.
If you are in the market for an instant boiling water tap, our Plumbhub Premium InstaHot 3-in-1 tap is (probably) the best value choice in the UK!
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Should you require any more information or would like to request quotes on bespoke radiators, bath panels, bathroom furniture, showers or other plumbing essentials, contact the experts at Plumbhub.
Also, check our previous helpful blog articles: bleeding radiators, the importance of shower trays, and our guide to bath panels.
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