Decent Taps?

Hi

I am doing a bathroom refurb on my small 1 bedroom rental property. I want to put in nice taps rather than basic bog standard old fashioned looking taps.

However, what I fear is the reliability and ease of fixing a leak. With the old fashioned taps, I think they are designed for easy washer changes. I live 200 miles away and if this sort of repair needed doing, I would want to fix it myself when doing an inspection.

Is there a decent looking, quality modern tap with easy fixing if necessary?

Many thanks
Hollies, btw - I am a woman with limited plumbing skills!

I'd go for a plain but smart compression tap (that's the washered type as against the ceramic insert) from the likes of Bristan or whatever - long lasting and easy to repair.
John

Thanks, I am looking at Bristan as they have longer guarantees. I thought the Ceramic was better than washers - longer lasting?

I'd say not, but the inserts have to be specific for that tap when replacement time comes (there are dozens of types and sizes) - whereas a 1/2" rubber washer will last well and are simple to replace.
OK, they may not look particularly space age (go for Grohe if you want those) but the quality is there.
John

I'd look at 1/4 turn hospital type lever taps- not sure about the repairability or longevity of them (oldest set i have is only 5) but hamfisted users can't overtighten them (which is what tends to cause problems with traditional taps).

Most manufacturers only guarantee the ceramic 1/4 turn taps now for 2 years, whereas you will get 5 years on the older style turn down compression taps. Older style taps are easily serviced with a new washer, ceramic are just a pain if you can't get the right ones as they aren't really serviceable and it's the valve that needs replaced.

Loads of warranty calls later they've realised the ceramic valves won't outlast the tap now, as they used to boast when they were first released to the market.

H0llies said:

I thought the Ceramic was better than washers - longer lasting?

Click to expand...

The reverse is true.

I had a bathroom with taps with washers, they were still working fine when I had it replaced after more than 20 years. I had a horseshoe washer come loose on a mixer spindle, and changed the washers while it was apart, but the others didn't even need that. They could be turned on and off with a fingertip. If you have a person in the house in the habit of turning them off with great force (usually an old person who has had dripping taps in the past) then the washer and spindle gland will wear out faster. if the seat gets eroded or damaged you might be able to grind it, but I've not had success trying.

You can buy a pack of washers for less than £1

Good idea to get some silicone grease if you can find it, and a roll of white PTFE tape that will last you a lifetime, for reassembly and a green nylon pan scourer to clean up the parts especially in a hard water area. You will need a set of adjustable wrenches, including a small one (100mm long).

Bristan are my favourite.