Oshi Basin Mixer Tap, from BathEmpire

To help you make the right choice, we have listed the following steps and to help narrow down the options available:

Overall Style
Firstly, look at the overall decoration and style of the wider bathroom, and select a tap accordingly. A sleek chrome mixer tap, such as the Khone Basin Mixer Tap, would be a better option than trying to push a traditional style on a modern bathroom.

The Shape
It is always a good idea to match the shape of taps. So, if you are going for a bathroom with a rounded style overall, then match it with rounded taps. Similarly, if the shower head and bathroom suite have an angular design, make sure you purchase square taps. Generally, for traditionally styled showers, rounded bathroom designs suit better.

Bath or Shower Bath?
For the bath, there are a few more options – separate bath taps, bath shower mixers, and overflow fillers.

Basically, the bath shower mixers have a hand held shower outlet option connected to the main tap valve. The alternative to these are the bar mixer valves, or bar shower mixer valves; the only difference is that the bar shower mixers are thermostatic (only allowing the hot water temperature to reach 38 degrees Celsius). If you prefer, you can manually override this feature to allow hotter showers.

Overflow fillers can be fitted to straight baths; because you can use them to fill the bath, you will not need to purchase bath taps to install onto the bath. The overflow filler will let water trickle into the bath, and there are many styles available, some even with pop-up wastes. These fillers are great for a contemporary, minimalist finish.

Ease of Use
One thing you must look at is who is most likely to use the taps. If you have young children, or elderly persons using the bathroom who may have difficulty turning the tap on, then look for a lever operated tap. Another factor to look out for is ceramic disc technology. These ceramic discs have replaced the rubber washers, and so will prevent tight taps. A little consideration before the purchase ensures that everyone will be able to use the bathroom with ease!

What will you need?

• Flat head screwdriver.
• A flat head or adjustable spanner.
• New rubber washers.
• Small cloth, or toilet roll.

And finally, remember the phrase ‘lefty loosy, righty tighty,’ so you know which way to turn the valves!

Victoria Traditional Basin Mixer Tap, from BathEmpire

Stage 1
The fist step is to turn the water off, and this can be done by locating and twisting the controlling valve. Then, test to see if this has been successful; the remaining water in the tap body should drip out slowly.

Once you are sure that all connected water sources have run dry, put the plug in to avoid losing anything down the drain.

Stage 2
Next, prise open the tap handle, which will expose the valve body.

Stage 3
Take a piece of cloth or a small bit of loo roll and cover the tap spout to prevent any damage to the chrome. Then, using an adjustable spanner, twist the valve until it is loose.

This will now expose the tap washer on the bottom that we need to change.

Stage 4
Undo the small nut on the bottom, prise out the washer, and in the insert place in the new tap washer.

Make sure you always place the washer the flat side down, and screw the retaining nut back on.

Stage 5
Now, wipe the valve down with some wire wool to remove any limescale that may have built up. It may also be a good idea to do the same with the inside of the tap.

The cause of the leaks - a split rubber washer.

Stage 6
Now that the hard work has been done, reassemble the tap in reverse order, and turn the water back on.

Stage 7
Finally, test to see if the tap has stopped leaking, and grab a beer for successfully obliterating the problem!

However, if you want to make replacing washers a thing of the past, then look at any BathEmpire contemporary tap, as they feature ceramic disc technology.

Given the truly diverse range of bathroom furniture and design available today, it is easier than ever to create a space which is both accessible and contemporary, in a style that is suited to your taste!

In the first part of this series, we focus on bathroom taps.

Keila Basin Mixer Tap by BathEmpire

Long Handle Taps

Traditionally, bathroom taps have been ornate with cross handles, requiring a clockwise turn to make the water flow. However, for those with arthritic joints, muscular weakness or inaccurate motor skills, this task would not be as easy.

Therefore, consider mixer taps with a long, single handle, such as those in the Kelia or Nachi range. These taps often require minimal effort – a simple movement to the left or right – to elicit the flow of water.

A good way to measure the resistance of the lever is to operate it with a single finger. If the task proved easy, then it is also likely that those with physical impairments will also find the task manageable.

Only ¼ Turn To Close Tap

Another feature to look out for in all taps is ceramic discs, which replace the customary rubber washer. Before, when tightening taps, rubber washers were used to prevent dripping. However, as these wore down, users would experience a stiff and perpetually dripping tap.

Now, a mere ¼ turn of the tap will stop the flow of water. No longer will frustration be caused by stiff taps, which may seem like you will need a spanner to open them! This process is illustrated in the video below:

Today, there are a numerous options which combine style and practicality, ensuring a designer solution to everyday life. If you would like help or advice in creating your ideal bathroom, feel free to contact the BathEmpire team.

So, we thought you might like to know that we have applied this ethic, whilst sourcing some fantastic kitchen mixer taps and pull out taps.

Kitchen Mixer Taps

Niagra Range - From £34.99

Tinkisso Range - From £64.99

Tolmer Range - From £64.99

Virginia Range - From £59.99

Pull Out Kitchen Taps

Tiffany Range - From £79.99

Fango Range - £69.99

These Kitchen mixer taps are available to buy now. So if you are looking for a brand new kitchen tap, with 10 years warranty and free next day delivery, head over to our tap section today.