How to Choose the Best Fittings

Go to any hardware store and there is a mind boggling array of fittings to choose from. Whether you are there on a mission from your builder to choose from a range of tapware when building a new home or undergoing a renovation and need to update those tired old faucets, ensuring you choose correctly will save you valuable time and money in the end.

Unfortunately not all of us are plumbing experts but we can come to learn the basics in choosing which style or type of fitting would work best in the situation they are intended for.

Firstly you need to have a think about which room (indoor or outdoor) that you are purchasing tapware for.

Kitchens

The kitchen is the most used room in a home so it comes without saying that the tapware you choose here must be functional and sturdy.

The tap here is going to be used more than other tap in the home and this can be all throughout the day and into the night.

You are looking to source tapware that is:

• Practical (often a mixer tap works best here)
• High quality
• Fits your decore
• Budget friendly
• Water efficient
• Able to filter water (if desired)

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are becoming more and more like retreats in themselves so we see the popularity of mixer taps here to simplify the design and functionality.  Once upon a time a spout and a hot and cold water tap was the style of the day.  Modern design sees the emergence of unique styles coupled with economical consumption of hot and cold water.

When choosing bathroom plumbing fittings consider:

• Sleek design (large spouts over a bathtub can pose a risk)
• Shower head design (wall mount or top mount)
• Functionality
• Easy to clean
• Safety (temperature regulated)
• Sturdiness
• Colour (chrome, gold, black, two tone)
• Water efficiency

Laundry

Another hard working area in home, the laundry definitely needs the most water efficient fittings available.

Here you are likely to have an outlet for the washing machine along with hot and cold taps along with fittings over the laundry sink.

Choose fittings that are:

• Easy to clean
• In line with your decore
• Achieve good water flow
• Temperature regulated
• Water efficient

Outdoors

Generally there are one to two taps on the outside of a home and here practicality usually takes precedence over style. Outdoor taps need to be:

• Impervious to weather conditions
• High quality
• Easy to use
• Water efficient

With some thoughtful consideration of the tapware you need, you can choose wisely and cost effectively.

Remember though if you need help with what fittings would best suit the areas in your home or need a professional and licensed plumber to install your new fittings, give the friendly team at MJ Walker Plumbing a call.