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A stylish black mixer tap in a modern white bathroom with vanity and plants.
With hundreds of tap sets, individual tap handles and spouts available, it can be hard to know how to choose taps for your bathroom. Read our advice and find out more about bathroom tapware choices.

Types of taps

The two main types of taps are mixer taps and separate hot and cold taps. Both are available as a set with the spout included or as a separate tap and spout. Both taps can all be used for the basin, shower or bath and are often available in the same style for different applications, or you can mix and match.

When it comes to choosing taps for your bathroom, you need to consider your existing plumbing, where the taps will be installed and how they'll be used.

Mixer taps

Single lever mixer taps combine your hot and cold water. They allow you to set the temperature you want by moving the lever from one side to the other. 

Mixer taps are known as wall mounted taps because the plumbing fittings are set into the wall behind tiles or a splashback. Replacing a mixer tap usually requires some renovation work to put back tiles that have to be removed for access.

Separate hot and cold taps

An alternative to mixer taps, separate hot and cold taps feature two tap handles to control the water temperature through their own spout. 

These taps are described as wall top assemblies because the plumbing fittings sit on top (or in front) of the wall and tiles or splashback. This makes them easier to replace as the plumbing fittings are easier to access. If you're replacing taps, keep an eye on the size of the hole in the tiles behind the existing taps—you'll want to make sure the new taps you choose will cover that hole.

Know your tapware names

When searching online for the bathroom taps, we can make it easy to narrow down your search. For mixer taps, try searching for “wall mounted mixer” or for separate hot and cold taps, search for “wall top assembly”.

If you're going to fit basin taps to the basin itself, try searching for “hob mounted taps”. If you're planning a free-standing basin on top of your vanity, search for “vessel mixer taps” or “hi-rise mixer taps”.

These terms are also helpful when discussing taps with a Bunnings Team Member in-store. If you're not sure which is the right term for the tap you're looking for, just tell us in your own words.

Plan your bathroom design before you shop for taps

Consider your tap choices when planning your bathroom design and before you make any plumbing purchases. Creating a mood or vision board will ensure your tapware isn't an afterthought. This way you can be sure the taps you install at the end match the tiles you installed at the start. 

We recommend using a licensed plumber for all plumbing jobs for your safety and to preserve the warranty of your plumbing purchases.

Get your taps

Discover the wide range of bathroom tapware available at your local Bunnings Warehouse.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.

Please note: Our range of engineered stone products is no longer available. Our team members can help you with our wide range of alternatives to suit your project, and we're working closely with our suppliers to introduce new options soon.