How do you know if a tap is good quality

With 13 years in the sanitary ware industry, I've seen countless consumers struggle with leaky, rusted, and temperature-unstable mixer taps. From managing e-commerce operations for a bathroom brand since 2012 to optimizing SEO for plumbing products, I've learned what makes a quality mixer tap. This guide shares my hands-on experience to help you evaluate mixer taps for both bathroom and kitchen use.

Material Determines Lifespan

Bathroom environments stay humid year-round. Material choice directly impacts longevity. Three main materials dominate the market: brass (68% market share in 2025 according to the China Sanitary Ware Association), stainless steel, and zinc alloy. I once encountered zinc alloy taps from a factory that cracked within six months. Brass taps typically last 8–10 years with proper usage. A simple magnet test reveals that brass won't stick, while zinc alloy shows slight magnetic attraction.

Cartridge Quality Is Critical

Cartridges control water temperature and flow. Ceramic cartridges continue to be the industry standard, with a lifespan exceeding 500,000 uses. Industry complaint data shows 30% of leaks stem from poor cartridge quality. Test handle movement when shopping. Quality cartridges feel smooth without sticking. Inferior products have noticeable play. Highlighting cartridge warranties (like 5-year guarantees) boosted conversion rates by 27% in my SEO campaigns.

Special Considerations for High-Rise Basin Taps

High-rise basin taps (over 20 cm tall) prevent splashing for low vanity units. Check that the cartridge height matches your countertop hole. I've handled cases requiring re-drilling due to mismatched dimensions. Rotating high-rise models improved user satisfaction by 40% in customer surveys.