tapware quality

[jennyp]

Hi - we are replacing our bathroom vanity and sink - a mini bathroom reno without going the whole hog. Can anyone recommend a decent mixer tap that is not ridiculously expensive, yet won't fall apart in no time? Considering options from Bunnings or Ikea, but don't know if 'cheap' really means 'nasty'. Choking at the idea of spending multiple hundreds on a tap though!!

[plum]

100 bucks will get you a decent basin mixer tap.

[jennyp]

100 bucks will get you a decent basin mixer tap.
Any particular brand you recommend or where to buy? Have looked at some online sites too, but again have no idea what's good and what's not.

[plum]

Go to a reputable national brand plumbing supplies, whose sales people have some idea about tapware and you'll get peace of mind back-up service, unlike ebay.

[METRIX]

Hi, make sure your tap has the "W" watermark certification, this is an indication of quality standards, but some imports will stamp this on the taps without certification, you can pick up good taps for around $90 - $120, that will last you a long time.

Watermark (http://www.watermark.standards.org.au/)

If you find the particular model / brand you are after do a search on ebay for this particular one, a lot of times you will find them there.

A good guide is to go by the warranty they offer, ebay sellers usually offer nothing, retailers will offer 1 to 5 years.

You do really get what you pay for in tapware, there is a lot of cheap imports which fall apart after a few years, you suggested IKEA, they do have some reasonably priced taps and the quality is not that bad this is because they sell millions of them worldwide they cannot afford to have inferior quality which will just cause problems in returns.

But I would suggest you visit some bathroom specialists and stick to well known brands.

[jennyp]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the help, cheers!