Often underrated, the choice of a toilet tap nonetheless plays an essential role in your everyday comfort. Here we are not talking about the isolation valve for the cistern, but the small basin tap fitted in the toilet for washing your hands. Compact, practical and good-looking, it has to suit the often tiny space of this room. So which model should you choose for your needs? The small models are found among our basin taps.
The features of a good toilet tap
Compact size
In a toilet, every centimetre counts. The tap needs to be small, not stick out much and be easy to use. Short-spout or wall-mounted models are ideal.
Suitable design
Go for a plain, discreet style. Chrome, matt or stainless steel finishes blend well into modern or classic settings.
Practicality
A single-control tap or a mixer tap is often more practical than separate hot and cold taps, especially in a room where you spend little time.
Types of tap available for a cloakroom basin
Standard deck-mounted tap
This is the most common model. It fits directly onto a small cloakroom basin or washbasin. It takes up little space and suits all types of plumbing.
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Wall-mounted toilet tap
Fixed to the wall above the cloakroom basin, it frees up space on the basin and gives a more open look. Perfect for very tight corners.
3-way toilet tap
This specific model can supply a cloakroom basin, a cistern and, if you wish, a bidet shower at the same time. It is a clever choice for a space-saving installation.
What criteria should you use to choose?
Type of basin or cloakroom basin
Make sure the tap is compatible with the basin: a tall tap for a countertop basin, a swivel spout for shallow shapes. The points to check are detailed in our article on tap and basin compatibility.
Direction of operation
Favour a model that is easy to handle, with an ergonomic handle or single lever. In a narrow space, a central or side lever is more practical.
Connection and centres
Check the diameter of the pipes and the spacing if it is a wall-mounted model. Standard inlets are generally 3/8 or 1/2 inch.
Easy upkeep
A chrome-plated brass or stainless steel model resists limescale better. Some taps include removable anti-limescale aerators.
Fitting a toilet tap
Standard fitting
For a deck-mounted tap, just screw it onto the basin, connect the supply hoses and check for leaks. The full step-by-step is in our guide to changing a basin tap.
Wall-mounted fitting
It needs a concealed or wall connection. This type of tap is generally supplied with the fixing kit and the cover plates.
3-way tap
Trickier to fit, you need the right adapters and a clear plan for splitting the water outlets. This model makes real use of the space in modern toilets.
Adding a bidet shower: hygiene and comfort
The toilet bidet shower, also called a hygiene shower, is an increasingly common accessory in modern toilets. It cleans more effectively and more sustainably than paper alone. Fitting is simple when you use a 3-way toilet tap, which supplies the cistern, the cloakroom basin and the bidet shower from a single supply.
Advantages of the bidet shower
- Improves personal hygiene
- Reduces toilet paper use
- Also handy for cleaning the toilet bowl or the floor
Quick installation
The bidet shower is fixed to the wall close to the toilet, with a hose connected to the 3-way tap. It is all compact and easy to use every day.
