Basin Taps Guide: Mixer, Pillar and Mono

Quick answer

Choose a basin tap by two things: how many tap holes your basin has, and your water pressure. A mono (monobloc) basin mixer fits a single hole and blends hot and cold through one spout, which is the most common choice. Pillar taps need two holes, and three-hole mixers need three. Always check the tap's minimum pressure against your system, as low-pressure and gravity-fed homes need taps rated for it. Grohe basin mixers at Kent Traders start around £56.

Match the tap to your basin's holes

The first thing to check is how many pre-drilled tap holes your basin has, because it dictates the tap style you can fit.

Tap type Holes needed Notes
Mono / monobloc basin mixer 1 Most common; one spout, single lever or two handles
Pillar taps 2 Separate hot and cold taps
3-hole deck mixer 3 Spout plus two separate handles
Wall-mounted mixer 0 (wall) Plumbed through the wall, basin has no holes

Check your water pressure

This is the most common cause of disappointment with a new tap. Taps have a minimum operating pressure, and some designs need more than others. If you have a combi boiler or a mains-pressure unvented system you usually have good pressure and most taps will work. If you have a gravity-fed system, with a cold tank in the loft and a hot cylinder, your pressure may be low, so choose taps specifically rated for low pressure. Always check the product's stated minimum bar pressure against your system before buying.

Basin, cloakroom and bath taps

For a standard basin, a mono basin mixer is the usual pick. For a small cloakroom basin, a compact cloakroom mono mixer suits the tighter space. For the bath you have separate options: a bath filler simply fills the bath, while a bath shower mixer adds a handset for showering over the bath. Match the finish, usually chrome, across your taps and other bathroom fittings for a consistent look.

Other things to check

Confirm whether the tap is supplied with a waste (some basin mixers include a pop-up waste, some do not), check the spout height and reach suit your basin, and make sure the connections match your supply pipes. Single-lever taps are easy to use one-handed; two-handle taps give separate hot and cold control.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mono basin mixer?

A monobloc, or mono, basin mixer is a single tap that blends hot and cold and delivers them through one spout, fitting a basin with a single tap hole. It is the most common basin tap.

Should I choose a mixer or pillar taps?

It depends on your basin. A mixer fits one hole and gives blended-temperature water from one spout; pillar taps are two separate taps needing two holes. Match the tap to the holes your basin has.

Do basin taps need a minimum water pressure?

Many do. Check the tap's stated minimum pressure against your system. Gravity-fed and low-pressure homes should choose taps rated for low pressure to avoid weak flow.

How do I know how many tap holes my basin has?

Look at the basin: one hole takes a mono mixer, two holes take pillar taps, and three holes take a deck-mounted mixer. Wall-mounted taps need no holes in the basin.

Do basin mixer taps come with a waste?

Some do and some do not. Check the product description; where a pop-up waste is not included you may need to buy one separately.