Italtile: Tap into over half a century of experience

Although it all began with beautiful porcelain tiles in 1969, Italtile rapidly set about diversifying the offering of Beautiful Living. Lasting partner friendships were forged in the fascinating realm of high-end interior design and décor; among these, the masterful makers of premium sustainable taps, and their knowledgeable suppliers. We’ve learnt that, while choosing the perfect taps for your home is an opportunity to elevate your space with elegant finishes and reflect your personal style (we understand that every detail counts when creating a cohesive space), value for money, functionality and durability are crucial considerations.  

As your trusted specialists in high-end luxury interior décor, Italtile is here to guide you through the selection of stunning taps that will perform flawlessly for years to come, with sound engineering backed by product guarantees.Let’s begin with the basics. From kitchen sinks to bathroom basins, tubs and showers (not forgetting outdoor installations), consider these top ten tips when purchasing taps to ensure you make the best choice for every room in your home.

1. Know Your Water Pressure Before You Choose

Understanding your home’s water pressure is a crucial first step in tap selection. Different taps are designed to operate optimally under specific pressure conditions. For instance, a beautiful mixer tap might not perform as expected in a low-pressure system, leading to disappointing flow. Conversely, a tap not suited for high pressure could lead to issues over time. The ideal water pressure for a house in South Africa is between 200-600kPa (kilopascals). Water pressure can fluctuate depending upon pipes, blockages and your municipal infrastructure (sore point for some!). If in doubt, consult your trusted plumber. Then: 

• Always inquire about the tap compatibility with water pressure before making a purchase. 

• Understand the differences between low pressure taps and high pressure taps to ensure optimal performance. 

• Consider how water pressure for mixer taps specifically impacts their functionality. 

• For complex situations or if you’re unsure about your home’s water pressure, it’s ALWAYS wise to consult a plumber.  

2. Choose the Right Tap Type for Each Space

The perfect tap for your kitchen will be very different from the one that suits your ensuite sanctuary. Italtile offers a diverse range of all types of taps for kitchen and bathroom spaces, each designed for specific needs and aesthetics. 

• Distinguish between types of taps for kitchen and bathroom based on their specific functionalities. 

• Explore different tap mechanisms: 

• 3-piece basin tap set for a classic look. 

• Single lever for ease of use and extra hygiene. 

• Sleek wall-mounted taps to free up counter space. 

• Understand the distinction between mixer vs pillar taps and their respective applications. 

• Consider various bath tap options to complement your bathing area.
  

3. Tap Hole Configurations Matter

Before falling in love with a tap design, always check your basin or bath’s tap hole configuration. Taps come in various setups, commonly 1-hole, 2-hole, and 3-hole designs, and the existing holes in your sanitaryware will dictate your choices. Of course, you may have a basin or bath with no tap hole ( in which case you’ll require a wall-mounted tap or pillar-type tap). 

• A mono mixer tap, for instance, requires a single tap hole. 

• Understand the tap hole guide and the implications of 1 hole vs 2 hole taps. 

• The configuration directly impacts tap installation requirements and what each setup limits or allows. 

• Don’t hesitate to ask us for a basin tap fitting guide if you’re unsure.

4. Ceramic Disc vs Rubber Washer: What’s Inside Counts

While often unseen, the internal mechanism of a tap plays a significant role in its durability and longevity. Traditional rubber washers can degrade over time, and this will lead to leaks and dripping. 

• Ceramic disc taps offer superior long-lasting tap mechanisms benefits. 

• These modern mechanisms provide a watertight seal, resisting wear and tear, and are known for being no-drip taps. 

• Compare the initial cost versus durability in a tap washer comparison. 

• Investing in ceramic discs leads to long-lasting tap mechanisms and are widely considered among the best tap valves available. Depending upon the water hardness, your ceramic disc tap could last a lifetime. 

5. Go Waterwise with Italtile’s Eco-Chic Taps

At Italtile, we are committed to sustainable living and all our local and imported taps will help you contribute to water conservation without compromising on style or performance. Each one carries our LiveGreen label.   

Many of our water-saving bathroom taps and kitchen taps feature integrated flow restrictors and taps with aerators. 

• These clever devices mix air into the water stream, reducing the volume of water used while maintaining effective pressure.  

• Explore our collection of taps with aerators for significant water and cost savings. 

• Go beyond green and into the Blue Economy with our imported Tivoli Taps: Every time you purchase a Tivoli tap, Italtile donates R2 to support our SharkWise Project. This initiative funds the incredible work of Dr Sara Andreotti and her teams of shark conservationists who have pioneered the world-famous SharkSafe Barrier.  

6. Find the Perfect Finish to Match Your Moodboard 

The finish of your taps is a powerful design element that can significantly influence the overall aesthetic of your space. Italtile offers an exquisite selection of popular finishes to complement any moodboard – from classic to modern. 

• Make a bold statement with forever-on-trend matt black bathroom taps. 

• Choose the timeless elegance of brushed gold taps. 

• Opt for the classic versatility of chrome mixer taps. 

• Consider the old-world charm of brushed bronze taps.  

• Be edgy with graphite taps and gunmetal taps. 

• Emphasise matching your chosen luxury tap finishes with your sanitaryware and tiles.

7. Best Tap Materials for Hard Water Areas

If you live in an area with hard water, the material of your taps becomes even more critical. Hard water contains high levels of minerals – like calcium and magnesium – which can cause issues like soap scum, limescale buildup in pipes and unsightly stains on appliances which can lead to corrosion over time. Hard water can also exacerbate skin irritation for some people who suffer from eczema.  

• Stainless steel tapsare superb anti-corrosive taps and are known for their longevity. 

• Brass taps for hard water are highly durable and resistant to corrosion. Many of Italtile’s taps are made from coated brass. 

• Investing in durable tap materials like brass or stainless steel will ensure your taps for mineral-rich water maintain their beauty and functionality for longer.

8. Speciality Taps for Accessibility & Hygiene

Modern tap technology offers innovative solutions for enhanced accessibility and hygiene. Italtile’s range includes stylish options that serve essential functions. 

• Explore hygienic bathroom taps such as touchless or sensor taps for bathroom that promote a germ-free environment. 

• Discover specialised medical grade taps for specific functional requirements. 

• Look out for intelligent design, like Italtile’s exclusive ranges of Idral Taps. 

9. Top Trending Tap Styles for 2025 

Stay ahead of the curve with Italtile’s selection of top trending tap styles 2025. We have something to inspire your next renovation, whether your taste leans towards minimalism, industrial and urban, or classic, retro or opulent styles. Brushed metallics (gold, brass, gunmetal and graphite) are getting a lot of airtime right now, and matt black has been on the trend lists for some time now.  

• Discover the sleek lines of minimalist kitchen taps. 

• Embrace the urban edge of industrial tap design. 

• Explore contemporary modern bathroom taps with innovative features. 

• Follow Italtile to be inspired by the full Italtile Tap Collection and stay tuned to the latest bathroom tap trends and what’s trending in kitchens and bathrooms. 

10. Need Help? Visit an Italtile Showroom Near You

We understand that choosing taps can be a detailed and lengthy process, and while browsing our extensive ranges in our webstore is a great start … sometimes, seeing is believing. We invite you to visit your nearest Italtile Showroom to experience our extensive collection firsthand. 

• Bring your measurements and plans for personalized assistance.  

• Our friendly, product-savvy and interior design-certified sales consultants are always on hand to provide expert guidance. 

• See real-life tap setups and visualise how different styles will look in your space.
  

In Conclusion. Selecting the right taps is a significant decision that impacts both the functionality and aesthetics of your home. By considering water pressure, tap type, hole configurations, internal mechanisms, water efficiency, finishes, materials, and trending styles, you can make an informed choice that brings lasting satisfaction. We hope these top ten tips have empowered you with the knowledge to choose wisely. 

Ready to find the perfect taps for your home? Explore Italtile’s exclusive ranges of local and imported taps online, or better yet, visit your nearest Italtile showroom today to tap into expert guidance and to see our stunning  waterwise collections in person. Among the many, many beautiful basin taps, bath taps, shower taps, bidet taps and every conceivable type of kitchen tap… your perfect waterwise designer tap awaits. 

Live Beautifully. 

Explore the full collection online
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