Commercial Taps

How to Choose the Right Commercial Tap

The starting point is always the environment. Healthcare and clinical settings typically require sensor taps or thermostatic taps to meet infection prevention standards and outlet temperature control requirements. Education settings benefit from sensor or non concussive taps to prevent water waste and withstand heavy use. Offices and hospitality can use the full range depending on specification level and budget.

The second consideration is mounting. Wall mounted taps are cleaner aesthetically and easier to maintain in environments where the basin surface needs to stay clear. Deck mounted taps are the standard for most counter basins and require a pre cut tap hole in the basin or surface. Wall mounted installation requires pipework in the wall, so this is easier to specify at new build or refurbishment stage.

For any setting where vulnerable users are present including care homes, schools and healthcare, check whether a TMV is required. A thermostatic mixing valve limits the outlet temperature to protect against scalding. TMV3 is the relevant standard for healthcare. WRAS approval is not a legal requirement but is commonly written into public sector specifications, so check individual listings if this is a project requirement.

If water saving is a priority, sensor taps offer the greatest reduction through automatic shutoff and controlled flow rates. Non concussive taps also cut consumption effectively at a lower price point. Both are well suited to high footfall environments where taps being left running is a routine problem.