Laundry Taps Buying Guide
Laundry taps cover two jobs: the tap over the laundry tub or sink, and the pair of taps that supply the washing machine. This collection holds both, with sink mixers, pull-out mixers, wall sets and washing machine sets from Caroma, Meir, Nero, Clark, Phoenix and Indigo. It suits new laundries, renovations and anyone replacing a worn tap.
What taps does a laundry need?
Most laundries need two types. The first is a tap over the tub for filling buckets, hand washing and rinsing, which can be a sink mixer, a wall set or a three piece set. The second is a set of washing machine taps: a hot and cold pair of stop taps, usually mounted low on the wall behind or beside the machine, that the machine's hoses connect to.
What is the difference between a laundry tap and a washing machine tap?
A laundry sink tap is for everyday use, like a kitchen mixer. A washing machine tap is a functional stop valve that stays under pressure and is turned off when the machine is not in use or needs servicing. Examples here include the Caroma Luna Lever Washing Machine Tap Set, the Nero X Plus Washing Machine Stops and the Indigo Elite X Washing Machine Set. Even if your machine uses cold water only, most laundries are plumbed with both hot and cold outlets.
Should I choose a wall-mounted or bench-mounted laundry tap?
Wall-mounted taps, such as the Phoenix Radii Wall Sink Set or the Nero X Plus Wall Kitchen Set, keep the benchtop clear and suit freestanding tubs. Bench or tub-mounted mixers, such as the Caroma Liano II or Meir Round sink mixers, are easier to install on an existing cabinet with a tap hole. Measure the spout reach so water lands in the centre of the tub.
Is a pull-out mixer worth it in a laundry?
A pull-out mixer is useful for rinsing the tub, soaking muddy clothes, cleaning shoes or filling a bucket that will not fit under the spout. Options include the Caroma Liano II Pull Out Sink Mixer, the Meir Round Piccola Pull Out and the Nero Mecca Pull Out with vegie spray.
What finishes are available?
Laundry taps come in chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, brushed brass, champagne and Meir's Tiger Bronze. Matching the laundry tap to your kitchen or bathroom tapware gives a consistent look through the home. Brushed finishes hide water spots and fingerprints better than polished chrome.
Are lead free laundry taps available?
Yes. Several Caroma models, including Liano II, Urbane II, Luna and the Coolibah Classic Cross laundry set, are lead free versions. Look for lead free in the product name if you want to reduce lead exposure in drinking water.
Completing the room
Pair your tap with a tub from laundry sinks, or browse stainless steel laundry sinks. For matching kitchen fittings, see kitchen taps and pull out sink mixers.