Phoenix Cromford

The key factor is the height and style of your basin. For standard inset or semi-recessed basins, a regular deck-mounted basin mixer with a spout height of around 100–140mm works well. However, if you have an above-counter or vessel basin, where the bowl sits on top of the benchtop, you will need a tall basin mixer with a spout height of 180mm or more, otherwise the spout will sit below the basin rim and water will splash onto the benchtop. Wall-mounted mixers offer another option for above-counter basins, with the height controlled by your rough-in position. Always confirm basin rim height before purchasing your tapware.

While bath mixers and basin mixers may look similar, they are not interchangeable. The key technical difference is the water supply connection size. This difference matters because filling a bathtub requires a significantly higher flow rate, a basin mixer simply cannot deliver water fast enough to fill a bath in a reasonable time. Always use tapware specified for bath applications when fitting out a bath, and consult your plumber if you are unsure.

A shower mixer (or shower tap) is the control valve that regulates the flow and temperature of water to your shower. A single-lever mixer controls both temperature and flow with one handle. A thermostatic mixer maintains a pre-set water temperature even if pressure changes elsewhere in the system, a safer and more convenient option, particularly for households with children. Shower mixers in Australia must comply with AS 3718 standards.

Wall-mounted bath mixers and spouts are fixed to the wall above or beside the bath, they create a clean, uncluttered look and suit most built-in and back-to-wall bath styles. Hob-mounted (deck-mounted) bath taps sit on the rim or surrounding ledge of the bath. Freestanding floor-mounted bath mixers are a statement option for freestanding baths, the tapware stands independently on the floor beside or behind the bath and is supplied through plumbing brought up through the floor. Finally, over-bath shower systems combine a bath filler spout with an integrated shower, offering versatility in smaller bathrooms.