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Tapware is one of those details that people agonise over in a renovation — and rightly so. It affects how the room looks and how it functions every single day. But with so many options at wildly different price points, it is easy to get confused. Here is a practical guide to help you choose well.
Types of Tapware
Mixer Taps
A single lever or handle controls both hot and cold water. The most common type in modern New Zealand bathrooms and kitchens. Easy to use, easy to control temperature, and available in every finish and style imaginable.
Separate Hot and Cold Taps
The traditional two-tap setup, still found in older homes and some heritage-style renovations. Less convenient than a mixer, but can suit certain design aesthetics. Often found on freestanding baths.
Thermostatic Mixers
A step up from standard mixers — these maintain a precise water temperature regardless of pressure fluctuations in the supply. Excellent for showers, particularly in homes with variable pressure or where children or elderly people use the shower. More expensive but a meaningful safety and comfort upgrade.
Sensor (Touchless) Taps
Increasingly common in commercial settings and now appearing in residential kitchens. Convenient for hygiene and great if you have messy hands while cooking. Require power (battery or mains). Higher cost and some maintenance complexity.
Finishes
The finish affects both appearance and durability. Common options in NZ:
- Chrome: The classic and most durable. Easy to clean, resists tarnishing, suits any bathroom style. Most affordable.
- Brushed nickel / gunmetal: Popular in contemporary bathrooms. Shows water spots less than chrome. Generally mid-price.
- Matte black: Very popular right now in Auckland renovations. Striking against white tiles. Quality matters — cheap matte black finishes can chip or wear. Buy quality.
- Brushed gold / brass: Premium look, suits Scandi and warm-toned bathrooms. More expensive and requires gentle cleaning to maintain.
Important: In a bathroom, choose one finish and stick to it across all tapware, accessories, and hardware. Mixing finishes looks unfinished.
What to Look For in Quality Tapware
Ceramic Disc Cartridges
Quality mixers use ceramic disc cartridges — they operate smoothly, last for decades, and do not drip. Cheap taps often use rubber washers that wear out within a few years and start dripping.
Ask the supplier or check the specification sheet. If it says ceramic disc, it is quality. If it does not mention cartridge type, be cautious.
Brass Body
The body of the tap should be solid brass, not zinc alloy (often labelled as "zamak"). Brass is durable and corrosion resistant. Zinc alloy taps corrode from the inside over time and can fail at the body rather than just needing a new cartridge.
Check the product specifications. A heavy tap usually indicates brass. A surprisingly light tap is often zinc alloy.
WELS Rating
The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) rates tapware from 1 to 6 stars. Higher is more water-efficient. In Auckland, where water is metered by Watercare, more efficient tapware saves money over time. Look for at least 4-star WELS rating on bathroom tapware.
NZ Warranty and Parts Availability
A 5-year warranty is the minimum to look for from a reputable brand. More importantly, ask whether replacement cartridges and parts are available in New Zealand. A beautiful tap that cannot be repaired because parts are not stocked locally is an expensive problem.
Brands Worth Considering in New Zealand
Without recommending specific products, well-regarded brands in the NZ market that have good parts availability include Methven (NZ-owned), Rogerseller, Grohe, and Dorf. These are available through plumbing merchants and bathroom retailers.
Avoid buying tapware from overseas online retailers unless you are confident about parts availability and warranty support in NZ.
What Does Tapware Installation Cost?
- Basin mixer (supply connection, same position): $100 to $200 labour (plus tap cost)
- Kitchen mixer replacement: $120 to $250 labour
- Shower mixer replacement (exposed, accessible): $150 to $300 labour
- Full bathroom tapware fit-off (renovation): $400 to $800 labour depending on the number of fixtures
If you supply your own tapware and it is a straightforward like-for-like swap, you are primarily paying for an hour or two of labour. More complex installations (concealed shower systems, relocating tapware) cost more. See our pricing page for standard hourly rates.
Can I Supply My Own Taps?
Yes — we are happy to install tapware you have already purchased. Just make sure you buy the right connection sizes (NZ standard is 15mm compression connections for most tapware) and check you have the right type for your setup (e.g. high-pressure vs low-pressure rated taps).
If you are unsure, ask us before you buy.
Tapware as Part of a Renovation
If you are planning a bathroom renovation or kitchen renovation, tapware selection should happen early. The position and type of tapware affects rough-in plumbing — the pipes in the walls need to be in the right place before tiles go on. Changing your mind after tiles are up is expensive.
While your plumber is on site for tapware, it is also a good time to check the hot water system and replace any ageing flexi hoses under sinks.
Upgrading Your Tapware?
Water and Gas Worx supplies and installs tapware across Auckland. We are registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board and work with all major brands. We can advise on what will work best in your bathroom or kitchen.
Call 0800 322 322 or email service@wgw.co.nz
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to replace a kitchen or bathroom tap?
A straightforward like-for-like mixer replacement takes about 30 to 60 minutes. If connections need modifying or access is difficult, allow up to 2 hours. We can usually do multiple taps in one visit to save on call-out time.
What does a plumber charge to install tapware?
Our rate is $155 plus GST for the first hour, then $100 plus GST per hour after that. After-hours is $295 plus GST for the first hour, then $100 plus GST per hour after that. Public holidays are $395 plus GST for the first hour, then $100 plus GST per hour after that. We can quote before starting so you know the cost upfront.
Should I buy my own taps or get the plumber to supply them?
Either works. If you buy your own, check that the connection sizes match NZ standards (15mm compression is standard) and confirm they are rated for your water pressure. If you are unsure, ask us before purchasing and we can advise on what will work.