To choose the right tap, first match the tap type to where it goes: pillar tap or basin mixer on the wash basin, bib tap on the wall, sink cock or sink mixer in the kitchen, and a wall mixer or concealed diverter in the shower area. Then insist on a brass body (not zinc or plain plastic), a quarter-turn ceramic disc or good cartridge, a multi-layer chrome or PVD finish, and a brand with spares available locally. Check your water pressure and hard water before choosing mixers.
- Pillar taps mount on the basin; bib taps and sink cocks mount on the wall.
- A brass body lasts far longer than zinc alloy; PTMT/plastic is fine only for utility areas.
- Quarter-turn ceramic disc valves drip far less than old rubber-washer taps.
- Low pressure or uneven hot/cold supply affects which mixer works well.
- Concealed diverters must be chosen and fitted before tiling.
Why tap choice matters more than it looks
A tap gets opened and closed thousands of times a year. Yet many people pick taps in a few minutes, by design alone. At our Dhakoli store, most "my tap is leaking" complaints trace back to three things: a zinc body that corroded from inside, a cheap valve that could not handle hard water, or a mixer that did not suit the home's water pressure.
This guide walks you through the right tap type for each spot, the materials to look for, and how to match taps to Zirakpur's water conditions.
Types of taps and where each one goes
| Tap type | Mounting | Where to use |
|---|---|---|
| Pillar tap | On the basin or counter, water enters from below | Wash basins (cold water only) |
| Basin mixer | On the basin; single lever or two handle | Wash basins with hot and cold supply |
| Bib tap / bib cock | On the wall, horizontal inlet | Bathroom bucket point, washing area, balcony |
| Sink cock | On the wall, long swivel spout | Kitchen sinks |
| Sink mixer | On the sink or counter, often pull-out | Kitchen sinks with hot water |
| Wall mixer | On the wall, exposed body | Shower area, with a shower or bath spout |
| Concealed diverter | Hidden in the wall, only the lever shows | Shower area: 2-in-1, 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 outlets |
| Angle valve | On the wall, feeds a connection pipe | Under basins, behind WCs, geyser and RO inlets |
| Health faucet | Hand-held spray with hose | Beside the WC |
Shop-counter tip: Planning a concealed diverter? Buy the concealed body before tiling, and get it pressure-tested by your plumber. Also buy the trim kit (lever and plate) from the same brand and series, because bodies and trims are not interchangeable across brands.
Tap body material: the single biggest quality factor
Choose
- Brass body: Heavy, strong and corrosion resistant. It is the standard in branded bathroom fittings.
- Forged or full-brass bodies for mixers and diverters that stay inside the wall for years.
- Stainless steel (SS 304) for kitchen sink taps, if you prefer a brushed look.
Avoid or limit
- Zinc alloy bodies: Cheaper, but they can corrode from inside and crack, especially with hard water.
- Thin chrome over plastic: Looks shiny in the shop, peels in a year or two.
- PTMT/plastic taps: Rust-free and cheap, so fine for balconies and utility points, but not for main bathrooms.
Quick weight test: Lift two taps of the same size. A brass tap feels clearly heavier than a zinc one. Also check the BIS ISI mark where applicable, and the brand's warranty card.
Valve, finish, pressure and hard water
Valve: quarter-turn ceramic disc
Most good taps now use a quarter-turn ceramic disc valve: a quarter turn opens fully, and two polished ceramic discs seal tightly. Older full-turn taps with rubber washers are cheaper but drip sooner. Single lever mixers use a ceramic cartridge instead.
Finish
Chrome is the most durable everyday finish. Matt black, gold, rose gold and gunmetal look striking, so choose a PVD finish from a good brand if you want colour that lasts.
Water pressure
- Independent houses with an overhead tank often have low pressure, so avoid rain showers and mixers that need high pressure.
- Flats with pressure pumps can have high pressure, so a pressure-reducing valve or good-quality cartridge helps.
- Geyser line vs tank line at very different pressures can make single lever mixers jump between hot and cold.
Hard water
Much of Zirakpur and Dhakoli gets moderately hard water. So clean the aerator every month or two, buy better cartridges, and avoid acid cleaners on chrome.
Size, reach and fitting checks before you buy
- Inlet size: Most Indian taps use a standard 15 mm (½ inch) inlet. Check before buying imported designs.
- Spout reach and height: The spout should reach near the centre of the basin or sink. For table-top (vessel) basins, you need a tall-body mixer or a wall-mounted tap.
- Tap holes: Count the holes in your basin or counter: 1-hole for single lever, 3-hole for widespread two handle mixers.
- Wall distance: For bib taps and sink cocks, check how far the wall point is from the sink so the spout lands in the right spot.
- Spares: Buy a brand whose cartridges and spindles are easily available in Tricity, such as Jaquar, Cera, Hindware or Parryware.
Which taps should you buy?
Main bathroom
Single lever basin mixer, wall mixer or 3-in-1 concealed diverter, and health faucet, all brass bodied from one series.
Kitchen sink
Wall-mounted sink cock with swivel spout, or a sink mixer if you have hot water.
Rental flat or second bathroom
Brass pillar tap and bib cock from a mid-range brand, instead of cheap zinc mixers.
Balcony and wash area
Good PTMT or brass bib tap. Rust-free and easy to replace.
Still deciding? Compare single lever vs two handle basin mixers, brands in Jaquar vs Cera vs Parryware taps and Jaquar vs Kohler, or see brands better than Jaquar. For styles, see latest tap designs 2026, and for the basin, read table top vs under counter wash basins. Browse our sanitary products, book a plumber in Dhakoli, or read more guides in How to Choose, including how to choose door handles.
See and test taps at our Dhakoli store
Feel the weight, try the lever and compare finishes side by side. Or WhatsApp us a photo of your basin or sink with your budget, and we will suggest the right taps.
SCO 13, Ground Floor, Srishti Plaza, opp. DWPS, Dhakoli, Zirakpur 160104 · Free delivery above ₹500 in Dhakoli & nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a good quality tap?
Choose a tap with a brass body, a quarter-turn ceramic disc valve or a good ceramic cartridge, a multi-layer chrome or PVD finish, and a brand whose spares are available locally. A good brass tap feels noticeably heavier than a zinc one of the same size.
What is the difference between a pillar tap and a bib tap?
A pillar tap stands on the wash basin or counter and takes water from a pipe below. A bib tap is fixed on the wall and takes water from a horizontal wall pipe. Use pillar taps on basins and bib taps at bucket points, washing areas and balconies.
Which is better, a brass tap or a zinc tap?
A brass tap is better. Brass resists corrosion, handles hard water well and lasts many years. Zinc alloy taps are cheaper, but they can corrode from inside and crack, especially in hard water areas like Zirakpur.
Pressure, hard water and brand questions
Which taps are best for low water pressure?
For low pressure homes, such as independent houses fed from an overhead tank, choose taps and mixers rated for low pressure, avoid large rain showers, and keep aerators clean. Two handle mixers also cope better when hot and cold pressures are uneven.
How do I protect taps from hard water?
Clean the aerator every month or two by soaking it in diluted vinegar, wipe taps dry after use, avoid harsh acid cleaners on chrome and coloured finishes, and buy a brand with good ceramic cartridges. A water softener or whole-house filter helps if you see heavy white deposits.
What size are bathroom taps in India?
Most bathroom and kitchen taps in India use a standard 15 mm (half inch) inlet thread. What varies is the spout reach and body height, so match those to your basin or sink.
Which tap brand is best in India?
Jaquar, Kohler, Grohe, Cera, Hindware and Parryware are among the most trusted tap brands in India. Jaquar and Cera offer wide ranges and easily available spares in the Tricity area, while Kohler and Grohe are premium choices.