Choosing the right wall tap or wall mixer starts with the fitting it needs to control. A wall mixer, diverter mixer and wall tap set may look similar once installed, but each one suits a different plumbing setup and outlet.
Start with the application first. Then check whether the product will control a basin spout, bath spout, shower head or two outlets through a diverter. Also check the finish, matching fittings, WaterMark approval and any WELS rating shown on the individual product page before ordering.
Wall Tap & Mixer Application
The first step is deciding whether you need a standard wall mixer, a wall mixer with diverter, a wall tap set or a ¼ turn wall assembly.
A standard wall mixer controls water temperature and flow from one lever. It is commonly used with a wall basin spout, bath spout or shower outlet. A wall mixer with diverter controls the water and lets you switch between two outlets, such as a bath spout and shower head.
Wall tap sets and quarter turn wall assemblies use separate hot and cold controls. They are often chosen for like-for-like replacements, traditional bathroom styles or layouts where the existing plumbing already suits separate wall controls.
If you are replacing separate hot and cold wall controls, our guide to installing quarter turn taps and wall assemblies can help you understand the basic fitting process before you order.
If you are replacing older tapware, check the existing plumbing before ordering. Changing from separate wall taps to a wall mixer may need plumbing work behind the wall. The same applies if you are changing from a mixer back to separate hot and cold controls.
Wall Tap & Mixer Finish
Once you know the right product type, match the finish to the fittings around it. Wall taps and mixers usually work best when they match the basin spout, bath spout, shower head, shower rail, waste and bathroom tapware.
Chrome is a practical choice for many bathrooms because it is easy to match across most tapware ranges. Matte black gives stronger contrast against white tiles, stone-look tiles and timber-look vanities. Brushed gold, brushed nickel and gunmetal finishes work well when you want a warmer or darker finish carried through the room.
If you are replacing one fitting only, match the existing finish as closely as possible. If you are updating the full bathroom tapware set, choose the finish family first, then select the wall mixer, wall spout and shower fittings from the same or compatible range.
Wall Tap & Mixer Styles
Wall mixers and wall taps come in round, square and range-specific styles. The right choice usually comes down to the fittings already in the bathroom and the shape of nearby products.
Round wall mixers suit softer bathroom designs, curved basins and round shower fittings. Square wall mixers suit straighter lines, square shower heads and more angular bathroom fixtures. Range matching is also worth checking. Choosing products from the same tapware family helps keep the handles, plates, spouts and finish tone consistent.
For more help deciding whether this setup suits your room, read our wall tapware guide for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
