Laundry Tapware Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Taps for Your Laundry
As the head of purchasing at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, I’ve seen firsthand how much attention Perth homeowners now put into their laundries. No longer just a utility space, the laundry is becoming an extension of the home’s style—and tapware plays a bigger role than most people think. The right taps make your day-to-day jobs easier, but they also add to the look and feel of the room.
At Ross’s, we stock a wide range of new laundry taps and washing machine taps, giving you options that suit every space and budget. Whether you’re upgrading an old set-up or starting from scratch, this laundry tapware guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover styles, finishes, quality checks, and practical tips so you can feel confident when buying a new laundry tap.
Explore our full range online or visit our Guildford showroom to see the options in person.
Types of Laundry Taps and Mixers
The laundry is one of the hardest-working rooms in the house, so it makes sense to choose tapware that can keep up. From modern mixers to traditional three-piece sets, the type of tap you install will affect both how easy your laundry is to use and how it looks in the space. Let’s break down the main laundry tapware options so you can decide what’s best for your home.
Laundry Mixer Taps (Gooseneck, Hi-Rise, Standard)
When it comes to practicality and ease of use, laundry mixer taps are the most popular option in modern homes. With a single lever to control both hot and cold water, they’re simple, efficient, and perfect for busy households where convenience matters.
The beauty of mixers is in the variety of shapes and styles. A tall gooseneck mixer gives you plenty of clearance, making it easier to fill buckets or wash bulky items in a deep sink. A hi-rise tap offers similar benefits while helping reduce splashing, which is especially useful in smaller laundries. Standard mixers, on the other hand, are compact and functional, ideal for tighter spaces or where a streamlined look is preferred.
Beyond function, mixers come in a range of laundry tap styles and finishes—from classic chrome to modern matte black—so it’s easy to match your laundry tapware with the rest of your home. For many Perth households, choosing a mixer tap is the smart first step when buying laundry tapware, combining practicality, style, and value.
Pull-Out & Pull-Down Laundry Mixers
If you want more flexibility in your laundry, pull-out laundry taps are worth considering. Their extendable spray heads make rinsing tubs, washing down the sink, or even cleaning up after pets a whole lot easier. They give you the reach you need without the hassle of juggling buckets or hoses, which is why they’re becoming a favourite choice for those buying new laundry taps in Perth.
Pull-down sprayers and extendable nozzles also make light work of awkward jobs, turning your laundry sink into a truly multifunctional hub. Whether it’s spraying off muddy boots, filling a mop bucket, or rinsing the dog, this type of flexible tapware makes the laundry far more versatile for everyday life.
Wall-Mounted Swivel Spouts with Mixers or Assemblies
For laundries where bench space is limited, wall-mounted laundry taps are a practical and space-saving choice. By keeping the tapware off the benchtop, you free up valuable working area and create a cleaner, less cluttered look. This makes them especially popular in smaller laundries, apartments, or where every bit of surface space counts.
The addition of a swivel spout gives extra flexibility. Being able to swing the spout out of the way makes it easier to manoeuvre buckets, large trays, or even hand-wash delicate clothing in a deep tub. A well-designed wall-mounted assembly or mixer also keeps plumbing neat and contained, reducing splashback and making everyday laundry tasks far more convenient.
For Perth homeowners wanting a simple, functional solution that doesn’t compromise usability, wall-mounted swivel spouts strike the right balance between practicality and style. They’re a smart option within the wide range of laundry tapware options available at Ross’s.
Three-Piece Laundry Tapware Sets
For a more traditional set-up, three-piece tapware sets remain a reliable option. With separate hot and cold taps and a central spout, this style is familiar, functional, and often more affordable than mixers. Many older Perth homes still use them, and they remain a go-to in budget laundry renovations where keeping costs down is important.
While they may not have the sleek look of modern mixers, traditional taps are simple to operate and easy to maintain. They’re also a practical choice in rentals where durability and affordability are the priority. For homeowners still weighing up their options, three-piece sets are worth considering as part of any laundry tapware guide.
Washing Machine Taps & Stops
Even though they’re small and often overlooked, washing machine taps are some of the hardest-working fittings in any laundry. They’re essential for keeping your laundry appliances connected, your plumbing secure, and your laundry running smoothly. Choosing the right type of washing machine stops can make the difference between reliable performance and frustrating leaks down the track.
Standard Washing Machine Stops
Every laundry needs reliable connections for the washing machine, and that’s where washing machine stops come in. Usually installed in pairs for hot and cold water, these fittings may look simple but they’re one of the most important pieces of hardware in the room. Good-quality brass bodies and durable washers are key — they prevent leaks, protect your appliances, and keep your plumbing running smoothly for years to come.
Because they’re used so often, it’s worth investing in durable fittings rather than the cheapest option. When you’re considering tapware for washing machines, think of washing machine stops as a long-term safeguard. They might not be the most stylish part of your laundry, but they’re essential for everyday function.
Recessed Washing Machine Outlet Boxes
If you’re undergoing a laundry renovation and want a cleaner look, recessed outlet boxes are a handy option. Instead of having exposed taps, the hot and cold feeds sit neatly inside a wall box with a trim plate, keeping your laundry uncluttered. It’s not something every home needs, but for modern or minimalist designs it’s worth asking your plumber about.
TL;DR: Washing machine taps might be small, but they’re essential. Standard stops are reliable and built to last, while recessed outlet boxes are a neat upgrade for modern laundries. Either way, investing in durable fittings protects your appliances and plumbing long term.
Tapware Finishes & Durability
When choosing laundry tapware, the finish you select will influence both the overall look of the room and how well the taps hold up to daily use. From timeless chrome to on-trend matte black, the right finish can tie your laundry design together while ensuring long-lasting durability.
Chrome Laundry Taps: Timeless and Practical
The most popular choice for decades, chrome laundry taps remain affordable, versatile, and easy to maintain. Their polished surface is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and blends seamlessly with both traditional and modern laundries. For anyone wondering where to start, chrome is the safe bet—it’s timeless, durable, and suits every style.
Matte Black Laundry Tapware: Bold and Modern
For homeowners wanting a statement look, matte black laundry tapware has become one of the most popular choices in recent years. Its bold colour and smooth finish give any laundry an instant contemporary edge, making it perfect for modern renovations.
Beyond style, today’s black taps feature a durable coating designed to resist scratches and marks, so they hold up well in a busy space like the laundry. Whether you’re installing a gooseneck mixer or a three-piece set, matte black fits seamlessly into a range of laundry designs, pairing especially well with white sinks, timber cabinetry, or concrete benchtops.
If you’re looking for a modern tapware finish that turns a functional room into something more stylish, matte black is a confident choice.
Brushed Gold, Nickel, Brass & Gunmetal: Premium Finishes with Character
If you’re looking to elevate your laundry with a touch of luxury, brushed finishes like nickel, brass, gold, and gunmetal bring warmth and personality that standard chrome can’t match. These tones sit beautifully in modern laundries where the tapware becomes more than just functional—it’s part of the design statement.
Brushed nickel taps are subtle and versatile, pairing well with both light and dark cabinetry. Brushed gold tapware adds instant warmth and a touch of glamour, while brass brings a more traditional yet premium look. Gunmetal, with its darker tone, has a contemporary edge and works well in industrial-inspired interiors.
While these finishes cost more, they’re still worth considering when buying laundry tapware, particularly if you want a cohesive look that flows through the kitchen and bathrooms as well. With the right care, they can last for years while maintaining their designer appeal.
For more advice on finishes, see our full guide to tapware finishes.
TL;DR: Chrome is affordable and timeless, matte black brings bold modern style, and brushed finishes add a premium designer touch. Each option differs in cost and upkeep, so the right choice comes down to balancing budget, durability, and the look you want for your laundry.
No matter which finish you choose, regular care makes a big difference in maintaining that fresh new look. For step-by-step maintenance advice, see our full guide on how to clean tapware.
Pairing with Laundry Sinks & Accessories
If you’re wondering how to choose a laundry tap, the best place to start is with your sink. The depth and size of the tub, along with any accessories you plan to use, will determine which taps will work best in practice. Matching your laundry sink and tap ensures the space isn’t just stylish but also easy to use for day-to-day tasks. For inspiration, see our guide on the latest 2025 laundry room and sink design trends.
Laundry Sink Depth Considerations
The depth of your laundry sink can dictate which tapware is the most functional. A deep laundry tub benefits from swivel or hi-rise taps, which give you the extra clearance needed for buckets, trays, or handwashing. For shallower sinks, a pull-out mixer often makes life easier by giving you flexible reach without the risk of splashing.
When planning your laundry layout, it’s important to think about how the sink and tap will work together. Get this pairing right, and you’ll avoid awkward clearances and make everyday chores far simpler.
For more advice on sinks, see our guide on how to choose the perfect laundry tub or sink for your home.
Laundry Accessories to Complement
The right accessories can make your laundry more efficient and enjoyable to use. Simple additions like soap trays, draining boards, and baskets improve workflow and organisation, turning a purely functional space into one that works smarter.
When choosing tapware, it’s worth also considering these extras—because the best laundry tapware options are those that complement how you actually use the room day-to-day. From managing wet clothes to keeping the bench clear, accessories play a big role in laundry organisation and overall workflow efficiency.
If you’re in the process of choosing laundry taps, it’s also the perfect time to think about how storage and accessories will fit into the picture. For more inspiration, see our comprehensive guide to organising your laundry space.
Quality, Efficiency & Warranty
When buying a new laundry tap, it’s easy to focus on style first. But quality, water efficiency, and warranty coverage are just as important. A tap with poor build quality can leak or fail quickly, while a tap without the right WELS rating can waste water and cost you more over time. Choosing well-built, compliant, and well-backed tapware ensures your laundry runs smoothly and your investment lasts for years.
WELS Ratings & Water-Saving Impact
When choosing laundry tapware, a good WELS star rating isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about substantial long-term savings. WELS-rated taps use significantly less water: high-efficiency models often tap out between 4.5 to 6 litres per minute, compared to older options that can exceed 15 L/min.
The WELS scheme has made a real environmental impact: since 2005, it’s cut Australian water use by an estimated 1,800 gigalitres—enough to fill 735,000 Olympic swimming pools—and saved consumers around $16 billion in utility bills (insidewater.com.au)
By choosing taps with 4–5 star WELS ratings, you’re investing in water-saving performance that will be both eco-smart and cost-efficient.
Warranty Confidence
When you’re buying new laundry taps, it’s not just about style and efficiency—it’s also about peace of mind. A strong tapware warranty is a sign that the product is built to last. It shows the manufacturer is confident in their materials, fittings, and finishes, and it gives you reassurance that if anything goes wrong, you’re covered.
At Ross’s, our range of new laundry taps is backed by warranties of 5-15 years, offering both quality assurance and reliability. Choosing taps with generous warranties not only protects your investment but also reflects a commitment to long-lasting tapware that can withstand everyday use in busy laundries.
When comparing options, always check the warranty details. It’s a quick way to separate truly reliable fittings from those that might cost you more in the long run.
Design & Function Tips for a Smarter Laundry
Your laundry deserves the same attention to detail as your kitchen or bathroom. By making smart choices with tapware selection, you can strike the right balance between design and functionality. These tips will help you create a laundry that not only works well but also flows seamlessly with the rest of your home.
Match Tapware Across Rooms
Consistency creates a polished look. Carrying the same style tapware and finish across your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry ensures your home feels cohesive:
- Bathrooms – match the same finish and handle style.
- Kitchen – echo your mixer design for whole-home flow.
- Laundry – tie in the same colours or materials for a professional finish.
A well-planned laundry doesn’t stand out as mismatched—it feels like part of the bigger design picture. This is a key principle in any laundry tapware guide when choosing laundry taps.
Consider Mounting Type
The way your tapware is installed changes both appearance and usability:
- Bench-mounted laundry taps: easy to install, flexible, and practical for most tubs.
- Wall-mounted laundry taps: save bench space, offer a modern look, but may need extra plumbing work.
Thinking through your mounting style upfront ensures your laundry layout feels intentional and functional.
Balance Functionality and Style
Your tapware should look good—but it must also perform every day. Each style has its place:
- Mixers – one-handle simplicity for busy households.
- Pull-outs – versatile, making it easier to rinse tubs or fill buckets.
- Three-piece sets – traditional styling with separate hot and cold taps.
When comparing laundry tapware options, remember that buying laundry tapware is about balancing everyday usability with functional design.
Laundry Tapware FAQs
Conclusion
Choosing the right laundry tapware can completely change the way your laundry looks and works. From everyday mixers and swivel spouts to durable washing machine stops, each option has its role. Finishes like chrome, matte black, or brushed metals let you match your style, while WELS ratings and strong warranties guarantee performance and peace of mind. Design tips—like keeping tapware consistent across your home and pairing it with the right sink—make the space not only practical but also stylish.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we make buying laundry tapware simple and affordable. Our wide range of laundry taps in Perth combines quality, functionality, and timeless design—backed by local expertise you can trust.
Discover the perfect tapware for your home and budget. Explore our extensive range of bathroom products and tapware online, or visit our Perth store today.
