Q. STANDARD TAPWARE V'S MIXER TAPS, WHICH IS BETTER?
A. When it comes to choosing between standard, or conventional tapware, and single lever mixer taps, most of the time it will come down to personal preference.
However, if you are wanting to change your shower or bath tapware from standard tapware to mixers you need to be aware that it will involve removing the wall linings and tiles to be able to change the plumbing in the wall. Mixers work off a totally different plumbing arrangement than standard tapware. If it is not possible to do this then your best option is to stick with standard tapware for the shower/ bath and then change the basin tapware to a mixer tap.
Mixer taps are certainly easier to use, there are no washers to keep changing, and as far as styling goes there are many more style options with mixer taps than with standard tapware. On the downside, young children and some elderly people may have some trouble regulating the water temperature properly.
Standard tapware may be more limited in design but there are still plenty of options here, and you will be sure to find on to suit you bathroom decor. On the downside there are the washers that need often replacing, and they can be difficult to turn on and off for children and the elderly, your best option for standard tapware is to choose one with ceramic disc valves instead of the standard washer (jumper) valve. The ceramic disc valves are much easier to operate and are available as 1/4, 1/2 or 3/4 turn, meaning you only have to turn the handle 1/4, 1/2 or 3/4 around to obtain a full flow. 3/4 turn ceramic diisc spindles will give the greatest control of water flow.