Best place to get a bath/shower tap from?

beckstar1975

I need to urgently replace my bath/shower mixer tap and fortuitously have a plumber coming next week for something else that can do it, as long as I buy the tap. 

Where's the best place to get one from? It needs to be a thermostatic one.

Thank you!

CliveOfIndia

Screwfix: https://www.screwfix.com/c/bathrooms-kitchens/bath-taps/cat5250014?tapproducttypebathrooms=mixer|filler|shower_mixer&cm_sp=managedredirect-_-bathrooms-_-bathmixertaps

Wickes: https://www.wickes.co.uk/search?text=bath+mixer+tap

ToolStation: https://www.toolstation.com/bathrooms/bath-shower-mixer-taps/c1128

B&Q, any DIY shed, local bathroom showroom?  Take your pick.

Rodders53

add in Amazon and eBay... and many online sellers.

The questions are:

What brand of tap is good / best.

What do you need:  high pressure, low pressure or unbalanced pressure taps.  (open vented HW tank, cold storage in loft.  Unvented HW tank (or combi boiler), mains pressure cold.  Or???)

beckstar1975

Thanks - yes I meant decent quality. We're on a combi boiler with pretty high currently water pressure, boiler next to bath

Postik

I would like to know the answer to this.  Reason being, is because I once had a kitchen tap from B&Q, most likely not particularly expensive, and after around 10 years it had a huge hole corroded right through it.  Whereas my parents have just replaced a 30+ year old tap that didn't look very nice but was still as solid as a rock.

Simonon77

Postik said:

I would like to know the answer to this.  Reason being, is because I once had a kitchen tap from B&Q, most likely not particularly expensive, and after around 10 years it had a huge hole corroded right through it.  Whereas my parents have just replaced a 30+ year old tap that didn't look very nice but was still as solid as a rock.

30 odd years ago taps ( as well as lots of things ) were a lot better made than they are now. Now they are made to look very nice, but the quality and thickness of the metal is nothing like it used to be. Everything is engineered down to the cheapest price rather than designed for quality and longevity.

Rodders53

So high pressure taps needed.
Thermostatic bath-mounted taps are not as common as standard mix it yourself - even though current Building Regs mandates thermostatic (AIUI).
Having a shower diverter and kit as well may reduce choice further?

Two from the main 'shed' places are

https://www.toolstation.com/mira-atom-deck-mounted-thermostatic-bath-shower-mixer/p70250

https://www.screwfix.com/p/ideal-standard-ceratherm-t25-exposed-thermostatic-bath-shower-mixer-valve-fixed-chrome/264JY?

Other sellers and brands may be available.  Seek advice at a local plumbing merchant / smaller bathroom supplier?

Gavin83

I’ve always found www.Drench.co.uk to have a good selection, good prices and decent delivery times/service. 

beckstar1975

Thanks - will look there

ChilliBob

Loads of places online but Vado would be my suggestion for a brand. Quality kit from them I've had three bathrooms done over the last year, my plumbers rate Vado gear highly.

Crosswater as a decent second place.