10 Common Mistakes People Make While Buying Bathroom Taps

Most bathroom tap purchases don't go wrong because of bad luck — they go wrong because of the same handful of avoidable mistakes: buying on looks alone, skipping measurements, ignoring the water type at home, and assuming the tap price is the whole cost. Here are the 10 most common ones, and exactly what to check instead.

1. Choosing Looks Over What's Underneath

A shiny chrome finish can sit on almost any metal underneath it, including thin zinc-alloy that looks identical to solid brass on day one. The difference shows up after a year or two: zinc-alloy fittings pit, discolour, and corrode far faster, especially in hard water areas.

Do this instead: Check that the product description specifically says "solid brass body," not just "chrome finish" — the two describe completely different things.

2. Not Checking Your Water Type Before Choosing a Finish

Large parts of Tamil Nadu rely on groundwater and borewell supply that's naturally high in calcium and magnesium. That hard water scales and corrodes thin plating far faster than it does in areas with softer, treated municipal supply.

Do this instead: If you're in a hard water area, prioritise solid brass with multiple layers of chrome plating over any decorative finish that trades durability for a trend.

3. Skipping Measurements Before Ordering

A kitchen tap that's too tall for a shallow sink, or a wall mixer whose outlet spacing doesn't match your plumbing, causes installation headaches and avoidable returns.

Do this instead: Check the spout reach and height against your basin or sink, and confirm outlet spacing against the product's spec sheet before ordering — not after your plumber shows up.

4. Ignoring the Cartridge or Valve Type

Cheaper taps often use rubber washers that wear out and start dripping within months. Better ones use ceramic disc cartridges, which operate more smoothly and last significantly longer.

Do this instead: Look for "ceramic cartridge" or "ceramic disc" in the description, especially for mixers and taps used multiple times a day.

5. Forgetting the Accessories

The tap itself is rarely the full cost. Angle valves, connection pipes, wall flanges, and wastes are separate line items that many first-time buyers don't budget for — and then are surprised by at checkout or during installation.

Do this instead: Budget an extra 10–20% on top of the tap price for the accessories that complete the installation.

6. Choosing Purely on the Lowest Price

This isn't the same as buying affordably. Ultra-cheap taps often cut brass wall thickness or skip chrome layers to hit a price point — they look fine on the shelf and fail within a year. Genuinely affordable fittings (like factory-direct brands that cut out distributor markup instead of cutting material quality) are a different thing entirely from the cheapest option on a shelf.

Do this instead: Compare what you're paying for, not just what you're paying. A ₹800 solid brass tap that lasts a decade is cheaper than replacing a ₹300 one twice.

7. Mismatching Finishes Across the Bathroom

A chrome wall mixer next to an older gold-finish shower arm, or fittings from three different product lines in one bathroom, creates a visually inconsistent space even when every individual piece is fine.

Do this instead: Buy your wall mixer, bib cock, and accessories from the same collection so the finish and design language stay consistent throughout one bathroom.

8. Not Checking the Return or Warranty Policy First

Fitting defects don't always show up until after installation and regular use — by which point a no-questions-asked return window matters far more than it did in the store.

Do this instead: Confirm the return window before you buy. Sunflo offers a 15-day return window on standard products, with returns processed within 10 working days.

9. DIY-Installing Wall-Mounted or Concealed Fittings

Wall mixers need correct wall chasing, precise alignment, and a pressure check to work properly. A large share of "faulty product" complaints for wall-mounted fittings actually trace back to installation, not the fitting itself.

Do this instead: Get a plumber for wall-mounted or concealed installations. A straightforward bib cock swap is far more DIY-friendly if you want to do it yourself.

10. Buying Fittings From Different Brands and Hoping They'll Match

Sourcing the spout from one seller, the mixer from a local shop, and accessories from a hardware store often leads to thread mismatches, inconsistent finishes, and no single point of contact if something goes wrong.

Do this instead: Buy the full set — taps, mixers, and accessories — from one manufacturer for consistent thread standards, a matching finish, and one place to call for warranty or replacement.

A Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest mistake people make when buying bathroom taps?

Choosing based on appearance or price alone, without checking whether the body is solid brass or a lighter, cheaper metal underneath the plating. This single factor affects lifespan more than almost any other spec.

Is a more expensive tap always better?

Not necessarily — price should reflect material quality (solid brass, chrome layers, cartridge type), not brand markup. A well-priced factory-direct tap with solid brass construction can outlast a pricier showroom option with a thinner body.

How do I know if a tap is solid brass or just brass-plated?

Check the product description for the specific term "solid brass body." If a listing only mentions the finish (such as "chrome" or "brass finish") without describing the base material, it's worth confirming directly with the seller before buying.

Should I hire a plumber to install a new bathroom tap?

For wall-mounted or concealed mixers, yes — correct alignment and pressure checking matter for long-term performance. A simple bib cock replacement is generally manageable without professional help.

What should I check before buying a tap for a hard water area like Tamil Nadu?

Prioritise solid brass construction with multiple layers of chrome plating, since these resist the scaling and corrosion that hard water causes far better than lighter, thinly plated alternatives.

Buy With Confidence

Sunflo manufactures solid brass, chrome-plated fittings directly from its own factory in Salem, Tamil Nadu — so you're paying for material quality, not distributor markup. Browse bib cock taps, wall mixers, or the full accessories range, or get in touch if you'd like help choosing the right fit.