Renovations come with dozens of decisions — tiles, flooring, lighting, paint. Yet one of the smallest fixtures in the room often causes the biggest long-term regret: the tap.
Across Irish homes, from modern apartments to countryside renovations, the same avoidable mistakes appear time and again. And because taps are used every single day, even small errors become constant frustrations.
Here are seven of the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring Water Pressure
This is by far the most common issue.
Many homeowners choose a tap based purely on design without checking compatibility with their plumbing system. In Ireland, particularly in older properties or rural homes, water pressure can vary significantly. Installing a tap designed for high-pressure systems into a low-pressure setup often results in weak flow and disappointment.
Before buying, always check the minimum bar requirement and confirm it suits your system.
2. Choosing Style Over Function in the Kitchen
A sleek design may look impressive online, but the kitchen is a working space.
When exploring modern Kitchen Taps in Ireland, consider how you actually use your sink. Do you rinse large roasting trays? Fill tall pots? Wash vegetables daily? A pull-out spray head or swivel spout can dramatically improve usability and make cleaning easier.
A tap that limits movement quickly becomes irritating — no matter how good it looks.
3. Getting the Height and Proportion Wrong
Tall taps look striking in showrooms, but they don’t suit every basin or sink.
A standard inset basin requires a different spout height than a countertop vessel basin. If proportions are wrong, water can splash or feel awkward to use. Measuring clearance carefully — including distance from wall or mirror — prevents unnecessary adjustments later.
Good design is as much about scale as it is about style.
4. Buying Lightweight Materials
Not all taps are built the same.
Lower-cost models often use lighter internal components that wear out quickly. Solid brass construction and ceramic disc cartridges generally provide better durability, smoother control, and long-term reliability.
Spending slightly more on build quality can save money and hassle over time.
5. Overlooking Hard Water Maintenance
In many Irish regions, hard water leaves visible marks — particularly on darker finishes.
Matt black and brushed finishes look stunning but may require more regular cleaning depending on your area. Chrome remains the most forgiving option for day-to-day maintenance.
Choosing a finish should involve thinking realistically about upkeep, not just appearance.
6. Not Matching the Bathroom’s Overall Style
A modern square tap in a traditional bathroom can feel visually disconnected.
When browsing Bathroom Taps in Ireland, step back and consider the wider design scheme. Are your sanitaryware lines curved or angular? Is the space warm and classic or sleek and minimalist? Brushed brass can add warmth and character, while chrome offers timeless versatility.
The tap should complement the room — not compete with it.
7. Forgetting Installation Details
It sounds basic, but it’s surprisingly common.
Mistakes often include:
- Ordering the wrong number of tap holes
- Overlooking pipe compatibility
- Not allowing enough clearance behind the sink
- Forgetting about waste fittings
Double-checking specifications before purchase prevents delays and unexpected plumbing costs.
The Takeaway
Taps may seem like small details, but they’re used dozens of times every day. The right choice enhances comfort, efficiency, and visual harmony. The wrong one becomes a daily reminder of a rushed decision.
Before committing, pause and consider:
- Compatibility with your water system
- Proper proportions
- Material quality
- Maintenance requirements
- Style consistency
Avoiding these seven mistakes ensures your renovation feels thoughtfully finished rather than hurried.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest upgrades that define the success of a space.
