Modular kitchens today are composed of multiple small components that affect their functionality and usability. Although often overlooked, these small components have a large impact on daily kitchen operations. One such element is the kitchen sink tap, which is available in multiple designs, sizes, brands and types today. To understand what makes a sink tap ideal for a kitchen and to explore the different types of kitchen sink faucets with their prices, keep reading.
Ideal Properties of Kitchen Sink Taps
- Compatibility with Sink: Kitchen sinks are available in different types, materials, sizes and designs. The faucets for sinks selected must align with the hole provided in the sink or kitchen countertop and the plumbing layouts. Some faucets need additional hardware fittings or installation processes, which may not always be compatible with the sink selected.
- Resistant: An ideal sink tap provides maximum resistance against corrosion, stains, scratches and wear and tear with frequent usage. In case of any damage, its parts must be of standard designs, so that they can be easily replaced.
- Adequate Pressure Supply: A tap’s length, height, diameter and spout holes must allow the right water pressure to enable routine sink functions like washing and cleaning. Ideally, it should also have water efficiency features that reduce wastage.
- Functionality and Flexibility: The size of kitchen sinks and taps must be complementary. Typically, deep sinks need taller spouts so that large utensils can be washed, while shorter taps are ideal for shallower sinks as they prevent excess splashing. The tap’s spout must reach the center of the sink bowl (along its length and width) to ensure easy accessibility. Its height must also be restricted to ensure that it does not block any overhead windows or cabinets.
Types of Kitchen Sink Taps
Kitchen Sink Tap Types Based on Material
- Brass: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Although very expensive, brass sink faucets are extremely durable and have a high resistance to corrosion and wear and tear.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a metal alloy of iron, carbon and chromium, which allows it to resist rusting. Stainless steel taps are the most commonly used types for kitchen sinks as they combine affordability and durability. However, they can often accumulate hard water stains easily.
- Nickel: Nickel is a naturally occurring metal that is commonly used for making sink taps. Although strong, durable and affordable, nickel taps can also accumulate water stains and fingerprints.
Kitchen sink taps are often made by mixing two or more of the above materials. Although solid brass, stainless steel and nickel taps are also available, sink faucets typically have a chrome plating (CP) which increases corrosion resistance and gives a shiny or matte finish.
Kitchen Sink Faucet Types Based on Pressure
The pressure in a water faucet for kitchen sinks is measured in ‘bars’. This is a unit used to measure the pressure required to move water up by 10 meters. Based on this pressure, kitchen sink faucets can be of two types:
- Low Pressure Kitchen Sink Faucet: These taps have a water pressure less than 0.5 bars. They are used when their pipes are not directly connected to the central water supply system. The water pressure in such taps is generally increased by using spouts with larger diameters.
- High Pressure Kitchen Sink Faucet: Such taps experience a water pressure higher than 1 bar and are generally directly connected to the central water supply system, such as an overhead tank. They have a very powerful water flow and are usually equipped with water-efficient features to prevent wastage.
Kitchen Sink Tap Types Based on Mechanism
- Sink Mixer Tap: Kitchen mixer taps have adjustable mechanisms that allow both hot and cold water to mix and flow through the same faucet. Either two separate levers or one single rotatable lever are provided to enable the tap mixer mechanism. Such taps are ideal for ensuring climate responsive architecture in very cold regions.
- Flexible Sink Tap: This tap has a fixed base with a spout that can be swivelled at different angles. Thus, even with small sink tap sizes, higher water coverage can be achieved. Flexible sink taps are especially useful when only one central faucet can be fixed for a double-basin sink.
- Pull-Out Sink Tap: A pull-out tap for kitchen sink has an embedded flexible pipe with a faucet that can be pulled out and used for better reach. They often have a spray feature that can be turned on to wash vegetables as required. Such taps are ideal for very large sinks.
- Sensor Based Taps: These taps get switched on when they sense motion or heat under the spouts. Although they offer contact-free operation, sometimes excess water wastage can occur if they take too long to detect the lack of motion or heat to stop the water flow.
Types Based on Kitchen Sink Tap Designs and Shapes
- Pillar Taps: A pillar tap is a short counter-mounted tap with a vertical inlet and horizontal outlet spout. It is typically operated with a handle, lever or rotatable top mechanism and often allows mixing of hot and cold water. Pillar taps are the most commonly used types of kitchen sink mixers.
- Swan Taps: A swan tap has a long, curving shape that resembles a swan’s neck. It can be mounted on the counter or sink and is preferred in modern kitchens as it can be easily cleaned.
- Bib Taps: This tap is a type of wall-mount kitchen sink faucet and has a horizontal inlet pipe with a downward-facing spout. Bib taps are not commonly used in kitchens as they can be difficult to reach and access due to their higher distance from the sink.
- Pot Filler Faucets: These are also wall-mounted kitchen sink taps, but have jointed arms that can be pushed or pulled to fill large pots with water. They are typically used as supplementary faucets (to provide separate drinking water) along with the main kitchen sink tap.
Kitchen Sink Tap Price
Some of the common sink faucet prices in India currently are:
| Tap Material | Kitchen Sink Tap Design/ Type | Cost (₹) |
| Brass | Pillar Taps | 6000 – 30,000 |
| Stainless Steel/ Nickel | Pillar Taps | 1,000 – 12,000 |
| Swan Taps | 2,000 – 15,000 | |
| Kitchen Sink Mixer Taps | 3,000 – 18,000 | |
| Pull-Out Taps | 2,500 – 25,000 |
These values are approximate and may vary based on the brand, availability, location, design and type of sink faucet used.
Ensuring the Best Kitchen Sink Taps
Kitchen sinks and faucets are small but important components of kitchen design. It is crucial to select the right type and design to ensure smooth daily operations in the kitchen. Brick & Bolt, India’s leading construction company, has completed 7000+ homes, empowering its professionals with the right knowledge of kitchen designs. The company also collaborates with leading brands like Jaquar to ensure the best quality supply of CP fittings. To ensure that you get the right kitchen sink taps in the design of your new home, reach out to Brick & Bolt today!
Apoorva H P Achar